Walking safari in Bardia National Park

A full day in the heart of the jungle

Full Day (6:30 AM - 6:00 PM)

5.0 (24 verified reviews)

1 Guide + 1 Assistant Tracker Jungle lunch included

Head into the deep wilderness of Bardia National Park on foot

Step into the pristine core of Bardia National Park for an entire day dedicated to active wildlife tracking on foot. Away from the noise of jeep engines, walking is the purest, most thrilling, and most respectful way to encounter Asia’s great mammals.

Accompanied by an experienced jungle guide and a tracker assistant, you leave conventional paths to navigate diverse ecosystems, reading fresh tracks, scent markings, and animal movement corridors.

The main goal of the day: the Royal Bengal Tiger. While sightings in pure wilderness can never be guaranteed, the journey is also an exceptional opportunity to track the Greater one-horned rhino, wild Asian elephant herds, spotted deer, sambars, langurs, and hundreds of bird species.

Lunch is enjoyed directly inside the jungle beneath ancient Sal trees, allowing you to immerse fully without losing a single moment outside the reserve.

⚠️ 100% Wild Nature Commitment

Wildlife roams freely in its natural, unfenced habitat. Animal movements are entirely wild and unpredictable, and no specific encounter (especially with tigers) can be guaranteed. Every walking safari is an authentic adventure guided by field signs, alarm calls, and patience.

Local immersion & comfort

Option: Night at your guide Pawan's place (+12 €)

To extend your experience in an authentic and warm setting, you have the opportunity to stay at Pawan's place, a senior guide and elite tracker in Bardia for over 20 years. Pawan regularly guides and accompanies international film crews, including for BBC wildlife documentaries.

At Pawan's (BBC Guide • 20 years exp.) +12 € / person

AC Private Room + Traditional Dinner + Breakfast

Stay in a spacious private bedroom equipped with a comfortable bed, air conditioning, a sofa, and an en-suite private bathroom with shower. In the evening, share a traditional homemade Nepali dinner (Dal Bhat) with the family, and enjoy a hearty breakfast the next morning.

✓ Air-conditioned private room (AC) with en-suite bathroom and shower
✓ Traditional homemade dinner cooked with the family in the evening
✓ Complete energizing breakfast the following morning
✓ Exclusive discussions with Pawan about his 20 years in the wild and BBC filming stories

Total with option 62 €

Organization and schedule

Your typical walking safari day

06:30 AM

Early morning departure & safety briefing

Pick-up from your lodge in Thakurdwara (or at Pawan's). Local transfer included to the park entrance gate. Permit verification and silent wilderness tracking protocol briefing from your guide and tracker.

07:30 AM

Sal forest immersion & track stalking

Deep exploration of the towering Sal cathedral forest and riverbanks. Guides inspect fresh mud for tiger pugmarks, rhino paths, and listen attentively to deer alarm calls.

12:30 PM

Jungle picnic lunch in the wild

Restful picnic lunch sheltered under a natural canopy or watchtower (machan) facing an active waterhole.

02:30 PM

Riverbank stalking & grassland hide

Tracking along the alluvial plains and gravel islands of the Karnali/Geruwa river where rhinos and big cats emerge to drink.

06:00 PM

Return to Thakurdwara & debriefing

Exit the park before dusk. Return to your lodge or to Pawan's homestay (if option selected) to discuss the day's encounters over warm masala tea.

What is included in your safari

Included in base rate (50 €)

✓ 1 experienced native jungle guide
✓ 1 assistant tracker for enhanced safety
✓ Packed lunch taken directly inside the jungle
✓ Roundtrip local transportation to the park gate
✓ Full safety briefing and wildlife protocols

Not included

✕ Official Bardia Park Entrance Permit (government fee)
✕ Personal beverages and extra snacks
✕ Personal travel and medical insurance
✕ Gratuities for guides and trackers (discretionary)

Explorer reviews

Average rating: 5.0/5 based on 24 verified walking safaris

5.0

★★★★★

David & Emma

Verified Travelers • 1-Day Walking Safari

★★★★★

"Tracking on foot with Kiran was the highlight of our Nepal trip. We encountered a rhino at 30 meters and spotted fresh tiger prints along the river. Incredible professionalism and safety throughout."

Mark S.

Wildlife Photographer • Safari + Pawan Homestay Option

★★★★★

"Staying at Pawan's place is unbeatable: fantastic AC room, delicious homemade family dinner, and fascinating BBC filming stories in the evening. Highly recommended!"

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to walk on foot in the jungle?

Safety is our highest priority. You are always escorted by two licensed native professionals (one senior guide and one assistant tracker) who know every terrain nuance and maintain strict safety distances.

Can I book as a solo traveler?

Yes! This tour is available starting from just 1 person on private or micro-group terms.

How does the night at Pawan's place (+12 €) work?

It includes a private AC bedroom with en-suite bathroom at senior guide Pawan's home in Thakurdwara, homemade evening dinner with his family, and breakfast the next morning.