On the edge of Chitwan National Park, Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge is the original of Nepal’s wildlife lodges and remains one of its most quietly distinctive.
Tiger Tops has been pioneering sustainable wildlife tourism in Nepal since 1964, and Tharu Lodge carries that heritage with very little fuss. The 12 rooms are built in traditional Tharu longhouse style with locally sourced materials, and the property also has nine safari tents in the surrounding grounds for guests who want a closer connection to the forest. The resident herd of 12 Asiatic elephants is the heart of one of the country’s most thoughtful elephant programmes; guests can walk with them through the jungle, accompany them to the Narayani river at dusk, or simply spend time observing the herd alongside their mahouts. Safaris go out in beautifully restored open-top Land Rovers, and evenings are spent around the bonfire under a remarkable night sky.
What we love
- The elephant programme here is genuinely groundbreaking; ethical, immersive and unlike anything else in Nepal
- We love the bonfire evenings and the al fresco lunches under the mango tree; the garden is a destination in itself
- The vintage open-top Land Rovers and the experienced naturalists give every safari real substance
- Tiger Tops has been pioneering responsible wildlife tourism in Nepal since 1964, and that depth of experience shows throughout the stay
The lodge sits on the edge of Chitwan rather than within the park itself, with the elephant programme as its main draw; guests focused primarily on tiger tracking may prefer Karnali Lodge in BardiaRooms are spacious and well finished but rustic by design, with no air conditioning, televisions or minibars; this suits the ethos of the place but is worth knowing at the price point
What our travellers say
Stuart (March 2025) United Kingdom
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