Safari in Nepal
    Nepal flag

    Safari in Nepal

    South Asia
    4 regions
    10 parks

    Nepal's Chitwan and Bardia national parks offer world-class tiger and one-horned rhinoceros safaris in the Terai lowlands. The country also provides habitat for snow leopards in the Himalayas, wild elephants, and over 870 bird species across dramatic altitude ranges.

    Parks
    10
    Visa
    See details
    Malaria
    High risk

    Nepal Safari Regions Map

    Explore safari areas across Nepal

    Safari Regions

    Nepal Safari Regions

    Explore safari areas in Nepal

    For the ultimate wildlife encounters in Nepal, we find the dry seasons from October to March offer the most rewarding experiences in Chitwan and Bardia National Parks. During these months, the...

    January

    Now
    low

    Dry Season

    Expect crisp, clear days with cool to cold mornings and evenings. Daytime temperatures are pleasant for exploring, but pack warm layers.

    This is prime time for spotting rhinos and tigers in Chitwan and Bardia as vegetation is sparse. Birding is excellent with resident and migratory species present.

    We love the crisp air and excellent visibility for wildlife viewing in the Terai parks this month.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park

    February

    low

    Dry Season

    Days remain cool and clear, gradually warming up towards the end of the month. Mornings can still be quite chilly.

    Wildlife viewing remains superb, especially for large mammals like rhinos and tigers. The forests begin to show signs of spring.

    We recommend heading to Bardia for a more remote tiger-spotting experience before the heat arrives.

    Bardia National Park
    Chitwan National Park
    Shuklaphanta National Park

    March

    moderate

    Pre-Monsoon

    Temperatures start to rise significantly, especially in the Terai lowlands. Days become warm to hot, with increasing humidity.

    The landscape starts to green up. Rhinos and tigers are still relatively easy to spot before the dense foliage returns. Bird activity increases.

    We find March offers a great balance of warming weather and accessible wildlife before the peak season.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park

    April

    high

    Pre-Monsoon

    This is the hottest month, with temperatures soaring in the Terai. Humidity is high, and dust can be an issue.

    Wildlife congregates around water sources, making them easier to find. Look for elephants in Chitwan. Snow leopard sightings are possible in the Himalayas.

    We advise early morning and late afternoon safaris to beat the heat, and we love the chance to see elephants in Chitwan.

    Chitwan National Park
    Annapurna Conservation Area

    May

    high

    Pre-Monsoon

    Still very hot and humid, with the possibility of pre-monsoon showers. The air can feel heavy.

    Waterholes remain key viewing spots. The forests are lush but can be dense. This is a good month for birding.

    We recommend staying in lodges with good cooling systems and enjoying the vibrant birdlife.

    Chitwan National Park
    Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

    June

    low

    Monsoon

    The monsoon rains begin, bringing relief from the heat but making some park areas inaccessible. Expect heavy downpours and high humidity.

    Vegetation becomes incredibly dense, making wildlife spotting challenging. However, rivers swell and the landscape is dramatically beautiful. Birding is excellent.

    We love the dramatic, rain-washed landscapes and the incredible birding opportunities this month.

    Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
    Chitwan National Park

    July

    low

    Monsoon

    Heavy monsoon rains continue, particularly in the Terai. Roads can be muddy and impassable. Humidity remains high.

    Focus shifts to birdwatching and enjoying the lush greenery. Riverine species are more visible. Tiger sightings are rare due to dense cover.

    We suggest focusing on birding in Koshi Tappu or enjoying the dramatic scenery if visiting the Terai.

    Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
    Chitwan National Park

    August

    low

    Monsoon

    The monsoon starts to taper off, but intermittent heavy showers are still common. Humidity remains high.

    The landscape is at its greenest. As vegetation starts to thin slightly, wildlife becomes a little more visible. Birding is still fantastic.

    We find August offers a unique perspective on the parks, with fewer visitors and vibrant green scenery.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park

    September

    moderate

    Post-Monsoon

    Rains become less frequent, and the weather begins to clear. Days are warm, and humidity starts to decrease. The landscape is recovering.

    Wildlife viewing improves significantly as the vegetation dries and thins. Rhinos and tigers become easier to spot. Migratory birds begin to arrive.

    We recommend Bardia this month for its excellent chances of spotting tigers as the jungle opens up.

    Bardia National Park
    Chitwan National Park

    October

    high

    Dry Season

    The weather is ideal, with clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and low humidity. Daytime is warm, and evenings are cool.

    This is peak season for wildlife viewing. Rhinos, tigers, and elephants are actively seen. Birding is superb with the arrival of winter migrants.

    We believe October is one of the best months for a safari in Nepal, with perfect weather and abundant wildlife.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park
    Shuklaphanta National Park

    November

    high

    Dry Season

    Cool and dry conditions prevail. Days are sunny and pleasant, while mornings and evenings are cold, especially in the Terai.

    Wildlife viewing remains excellent. The dry conditions make spotting animals easier. This is a great time for birdwatching.

    We love the crisp mornings and the excellent visibility for spotting tigers and rhinos in Chitwan.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park

    December

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Cold and dry weather characterizes this month. Mornings and nights are very cold, but daytime temperatures are often mild and sunny.

    Wildlife is concentrated around water sources. The sparse vegetation aids sightings of rhinos and tigers. Birding is excellent.

    We recommend packing plenty of warm clothing for early morning game drives, where rhino sightings are almost guaranteed.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park
    Shuklaphanta National Park

    January

    Now
    low

    Dry Season

    Expect crisp, clear days with cool to cold mornings and evenings. Daytime temperatures are pleasant for exploring, but pack warm layers.

    This is prime time for spotting rhinos and tigers in Chitwan and Bardia as vegetation is sparse. Birding is excellent with resident and migratory species present.

    We love the crisp air and excellent visibility for wildlife viewing in the Terai parks this month.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park

    February

    low

    Dry Season

    Days remain cool and clear, gradually warming up towards the end of the month. Mornings can still be quite chilly.

    Wildlife viewing remains superb, especially for large mammals like rhinos and tigers. The forests begin to show signs of spring.

    We recommend heading to Bardia for a more remote tiger-spotting experience before the heat arrives.

    Bardia National Park
    Chitwan National Park
    Shuklaphanta National Park

    March

    moderate

    Pre-Monsoon

    Temperatures start to rise significantly, especially in the Terai lowlands. Days become warm to hot, with increasing humidity.

    The landscape starts to green up. Rhinos and tigers are still relatively easy to spot before the dense foliage returns. Bird activity increases.

    We find March offers a great balance of warming weather and accessible wildlife before the peak season.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park

    April

    high

    Pre-Monsoon

    This is the hottest month, with temperatures soaring in the Terai. Humidity is high, and dust can be an issue.

    Wildlife congregates around water sources, making them easier to find. Look for elephants in Chitwan. Snow leopard sightings are possible in the Himalayas.

    We advise early morning and late afternoon safaris to beat the heat, and we love the chance to see elephants in Chitwan.

    Chitwan National Park
    Annapurna Conservation Area

    May

    high

    Pre-Monsoon

    Still very hot and humid, with the possibility of pre-monsoon showers. The air can feel heavy.

    Waterholes remain key viewing spots. The forests are lush but can be dense. This is a good month for birding.

    We recommend staying in lodges with good cooling systems and enjoying the vibrant birdlife.

    Chitwan National Park
    Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

    June

    low

    Monsoon

    The monsoon rains begin, bringing relief from the heat but making some park areas inaccessible. Expect heavy downpours and high humidity.

    Vegetation becomes incredibly dense, making wildlife spotting challenging. However, rivers swell and the landscape is dramatically beautiful. Birding is excellent.

    We love the dramatic, rain-washed landscapes and the incredible birding opportunities this month.

    Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
    Chitwan National Park

    July

    low

    Monsoon

    Heavy monsoon rains continue, particularly in the Terai. Roads can be muddy and impassable. Humidity remains high.

    Focus shifts to birdwatching and enjoying the lush greenery. Riverine species are more visible. Tiger sightings are rare due to dense cover.

    We suggest focusing on birding in Koshi Tappu or enjoying the dramatic scenery if visiting the Terai.

    Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
    Chitwan National Park

    August

    low

    Monsoon

    The monsoon starts to taper off, but intermittent heavy showers are still common. Humidity remains high.

    The landscape is at its greenest. As vegetation starts to thin slightly, wildlife becomes a little more visible. Birding is still fantastic.

    We find August offers a unique perspective on the parks, with fewer visitors and vibrant green scenery.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park

    September

    moderate

    Post-Monsoon

    Rains become less frequent, and the weather begins to clear. Days are warm, and humidity starts to decrease. The landscape is recovering.

    Wildlife viewing improves significantly as the vegetation dries and thins. Rhinos and tigers become easier to spot. Migratory birds begin to arrive.

    We recommend Bardia this month for its excellent chances of spotting tigers as the jungle opens up.

    Bardia National Park
    Chitwan National Park

    October

    high

    Dry Season

    The weather is ideal, with clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and low humidity. Daytime is warm, and evenings are cool.

    This is peak season for wildlife viewing. Rhinos, tigers, and elephants are actively seen. Birding is superb with the arrival of winter migrants.

    We believe October is one of the best months for a safari in Nepal, with perfect weather and abundant wildlife.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park
    Shuklaphanta National Park

    November

    high

    Dry Season

    Cool and dry conditions prevail. Days are sunny and pleasant, while mornings and evenings are cold, especially in the Terai.

    Wildlife viewing remains excellent. The dry conditions make spotting animals easier. This is a great time for birdwatching.

    We love the crisp mornings and the excellent visibility for spotting tigers and rhinos in Chitwan.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park

    December

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Cold and dry weather characterizes this month. Mornings and nights are very cold, but daytime temperatures are often mild and sunny.

    Wildlife is concentrated around water sources. The sparse vegetation aids sightings of rhinos and tigers. Birding is excellent.

    We recommend packing plenty of warm clothing for early morning game drives, where rhino sightings are almost guaranteed.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park
    Shuklaphanta National Park

    January

    Now
    low

    Dry Season

    Expect crisp, clear days with cool to cold mornings and evenings. Daytime temperatures are pleasant for exploring, but pack warm layers.

    This is prime time for spotting rhinos and tigers in Chitwan and Bardia as vegetation is sparse. Birding is excellent with resident and migratory species present.

    We love the crisp air and excellent visibility for wildlife viewing in the Terai parks this month.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park

    February

    low

    Dry Season

    Days remain cool and clear, gradually warming up towards the end of the month. Mornings can still be quite chilly.

    Wildlife viewing remains superb, especially for large mammals like rhinos and tigers. The forests begin to show signs of spring.

    We recommend heading to Bardia for a more remote tiger-spotting experience before the heat arrives.

    Bardia National Park
    Chitwan National Park
    Shuklaphanta National Park

    March

    moderate

    Pre-Monsoon

    Temperatures start to rise significantly, especially in the Terai lowlands. Days become warm to hot, with increasing humidity.

    The landscape starts to green up. Rhinos and tigers are still relatively easy to spot before the dense foliage returns. Bird activity increases.

    We find March offers a great balance of warming weather and accessible wildlife before the peak season.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park

    April

    high

    Pre-Monsoon

    This is the hottest month, with temperatures soaring in the Terai. Humidity is high, and dust can be an issue.

    Wildlife congregates around water sources, making them easier to find. Look for elephants in Chitwan. Snow leopard sightings are possible in the Himalayas.

    We advise early morning and late afternoon safaris to beat the heat, and we love the chance to see elephants in Chitwan.

    Chitwan National Park
    Annapurna Conservation Area

    May

    high

    Pre-Monsoon

    Still very hot and humid, with the possibility of pre-monsoon showers. The air can feel heavy.

    Waterholes remain key viewing spots. The forests are lush but can be dense. This is a good month for birding.

    We recommend staying in lodges with good cooling systems and enjoying the vibrant birdlife.

    Chitwan National Park
    Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

    June

    low

    Monsoon

    The monsoon rains begin, bringing relief from the heat but making some park areas inaccessible. Expect heavy downpours and high humidity.

    Vegetation becomes incredibly dense, making wildlife spotting challenging. However, rivers swell and the landscape is dramatically beautiful. Birding is excellent.

    We love the dramatic, rain-washed landscapes and the incredible birding opportunities this month.

    Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
    Chitwan National Park

    July

    low

    Monsoon

    Heavy monsoon rains continue, particularly in the Terai. Roads can be muddy and impassable. Humidity remains high.

    Focus shifts to birdwatching and enjoying the lush greenery. Riverine species are more visible. Tiger sightings are rare due to dense cover.

    We suggest focusing on birding in Koshi Tappu or enjoying the dramatic scenery if visiting the Terai.

    Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
    Chitwan National Park

    August

    low

    Monsoon

    The monsoon starts to taper off, but intermittent heavy showers are still common. Humidity remains high.

    The landscape is at its greenest. As vegetation starts to thin slightly, wildlife becomes a little more visible. Birding is still fantastic.

    We find August offers a unique perspective on the parks, with fewer visitors and vibrant green scenery.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park

    September

    moderate

    Post-Monsoon

    Rains become less frequent, and the weather begins to clear. Days are warm, and humidity starts to decrease. The landscape is recovering.

    Wildlife viewing improves significantly as the vegetation dries and thins. Rhinos and tigers become easier to spot. Migratory birds begin to arrive.

    We recommend Bardia this month for its excellent chances of spotting tigers as the jungle opens up.

    Bardia National Park
    Chitwan National Park

    October

    high

    Dry Season

    The weather is ideal, with clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and low humidity. Daytime is warm, and evenings are cool.

    This is peak season for wildlife viewing. Rhinos, tigers, and elephants are actively seen. Birding is superb with the arrival of winter migrants.

    We believe October is one of the best months for a safari in Nepal, with perfect weather and abundant wildlife.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park
    Shuklaphanta National Park

    November

    high

    Dry Season

    Cool and dry conditions prevail. Days are sunny and pleasant, while mornings and evenings are cold, especially in the Terai.

    Wildlife viewing remains excellent. The dry conditions make spotting animals easier. This is a great time for birdwatching.

    We love the crisp mornings and the excellent visibility for spotting tigers and rhinos in Chitwan.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park

    December

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Cold and dry weather characterizes this month. Mornings and nights are very cold, but daytime temperatures are often mild and sunny.

    Wildlife is concentrated around water sources. The sparse vegetation aids sightings of rhinos and tigers. Birding is excellent.

    We recommend packing plenty of warm clothing for early morning game drives, where rhino sightings are almost guaranteed.

    Chitwan National Park
    Bardia National Park
    Shuklaphanta National Park

    147 species recorded in Nepal19 threatened

    Book Safari Experiences in Nepal

    Game drives, guided tours, and unique experiences in Nepal

    More details

    Visa Requirements for Nepal

    Check if you need a visa to visit Nepal

    Health & Vaccinations for Nepal

    Loading health information for Nepal...

    Nepal offers truly world-class safaris, from tracking tigers in the Terai to spotting snow leopards in the high Himalayas, and we absolutely love the dramatic diversity. While generally safe, we always advise being prepared: understand the health risks like malaria in the lowlands, secure comprehensive travel insurance including evacuation, and always heed the advice of your local guides. With sensible precautions, your Nepalese safari will be an unforgettable adventure.

    Vaccinations

    Routine Vaccinations (Tdap, MMR) - We strongly recommend ensuring you are up-to-date on these.
    Hepatitis A - Always advised for travel to Nepal.
    Typhoid - Always advised for travel to Nepal.
    Hepatitis B - Consider if you plan extended stays or potential medical exposure.
    Rabies - Recommended if you anticipate close contact with animals, especially for longer trips or remote areas.
    Japanese Encephalitis - Consider if you're spending a month or more in rural areas during the monsoon season.

    Visa Requirements

    We find it easiest to get your visa on arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport or at major land border crossings. Just be sure to have a valid passport, a couple of passport-sized photos, and the correct fee in USD or local currency ready. It's usually a smooth process, but we always recommend checking the latest requirements with the Nepalese embassy or consulate before you fly, as rules can change.

    Malaria

    Malaria is a concern in the Terai lowlands, particularly in areas like Chitwan and Bardia National Parks where we track tigers and rhinos. If your itinerary includes these regions, we absolutely recommend discussing antimalarial prophylaxis with your doctor. Beyond medication, we always advise using a strong insect repellent with DEET, wearing long sleeves and trousers at dusk and dawn, and sleeping under mosquito nets where provided. The high-altitude regions, thankfully, are generally malaria-free.

    Travel Insurance

    We cannot stress enough the importance of comprehensive travel insurance. It's non-negotiable for us. Ensure your policy covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and crucially, emergency medical evacuation. If you're planning any trekking in the Himalayas or visiting remote safari lodges, helicopter evacuation cover is a must-have. We've seen situations where it's literally a lifesaver, and you don't want to be caught without it.

    Emergency Numbers

    fire: 101
    police: 100
    ambulance: 102
    touristPolice: 1144

    Travel Advisory

    We've travelled extensively across Nepal, and generally, we find it a very welcoming and safe country for tourists. Petty crime, like pickpocketing, can occur in crowded urban areas, so we always advise keeping valuables secure and being aware of your surroundings. Political demonstrations can happen, but they rarely target tourists; we just recommend avoiding large gatherings. The biggest natural risks are earthquakes and monsoon-related landslides, especially during the rainy season from June to September. On safari, always listen to your experienced guides; they know the wildlife and terrain intimately. We trust their judgment implicitly.

    Planning & reference

    Other Safari Countries in South Asia