Looking for the best place to see tigers in Nepal? Dreaming of a true wilderness experience, away from crowds and noise?
Welcome to Bardia National Park — Nepal’s most untouched and authentic wildlife destination.

In 2025, more travelers are opting to skip crowded places and head to Bardia for a once-in-a-lifetime safari. Here’s why it’s the #1 choice for nature lovers, wildlife photographers, and eco-tourists.

1. Best Place for Tiger Safari in Nepal

Bardia has the highest tiger density in Nepal. Unlike Chitwan, where traffic and tourism can disturb wildlife, Bardia offers real chances to see Bengal tigers in the wild — in silence, with no rush.

2. Rhinos, Elephants, and Rare Species in a Peaceful Setting

Where else can you see one-horned rhinos, wild elephants, gharials, sloth bears, and dolphins in a single trip? Bardia offers diverse wildlife sightings without crowds.

3. The Only Real Walking Safari in Nepal

Bardia is the only national park in Nepal where you can experience a genuine walking safari — following tiger tracks, crossing rivers, and moving quietly through grasslands with expert local guides

4. Top Destination for Wildlife Photography in Nepal

For photographers, Bardia is a dream. Golden jungle light, clear animal trails, and low tourist numbers make it easy to capture rare wildlife moments — tigers crossing rivers, elephants in herds, birds in flight

5. Camping, Rafting & Adventure by the River

Bardia offers more than jeep safaris. Enjoy overnight camping in the Karnali floodplain, peaceful rafting, and nature nights under the stars with the sounds of the jungle all around.

6. Eco-Friendly, Local, and Crowd-Free

In 2025, travelers want sustainable and local experiences. Bardia delivers — no mass tourism, only real connections with nature and local Tharu communities. Stay at eco-retreats, support local guides, and leave a positive footprin

Best Time to Visit Bardia National Park (2025)

October to April – Ideal for wildlife sightings

March to May – Best for tiger activity

November & February – Clear skies, cool weather

What to Bring for Bardia Safari

Binoculars & camera

Neutral clothes (green/brown)

Mosquito repellent

Warm layers for morning/evening

Good hiking shoes

Final Thoughts: Why Bardia Is the Best Wildlife Destination in Nepal

In a time when real nature is getting rare, Bardia National Park still feels wild and alive. Whether you’re tracking tigers, photographing rare birds, or just soaking in the silence, Bardia offers something no other park in Nepal can.

👉 Book your Bardia safari tour 2025 now
👉 Walk where tigers still rule
👉 Support local guides and eco-tourism

Bardia National Park – Where Real Jungle Lives.
Let your 2025 adventure begin in the heart of Nepal’s wild west.

Planning a trip to Nepal and dreaming of a truly wild adventure? Look no further than Bardiya National Park. This remote jungle paradise in southwestern Nepal is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream, offering incredible opportunities to spot Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, elephants, and a plethora of bird species.

But how do you get to this hidden gem from Nepal’s bustling capital, Kathmandu? You have two primary options: the scenic, budget-friendly bus or the fast, comfortable flight. Let’s break down everything you need to know to choose the best travel option for your Bardiya National Park safari.

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Option 1: By Bus – The Budget-Friendly & with flight

For travelers on a budget or those who enjoy slow travel and soaking in the landscapes, the overnight bus is a fantastic choice. It’s an experience in itself!

• Departure Station: All long-distance buses heading towards Bardiya National Park depart from Gongabu Bus Station (also known as New Bus Park) in Kathmandu. It’s a bustling hub, so arrive a bit early.
• Bus Departure Times: Buses typically depart daily in the afternoon, with frequent timings from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This allows for an overnight journey, arriving in the early morning.
• Travel Duration: Expect a journey of approximately 14–18 hours. This is an overnight ride, so be prepared for a long stretch on the road.
• Ticket Price: Bus tickets are very affordable, ranging from NPR 2,500–2,700 (about $18–$20 USD).
• Drop-Off Point: Your main destination for Bardiya is Ambasa, which is the gateway town to the park. Make sure to confirm with your bus conductor that they will drop you here. Buses may be heading towards Dhangadhi or Mahendranagar, but Ambasa is your stop.
• Recommended Bus Companies: For a more comfortable journey, look for Sudurpaschim Yatayat or Mahakali Yatayat. These companies often offer sofa/AC buses, which make a significant difference on such a long ride.

What to Expect & Getting to the Park from Ambasa:

The bus ride will take you through diverse Nepali landscapes. Upon arrival in Ambasa in the early morning, you’ll be about 13–15 km from Thakurdwara, the main lodge area near the park entrance.

• Tuk-tuk: A tuk-tuk is a common way to get from Ambasa to Thakurdwara, costing approximately NPR 500.
• Local Bus: Sometimes, local buses are available in the late afternoon, but they are less reliable for immediate transfer.
• Best Option: We highly recommend arranging a pickup with your Wild Planet Eco Retreat in advance. They are well-versed in transfers and can ensure a smooth, stress-free continuation of your journey directly to your accommodation.

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Option 2: By Flight – Fast and Comfortable

If time is of the essence or you prefer a quicker, more comfortable journey, flying is the way to go.

• Flight Route: Your flight will take you from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) to Nepalgunj Airport (KEP). Nepalgunj is the closest major city and airport to Bardiya National Park.
• Flight Time: The flight itself is quick, typically around 50 minutes to 1 hour.
• Flight Cost: Expect to pay around $120 to $130 USD for a one-way ticket. Prices can vary based on seasonality and how far in advance you book.
• Airlines with Daily Flights: Reputable airlines like Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines operate multiple daily flights on this route, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

From Nepalgunj to Bardiya National Park:

Once you land at Nepalgunj Airport, Bardiya National Park is still a bit of a drive away.

• Travel Time: The road journey from Nepalgunj to the Bardiya National Park area takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, covering a distance of 74–90 km.
• Transport Options:
  • Private Jeep or Car: The most convenient option is to book a private transfer through your lodge in Bardiya. This ensures a comfortable and direct ride.
  • Local Bus: For a more budget-friendly option, you can find local buses just outside the airport. These buses will take you to Ambasa, which is the main gateway town to Bardiya National Park. The journey to Ambasa by local bus also takes around 2 to 3 hours.

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Which Travel Option is Best for You?

To help you decide, here’s a quick comparison:

Option	Best For
🚌 Bus	Budget travelers, backpackers, and those who enjoy slow travel and authentic local experiences.
✈️ Flight	Travelers short on time, those seeking comfort, or anyone who prefers to avoid long road journeys.

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Booking Tips for a Smooth Journey

• Bus Tickets: It’s wise to book your bus tickets in advance, especially during peak season. You can purchase them directly at Gongabu Bus Park. though availability specifically to Ambasa might vary, so direct purchase is often best.
• Flight Tickets: Book your flight tickets directly via the airline websites (Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines) or use a local travel agent in Kathmandu.
• Transfers to/from Park: This is crucial! Always coordinate with your Bardiya National Park lodge for pickups from either Ambasa (for bus travelers) or Nepalgunj Airport (for flight travelers). This ensures a smooth and stress-free final leg of your journey, getting you quickly to your jungle adventure.

Whether you choose the adventurous bus ride or the swift flight, your journey to Bardiya National Park promises to be the beginning of an unforgettable wildlife experience. Happy travels!