Located in the Bardia district of western Nepal, the Bardia National Park adjoins the eastern border of Karnali River and is demarcated by the crest of ‘Siwalik Range’ to the north. Covering a massive stretch of 968 sq kms, this park, which is an abode to some 642 faunal species, happens to be the largest protected area in the region. Few years back, several one-horned rhinos were transferred here from Chitwan National Park. There are several good lodges and tented camps in the vicinity of the park, which provide comfortable accommodation.
Since Bardia lies in the sub-tropical lowlands of Nepal, the weather is not going to please you much; excruciating heat during the summer and awfully cold during the winters. So, if you happen to be traveling during the summer, sunscreen is going to be your lifeblood and yes, light clothes and comfortable flip-flops/shoes are necessary. In winters, the problematic cold waves could be one of the major concerns, where you would barely be able to see the sun for several days! Anyways, the idea is not to intimidate you, but just kind of give you a tentative picture about the weather conditions and packing.
Departing from Kathmandu, we have three options to get to Bardai; via Chitwan (drive), Pokhara (flight/drive) or Nepalgunj (flight). Our itinerary below is based on the third option (via Nepalgunj). The journey begins with an hour’s flight to Nepalgunj, the western region commercial hub of Nepal, followed by a couple of hour’s drive to Bardia on the same day. You will be driven to your hotel, where you can freshen up yourself and be ready for an interesting hike into the local village. “Tharus” are the indigenous people of Bardia. A little chit chat with the locals, observing their culture and life patterns should wrap up the day for us. In the days ahead, we get indulged in various enticing jungle activities like- jungle safari, cannoning, bird-watching etc. Eventually the trip winds up with a flight back to Kathmandu from Nepalgunj.
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu(1400m)
Day 02: Kathmandu city sightseeing (1400m)
Day 03: Fly to Nepalgunj (150m)and drive to Bardia National Park (150m/2 hours)
Day 04: Jungle activities at the Bardia National Park
Day 05: Jungle activities continue
Day 06: Drive to Nepalgunj and fly back to Kathmandu (1400m)
Day 07: Final departure
Important Snippets
The itinerary prescribed above is the standard template of the trip plan offered by Marron Treks which can be readily customized to match the guests’ preferences. However, the guests are expected to understand that the execution of the trip plan might be circumvented by an array of uncontrollable factors like bad weather, political turmoil, strikes, blockades and other unforeseen contingencies. Besides, the domestic flights in Nepal could be subjected to delays or cancellations owing to adverse weather conditions or technical glitches. It is worth mentioning that the flights cannot be operated in the condition where the visibility is less than 1600 meters. Under such abnormal circumstances, the trip plans might undergo slight or sharp alterations, taking into consideration, the best interest of the clients. Wherever the changes are made, Marron Treks cannot be held responsible for the consequences. Nevertheless, we shall endeavor our level best to make sure that the trip is carried out with respect to the original trip specifics.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)
Upon arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be received by a representative from Marron Treks and then transferred to your hotel. At the hotel, you will be greeted with welcome drinks. We then have a quick pre-trip meeting where you will be briefed on the necessary formalities and your tour itinerary. You can spend the remaining half of the day, resting Or if lying flat is too unbecoming for you, stroll around the nearby places just to get the feel of what this city is like. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.
Day 02: Kathmandu city sightseeing (1400m)
Short stroll in the evening yesterday might not have acquainted you to Kathmandu. So we want to make sure that you know this city like you know yourself. Once done with your breakfast, let’s hop in to our reserved vehicle and then head on for a comfy ride with one of our experienced city guides. You will be visiting the most renowned historical/cultural landmarks in Kathmandu. Our guide will take you to the Pasupatinath Temple (the most revered Hindu shrine), Swayambunath (the Monkey Temple) and Kathmandu (Basantapur) Durbar Square. All these sites are enlisted in the UNESCO world’s heritage list. After this informative and interesting tour, we drive back through the busy and noisy streets of Kathmandu to the serene premises of your hotel. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m) and drive from Nepalgunj to Bardia National Park (150m/2 hours)
You will be driven to the domestic wing of the Tribhuwan airport. An hour's flight will bring you to Nepalgunj, the western region hub of Nepal. We drive from here towards the Bardia National Park and arrive at one of the tea-houses in the region. After welcome drinks, we check-in to our rooms and freshen up ourselves. On the latter half of the day, we explore the village inhabited by the indigenous "Tharu" community and get acquainted to their unique live patterns and culture. The Tharus speak their own local language but are also able to converse in Nepali as well. So you could actually take the help of your Nepali guide to interact with the local people. Overnight at lodge in Bardia on full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) basis with jungle activities.
Day 04: Jungle activities at the Bardia National Park
The jungle activities ought to be commenced early morning. Considering the fact that most of us are lazy sleepers, we get a wake up call early in the morning followed by hot tea/coffee. We then gear up for our most awaited jungle activities which include the elephant ride, jungle walk, visit to the Crocodile Breeding Center and Tharu Cultural Museum. You get to witness an array of exclusive wild lives like asian elephant, one horned rhinoceros, spotted deer or chittal, hog deer, barking deer, samber, swamp 
deer or barasingha, nilgai, black buck, wild boar, royal bengal tiger, leopard, wild dog, golden jackal, striped hyena etc. The activity also includes watching the wild lives from a tower called as "Machan"; an experienced naturalist and wildlife tracker will be with us, to give us a profound idea about what we witness around. On top of that, you will have ample opportunities to capture these exclusive sights in your camera. The fun is not yet over. In the evening we will be entertained with a unique "Tharu" cultural dance show. Overnight at lodge in Bardia on full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) basis with jungle activities.
Day 05: Jungle activities continue
The enticing activities in the Bardia National Park continues. Today, "bird watching" is on the cards. As our jeep gradually pierces the heart of the park, we are certain to be flabbergasted with the sight of multifarious birds; all beautiful, chirpy and elegant in their own way. Bengal florican, white-rumped vulture, peafowl, bar-headed geese, lesser florican, crane, grey-crowned prinia, jungle prinia, pale-footed bush warbler, aberrant bush warbler, striated grassbird, golden-headed cisticola and chestnut-capped babbler etc. are some of the birds that literally embellish the park. Overnight at lodge in Bardia on full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) basis with jungle activities.
Day 06: Drive to Nepalgunj and fly from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu (1400m)
Before we wrap up our stay at Bardia, we head towards the Karnali River to catch glimpse of the Gangetic dolphins. We get back to our lodge for lunch and then later drive to Nepalgunj airport to board a flight back to Kathmandu. Once you are in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. The remaining time is on your own. In the evening Marron Treks will host a farewell dinner cum a cultural program, featuring a range of traditional Nepali cuisines. Forget who you are or where you came from. Savor the Nepali dishes, dance to the tunes of Nepali folk songs…be a Nepali at least for this evening! You will then be driven back to your hotel where you can do the packing and take a contented sleep. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast and dinner included.
Day 07: Final departure
Depending upon your flight schedule, a representative from Marron Treks will escort you to the Tribhuwan International airport, three hours in advance.
As you wave us good bye and enter the terminal block, you would perhaps recall your arrival at this place. No wonder everything seems so familiar now, because you had come here as tourist, but you are going back as a friend! Have a safe flight back home and we look forward to being your travel companion in Nepal again!
You have just been a part of this sizzling adventure. If you have the appetite for more, we gladly offer you an array of challenging and entertaining quests that catapult you to the diverse landscapes of Nepal, giving you a rare opportunity to witness the multifarious vegetation, jaw-dropping natural beauty, serene turquoise lakes and luscious mountain vistas. Please click on "Nepal Trekking", pick your preferred trek package and give us the chance to add yet another dash of adventure to your life!!
Important Snippets
The itinerary prescribed above is the standard template of the trip plan offered by Marron Treks which can be readily customized to match the guests’ preferences. However, the guests are expected to understand that the execution of the trip plan might be circumvented by an array of uncontrollable factors like bad weather, political turmoil, strikes, blockades and other unforeseen contingencies. Besides, the domestic flights in Nepal could be subjected to delays or cancellations owing to adverse weather conditions or technical glitches. It is worth mentioning that the flights cannot be operated in the condition where the visibility is less than 1600 meters. Under such abnormal circumstances, the trip plans might undergo slight or sharp alterations, taking into consideration, the best interest of the clients. Wherever the changes are made, Marron Treks cannot be held responsible for the consequences. Nevertheless, we shall endeavor our level best to make sure that the trip is carried out with respect to the original trip specifics.
Accommodation
During the journey of Bardia National Park we opt you accommodate on Nature Safari lodge or similar providing you the best service.
During the trip, you will be accommodated in hotel. Most of these hotel cater good services and are equipped with modern amenities. We will endeavor to provide you the best accommodation available along the route so that you get a good night’s rest in a hygienic milieu.
Meals
We never compromise with the quality of food and the health of the trekkers as well as the crew members. Generally, we opt for the fresh and nutritional local community food. You could make your delicious pick from an array of traditional food. This way, you could not only get the real sense of the local culture and life patterns but also contribute to promoting the locally available resources of organic food and beverages. Besides, a wide range of Continental, Chinese, Italian and Indian cuisines like Pizza, Spaghetti, French Fries, Soups, Breads, Masala Curry etc. are also available in the restaurants for your retreat.
Best Months
March - May and October - December is the best months for tour in Bardia National Park
Our Guides
Guides play a very active role during the trek. Marron Treks has experienced and helpful guides who make your trip enjoyable as well as productive. Our guides are literate, multilingual speakers, environment conscious and well acquainted to culture, language, location and every single. This would help our visitor make the most of their trip.
Travel Insurance
Before starting your journey with MarronTreks it is advised that you arrange your travel insurance before leaving your homeland. The main thing is to make sure your insurance covers you for both medical and evacuation costs. In some places it is not necessary but it would be better if you have the travel insurance with you all the time. That would make your trip safe and hassle free.
For more queries, Visit our FAQ section or contact us directly at marketing@marrontreks.com
Starting Price: USD XXX (On request) on twin sharing accommodation basis.
For other special requirements or bigger group deals, kindly mail us directly at: marketing@marrontreks.com
Cost Includes
Cost Excludes
Wildlife Safari
Wildlife Safari implies maneuvering your way through the dense forests. You don’t have to worry about looking sophisticated and hence some very basic packing should do the deal for you. The list below may look sort of lengthy at the first glance but depending upon your personal circumstances, season, kind & length of the trip you are heading for, some of our listed items may not be applicable to you; so you can jolly well ignore them.
Daypack
Walking pants/trousers
Half pants/ Shorts
Full - sleeve shirts
T - Shirts
Jumper or Pile Jacket
Hats
Jacket/Sweater/Warm trousers (if you are travelling from Nov-Feb)
Other light clothes including cotton undergarments
Comfortable Walking or Running Shoes/Cotton socks
Sport Sandals/Flip-flops
Polypropylene/wool socks (if you are travelling from Nov-Feb)
Light wool gloves
Flash light, batteries & bulbs
Insect repellents / Anti-mosquito cream
Duffle bag (will be provided by Marron Treks as a complimentary gear and you needn't return it)
Goggles or sunglasses
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
The items below could seem trivial, but if you don’t have them, you might just find yourself sticky and stinky, which isn’t actually good for you!
Toiletries
Quick-drying camp towel
Detergent powder/bar
Toilet paper
Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 20+) & Lip balm
Pocket knife
Sewing/Repair Kit (for tent & mattress)
Emergency kit including a whistle, waterproof match/lighter
Padlocks for bags and lodge rooms
Stuff sacks
Water bottle
Earplugs
Candlesticks
It is important that you include the medicines prescribed by your doctor. Below is just the generic list of medications. We advise you to always consult your travel doctor as you might be resistant or allergic to some medicines. Generally, our guide carries the first aid kit with him, but it’s always better to have your own kit.
Anesthetics (Ibuprofen/Aspirin)
Broad spectrum antibiotics tablets
Metronidazole and Antacids (for diarrohea /indigestion)
Broad spectrum ointments (Neosporin/ Clotrimazole/Gentamicin)
Antiseptic liquids (Dettol/Savlon)
Assorted band-aids
Small gauge pad
Roll of adhesive tape
Iodine tablets
Nothing hard and fast about carrying the items on this list as they are not the basics. Yet, though not all, if you still manage to squeeze in some of these items on your carry, you will not regret as they might just come handy during the trip.
Camera, memory card and battery charger
GPS unit Altimeters
Binoculars
Nylon rope (for tying and hanging up wet clothes)
Plastic bags for wet cloths
Books and magazines
Choice of dry food
Generally, there are no fixed departure dates for the optional adventure like “Wildlife Safari". If you intend to pursue the adventure on any specific date, please contact us directly and let us know about your preferred schedule. We will endeavor our level best to make sure that the adventure commences on the set date.
