Discover Bardia National Park
Bardia National Park is one of Nepal’s best kept secrets. Located in the Terai region it is Nepal’s largest national park and wilderness area, protecting 968 km² of sal forest, grassland, savannah and riverine forest. On the west side it’s bordered by the Karnali River and it’s bisected by the Babai River in the Bardiya District. The foot of the Siwalik Hills marks the northern boundary of the park.
It’s not overrun by tourists and there are excellent opportunities to spot endangered species of wildlife. We also call the park ‘Tigerland’, because the king of Bardia is the Bengal tiger. In July 2022 we were delighted to hear the news that the tiger population in Bardia National Park has grown from 87 in 2018 to a whopping 125 in 2022 which is 35% of the population in Nepal! But Bardia is also the habitat for the wild Asian elephant and the greater one-horned rhinoceros.
The park is surrounded by idyllic villages and fields inhabited by an indigenous ethnic group named the ‘Tharu’ who have their own unique language, customs and traditions.
If you really want to enjoy Bardia, don’t be in too much of a rush. You’re welcome for a short time, but we advise you to stay at least 4 to 5 days. This gives you the opportunity to discover Bardia National Park in different ways and it will increase your chances to see the wildlife. Get inspired by our 5-16 days tours in Bardia National Park & West Nepal that can help you to make the best of your time in Nepal.
Wildlife and Birdwatching in Bardia National Park
With our experienced guides, bit of luck and patience, there is a good chance to see the Bengal tiger, the Asian elephant and the greater one-horned rhinoceros. Among the other 50 species of mammal living in Bardia are the Gharial crocodile, Marsh mugger crocodile, leopard, swamp deer and grey langur monkeys. The rare Gangetic river dolphins are occasionally spotted on rafting trips along the Geruwa River, the eastern channel of the Karnali River.
With more than 400 species of birds, including the endangered Bengal florican and Sarus crane, Bardiya is a paradise for birdlovers. Anglers can enjoy fishing on the Karnali or Babai river which are a great habitat for the 125 recorded species of fish like the golden mahseer.
Ready for discovering Bardia? Read more about the adventurous jungle activities you can experience.
Explore the countryside & meet the Tharu people
Besides the park there is also a beautiful countryside to explore and friendly local Tharu people to meet. Walking, cycling, or a motorbike tour is a great way of exploring the countryside. Or join the locals with farming, dancing and cooking. And of course you are welcome to celebrate a Nepalese festival with our family. Have a look at the Tharu culture & countryside activities.
Trekkings & tours in unspoiled Far West Nepal
Our home is a good base camp to explore the unspoiled natural beauty and remoteness of Far West Nepal. You can combine Bardia National Park with a visit to Khaptad National Park, Rara Lake National Park, Shuklaphanta National Park and the area around the Karnali – Bheri river. You can easily spend 2 to 3 weeks in West Nepal. Read more about the Far West Nepal activities which you can enjoy with us.
The best time to visit Bardia and Far West Nepal
Every season in West Nepal has its own charm and special activities or festivals. But the best time to visit is from mid-September till mid-December and the start of February till the end of May. In Bardia and Shuklaphanta National Par the temperatures during those months vary between 25 up till 37 degrees and animals will move to the river to drink which gives you better chances to spot them. The best chances to spot the Bengal Tiger in Bardia National Park are in November, March and April. Bird lovers might want to come in February when there are many migratory birds.
From mid-December onwards till the end of January it can be more chilly in Bardia and sometimes we have foggy weather. But campfire will be ready to warm you up in the evening! In Khaptad and Rara National Park the winter kicks in and temperature drops. Both national parks will be covered with snow and trails are not accessible.
The monsoon that lasts from mid-June till mid-September brings hot and humid days. But the rain doesn’t last all day long and after a rain shower temperature drops and the sky is is blue with white clouds. The landscape in this time of the year is very green and lush, The rising river levels can make access to Bardia and Shuklaphanta National Park by jeep or by walk difficult, but it is a perfect time for a rafting trip and there are good chances to spot the rare gangetic river Dolphin. During the monsoon time hiking trails in the hills and mountains are slippery and muddy and that makes it difficult to walk in Khaptad and Rara National Park.
