Chitwan: 2 Full Day Jungle Walk with Canoeing All Inclusive
Location: Pashchimanchal, Western Region, Nepal
Country: Nepal
Price: $162 per person
Supplier: Chitwan National Park Sauraha
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An Intro to Your Chitwan Adventure
Imagine wandering through lush forests, paddling quietly along the Rapti River, and catching glimpses of elusive tigers and rhinos—all within a couple of days. For $162, this all-inclusive tour offers two full days exploring Chitwan National Park, with guided jungle walks, canoeing trips, and opportunities for wildlife sightings.
What we love most? First, the personal touch of experienced guides who know every track and trail—they’re with you for 25-35 years, ensuring you don’t miss a thing. Second, the combination of activities, especially the canoeing along the Rapti River, which feels like slipping into a wildlife documentary with crocodiles, deer, and maybe even a water bird or two.
A small consideration? The tour involves quite a bit of walking—around 15 km per day—so it’s best suited for those with a decent level of fitness. If you’re looking for a laid-back, luxury-style experience, this might not be your best pick, but for genuine wildlife encounters and authentic Nepalese scenery, it hits the sweet spot.
This experience is perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, or anyone interested in Nepal’s wilderness who doesn’t mind a bit of physical activity and early mornings. If you’re after a blend of excitement, education, and local flavor, this tour offers a solid value.
Key Points
- Immersive Wildlife Experience: Get up close with rhinos, tigers, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife.
- Expert Guides: Local guides with over 25 years’ experience enhance your chances of spotting animals and share fascinating insights.
- Includes All Meals and Transport: From pickup to drop-off, with food and water provided, it’s a hassle-free adventure.
- Active and Authentic: Expect to walk significant distances, crossing lakes and forest trails, making it suitable for moderately fit travelers.
- Canoeing as a Highlight: The peaceful, scenic boat ride along the Rapti River is a memorable way to see aquatic wildlife.
- Accommodation at Ghatghain: Spend a night in simple but comfortable guesthouses, with a chance to relax after a day in the wild.
Getting Started: From Sauraha to the Jungle
The adventure begins early, with a 6:30 am pickup from your hotel in Sauraha. This early start is crucial—wildlife is most active at dawn, and the cooler morning temperatures make for a more comfortable trek. The guides, including the personable Suresh or Rabin (if reviews are anything to go by), will give a safety briefing and introduce what’s ahead.
Within about 30 minutes, you’ll be heading in a sturdy jeep to the initial point for your canoe ride. This transport is included, smoothing out logistics so you can focus on what matters—seeing wildlife.
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Canoeing Along the Rapti River
The first activity—a one-hour canoe trip—sets the tone. Paddling silently along the river, you’ll be eye-to-eye with crocodiles basking on the banks or herds of deer drinking at the water’s edge. We loved the serenity of this moment, the gentle ripple of water, and the chance to spot waterfowl and maybe a water monitor lizard.
Many reviewers appreciate this part: “We loved the way the canoe ride allowed us to see animals in their natural habitat without disturbing them,” one noted. It’s a perfect way to start your wildlife encounter, and the inclusion of water and safety gear makes it easy.
Jungle Trek: Into the Heart of Nature
After the canoe, you step into the dense forest of Chitwan National Park. The guides, seasoned experts, lead you through trails lined with tracks, scat, and signs of wildlife—your best chance to see elusive animals like the Royal Bengal tiger, sloth bears, or one-horned rhinoceros.
The guides’ experience really shows here—they know where animals gather around lakes like Dumariya and Lami Lake, so patience and quiet are key. You might wait by the water’s edge, hoping for a tiger to step out for a drink or a rhino to graze nearby. Several reviews mention this: “We waited near the lake for animals that came for water, and it was thrilling when a rhino appeared just meters away.”
Food with a View
Midday, you’ll stop for lunch at Dumariya Lake, with scenic views that make the meal even more enjoyable. The food is described as delicious, with some reviewers noting it was “simple but tasty, perfect after a morning of activity.”
Post-lunch, you’ll visit Lami Lake and the Gharial Breeding Center, where you can learn about conservation efforts. The entire day’s walk wraps up around 5 pm, and you settle in at the guesthouse in Ghatghain—a cozy spot to rest and reflect on your day.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Second Day: Deep into the Bufferzone
The next morning begins early again, with breakfast before heading into the buffer zone, the forested border of the park. This area is a wildlife hotspot—expect to see varieties of birds, leopards, and maybe a surprise tiger.
Your guides will lead an 8-hour walk through this forest, visiting lakes and open areas. Many appreciate this part: “Walking through the buffer zone, you realize how much wildlife depends on these corridors,” a reviewer mentions. It’s a more immersive, less touristy experience, offering a genuine taste of Nepal’s wilderness.
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Returning and Reflecting
After this extensive walk, a jeep will transfer you back to your hotel. Many feel a twinge of sadness leaving, but grateful for the experience. The guides, accommodations, and meals come together to create a well-rounded, authentic adventure.
Is It Worth It?
Absolutely, if you’re eager for a hands-on, active wildlife experience. The $162 price includes meals, transport, park entrance fees, and overnight accommodation—a fair value considering the comprehensive nature of the trip. You won’t find a more immersive way to encounter Chitwan’s iconic species in such a short timespan.
However, keep in mind the physical demands—walking around 15 km daily, often on uneven ground, means this is best suited for those with moderate fitness. Also, the early mornings and long days require some stamina. But if you’re prepared, you’ll find this tour rewarding, lively, and full of authentic encounters with Nepal’s wilderness.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience suits adventurous travelers with a love of nature and a willingness to be active. It’s ideal for those who want more than just a quick safari—someone eager to walk, paddle, and explore at a pace that allows genuine wildlife sightings. Families with older children might enjoy it, but very young kids or pregnant women should consider the physicality involved.
If your goal is to see real wildlife in a natural setting, enjoy local flavors, and learn from experienced guides, this tour offers excellent value and authentic Nepalese hospitality.
The Chitwan 2-day jungle walk with canoeing is a fantastic choice for travelers seeking an immersive, active experience in one of Nepal’s most iconic parks. It combines gentle boat rides, vigorous jungle walks, and insightful guidance, making it perfect for curious, nature-minded explorers. While it demands some effort, the payoff is meaningful encounters with rhinos, tigers, and crocodiles in their natural habitat, all wrapped up with tasty local food and warm community hospitality.
For anyone wanting a genuine sense of wilderness and wildlife, this tour ticks all the boxes. Just come prepared for some walking, a camera, and a spirit ready for adventure.
FAQ
What’s included in the tour?
The tour includes professional English-speaking guides, safety briefing and equipment, meals (1 dinner, 1 breakfast, 2 packed lunches), water, transportation to and from the activity site, overnight accommodation at Ghatghain, park entrance fees, and pickup/drop-off from your hotel.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, snacks, water, comfortable clothes, insect repellent, a daypack, binoculars, and trekking gear. These items will help you enjoy the tour comfortably and safely.
Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 5 years old, mainly because of the physical exertion involved. Older children with good stamina might enjoy it, especially if they love wildlife.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking is flexible, allowing you to reserve now and pay later.
What is the fitness level required?
Expect to walk approximately 15 km per day, often through uneven terrain. A moderate level of fitness is necessary, so be prepared for early mornings and active days.
Will I see tigers or rhinos?
While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, the guides’ experience and the park’s wildlife density mean your chances are good, especially near lakes and water sources.
How does the transportation work?
Transportation is included from your hotel in Sauraha to the safari start point, usually by jeep. The transfer to the park, guesthouse, and back again are all covered.
What is the accommodation like at Ghatghain?
The overnight stay is at a guesthouse, which offers basic but comfortable rooms. It’s a good base after a day in the wild, with simple amenities and a chance to relax.
Is water provided during the trek?
Yes, water is included in the package, helping you stay hydrated during the physical activities.
How do guides assist with wildlife spotting?
Experienced guides use their knowledge of animal habits and park ecology, leading you to spots where animals are likely to be seen, and helping interpret signs of wildlife activity.