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Dolphin Watching - Nepal

Days: 8 days

Elevation : 300M

Booked : 1 times

Discover the wonders of Dolphin Watching in Nepal during an 8-day expedition along the Karnali River. Get up close to Gangetic dolphins in their natural habitat and explore the largest national park in Nepal's Terai region.

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Trip Type
Trip Type
Overland Tours
Difficulty
Difficulty
Easy
SKILLS PROFILE
SKILLS PROFILE
No Requirements
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
Tea House
DESTINATION
DESTINATION
Nepal
Start / End Point
Start / End Point
Bardiya / Bardiya
Region
Region
Far and Mid Western Region
Duration
Duration
8 days
Elevation
Elevation
300 M
Seasons
Seasons
Jun-Oct
Group Size
Group Size
2 - 14
Popularity
Popularity

GUARANTEED DEPARTURES

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Check upcoming trip dates, availability & prices. If you can't see dates that suite you, contact us we will do our best to assist you.

GUARANTEED DEPARTURESPRICEAVAILABILITY
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025$1865High
Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025$1865High
Nov 8, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025$1865High
Mar 14, 2026 - Mar 21, 2026$1705High
Apr 11, 2026 - Apr 18, 2026$1705High
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Trek Highlights

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  • Gangetic Dolphin is commonly known as Susu because of the sound they produce while respiring.
  • They can’t breathe in the water.
  • Best months to visit are October to June.
  • Scientific name-Platanista gangetica.
  • Status-Endangered species.
  • Bardiya National Park is the largest National Park of Terai region and the second largest national park of Nepal.
  • Karnali river is the longest river of Nepal.
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Why This Trip ?

This trip is perfect for those who want to experience the amazing wildlife adventure in Bardiya National Park and the endangered species of dolphin in Karnali River.

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Short Itinerary

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Day

1

ARRIVAL

Day

2

SIGHTSEEING IN KATHMANDU

Day

3

FLY TO NEPALGUNJ

Day

4

JUNGLE SAFARI

Day

5

DHOLPHIN WATCHING IN THE RIVER

Day

6

BIRD WATCHING

Day

7

Flight BACK TO KATHMANDU

Day

8

DEPARTURE

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Comprehensive Trek Guide

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Bardiya National Park is the largest and most undisturbed national park located in the Terai region of Nepal. It was established in 1988 with an area of 968 square kilometers. It starts from the eastern bank of Karnali River and is bisected by Babai River in Bardiya district and at the northern part, the park is bound to the foot of Siwalik. The park is a sanctuary to at least 23 reptiles, over 407 species of birds, and around 53 different mammals and therefore is an excellent destination to spot endangered wildlife species mot importantly Dolphins.

Bardiya National Park protects one of the most unique freshwater Dolphins- Gangetic dolphins. This national park is a home to these intelligent mammals found only in Karnali river of Nepal. They are commonly known as “Susu” due to the particular sound they produce during respiration. Gangetic dolphins seasonally appear in the Karnali River (Longest River in Nepal). Grab this opportunity to spot Dolphins in Nepal with Dolphin watching Nepal tour.

 

Tipping Recommendation

We recommend allocating 10-15% of your total tour cost to tipping guides, drivers, and other hardworking staff who ensure your experience is unforgettable. While tipping is not mandatory, it is a meaningful way to support the seasonal workers who dedicate themselves to making your trip extraordinary.

By booking with us and participating in the tipping culture, you are directly contributing to Nepal’s local economy and helping sustain the tourism workforce. This support is crucial in retaining talent within the country and addressing challenges like brain drain.

Your generosity makes a lasting impact—thank you!

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Itinerary

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Day1
ARRIVAL
accommodation

Meals: Dinner

accommodation

Accommodation: Hotel

Our representative will come to greet and meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport from where you will be escorted to your hotel. We will brief about the itinerary over dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel;
Day2
SIGHTSEEING IN KATHMANDU
accommodation

Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

accommodation

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Kathmandu valley is an ancient city with diverse cultures and traditions. It has significant part in the history of Nepal. Home to 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it has been chosen as a cultural and historical site of study and excursions throughout the history. We’ll observe some of the UNESCO world heritage sites in Kathmandu throughout a day. Overnight stay at hotel;
Day3
FLY TO NEPALGUNJ
accommodation

Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

accommodation

Accommodation: Guesthouse

After breakfast, we’ll take a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. We will go to Thakurdwar which is the main village of Bardiya National Park by enjoying the scenic beauty of the Midwestern region. After arriving at the resort, in the evening we will witness Tharu life and culture throughout the villages around our resort. Overnight stay at the resort;
Day4
JUNGLE SAFARI
accommodation

Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

accommodation

Accommodation: Guesthouse

On this day after breakfast, we will go for the sightseeing around the Karnali river bank to encounter wildlife. After lunch, we will do jungle safari at Bardiya National Park, which is home to some of the rarest and exquisite birds and animals such as Bengal Tiger, One Horned Rhino, etc. then we return back to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel;
Day5
DHOLPHIN WATCHING IN THE RIVER
accommodation

Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner,

accommodation

Accommodation: Guesthouse

On this day after breakfast, we go for boating to watch the amazing River Dolphins of Nepal. The Ganges River Dolphins are very rare aquatic mammals that are only found in some rivers of the South Asia. They are blind and their teeth are visible in both the upper and lower jaws even when the mouth is closed. We will later go to visit the Sonaha community where we will interact with the local people and try to learn something new about the Tharu culture and lifestyle. In the evening we go to see the cultural dance program conducted by Tharu community. Overnight stay at hotel;
Day6
BIRD WATCHING
accommodation

Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

accommodation

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Early in the morning, we go for the bird watching and exploring the surrounding villages. Bardiya National Park area is home to 407 bird species, among them the Bengal florican, white-rumped vulture, peafowl, and bar-headed geese, which are symbolic of the park. Lesser florican and sarus crane are present; Grey-crowned Prinia, jungle Prinia, pale-footed bush warbler, aberrant bush warbler, striated grass bird, golden-headed cisticola and chestnut-capped babbler occur in the park's grasslands. Optional
Day7
Flight BACK TO KATHMANDU
accommodation

Meals: Breakfast,Lunch

accommodation

Accommodation: Hotel

After the amazing exploration of Bardiya National Park, on this day we come back to the Kathmandu leaving the beautiful Terai landscapes and villages. Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Kathmandu;
Day8
DEPARTURE
accommodation

Meals: Breakfast

accommodation

Accommodation:

Depending on your flight time you will be transferred to the airport. The airport check-in is 3 hours prior to the departure time and the hotel checkout time is usually 12 P.M. Our representative will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to the airport.

What's Included

  • Airport transfers with an escort by Private Vehicle.
  • Standard/deluxe rooms in Kathmandu on twin/double sharing with breakfast.
  • Accommodation during the tour.
  • All meals, including breakfast and lunch during the tour.
  • Authorized English-speaking guide.
  • Flight from Kathmandu to Biratnagar.
  • All applicable government tax.
  • All necessary paperwork.
  • All jungle activities in the national park as mentioned in the itinerary.

What's not Included

  • Excess baggage charge(s) for the domestic flight
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Biratnagar because of early arrival, late departure or early return from destination due to any reason other than the scheduled itinerary.
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu.
  • Travel and rescue insurance.
  • Extra ordered food should be paid as per menu.
  • Tips for guide(s) and driver(s).

 

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Tour Map

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Frequently Asked Question

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1. Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon arrival

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Yes, our representative will be there to greet you at the airport. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by a private car/jeep.

2. Is there an Orientation program

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Yes, there is going to be a small orientation/briefing program before we embark on our adventure by the tour manager, leader/guide.

3. What is the overnight accommodation like

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For nights in cities, we use standard/superior standard/deluxe rooms whereas, during the trek we use lodges/tea houses/guesthouses/home stay for our clients, and whatever is available and accessible.

4. How big are the groups

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We believe in operating small intimate group to provide personal attention and services to our guests. Small groups can enjoy the trek hassle free and enjoy the customized trip according to their need and suitability. We do not incorporate more than 14 People in a group, unless we get special requests from our clients.

5. Can I do solo trip

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Nepal is a safe country for anyone who wants to explore on their own although professional guidance is highly recommended by our team for the safety.

6. What is the main purpose of this trip

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The main purpose of this trip is to visit the encounter varieties of wild life and to observe the Gangetic Dolphins which are the endangered species. It is also a perfect destination for tourist to know about the Tharu lifestyle.

7. What about security during trip

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We make sure to take security measures during trip to make your trip delightful. We hire experienced and license holding guides to safeguard your life. We suggest you to follow the guide’s instruction carefully and take responsibility for personal belongings. Always keep your valued belongings near you and lock the door from inside during the night.

8. What sort of food can I expect in trip

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This trip provides wide range of delicious western meals like Pasta, noodles, pizzas, bread, soup etc. Dal Bhat (Rice, Lentils and Vegetables) are great way to gain energy for the strenuous trip.

9. Can we get safe drinking water during this trip

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There are plenty of water stations on each stop on the route. You can easily fill up the bottle from the open taps. We recommend that you bring water purifier tablets with you or at least get it from Kathmandu before you depart for trekking. You can also buy mineral waters but we usually recommend tap water which is pure and it helps us not promoting plastic bottled water.

10. What mode of transportation do you use

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We use a private transportation for sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley and we use domestic airlines to transfer in Nepalgunj from Kathmandu and come back. We do pick up and drop from the starting and ending point of during this trip on car/jeep/minibus depending on the number of group.

11. What is the best season for trip

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October to June is the best season for this trip.

12. Will I be taken care of during emergency

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Before coming to Nepal, make sure that you are covered by insurance for about 5500 meters. In case of emergency like any medical condition ask your tour leader to contact us ASAP so that we can manage vehicle to take you in the hospital for the treatment.

13. What is appropriate dress for Trip

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Weather at this reason is unpredictable, so during monsoon bring a lightweight waterproof jacket and umbrella or if you are doing this trip in winter season then bring warm clothes with you to escape from severe cold.

14. Is it possible to alternate or change the day trips

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We customize the trip according to your preference but if you need to change plan during the trip, consult the guide.

15. Can we get appropriate room before we reach the destination

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We contact the Guesthouse owner for reservation of the room before trip.

16. Are your guides, reliable and certified

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All our guides are license holders from Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Government. They are the most valuable assets of the company. Guides know the route like the back of their hand and use their expertise in ensuring your safety.

17. How can I charge my electronics during the trip

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While trip, you need to pay for charging the electronics upon request to the owner. The best idea always is to bring your own power bank with you. It's easier and cheaper.

18. Can I add extra days to my trip

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If you need extra day to complete the trip, you'll need to inform the guide in advance and the guide will let the company know. Adding a day to trekking can result in many changes in other arrangements such as transportation, guide's schedule, flight details, hotel bookings and all, so we really don't recommend this to our clients unless there's an emergency cases. But it's true that those changes could be made but it will cost extra. The best way to do it is to inform the agent company about it.

19. What immunizations will I need

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Before coming to Nepal makes sure you are covered for diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus. Make sure you are with the healthy health so that you can travel without any complication.

20. How will my booking be processed

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To confirm your booking, a deposit of 15% of total trip amount is required if you are booking at least a year in advance before trip departure date. If booking is made between 100-364 days before the trip departure, you'll need to pay 20% to confirm the trip. If payment is made between 99-60 days, 25% of the total trip amount will need to be paid and if booked between 59-30 days, 50% of the total trip amount needs to be paid and finally, if you are booking 29 days prior to trip departure, then 100% payment should be made. The payments can be easily made by the bank transfer. The due balance is payable on arrival in Kathmandu with cash (preferably USD/EURO) or card on POS/credit card machine. Please note that non refundable fee is 10% or $200 whichever is greater.

21. Can we use the credit card during this trip

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No, you cannot use the credit card during the trip. You have to withdraw the money before you start the trip. You can use credit card only in Kathmandu.

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Company Reviews

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8 Days starting from $1705

$ 1705 PP

We Offer Group Discounts

No. of Person
Discount (%)
3 - 5PAX
5%
6 - 14PAX
10%
Price Customization
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