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. The king of Bardia is the Bengal tiger. The tiger population is slowly increasing and counts around 87 animals. 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 days to 16 days tours in Bardia National Park & West Nepal that can help you to make the best of your time in Nepal.
The best time to visit Bardia and Far West Nepal
The best time to visit Bardia National Park and Shuklaphanta National Park is from mid-September till mid-December and the start of February till the end of May. During these months day temperatures vary between 25 up till 37 degrees and animals will move to the river to drink which gives you better chances to spot them. From mid-December onwards till the end of January it can be more chilly and sometimes we have foggy weather. The monsoon brings hot and sticky days and starts in June and lasts till the end of August. The rising river levels can make access to the park difficult.
Khaptad and Rara National Park can best be visited between mid-September to December and the beginning of March till the end of May. From December to February the winter kicks in and temperatures drop. Both national parks will be covered with snow and trails are not accessible. Between June and September the monsoon brings lots of rain which makes the trek to both parks difficult.