But one question often comes to mind when planning a trip: How do you reach Bardia National Park?
The good news is that Bardia can be reached by both road and air. You can travel by bus, private vehicle, or take a flight to Nepalgunj and continue by road. The best option depends on your budget, travel time, and where you are starting your journey.
Here is a simple guide to help you plan your trip to Bardia.
Where Is Bardia National Park?
Bardia National Park is located in Bardiya District in western Nepal. The main tourist area is around Thakurdwara, which is also the headquarters of the national park.
Nepal Tourism Board states that Bardia is around 95 km from Nepalgunj and takes about two hours by road from Nepalgunj. From Kathmandu, the distance is around 516 km by road.
Thakurdwara is an important place to remember when planning your trip because many hotels, homestays, restaurants, guides, and safari services are located around this area.
How to Reach Bardia from Kathmandu
If you are traveling from Kathmandu, you have two main choices:
- Travel by bus or private vehicle.
- Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and continue by road.
1. Kathmandu to Bardia by Bus
Taking a bus is one of the most affordable ways to reach Bardia National Park.
Buses from Kathmandu travel west along the highway toward western Nepal. Depending on the bus and route, you can get off at Ambassa or travel toward Thakurdwara.
The road journey can take around 14 to 17 hours depending on road conditions, traffic, and the exact destination.
If your bus stops at Ambassa, you can take a local vehicle such as a jeep, auto-rickshaw, or other local transport to Thakurdwara.
Tip: If you are staying at a homestay or hotel in Bardia, contact your accommodation before leaving Kathmandu. They may be able to guide you about the best place to get off the bus and arrange local transport.
2. Kathmandu to Bardia by Flight
If you have limited time, flying is a much easier option.
You can take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj Airport. The flight takes about one hour. From Nepalgunj, Bardia National Park is around three hours away by road.
After arriving at Nepalgunj Airport, you can continue to Bardia by:
- Private car
- Jeep
- Tourist vehicle
- Public bus
For travelers who want to save time, a private vehicle is usually the more comfortable choice.
The complete journey is much shorter than taking a bus from Kathmandu, making this a good option for travelers with a short Nepal itinerary.
How to Reach Bardia from Nepalgunj
Nepalgunj is one of the most important gateways to Bardia National Park.
After arriving in Nepalgunj, you can travel toward Ambassa and Thakurdwara by road.
The journey from Nepalgunj to Bardia takes around two hours, although the actual travel time can change depending on road conditions and traffic.
You can choose between a public bus, jeep, or private vehicle.
If you are staying at Bardia Eco-Friendly Homestay, it is a good idea to contact the homestay before your arrival. This can make your transfer easier, especially if you are visiting Bardia for the first time.
How to Reach Bardia from Pokhara
Pokhara is another popular starting point for travelers visiting Bardia.
You can travel from Pokhara to Bardia by road. Buses heading toward western Nepal pass through the area around Ambassa.
The journey from Pokhara can take around 12 hours or more depending on the route and road conditions.
For travelers who have enough time, the road journey can be an interesting part of the trip. You will see different landscapes as you move from the hills toward the flat Terai region of Nepal.
If you prefer more comfort, you can also consider traveling by private vehicle.
How to Reach Bardia from Lumbini
If you are visiting Lumbini before Bardia, you can continue your journey west by road.
A private vehicle from Lumbini to the Bardia area can take several hours. The exact time depends on the road condition, traffic, and your final destination in Bardia.
Many travelers combine Lumbini and Bardia because they offer very different experiences. Lumbini is famous as the birthplace of Buddha, while Bardia offers forests, wildlife, rivers, and Tharu culture.
How to Reach Bardia from Butwal
Butwal is another useful stop if you are traveling through western Nepal.
From Butwal, you can take a bus heading toward Dhangadhi or Mahendranagar and get off around Ambassa. From Ambassa, you can continue toward Thakurdwara by local transport.
The road journey from Butwal to the Bardia area can take several hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
If you are planning to visit Bardia from Butwal, check the bus route before traveling because schedules and stopping points can change.
Ambassa to Thakurdwara
Ambassa is an important point for travelers arriving by road.
If your bus drops you at Ambassa, you still need to continue toward Thakurdwara, where many accommodations and tourism services are located.
The road from Ambassa to Thakurdwara is around 13–15 km. The journey usually takes less than an hour, depending on the vehicle and road conditions.
You can continue by:
- Jeep
- Auto-rickshaw
- Local vehicle
- Private car
- Motorcycle
If you have already booked accommodation, ask your hotel or homestay whether they can help arrange your pickup.
Which Is the Best Way to Reach Bardia?
The best way depends on your travel style.
If you are on a budget:
Take a bus from Kathmandu or Pokhara. It costs less but takes more time.
If you want to save time:
Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and travel by road to Bardia.
If you want comfort:
Hire a private car or jeep from Nepalgunj.
If you are traveling with friends or family:
A private vehicle can be a convenient choice because you can travel together and stop along the way.
Is Bardia Difficult to Reach?
No. Bardia is not difficult to reach, but it is farther from Kathmandu than some of Nepal's more popular tourist destinations.
The journey is actually part of the experience. As you travel toward western Nepal, the landscape changes from hills and mountain areas to the flat Terai plains.
Once you arrive around Thakurdwara, you are close to the national park and its wildlife experiences.
Why Visit Bardia National Park?
Bardia is a great destination for travelers who want a quieter wildlife experience.
The national park is home to many species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Nepal Tourism Board highlights wildlife such as the Royal Bengal tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, wild elephants, swamp deer, blackbuck, crocodiles, and Gangetic dolphins.
Visitors can enjoy activities such as:
- Jungle safari
- Walking safari
- Bird watching
- Jeep safari
- Nature walks
- River activities
- Village walks
- Tharu cultural experiences
At Bardia Eco-Friendly Homestay, guests can also experience the area through walking safari and enjoy a stay close to the national park.
Stay Near Bardia National Park
After a long journey, staying close to the park makes your Bardia experience easier and more enjoyable.
Bardia Eco-Friendly Homestay is located on the edge of Bardia National Park and offers travelers a homely place to stay while exploring the wildlife and local environment.
Instead of simply visiting Bardia for a few hours, staying locally gives you more time to experience the forest, wildlife, food, and local culture.
You can explore the accommodation, activities, and available packages before your trip.
Final Tips for Traveling to Bardia
Before starting your journey, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Check your bus or flight schedule before traveling.
- Confirm your accommodation in advance.
- Ask your hotel or homestay about pickup options.
- Carry enough drinking water for a long road journey.
- Keep some cash with you for local transportation.
- Roads and travel times can change because of weather and road conditions.
- If you are traveling by bus, confirm whether it stops at Ambassa or Thakurdwara.
- If you fly to Nepalgunj, arrange your onward transport before arriving when possible.
Plan Your Journey to Bardia
Bardia may take a little more time to reach than some other tourist destinations in Nepal, but the journey is worth it for travelers who love nature and wildlife.
Whether you choose a bus from Kathmandu, a road trip from Pokhara, or a flight to Nepalgunj followed by a drive to Thakurdwara, reaching Bardia is straightforward with a little planning.
Once you arrive, the real adventure begins.
Ready to explore Bardia National Park? Stay close to the jungle at Bardia Eco-Friendly Homestay and experience the natural beauty of western Nepal.
Looking for the best way to reach Bardia or need help with transportation? Contact Bardia Eco-Friendly Homestay for travel guidance, pickup options, and information about reaching Thakurdwara.
Contact us to plan your journey to Bardia and make your trip easy and comfortable.
