Why self-drive Chitwan?
Most people reach Chitwan by tourist bus, which means leaving at 7 am and arriving 6 hours later. By self-drive you can leave Friday after work, stop for dinner at Mugling, and reach your resort by 10 pm — saving your Saturday morning for the jungle.
The drive
Kathmandu to Sauraha (the main tourist hub near Chitwan National Park) is 150 km via Prithvi Highway to Mugling, then south on the BP Highway through Narayangarh. Expect 4.5–5.5 hours. The last 20 km from Narayangarh is excellent road.
48-hour itinerary
A tight but satisfying weekend:
- Friday evening — drive down, check in, riverside dinner
- Saturday 6 am — jeep safari into the national park (book through your resort)
- Saturday afternoon — elephant bathing, tharu cultural show
- Sunday 6 am — canoe ride and bird walk
- Sunday 10 am — drive back to Kathmandu
Where to stay
Book a resort inside the buffer zone for immediate park access. Barahi Jungle Lodge and Jungle Villa Resort are mid-range options with river views. Avoid budget guesthouses on the far side of Sauraha — the walk to the park is tedious.
Priya Gurung
Travel Editor
Writes about self-drive travel, vehicle reviews, and Nepal road conditions for Book Now Nepal.
