Nagarkot Family Hike and Chitwan Safari
- 8 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
We combine a family-friendly ridge hike through Shivapuri forests with a lowland wildlife safari in Chitwan National Park over eight balanced days.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our eight-day itinerary pairs accessible ridge hiking in the Kathmandu Valley with lowland wildlife viewing in Chitwan National Park. We designed this route specifically for families and mixed-ability groups who want to experience both Himalayan foothill trails and subtropical jungles without extreme high-altitude exposure. The highest point on the trek is Nagarkot at 2175 m, keeping physical demands moderate while still offering expansive mountain views.
We begin with cultural exploration in Kathmandu before driving north to Sundarijal. From there, our trail climbs through the Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve, passing Tamang settlements and dense oak and rhododendron forests. We spend nights in local teahouses and ridge-top hotels before transferring south by private vehicle to the Rapti River banks in Chitwan.
Wildlife viewing in Chitwan includes jeep safaris and canoe rides focused on observing one-horned rhinoceroses, birds, and crocodiles in their natural habitat. We strictly adhere to ethical wildlife tourism principles, explicitly barring elephant riding or bathing. Our experienced local guides manage all logistics, permits, and pacing to ensure a seamless experience for every member of the family.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Nagarkot Sunrise Views
We watch the morning light hit the Himalayan range from our ridge-top vantage point at 2175 m.
Shivapuri Forest Trail
We hike through dense oak and rhododendron woodlands within the Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve.
Chitwan Jungle Safari
We search for one-horned rhinoceroses and birdlife via Jeep safaris and canoe trips along the Rapti River.
Tharu Cultural Exchange
We visit traditional Tharu villages and experience local hospitality and dance performances in the lowlands.
Kathmandu Heritage Sites
We tour historic Durbar Squares and ancient stupas with our cultural guide before heading to the hills.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our staff meets you upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to our partner hotel in Kathmandu. You have the rest of the day to rest after your flight or take a short walk through the nearby streets.
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing
Meals: B / L / D
After breakfast at the hotel, our guide leads a comprehensive five to six-hour tour of Kathmandu's key heritage sites. We visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa.
Day 3
Sundarijal to Chisapani
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Sundarijal to Chisapani
Meals: B / L / D
We drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal in the morning to begin our hike. The trail leads through the Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve, descending past the Tamang village of Mulkharka and through oak forests before arriving in Chisapani.
Day 4
Chisapani to Nagarkot
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Chisapani to Nagarkot
Meals: B / L / D
We leave Chisapani and trek for about two and a half hours to reach Chauki Bhanjyang before continuing onward to Nagarkot. Clear weather reveals sweeping views of the Himalayan range from Dhaulagiri to Kanchenjunga.
Day 5
Nagarkot to Chitwan
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Nagarkot to Chitwan
Meals: B / L / D
Following an early sunrise view and breakfast, we take a scenic seven-hour drive south to Chitwan. Upon arrival, we visit a local Tharu village, the National Park Visitor's Center, and watch the sunset by the Rapti River.
Day 6
Chitwan Jungle Safari
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Chitwan Jungle Safari
Meals: B / L / D
Today is dedicated to wildlife exploration within Chitwan National Park. We take a canoe ride along the Rapti River, enjoy a guided jungle walk, and embark on a Jeep safari to spot one-horned rhinoceroses and local bird species.
Day 7
Chitwan to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Chitwan to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
After breakfast at our lodge, we board our private vehicle for the five to six-hour return drive to Kathmandu. We check back into our hotel for our final evening in the capital.
Day 8
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 8
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
We provide breakfast at the hotel and transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport approximately three hours before your scheduled international flight home.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off by private vehicle
- Three nights at 3-star hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Guided Kathmandu sightseeing tour including entry fees
- Full board meals during the Chisapani and Nagarkot stays
- Experienced trekking guide and porter services
- Two nights and three days Chitwan all-inclusive tour package
- All government taxes and local office service charges
Not included
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Meals not specified in the itinerary meal inclusions
- Tips for guides, porters, and drivers
- Travel insurance covering emergency evacuation
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
The highest elevation on this trip is 2175 m at Nagarkot, making acute mountain sickness very unlikely. However, we maintain a steady, comfortable pace to ensure all family members adapt easily to the terrain.
Ethical wildlife tourism
We strictly prohibit elephant riding and bathing on all our holidays. Our safaris in Chitwan utilize Jeep tours, boat rides, and guided walks that respect animal welfare and local conservation rules.
Fitness expectations
This trip is classed as easy to moderate. Daily hiking segments last between four to seven hours on well-maintained stone steps and dirt trails, suitable for anyone with a basic level of cardiovascular fitness.
Accommodation on trek
We accommodate you in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Nagarkot, the best available guesthouses in Chisapani, and a comfortable wildlife lodge in Chitwan, providing twin-share rooms throughout.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy hiking bootsEssential
Footwear
Broken-in boots with good ankle support for stone and dirt trails.
Layered clothingEssential
Clothing
Breathable base layers and a warm fleece for cool mornings in the hills.
Waterproof shell jacketEssential
Clothing
Essential protection against unexpected mountain showers.
Daypack (25-30L)Essential
Camping
To carry your water bottle, camera, and extra layers during day hikes.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Camping
To reduce plastic waste by refilling along the trail.
Sun hat and sunglassesEssential
Clothing
Protection against strong high-altitude UV rays.
Personal first aid kitEssential
Safety
Including blister plasters, personal medications, and antiseptic wipes.
Valid passport and photosEssential
Documents
Required for hotel check-ins and park entry permits.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum altitude reached on this trip?
The maximum elevation is 2175 m at Nagarkot, which makes this trek very manageable for families and first-time visitors to Nepal.
Are elephant rides included in the Chitwan safari?
No. We strictly prohibit elephant riding or bathing as part of our commitment to ethical, cruelty-free ecotourism. We utilize Jeeps, canoes, and walking safaris instead.
How difficult is the hiking portion?
The trek is rated easy to moderate. Expect four to seven hours of walking per day on stone paths and forest trails with supportive guides.
What kind of accommodation should I expect?
We use 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Nagarkot, standard teahouse lodges in Chisapani, and a comfortable jungle lodge in Chitwan on a twin-share basis.
When is the best time of year to book this trip?
The ideal months are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when weather is clear and temperatures are mild.
Do I need a visa before arriving in Nepal?
Most travelers can easily obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu by paying the required fee in cash.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 8 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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