Nepal - Tigers of Chitwan & Bardia National Parks

For decades, India was the only country that offered a realistic chance of seeing a wild Tiger. No longer – Nepal, India’s northern neighbour, has nearly doubled its Tiger population since 2009, and sightings of this elusive cat are on the rise in the country’s excellent network of protected areas. This ground-breaking new tour visits two of the best – Bardia and Chitwan National Parks – staying in exceptional lodges and exploring the parks by jeep, boat and (perhaps most excitingly) on foot. Both of these reserves are located within the richly productive Terai Arc Landscape – a vast swathe of alluvial grasslands, forests and wetlands where humans live amongst abundant wildlife, including Asian Elephant, Indian Rhinoceros, Ganges River Dolphin, and one of the highest densities of Tiger on Earth.

We will begin by flying from London to Kathmandu, via Doha, before transferring to Dwarika’s Hotel – an opulent five-star oasis in the heart of the bustling city. Expert guides will be on hand for anyone wishing to experience the enthralling sights of the capital – a sensory feast of colours, sounds and people, including some spectacular temples. Other group members may prefer simply to relax by Dwarika’s pool, or treat themselves to a massage in the spa.

The next morning, after a sumptuous breakfast, we will take a short morning flight to Nepalgunj, from which the dramatic peaks of the Langtang Range are often visible. Refreshments will be provided on arrival, before we begin the 2-hour drive to the exquisite Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge, on the edge of Bardia National Park. During our 4-night stay, we’ll search the reserve’s extensive forests and floodplains for its diverse wildlife, including Wild Boar, Spotted Deer, Tiger and over 300 species of bird.

Our exploration of this wilderness will feature traditional game drives, but we will also have the opportunity to cruise the Karnali River on boat safaris, and venture into the forest on foot (something that is rarely possible in India). This will provide us with a more intimate experience of this wild landscape, and will hopefully produce some excellent sightings, including of many birds that are hard to view well from a vehicle. Here and in Chitwan, we may also have the opportunity to use special hides, which can provide breathtaking views of normally elusive animals. On some days, we will enjoy delicious cooked lunches deep within the jungle, while evenings will be spent sipping cocktails around an outdoor fire, before moving into the splendid Ghol Gar (Nepalese dining room).

Leaving Bardia, we will spend a full day travelling through the Terai Landscape to Chitwan National Park. While the drive will be long (10-12 hours), we will gain a fascinating insight into how Nepal’s greatest profusions of human and animal-life are able to coexist. Nevertheless, refreshments and a chance to relax will be welcome on our arrival at the luxurious Tharu Lodge, where we will stay for another four nights.

Our time in Chitwan will follow a similar programme to our stay in Bardia. Here, jeep safaris will take us in search of an even greater concentration of wildlife, including Asian Elephant and Sloth Bear. The park has around 130 breeding adult Tigers, and we will hope for numerous sightings of Chitwan’s Indian Rhinos, which number over 500. Boat trips on the Narayani River could reveal a sinister Mugger Crocodile, or perhaps its rarer fish-eating relative, the bizarre Gharial. And, if we are lucky, we may experience the unique thrill of following fresh Tiger tracks on foot.

On our last morning, there should be time for an early morning bird walk. After breakfast, we will head to Bharatpur for our flight back to Kathmandu, where a single night at Dwarika’s Hotel will precede our departure back to the UK. Nepal is fast becoming a global stronghold for Tigers, and we will hopefully leave with wonderful memories of the world’s largest cat.

For those wishing to stay a little longer, we are offering a 3-night extension to Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge. Perched 1,000 feet above the Pokhara Valley, and framed by Himalayan peaks, the lodge provides a spectacular setting, and access to some exciting mountain birds, including Great Barbet, White-vented Laughingthrush and Green Magpie.