Discover Nepal’s Wild West

Day 1

Arrive via a scenic flight to Nepalgunj, followed by a two-hour drive to your homestay. Alternatively, travel by road from Pokhara, Kathmandu, Lumbini, or India. If you reach in the morning, enjoy a peaceful afternoon exploring the countryside and visiting the fascinating elephant breeding center nearby.

Start your day with a relaxed morning in the garden. Around noon, head out by bike or jeep to explore Tharu villages, enjoy a home-cooked Tharu lunch, and embark on a rhino-tracking jungle walk. End the day with dinner and a unique overnight stay in a forest treehouse.

Begin with a short drive to Bardia National Park for a full-day jeep safari. Explore remote jungle terrain, crossing riverbanks, open grasslands, and dense forests. You’ll stop at waterholes and lookout points, increasing your chances of seeing tigers, elephants, rhinos, and many species of birds and reptiles.

Spend the day walking through the lush southwest zone of Bardia National Park. Traverse small forest trails, cross rivers, and quietly wait at riverbanks and watchtowers. With 15–20 km of jungle trekking, this day offers an intimate and active way to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.

Travel by jeep to the start of your riverside adventure. Hike along the Karnali River and cross the Bheri River via a suspension bridge. The trail winds through scenic gorges and peaceful villages. Tonight, unwind at a homestay near the river, where you can swim and relax.

Today brings a thrilling change of pace as you raft down the Karnali River toward Chisapani. Float past dramatic landscapes and wildlife habitats, stopping for lunch and refreshing dips along the way. In the afternoon, return by jeep to your Bardia homestay to rest and prepare for tomorrow.

Take today to rest and recharge after your multi-day jungle and river adventures. Explore nearby villages, enjoy some quiet time in nature, or simply relax at your accommodation. This unscheduled day allows flexibility before you head into the highlands for the next leg of your journey.

Journey from the Terai lowlands into the hills of Dadeldhura, with a scenic six-hour drive on well-paved roads. In the afternoon, enjoy a short walk among terraced fields and hilltop views. Stay overnight in a cozy treehouse near Dadeldhura Bazaar at an altitude between 1,000–2,000 meters.

Drive four hours to Jhingrana, Khaptad National Park’s entrance, passing breathtaking views of snow peaks and river valleys. Begin your trek with a steady climb from 2,250 to 2,900 meters through lush rhododendron forests. Arrive in Bichpani and stay in a rustic lodge with meals cooked on a fire stove.

Continue from Bichpani to Khaptad Camp, climbing gently to 3,100 meters. Walk through bamboo groves, rolling grasslands, and vibrant alpine meadows. Along the way, encounter shepherds herding cattle, sheep, and goats. Khaptad Camp offers peaceful surroundings of grassy plateaus, pine forests, and fresh mountain air for your overnight stay.

Spend the day discovering the highlights of Khaptad. Visit the small museum, Khaptad Baba’s temple, and the serene Khaptad Lake. Hike to a nearby viewpoint that offers spectacular panoramic views of the Himalayas on clear days. This is a day to soak in the region’s spiritual and natural beauty.

Today’s trek takes you to the northwest edge of the park, walking through forested trails rich in blooming rhododendrons. The trail includes a few steep sections and opens to majestic Himalayan views. Descend gradually from 3,100 meters to 2,500 meters and stay the night in a mountain lodge in Lokhoda.

Trek from Lokhoda to Darugaun at 1,740 meters with scenic views of valleys and distant snow peaks. From Darugaun, take a 1.5-hour jeep ride to Tamil, near the Seti River. Then continue with a four-hour drive to reach your guesthouse in Khodpe, where you’ll rest for the night.

Travel six hours from Khodpe through mountain roads down to the Terai lowlands. Along the way, stop at the vibrant Ugratara Temple in Dadeldhura. Arrive at your accommodation near Shuklaphanta National Park, a quiet sanctuary known for grasslands, lakes, and a rich diversity of flora and fauna.

Enjoy a full-day jeep safari across Shuklaphanta’s open plains and wetlands. Visit birdwatching towers and serene lakes like Rana Tal. Spot herds of swamp deer, vibrant birdlife, and maybe even leopards or elephants in this off-the-beaten-path reserve, known for its tranquility and biological richness.

Your journey concludes with a comfortable 1.5-hour drive to Dhangadhi Airport. From here, board your flight back to Kathmandu. As you soar above the Terai, reflect on an extraordinary journey filled with jungle adventures, highland trekking, wildlife encounters, and deep cultural experiences across Nepal’s western frontier.