Best season and weather
We run this Chitwan Tour Packages from October to early April. These months give us dry ground, clear skies, and steady weather. October and November are ideal since the air is dry, and visibility is sharp. You see birds, rhinos, and deer without haze or rain. Daytime temps sit between 22°C and 28°C while the nights cool down to 10°C. We suggest a light jacket for early morning bird watching.
December through February is colder and the mornings are chilly. We recommend fleece jackets during the jeep ride and after sunrise, as it warms up fast. By 10 AM, you’re in short sleeves. On the other hand, March and April heat up with daytime temperatures reaching 32°C. April can reach 35°C. We push bird watching earlier to avoid the midday sun and you should carry extra water.
We stop operations from May to September as the Monsoon rains flood the park. The jungle safari trails turn to mud and the Jeep tracks wash out. Leeches appear on forest paths with an increased number of mosquitoes.
The Glimpse of Chitwan tour guide will track the weather daily with local sources. We’ve run over 40 trips in the last two years. Only 3 had weather delays and all of them were outside our recommended season.
Preparation and Fitness
This tour does not require trekking fitness. We designed it for travelers who want wildlife and culture without long hikes. You walk short distances on flat ground, while Day 1 includes a village walk. The path is dirt, but even, and you walk just about 1.5 kilometers. You can stop for photos and local interactions on the way.
Day 2 has a jeep safari where you just sit in open-sided vehicles for 3 to 4 hours total. The ride is bumpy but not that intense. The trail is rough in parts but no steep climbs. You enter the elephant breeding center on foot and the walk inside takes 20 to 30 minutes.
On day 3, we do a morning bird walk, which lasts about 45 minutes. You walk along the river edge, the trail is flat, and you stop often to scan for birds. You need basic mobility to get in and out of jeeps. We recommend sturdy walking shoes; sandals or flip flops are unsafe on safari trails.
Travelers with knee, back, or balance issues should inform us before booking, we will arrange padded seats or adjust timing. Families with children can also join this amazing Glimpse of Chitwan tour. We keep group sizes small and stop when needed. You can just ask the guide to pause the activity if you have a serious issue. This tour works for first-time visitors and those with limited outdoor experience.
Food and Accommodation
We keep food simple, fresh, and reliable. Breakfast is at 6.30 AM, where you’ll be served eggs, toast, fruit, tea or coffee, etc. Porridge and pancakes are available for those who want a local option. Lunch and dinner include dal bhat, dhido, lentils, vegetables, and rice. The ingredients are mostly locally sourced and needless to say, fresh. The kitchen cooks everything fresh; avoid pre-cut salads to reduce health risks.
All drinking water is filtered and bottled water is available if you prefer. You must let the guide know about allergies or dietary needs ahead of time. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals are served daily. We’ve tested the menu on past groups and there have been very few complaints so far.
We stay at a trusted common accommodation in Sauraha. You can also stay at a three-star jungle resort property with clean, functional rooms. Each room has a private bathroom, hot water, and strong locks. Fans work well with mosquito nets covering the beds. The resort has a garden, seating area, and open-air dining space.
Wi-Fi works well in rooms and in the areas of the resort. Charging points are available near reception and power cuts are rare. Towels and basic toiletries are provided and you can even ask for extras. The location is close to the Tharu village and the park entrance.
Transportation
We handle all transportation with our own trusted drivers and vehicles. We know the roads; we’ve driven them dozens of times. For this Chitwan Tour Packages, we use clean, well-maintained private cars or vans.
If it’s just the two of you, we send a sedan. For groups of five or more, we arrange a coaster van. Every vehicle runs on regular service schedules. We check oil, brakes, tires, and AC before each trip.
The drive from Chitwan to Kathmandu takes 5 to 6 hours, covering about 160 kilometers. The road climbs through hills and small towns and the stretch near Muglin can be rough. We leave early to beat traffic and our drivers know the shortcuts. They know where the police checks are and also where the roadblocks pop up.
All drivers are experienced, they carry first aid kits and fire extinguishers, and know emergency numbers. We will give you their contact info the night before; you can call them directly.
Communication
We believe clear communication keeps trips smooth. From the moment you book, you get a direct line to your guide and our team. We send a confirmation email right away. It has your itinerary, what to pack, and emergency contacts. We include the guide’s name and phone number. You can WhatsApp him anytime.
Three days before the tour, one of our reps will reach out to you and confirm your arrival time in Chitwan. We will check your transport details and prepare the necessary arrangements for your arrival. On the ground, your Glimpse of Chitwan tour guide carries a charged phone at all times.
He checks in with our office daily and you can reach him for any issue. We also hand you a printed card with key numbers, including the number to the resort, driver, and nearest health post.
Each evening, we go over the next day’s plan. The guide tells you when to wake up, what to wear, and where we’re going. He explains weather updates and answers any questions travelers might have.
Visa
The visa process is simple, most travelers get it on arrival at Kathmandu airport. We recommend applying online first, just go to immigration.gov.np. And fill out the form. You get a confirmation email shortly after, which you must print and carry with your passport.
You can choose a 15-day, 30-day, or 90-day visa. Most of our guests pick the 30-day option, which costs $50. But the 15-day visa package should be enough for this Glimpse of Chitwan tour, costing just $30. The 90-day visa costs $125. You can extend any of the visa packages in Kathmandu or Pokhara if needed. We give you the exact address and working hours of the immigration office when you book.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Nepal. It must have two blank pages. We’ve seen travelers stopped because they only had one page; don’t risk it.
We will send a reminder 10 days before departure and will even answer some of the visa questions you might have.
If you get stuck, we walk you through each step. We’ve helped over 300 guests with visas this year. No one has missed a flight.
Travel Insurance
We insist on travel insurance for every guest; it’s non-negotiable. Medical care in Nepal is fast but not free. Your policy must cover emergency evacuation, such as an ambulance.
It must include wildlife tours and vehicle travel. Jeep safaris are standard in Chitwan, but some insurance brands exclude them, so you must read the fine print.
Buy your insurance within three days of booking. It protects you if you need to cancel. We only refund if your claim is approved. Carry a printed copy and a digital file and also share the emergency number with us. If something happens, we act fast. Your safety depends on it.
Extra Expenses
Extra expenses are separate from theChitwan Tour Packages cost. We break them down so you know exactly what to expect. You cover all personal spending. This includes drinks like soda, beer, or alcohol. A beer in Chitwan costs 250 to 350 NPR. Soft drinks are 80 to 120 NPR. We do not serve alcohol on the tour, but you can buy it if you want.
Accommodation is based on standard lodges. If you choose three stars, like Green Park Resort, it costs 205 USD per person. This is not included in the base price, we expect you to pay the difference directly. Moreover, flights between Kathmandu and Chitwan are optional. If you prefer not to drive, we can book flights; this upgrade costs 200 USD per person for both ways. It saves time but costs a bit more.
We include meals listed in the itinerary, including daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Any extra meals are on you and missed meals will not be refunded. Need an extra night in Chitwan or Kathmandu? You need to pay for additional stays separately. Rates vary by hotel, but a standard room costs 20 to 30 USD per night with breakfast.
Tipping is your choice. There is no set amount of tips for the crew members; you can just tip them the amount that feels right to you. Additionally, you must pay separately for souvenirs and snacks on the road. Handicrafts in Tharu villages start at 200 NPR.
All in all, we recommend travelers plan ahead. Carry 7,000 to 10,000 NPR in cash for extras. You can easily cash out from ATMs in Kathmandu before departure or exchange your foreign currency at a money exchange counter.