Bagmati Province (Terai lowlands)
Chitwan
A UNESCO World Heritage lowland national park — one of the best places in Asia to see one-horned rhinos, and, with patience, a wide range of birdlife and other wildlife.
Wildlife, on the park's terms
Chitwan adds a completely different landscape and pace to a Nepal itinerary — dense sal forest, tall elephant grass and river systems that are home to rhinos, gharial crocodiles, over 500 recorded bird species and, for the fortunate, occasionally a wild tiger sighting from a distance.
We work only with registered operators who run jeep safaris, canoe trips and guided walks within national park rules, with trained naturalist guides. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed — that unpredictability is part of visiting a genuine wild park rather than a controlled attraction.
Our animal-welfare position
Shakurma does not arrange or promote elephant rides, elephant bathing shows, or any activity that involves direct physical contact between tourists and captive wild animals for entertainment. We favour operators who prioritise observation-based, conservation-minded experiences over performance-based ones.
What to see in Chitwan
Park experiences
Ethical jeep safari
Guided game-drive style safari through designated park zones with a licensed naturalist guide.
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Canoe excursions
A quiet dugout-canoe float along the Rapti or Narayani rivers — a good way to spot gharial crocodiles and water birds.
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Guided nature walks
On-foot walks with an armed park guide, covering tracking, vegetation and smaller wildlife a vehicle would miss.
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Birdwatching
Chitwan is one of Nepal's premier birdwatching destinations, especially productive at dawn along the river and forest edges.
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Tharu culture & village experiences
The Tharu are Chitwan's indigenous community; a village visit or cultural evening offers context beyond the park itself.
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Conservation-focused interpretation
Visitor and elephant-breeding-centre style facilities that focus on conservation education rather than performance are worth including for families and curious travellers.
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Family wildlife journeys
Chitwan's activity mix (short walks, canoe rides, cultural evenings) works well for families with a range of ages and energy levels.
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Premium jungle-lodge options
A small number of higher-end lodges inside or bordering the park offer a more comfortable base for a 2–3 night stay.
Explore this place →Experiences in Chitwan
Wildlife
Ethical jeep safari, canoe trips and guided walks in Chitwan National Park, with genuine conservation framing.
Family Travel
Paced itineraries, family-friendly accommodation and activities that work across different ages.
Photography
Golden-hour viewpoints, heritage architecture and wildlife, planned around light and timing.
Journeys that include this region
Essential Nepal: Kathmandu, Pokhara & Chitwan
A well-paced first journey through Nepal's three most complementary regions — heritage in Kathmandu, mountains and lakes in Pokhara, and wildlife in Chitwan.
Culture, Wildlife & Wellness
A ten-day journey balancing Kathmandu's heritage, Chitwan's wildlife and a restorative wellness stay in Pokhara.
Nepal for Families
A nine-day itinerary designed around families — realistic pacing, engaging activities and accommodation that works for parents and children alike.
Ready to plan your Chitwan visit?
Tell us your dates and interests and we'll suggest how to combine it with the rest of Nepal.
Other destinations
Kathmandu
Nepal's capital is usually where a journey begins and ends — a dense, living valley of temples, courtyards and markets that rewards slowing down for at least two or three days.
Explore Kathmandu
Pokhara
Our home base. A lakeside city facing the Annapurna range, and Nepal's most versatile hub for trekking, adventure sports, wellness and simply slowing down.
Explore Pokhara
Lumbini
A UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage site and the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) — a place of quiet significance rather than a conventional sightseeing stop.
Explore Lumbini