Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $4–8 | $15–35 |
| Food | $5–10 | $10–20 |
| Transport | $1–3 | $5–10 |
| Activities | $10–20 | $25–50 |
| Park Entry | $15 | $15 |
| Daily Total | $15–35 | $50–110 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Entry & Visas
- Same Nepal visa — no additional permits needed for Chitwan National Park
- Park entry fee: 2000 NPR per day for foreign nationals, payable at the park gate
- Carry your passport — it may be checked at the park entrance
Health & Safety
- Antimalarial precautions are recommended for Chitwan — consult your travel health clinic before arrival
- Apply insect repellent liberally, especially at dawn and dusk. Wear long sleeves and trousers in the evenings
- Wildlife encounters can be dangerous — always follow your guide's instructions. Never approach rhinos, elephants, or crocodiles independently
Getting Around
- Sauraha is small and walkable — all lodges, restaurants, and safari offices are within a 15-minute walk
- Tourist buses connect Sauraha to Kathmandu (5-6 hours) and Pokhara (5-6 hours) daily at 7am
- Local buses from Narayanghat connect to Lumbini, Bhairawa, and other Terai destinations
Connectivity
- Mobile coverage is good in Sauraha — Ncell 4G works reliably for calls and data
- WiFi is available at most lodges but speeds are slow. Download entertainment before arriving
- There is no connectivity inside the park — phones are for emergencies only during safaris
Money
- Bring cash — there are very few ATMs in Sauraha and they are unreliable. Withdraw in Kathmandu or Narayanghat before arriving
- Most lodges accept cash only. A few upscale resorts take cards but charge 3-4% processing fees
- Budget 2000-3000 NPR per day for activities on top of accommodation and food costs
Packing Tips
- Neutral-coloured clothing (green, brown, khaki) for jungle safaris — avoid bright colours and white
- Strong insect repellent (DEET-based), sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat are essential
- Binoculars dramatically improve wildlife viewing — bring your own or borrow from your lodge
Cultural tips
Respect the Tharu People
The Tharu are the indigenous people of the Terai lowlands with a culture older than the national park. Approach their villages and traditions with genuine respect and curiosity. Ask before photographing people, homes, or ceremonies.
Wildlife Ethics
Never approach, feed, or provoke wild animals. Maintain safe distances during safaris and follow your guide's instructions at all times. Chitwan's wildlife is wild and dangerous — rhinos, tigers, and elephants can be lethal. Enjoy from a respectful distance.
Photography Responsibility
Photograph wildlife without flash or loud shutter sounds. Do not use drones in the national park — they disturb wildlife and are illegal. Share your photos responsibly and do not geotag exact locations of endangered species.
Language Basics
Tharu people speak their own language alongside Nepali. Learn a few words: "namaste" works universally. Your safari guides speak English but a respectful "dhanyabad" (thank you) after every activity is always appreciated.
Support Conservation
Choose operators with genuine conservation commitments. Ask about community benefit-sharing and anti-poaching support. Your tourism revenue is a critical incentive for communities to protect wildlife rather than poach it.
Patience Rewards
Wildlife does not appear on demand. The best sightings come to those who wait quietly and patiently. A tiger may appear after 6 days of searching — or never. The journey through the jungle is the experience, not just the sighting.
