On Safari in the Himalayas

Maggie from One Himalaya shares her insider guide to unforgettable wildlife adventures in Nepal and India – from tigers and rhinos to eco-lodges, culture and once-in-a-lifetime encounters.

Where the Wild Things Are

Most people associate wildlife safaris with Africa, but Nepal and India are also incredible and affordable safari destinations. Here, you can encounter rare and endangered species such as the Bengal tiger, one-horned rhino, red panda, pangolin, Asian elephant, gharial crocodile, Ganges River dolphin, snow leopard, sloth bear and Asiatic lion.

Bhutan and Tibet aren’t traditional safari destinations, but they have their own unique wildlife — from the strange and wonderful Takin to a wealth of native and migratory bird species.

Chitwan, Bardia and Beyond

In Nepal, Chitwan National Park is the best-known safari destination, while Bardia is less visited but equally special — in fact, it has more tigers.

India has many spectacular national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, including Ranthambhore, Kanha, Satpura, Tadoba, Gir, Pench and others. Both countries are committed to tiger conservation and developing sustainable tourism.

What to Expect on Safari

Safaris in Nepal and India usually include a mix of activities inside the national parks:

• Open-top jeep safaris
• Gentle river rafting or boat trips
• Birdwatching
• Guided jungle walks

Depending on where you go, you might also find experiences such as walking with elephants, cooking classes, sundowner drinks and chances to engage with traditional local culture.

In India, some safaris even include ox-bullock rides or early-morning rickshaw trips for bird spotting. Whatever the format, you’ll always be accompanied by an experienced naturalist guide.

From your accommodation outside the park, you can also explore villages on foot or by bike — adding a wonderfully authentic flavour to the trip.

When to Go

The best time for safaris is from mid-October to mid-May. During the summer monsoon months, national parks close and safaris don’t run.

• Winter is ideal for spotting migratory birds and even snow leopard tracking in Ladakh, India, or the higher regions of Nepal.
• Spring is another great time to visit as the jungle foliage is less dense and sightings can be easier.

How Long to Stay

You can do a short day safari in some locations, but a stay of two to three days gives you the best chance of spotting tigers and other animals.

Some travellers base their trip entirely around safari, visiting multiple parks, while others add a safari extension to a longer trek or cultural tour.

Accommodation

A wide range of options are available, from simple eco-lodges to luxury tented camps.

In January, for example, I stayed at the Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge beside Bardia National Park — a beautiful eco-lodge. In Chitwan, travellers often choose the 5-star Barahi Jungle Lodge or the simpler but charming Nana Jungle Resort, where river canoeing is part of the experience.

Other choices include homestays with local villagers or even jungle watchtowers for overnight stays.

In India, options range from luxury lodges like Banjaar Tola and Sujan Sher Bagh to plenty of mid-range and budget-friendly properties.

How Likely Are You to See Tigers?

Sightings are never guaranteed, as the animals are in their natural habitats. But with expert local guides, the chances are high.

At Bardia National Park, in January this year, I saw two tigers in one day, along with birds, monkeys, deer and other species.

In May, I was in Chitwan and saw plenty of rhinos, deer, monkeys, crocodiles and many bird species. On previous trips to India, I’ve seen tigers, leopards and more at Ranthambhore and beyond.

Getting There

From the UK, flight times are around nine to ten hours to India and just over an hour longer to Nepal.

• Connecting flights run from Northern Ireland or London (via Delhi or Doha) to Nepal or India.
• Bhutan is reached by flight from Nepal or China, with flights to Bhutan via India, Dubai, Sri Lanka, Singapore or Thailand.

Visas: Required for Nepal and India, usually arranged in advance (though Nepal’s visa-on-arrival is straightforward). Bhutan and Tibet require special permits, which we arrange for clients as part of our service.

We also take care of national park permits, trekking and climbing permits, and restricted area permits if required.

Why Choose One Himalaya?

As a female-founded Northern Irish travel company, One Himalaya is proud to offer safe, expertly organised trips that combine adventure with reassurance.

Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or as a family, we design itineraries tailored to you — from safaris and treks to cultural explorations and wellness getaways.

✍️ Maggie – One Himalaya
🌐 www.one-himalaya.com
📧 Email: hello@one-himalaya.com
📞 Tel: +44 (0)28 20768975