Nepal Family Safari: In Search of the Bengal Tiger

Points of Interest : Kathmandu Valley
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a local representative will welcome you, assist with formalities and transfer you to your hotel. While you enjoy a welcome drink, they will brief you on the upcoming program and practical details. The rest of the day is free to relax, recover from your journey or take a first stroll in the city on your own.

• Meals included : None
• Accommodation : Holiday Express Inn or similar in Kathmandu

Points of Interest : Kathmandu Valley
Today you explore some of the most important UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Kathmandu Valley. You begin at Patan Durbar Square, where the refined brick and wood architecture of the Malla era surrounds the former royal palace. You then continue to Boudhanath, the largest stupa in the valley, encircled by monasteries and prayer flags. Take in the serene Buddhist atmosphere and striking design. To round out the day’s cultural immersion, you visit Pashupatinath, one of the holiest Hindu temple complexes in Nepal, which illustrates the deep religious significance and living traditions of this historic site.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Holiday Express Inn or similar in Kathmandu

Points of Interest : Kathmandu Valley
After breakfast, you drive towards Shivapuri National Park. The journey itself is scenic, leading you through dense, lush forests on the northern edge of the Kathmandu Valley. Along the way you may see small streams winding through the landscape and catch glimpses of rural life. On arrival at your resort near Chisapani, take some time to rest and settle in. In the evening, enjoy a gentle walk to an artificial water reservoir. The peaceful setting is enhanced by the soft rustling of leaves and the melodic calls of birds in the surrounding forest.

• Meals included : Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation : Prakriti Resort in Chisapani

Points of Interest : Kathmandu Valley
Wake to birdsong as the sun rises above the Himalayan peaks. After a hearty breakfast, you set out on a hike towards Lakhuri Bhanjyang. The trail offers excellent opportunities to spot different bird species and to enjoy expansive views of the eastern Nepal Himalaya. After completing the hike, you drive back to Kathmandu. The evening is free for you to rest, perhaps enjoy a local restaurant or simply relax at your hotel.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Holiday Express Inn or similar in Kathmandu

Points of Interest : Bardiya
Early in the morning, after breakfast, you are transferred to the domestic terminal for your flight to Nepalgunj in western Nepal. On arrival, a representative meets you and drives you through a landscape of lush green vegetation and rural villages towards Bardia National Park. After checking into your jungle resort, take some time to unwind. Later, a naturalist guide leads you on a village tour to meet members of the local Tharu community and learn about their culture and way of life on the edge of the park.

• Meals included : Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation : Babai Resort or similar near Bardia National Park

Points of Interest : Bardiya
Today you venture deep into the dense jungle of Bardia National Park in search of the elusive Bengal tiger. Accompanied by a local naturalist, you explore prime tiger habitat, where the chances of spotting this majestic big cat are higher than in many other parks. As you move quietly through the forest, soak up the stillness of the jungle, broken only by birdsong and rustling leaves. In the evening, you return to your resort and are treated to a Tharu cultural program with traditional music and dance.

• Meals included : Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation : Babai Resort or similar near Bardia National Park

Points of Interest : Bardiya
If one day in the jungle is not enough, you have another full day to explore different areas of Bardia National Park. You continue your search for the secretive Bengal tiger while keeping an eye out for other wildlife. The park is home to herds of wild elephants, crocodiles basking by the riverbanks and the rare one-horned rhinoceros. Throughout the day, you also look for a wide variety of bird species that thrive in this rich ecosystem.

• Meals included : Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation : Babai Resort or similar near Bardia National Park

Points of Interest : Bardiya
You devote another day to tiger tracking, this time by open jeep. The vehicle takes you to a different part of the park known for frequent tiger activity. Driving to an elevated lookout tower known as the “balcony,” you enjoy sweeping views over the wide grasslands and river corridors. From this vantage point, there is a good chance of spotting distant herds of deer or even a solitary tiger emerging from the tall grass to drink at the river.

• Meals included : Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation : Babai Resort or similar near Bardia National Park

Points of Interest : Pokhara
After breakfast, you drive to Nepalgunj airport for your domestic flight to Pokhara, the lakeside city beneath the Annapurnas. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and take a short break to relax. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Phewa Lake. As the sun sinks behind the hills, the water takes on a golden hue and the reflections of mountains and temples create a serene atmosphere.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Hotel Aabas or similar in Pokhara

Points of Interest : Astam
After breakfast, you leave Pokhara and drive up to the hill village of Astam. Weather permitting, the ridge near Astam offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Annapurna range, making the evening light especially memorable. Tonight you stay in an eco-lodge run by a local family, offering simple comfort and authentic village hospitality. For interested and fit travelers, there is an option to hike from Hemja to Astam instead of driving, a walk of approximately 3–4 hours through rural countryside.

• Meals included : Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation : Annapurna Eco Village Lodge in Astam

Points of Interest : Astam
Today is free to enjoy Astam and its surroundings at your own pace. You can wander around the village, interact with local residents and observe daily life and farming practices in the community. Take time to relax on the lodge terrace and admire the sweeping views of the Annapurna massif, which dominates the horizon on clear days.

• Meals included : Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation : Annapurna Eco Village Lodge in Astam

Points of Interest : Kathmandu Valley
Savour a final peaceful moment in the Pokhara region before returning to the capital. You are transferred to the airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You can rest and recharge, or head out to explore local markets and shops in search of unique souvenirs and handicrafts.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Kathmandu Barahi or similar in Kathmandu

Points of Interest :
Around three hours before your scheduled international flight, a representative will transfer you from your hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport. Take with you memories of tigers, temples and mountain vistas as you depart Nepal.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Last day : Transfer to Kathmandu airport for your international flight