Region in Bagmati Province, Nepal
Chitwan
Jungle safaris for one-horned rhinos, elephants and, with luck, tigers, based in Sauraha beside Chitwan National Park. Easy and relaxed, but hot, humid and aimed at short stays rather than long ones.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$519–778Comfortable, one person · Rs80,000–120,000Details
- Value for money93/100Better value than 92% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goFeb–Mar, Oct–NovWarmest: May, 39°CDetails
- Internet89 MbpsFixed broadband, Nepal medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDon't drink tap water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$3.9–13.0Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundTourist bus from Kathmandu or PokharaWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashATMs in Sauraha and Bharatpur; most guesthouses, safari agencies and shops want cash.Details
Where to stay in Chitwan
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Sauraha | Main tourist base: guesthouses, safari agencies, riverside restaurants |
| Meghauli | Upscale lodges and quieter western park edge |
| Bharatpur | Hospital, airport and bus links; not a tourist base |
Apps that work in Chitwan
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp, Viber
- Maps.me: Offline trekking trail maps
- Taxis: No ride apps in Sauraha. Hotels arrange jeeps and drivers; for taxis and rickshaws agree the fare before leaving.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Nepal.
- Mostly cash ATMs in Sauraha and Bharatpur; most guesthouses, safari agencies and shops want cash. Cards at larger lodges with a surcharge.
- Currency: Rupee (NPR). US$1 ≈ Rs154.20 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs often charge foreign cards about NPR 500 per withdrawal and cap withdrawals at NPR 10,000–35,000.
- Tipping: Restaurants usually add a 10% service charge plus 13% VAT. Tip trekking guides and porters about 10–15% of the trek cost.
- Paying by phone: Fonepay and eSewa QR codes are everywhere but need a Nepali account; Indian visitors can pay them by UPI.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa on arrival at Kathmandu, Pokhara and Bhairahawa airports and main land borders: US$30, 50 or 125 for 15, 30 or 90 days.
- Fill the online arrival form at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np before landing to shorten the airport queue.
- Since 2023 most trekking routes in protected areas, including Everest and Annapurna, require a licensed guide and a TIMS card.
Emergency numbers
Police 100 · Ambulance 102 · Fire 101 · Tourist police 1144
Plugs
Type C, D, M · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Ncell and Nepal Telecom counters at Kathmandu airport; bring your passport. Ncell tourist plans cost NPR 595–1,995 for 7–28 days. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Nepal
Going to Chitwan solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Chitwan meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation
- Nepal Tourism Board
- Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.