Wildlife Safari Heli Tour

Wildlife Safari & Helicopter Tour in Nepal's National Parks

Experience Nepal's untamed wilderness like never before — soaring above ancient sal forests, river floodplains, and lush terai grasslands aboard a private helicopter, then descending into the heart of some of Asia's most celebrated national parks for an unforgettable ground safari.

Himalayan Helicopter brings you the ultimate combination of aerial discovery and wildlife adventure, designed for travelers who want more than the ordinary.

Why Choose a Wildlife Safari & Heli Tour?

Nepal is not just about mountains. Its lowland national parks are home to an extraordinary array of wildlife — Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, wild elephants, gharial crocodiles, and over 600 species of birds. A helicopter tour unlocks perspectives no road or trail can offer, giving you sweeping panoramic views of the terai ecosystem before your safari guide takes you deep into the jungle on foot, by jeep, or atop an elephant.

Destinations

Chitwan National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Nepal's first national park, Chitwan sprawls across the floodplains of the Rapti and Narayani rivers in the southern lowlands. Arrive by helicopter and skip the long overland journey — within minutes of landing, you are immersed in one of the most biodiverse habitats in South Asia.

Wildlife you may encounter:

• One-horned Asian rhinoceros
• Royal Bengal tiger
• Gharial and marsh mugger crocodiles
• Sloth bears, leopards, and wild boar
• Asian elephants
• Gangetic river dolphins
• Over 650 bird species including the giant hornbill and Bengal florican

Safari activities available:

• Jeep safari through core jungle zones
• Elephant-back safari at dawn
• Dugout canoe ride along the Rapti River
• Jungle walk with a naturalist guide
• Bird watching tours

Bardia National Park

Wilder, quieter, and less visited than Chitwan, Bardia in the far-western terai is Nepal's largest national park and a sanctuary for those seeking a more remote experience. With a helicopter, reaching Bardia — which can take over 10 hours by road — becomes a swift and scenic journey from Kathmandu.

Bardia is considered the best place in Nepal, and one of the best in the world, to spot the elusive Royal Bengal tiger in the wild. The park is also home to a thriving population of one-horned rhinos, Gangetic dolphins in the Karnali River, and one of Nepal's most pristine river ecosystems.

Wildlife you may encounter:

• Royal Bengal tiger
• One-horned Asian rhinoceros
• Wild elephants and Hispid hare
• Swamp deer (barasingha)
• Gangetic river dolphins
• Pythons, monitor lizards, and four-horned antelope

Safari activities available:

• Jeep and walking safaris
• River rafting and boat safaris on the Karnali
• Community wildlife tours
• Night safari (where permitted)

The Helicopter Advantage

Flying with Himalayan Helicopter means you arrive rested, refreshed, and ready to explore — not exhausted from a long road journey. Our helicopter tours offer:

• Aerial wildlife spotting — scan the canopy and riverbeds from above before your ground safari begins
• Scenic mountain and terai views — on clear days, see the Himalayan peaks above and the vast green terai below in a single flight
• Flexible scheduling — depart and return on your own timeline
• Direct access to remote zones — reach deep-jungle lodges and remote park entry points unreachable by road
• Comfort and safety — fly aboard modern, well-maintained helicopters operated by licensed pilots with extensive Nepal experience

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 — Kathmandu to Chitwan / Bardia by Helicopter
Depart from Kathmandu in the morning. Enjoy a scenic low-altitude flight over Nepal's terai plains. Upon arrival, check in to your jungle lodge and attend a park briefing. Afternoon jeep safari.

Day 2 — Full Day Wildlife Safari
Early morning elephant or jeep safari at dawn — the best time for wildlife sightings. Return for breakfast, rest, and an afternoon canoe or walking safari. Evening campfire with naturalist storytelling.

Day 3 — Morning Safari and Return Flight
One final morning safari before your helicopter pick-up and scenic return flight to Kathmandu.

Custom itineraries of 1 to 5 days are available on request.

Best Time to Visit

The best seasons for a wildlife safari in Nepal's national parks are:

• October to February — Cool, dry weather with excellent visibility and active wildlife near water sources
• March to May — Warm and dry; grasses are shorter after the winter, making it easier to spot animals
• Avoid June to September — The monsoon season brings heavy rains and many parks close portions of their safari zones