Chitwan National Park Entry Fee & Permits Explained

Key Takeaways

• - Chitwan National Park entry fee: NPR 150 for Nepali citizens, NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals and NPR 2,000 for foreign visitors, plus applicable VAT.

• - Park entry and safari costs are separate, so budget for the jeep, guide, canoe and other activities.

• - Please ensure that you have a valid park entry permit, which is nationality dependent (ID or a copy of your passport).

• - October to March is the best time to visit for comfortable weather and safari conditions.

• - Follow Park rules and use authorized guides/operators to protect wildlife and stay safe.
  
  Planning a safari in Chitwan is easier when you know the Chitwan National Park entry fees, permit requirements and additional safari costs before arriving.
  
  The entry fee to Chitwan National Park is now NPR 150 per person for Nepalis, NPR 1,000 per person for SAARC nationals and NPR 2,000 per person for foreigners, including applicable VAT as per the fee table of the Nepal Tourism Board. However, the park entrance fee is only one part of the overall Chitwan safari cost.
  
  If you want a more tranquil base to explore the park, Soaltee Westend Resort Chitwan is a 5-star hotel located on the western side of the park, away from the hustle and bustle of Sauraha.
  
  

The important thing to remember is that the Chitwan National Park entry fee is not the same as the total Chitwan safari cost. These can add up to your overall budget and may include the park entrance, safari vehicle, guide, canoe ride, transport and accommodation.

According to the current data provided by Nepal Tourism Board, the following Chitwan National Park entry fees are available:

Visitor category

Base fee

Nepali citizens

NPR 150

SAARC nationals

NPR 1,000

Foreign nationals

NPR 2,000

Children below 10

Free

Foreign visitors are charged NPR 2,000 as base fee, plus 13% VAT. Check the final payable amount when purchasing your permit.

The official Chitwan National Park citizen charter also confirms NPR 150 for Nepali citizens, NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals and NPR 2,000 for other foreign nationals.

A common misunderstanding is that people think that park tickets include the whole safari.

It does not.

Your Chitwan safari cost may include:

Park entry permit + safari vehicle + guide + canoe/activity + local transport + accommodation

For example, the official park citizen charter lists a separate jungle-drive charge of NPR 5,000 for a jeep and NPR 3,000 for a car.

Operator prices for activities can vary, so use the following only as a planning guide:

Activity

Approximate cost

Typical duration

Jeep safari

NPR 5,000–7,500 per jeep

3–4 hours

Canoe ride

NPR 1,000–1,500/person

1–2 hours

Nature walk

NPR 1,500–2,500/person

2–3 hours

Bird watching

NPR 2,000–3,000/person

2–3 hours

Note: Actual safari prices vary by operator, vehicle type, group size, season and package inclusions.

For a broader overview of safari options, see Soaltee's Chitwan safari guide.

Yes. Anyone entering Chitwan National Park needs a valid entry permit.

According to the official citizen charter, the entry permit is a service per person per day. It also states that Nepali visitors can provide a copy of their citizenship, passport or national identity card, while foreign visitors need a copy of their passport.

The published fee is charged on a per-entry/per-day basis. If you wish to visit the park on another day, please enquire at the park counter or at your licensed operator as to the permit needed for your visit.

The fee is based on entry/day, not a multi-day fee. When multiple entries are planned on the same day, check out the re-entry plan with the park counter or the park licensed operator before exiting the park.

Getting your Chitwan National Park permit is straightforward.

• Nepali citizens: copy of citizenship, passport or national ID

• Foreign visitors: copy of passport

• For visitors from the SAARC countries: passports or accepted identification will be required at the counter.

The official citizen charter specifies the documentation and a processing time of approximately 15 minutes to obtain a park entry permit.

Entry fees into the park can be paid at the Tourist Service Centre, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, or at the park entrance.

Location

Best for

Bhrikutimandap Tourist Service Centre, Kathmandu

Buying before travelling

Designated Park gates

Travelers already in Chitwan

Licensed hotels/operators

Visitors who have reserved a guided package

The permit can be arranged by some hotels and safari operators as part of a package. The park entry fee is still a government fee and should be clearly stated when you are comparing packages of your travel.

Guests staying at Soaltee Westend Resort Chitwan can arrange safaris based on their stay.

There are multiple access points to Chitwan and the most convenient will be based on your stay and safari itinerary.

Sauraha is the most popular tourist center on the eastern bank and offers many safari companies and lodging choices

Kasara is the location of the park headquarters and is an important access point from the western side. Nepal Tourism Board places the park headquarters at Kasara, approximately 21 km from Bharatpur.

Meghauli (Bhimle): Located in western Chitwan, Meghauli offers access to quieter grasslands and is a good choice for travelers staying at resorts in the area.

Patihani or Ghatghain route: The Patihani route is located on the western side of the park and is convenient for travelers who stay in Patihani. Located on the western side of Chitwan, Soaltee Westend Resort Chitwan provides a convenient base for visitors exploring the western part of the park.

Tip: Your hotel or safari operator should confirm the most suitable entry point based on your accommodation, safari route, and planned activities.

Along with the fees and permits, you need to know the rules as well.

Visitors should:

• - Use authorized guides and registered operators for organized jungle activities.

• - Follow instructions from park staff and guides.

• - Avoid plastic bags and disposable plastic waste.

• - Do not smoke or light fires inside the park.

• - Do not feed, bait, or deliberately attract wildlife.

• - Do not fly drones without the required permission.

• - Do not disturb animals or leave designated routes.

• - Stay outside the protected area overnight.

Permission requirements apply to drone filming; the park citizen charter mentions extra permission for filming with drones.

Breaking Park rules can result in fines, with penalties depending on the offence. Violation of wildlife laws may have severe penalties.

These rules serve to ensure the safety of visitors, the protection of wildlife, and the preservation of Chitwan's delicate ecosystem.

For organized jungle activities and access to areas where guide supervision is required, use a registered/licensed guide through an authorized operator.

A guide is a necessity, but more than that. A good naturalist can recognize animal tracks, describe animal behavior, and assist in observing wildlife without disturbing it.

This is particularly useful during jungle walks, where following wildlife-safety instructions is essential.

If you are a traveler who is concerned about responsible wildlife tourism, a jeep safari is usually the better choice.

Jeep safaris offer you the opportunity to explore a larger area without riding on the backs of working elephants. They are also convenient in covering Chitwan's forests and grasslands with a guide

For ideas beyond a safari, Soaltee's guide to things to do in Chitwan covers wildlife, Tharu culture and other local experiences.

The Chitwan National Park entry fees do not change your choice of season, but weather can significantly affect the safari experience.

Season

Months

What to expect

Peak

October–March

Cooler weather and comfortable safari conditions

Shoulder

April–May

Hotter temperatures and fewer visitors

Monsoon

June–September

Heavy rainfall and wetter safari conditions

Nepal Tourism Board identifies October to March as the best season, while April to June can become very hot and July to September is the rainy season.

A typical activity budget for one foreign adult might be:

Expense

Approximate cost

Park entry permit

NPR 2,000 + applicable VAT

Shared jeep safari contribution

NPR 1,250–1,900

Guide contribution

NPR 1,000–1,500

Canoe ride

NPR 1,000–1,500

Estimated activity total

NPR 5,250–6,900 + applicable VAT

It is a planning estimate and not an official tariff. Accommodation, meals and transport to Chitwan are additional.

A typical 2-night itinerary might be:

- Day 1: Arrival, orientation walk and Tharu cultural experience

- Day 2: Jeep safari and Rapti River canoe ride

- Day 3: Tharu village walk/bird watching and departure

For more ideas on planning your visit, see Soaltee's guide to the best time to visit Chitwan.

If you don't wish to be in the hustle and bustle of tourist area, then there is Soaltee Westend Resort Chitwan, a 5-star property that is located closer to the western side of the national park.

The resort also enriches the stay with local culture through the 'Soaltee Heritage Hour' which is a carefully organized cultural program offering Tharu music, craft and storytelling. It brings together guests to experience the region outside of the safari experience. Check out our Heritage Hour guide for more details.

Frequent travelers can also join the Soaltee Heritage Club, which provides rewards, member rates and benefits across participating Soaltee properties in Nepal. Learn more about the Soaltee Heritage Club.

For more inspiration, explore Soaltee's Chitwan travel guide.

The simplest way to budget for Chitwan is to separate the Chitwan National Park entry fees from your safari and accommodation costs. After securing your permit, guide and activities, you can concentrate on the experience such as searching for a one-horned rhino, sighting the Rapti River or even studying Tharu culture.

Contact us at Soaltee to check availability and arrangements for a quieter western side stay and to help plan your Chitwan experience.

How much is the entry fee for Chitwan National Park?

The base Chitwan National Park entry fee is NPR 150 for Nepali citizens, NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals and NPR 2,000 for foreign visitors. The applicable VAT shall be included in accordance with the VAT fee table in the Nepal Tourism Board.

Do I need a permit to enter Chitwan National Park?

Yes. A valid park entry permit is required. The official citizen charter lists the fee on a per-person, per-day basis.

Where can I buy a Chitwan National Park ticket?

The ticket can be bought at the Bhrikutimandap Tourist Service Centre in Kathmandu or at the designated entrance points of the park. Permits can also be arranged as a package by licensed hotels/operators.

Does the entry fee include a jeep safari?

No. Entrance fee to the park and charges for the safari vehicle are separate. The official park citizen charter lists NPR 5,000 for a jeep jungle-drive permit.

How long is a Chitwan National Park permit valid?

It is based on the relevant day of entry. Visitors entering the park on another day need another permit.

Can I re-enter Chitwan National Park on the same day?

If you intend to leave and re-enter on the same day, please arrange with the park counter or your operator before you depart. The published fee structure is based on entry/day not a general multi-day pass.

What documents do I need to buy for the permit?

Nepali visitors can use a copy of their citizenship, passport or national ID. Passport copy is required from foreign visitors.

Do children need to pay the Chitwan National Park entry fee?

On the Nepal Tourism Board's park entry fee schedule, children under 10 years are shown as free.

Is the permit included in a hotel or safari package?

It can be. There are also some hotels and licensed safari operators who offer the permit as part of a package deal. Be sure to ask if the government fee is covered in the quoted price.

Can I stay overnight inside Chitwan National Park?

No. Visitors stay in hotels, lodges, and resorts outside the protected park area.

Are drones allowed in Chitwan National Park?

Drones require appropriate permission. Do not fly a drone inside the park without confirming the required authorization.

What is the best time to visit Chitwan National Park?

The best time for comfortable weather and activities related to wildlife is October to March.