Bardia (Thakurdwara)
Nepal's Wildest Park for Tigers
Bardia National Park, in the far-western Terai, is larger and far quieter than Chitwan and the best place in Nepal to see a wild tiger, on long guided walks and riverside waits along the Karnali and Geruwa. Wild elephants, rhinos, gharials and Gangetic dolphins too. Thakurdwara village, at the park gate, is the base: 2-3 hours by road from Nepalgunj airport, or overnight by bus from Kathmandu. Best from October to May (March–May for tigers, when the grass is cut); the park's activities wind down in the monsoon.
Highlights
- Full-day tiger-tracking walk with a licensed guide
- Rafting the Karnali and Geruwa
- Wild elephants and rhinos
- Gangetic dolphins at the Karnali
- Tharu homestays
Things to do
- Full-day guided walk tracking tigersMorning · 8h
- Jeep safari to the Babai valleyMorning · 5h
- Rafting on the GeruwaAfternoon · 3h
- Tharu village walkEvening · 2h
Tours & tickets
Tourisma may earn a small commission if you book — it never changes your price.
When to go
Best time: October – May
Worth knowing
Flood Season: Jungle Activities Cut Back
In the monsoon the Rapti (Chitwan) and the Karnali and Geruwa (Bardia) rise and flood the grasslands. Jeep safaris and canoe trips run only when the tracks and river allow, jungle walks are wet and full of leeches, many lodges close in July and August, and the tall grass hides the animals. October to March is the season (March–May for tigers at Bardia).
Heads up
Terai Heat
April to June the Terai is as hot as the Indian plains across the border, often 38-42 °C. Sightsee at dawn and after 4 p.m., and book a room with air-conditioning.
- Dashain (Bada Dashain) — Nepal's biggest festival, 15 days ending on the full moon, with the main days (Phulpati to Vijaya Dashami, the day of tika from elders) like India's Navratri and Dussehra. Kathmandu empties as people go home: buses and domestic flights sell out a week either side, government offices, many shops and some restaurants close for 4-5 days, and prices rise. It falls in the autumn trekking season, so book transport early.