Chitwan (Sauraha)

Sauraha is the main tourist hub located on the edge of Chitwan National Park in the subtropical Terai lowlands. Visitors flock here to experience Nepal's rich wildlife beyond the high Himalayas. The main highlight is encountering the endangered one-horned rhino, Bengal tigers, and gharial crocodiles. Activities like sunset canoe rides on the Rapti River and guided jungle walks make it an adventurer's paradise. Beyond nature, Sauraha provides a deep dive into Tharu culture, the indigenous people of the region. Evening cultural shows featuring traditional stick dances are a local staple. The local cuisine features fresh river fish and unique Tharu flavors. Sauraha is accessible by tourist bus or flight from Kathmandu or Pokhara. The best time to visit is from October to March, when the weather is mild and the park's tall grass is shorter, making wildlife spotting much easier.

Nearby cities

Lahan

Lahan is a city in Siraha District and a major market in Madhesh Province.

Rajbiraj

Rajbiraj is the headquarters of Saptari District and one of the first planned towns in Nepal.

Gaur

Gaur is the headquarters of Rautahat District and a border town with India.

Siraha

Siraha is the headquarters of Siraha District in Madhesh Province.

Malangwa

Malangwa is the headquarters of Sarlahi District in Madhesh Province, right on the border with India.

Jitpursimara

Jitpursimara is a sub-metropolitan city in Madhesh Province.

Kalaiya

Kalaiya is the headquarters of Bara District in Madhesh Province.

Begnas Lake

Begnas Lake is a serene alternative to Pokhara's Phewa Lake, ideal for relaxation and fishing amidst lush green hills.

Daman

A peaceful mountain village at 2,322 meters offering one of the broadest panoramic views of the Himalayas.

Tilicho Lake

Tilicho Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world, a sparkling turquoise gem in the heart of the Annapurna massif.

Patna

The capital of Bihar and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Ghandruk

A picturesque Gurung village in the Annapurna massif, famous for its slate houses and mountain views.

History & landmarks

Bandipur

A living museum of Newari culture set in a charming, vehicle-free hilltop village.

Manakamana Temple

A Hindu temple in the Gorkha District dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati.

Tal Barahi Temple

A two-story pagoda temple on a small island in Phewa Lake in Pokhara, dedicated to the protector goddess Ajima.

Lo Manthang

Lo Manthang is the walled capital of the former Kingdom of Mustang, known for its well-preserved Tibetan culture and centuries-old Buddhi…

Nature

Phewa Lake

A picturesque freshwater lake in Pokhara that reflects the peaks of the Annapurna range.

More places

Birgunj Dry Port

Nepal's largest dry port, which handles the majority of international trade via India.

Parsa National Park

This vast reserve in the Siwalik Hills was once a royal hunting ground and is today a protected refuge for a growing population of Asian …

Janaki Mandir

A visually striking Hindu temple in Janakpur, dedicated to Goddess Sita, featuring distinct Rajput architecture.

Manaslu

Manaslu is the eighth highest mountain in the world and is characterized by its steep, glacier-covered slopes.

Gorkha Durbar

An ancient palace and temple complex on a hilltop, the ancestral home of the Shah dynasty.

Chitwan National Park

The oldest national park in Nepal, known for its biodiversity and dense jungles.

Himalchuli

Himalchuli is a massive mountain in the Mansiri Himal, rising prominently above the Marsyangdi River valley.

Manaslu Conservation Area

Around the eighth highest mountain in the world lies a protected region inhabited by the endangered musk deer and blue sheep herds at ext…