Chitwan – Where Wild Nature Meets Meaningful Travel

At the gentle foothills of the mighty Himalayas lies Chitwan, a place where nature still breathes freely and ancient forests whisper stories of a time before cities and concrete. This region is one of the last untouched parts of the Terai, a landscape that once stretched across the plains of Nepal and northern India. Today, Chitwan stands as a living reminder of that rich natural heritage.

Chitwan is not just a destination — it is a sanctuary of life. Its vast grasslands, riverbanks, wetlands, and sal forests are home to some of Asia’s most extraordinary wildlife. It protects one of the last surviving populations of the rare one-horned Asiatic rhinoceros and provides a safe refuge for the majestic Royal Bengal tiger. Every sunrise here feels like a miracle, and every jungle trail tells a story of survival and balance.

In 1973, Chitwan National Park became Nepal’s first national park, marking the beginning of a powerful commitment to conservation. Spanning over 93,200 hectares across Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Makwanpur, and Parsa districts, the park protects a vast mosaic of forests, rivers, wetlands, and grasslands. It lies between the Rapti and Narayani rivers, stretching south to the Nepal–India border and touching the hills of Churia and Sumeswar — creating one of South Asia’s richest ecosystems.

To protect both wildlife and people, a buffer zone of 75,000 hectares was created in 1996 around the park. This area includes villages, forests, and farmlands, where communities and nature live side by side. Within this zone, the beautiful Beeshazar Lake and surrounding wetlands were later recognised under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international importance — a paradise for birds, aquatic life, and migratory species.

Why Chitwan Matters to Karma Nepal

At Karma Nepal, we believe travel should leave the world better than it was found. Chitwan perfectly reflects this philosophy. Here, tourism is not about watching nature from a distance — it is about protecting it, learning from it, and supporting the communities who live alongside it.

When you travel to Chitwan with Karma Nepal, you don’t just explore jungles and spot wildlife. You become part of a living conservation story. Through ethical wildlife tourism, community-based homestays, environmental volunteering, and cultural exchange, your journey directly supports:

Local families and Indigenous Tharu communities

Forest conservation and anti-poaching efforts

Environmental education for young people

Wetland and biodiversity protection

Your presence helps preserve forests, protect endangered animals, and create sustainable income for people who have lived here for generations.

A Place That Changes You

Chitwan is not only about rhinos and tigers — it is about connection. It is where river dolphins surface quietly, elephants walk through golden grasslands, and villagers welcome you with stories and smiles. It is where you realize that protecting nature also means protecting people.

When you walk through Chitwan’s forests, volunteer in its communities, or listen to the sounds of the jungle at night, you are not just visiting Nepal — you are becoming part of its future.

And that is what Karma Nepal stands for:
Travel that heals. Volunteering that empowers. And experiences that stay with you forever. 🌿

To start your journey, leaving impacts while travelling contact us : info@karmanepal.org