How to go to Bardia National Park?
How to get to
Bardia National Park?
Flights, Buses and Travel Tips!
Nestled in the serene landscapes of western Nepal, Bardia National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Getting there? Well, that’s an adventure in itself! Whether you prefer a quick flight, a scenic (and somewhat bumpy) bus ride, or a mix of both, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to go to Bardia National Park from major locations:
From Kathmandu to Bardia National Park
By Air
The fastest (and by far the smoothest) way is to fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, a journey of about 50 minutes. From Nepalgunj, it’s a roughly 2-hour drive to Bardia—an easy ride compared to some of Nepal’s legendary roads! You can arrange for a pickup or hop on a local bus to Ambasa or Thakurdwara, which takes about 2 to 3 hours.
By bus
Feeling adventurous? Then take an 18-hour bus ride from Kathmandu’s Naya Bus Park. Buses—both AC and non-AC—depart in the afternoon, and the journey is, let’s just say, unforgettable. Expect some bumpy roads, but hey, it’s all part of the Nepali travel experience! Once you reach Ambasa or Thakurdwara, tuktuks are available for the final leg of the journey.
Advice:
When booking your bus ticket, make sure it goes all the way to the western part of Nepal. Some unlucky travelers have booked tickets to Ambasa only to find themselves dropped off in Nepalgunj instead, miles away from where they actually need to be!
From Pokhara to Bardia National Park
By Air
Flights from Pokhara to Nepalgunj operate every two days. Once you land, it’s a 2-hour drive to Bardia, either by pre-arranged pickup or local bus. Easy!
By bus
If you’re up for another long-haul Nepali road trip, hop on a bus from Pokhara’s Prithvi Chowk in the afternoon. The ride takes around 16 hours, with an extra 30-minute tuktuk ride from Ambasa to your final destination. Bring snacks, patience, and perhaps a good podcast to survive the journey!
From Lumbini to Bardia National Park
First, head to Butwal bus station. From there, you have two options:
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Take a direct bus heading toward Mahendranagar and get off at Ambasa.
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If there’s no direct bus, take one to Nepalgunj, get off at Kohalpur, and transfer to another bus to Ambasa.
The whole trip takes around 7 hours. Once at Ambasa, grab a tuktuk for a quick (and fun) 30-minute ride to your lodge.
From India to Bardia National Park
Via Banbasa (india) / Mahendranagar (nepal) Border
Once you cross from India to Nepal, local buses can take you to Ambasa in about 4 hours. If you prefer a smoother ride (or at least a faster one), rent a jeep—it’ll shave off some time and possibly save your spine from too much bouncing! Once at Ambasa, get a tuktuk to your hotel.
Via Sonauli Border
After crossing the border at Sonauli, first head to the Butwal bus station. From there, follow the same process as the “From Lumbini” section—easy and straightforward!
Via Rupaidiha (India) / Nepalgunj (Nepal) Border
This border has currently reopened for foreigner. It is the closest border to Bardia National Park. After crossing the border, head to the Nepalgunj bus station and ask to go to Ambasa. Once at Ambasa, get a tuktuk to your lodge.
Traveling to Bardia is an adventure in itself, whether you choose the thrill of a Nepali bus ride or the ease of a short flight. But once you arrive, the stunning landscapes and incredible wildlife make it all worth it. So buckle up, pack some patience, and get ready for an unforgettable journey!
For more detailed information and assistance, feel free to contact us.
Note: This information is based on details available as of February 2025. Travel conditions can change, so it’s recommended to verify the latest updates before your journey.