Chitwan and Bardia Adventure

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, where Tiger Tops staff greet you and arrange transfer to Dwarika's Hotel — a 5-star oasis in the heart of the city. In the afternoon, cars and guides are on standby for those wanting to explore Kathmandu's temples — Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath — with their blend of Hindu and Buddhist architecture and ritual.

Take the early morning flight to Bharatpur (about 20 minutes) and drive about 1 hour 15 minutes to Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge. Staff meet you with a welcome drink; lunch follows in the garden. Settle into your rooms and explore the grounds — the swimming pool is an easy afternoon option. After tea and biscuits, a walking safari through the jungle to the Narayani River with a naturalist lets you watch the elephant family bathe while you enjoy sundowners. Return for hot showers, cold drinks and dinner.

Wake early for a full day of exploration with packed lunch and refreshments. A Land Rover takes you to the river; a local boat ferries you into Chitwan National Park, where another Land Rover continues into the jungle scouting for tiger and other wildlife. On foot through sal forest — orioles and hornbills overhead — you settle into a hide with tea and wait for rhino, jungle cat or other movement. Further jeep touring covers riverine flora and fauna before the scenic return and river crossing. Last light is a chance for sloth bear or wild boar. Back at the lodge, dinner follows.

After breakfast, a river safari on the Narayani begins with a nature walk or jeep drive through riverine forest, then a scenic float. From a hand-carved boat watch for birdlife and wildlife — especially the endangered fish-eating gharial and marsh mugger crocodiles. Nepali-style lunch at the lodge; the pool is available for early afternoon. Later, a naturalist-led jeep safari in the park targets deer, birds, monkeys, one-horned rhinoceros and, with luck, Royal Bengal tiger.

After breakfast, a roughly 3-hour drive to Lumbini. Visit Buddha's birthplace and the Lumbini Crane Sanctuary for a chance to see the rare Sarus crane. A guided tour covers Maya Devi Temple, the World Peace Pagoda and temples built by pilgrims from around the world — Chinese, Thai and Burmese architecture among them. Binoculars ready for Eurasian wigeon, Eurasian marsh harrier and booted eagle.

Drive across the southern flood plains through Tharu villages and border towns — about 7–8 hours. Near the lodge you cross the Babai River, where marsh mugger crocodiles may warm in the midday sun. At Karnali Lodge, a cool welcome drink; settle in, read or explore before dinner. Evening cocktails around an outdoor fireplace, then dinner in the Ghol Ghar (Nepalese dining room); the bar stays open until the last guest turns in.

A more relaxed start with continental-style breakfast. Drive about one hour to Chisapani Bridge (Nepal's largest) for a Karnali river safari — aquatic birdlife, crocodiles and, if lucky, the rare Gangetic dolphin. Drift past islands watching deer and monkeys on the banks. Late lunch at the lodge; late afternoon jeep safari in classic vintage Land Rovers for deer, birds, monkeys, one-horned rhinoceros and good chances of Royal Bengal tiger in Bardia.

Early breakfast then a full-day jeep safari in search of tiger. An experienced naturalist guides you to hides, lookouts and viewpoints across Bardia National Park wildlife. Packed lunch while you wait for a glimpse of orange and black stripes. Return via park headquarters and the gharial breeding centre. Early evening: cold beer or hot shower, then dinner.

After a leisurely breakfast, drive about two hours to Nepalgunj airport for the scheduled light aircraft flight to Kathmandu. Watch for gharial or marsh mugger when crossing the Babai. Evening again at Dwarika's; optional city exploration with a Tiger Tops operator. Dinner can be arranged at the Royal Stables / Chez Caroline.

Spend the day at leisure until transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international flight.