Kathmandu to Sauraha is a trendy tour or trekking destination for locals and foreigners. This tour is especially for those interested in wildlife exploration and wanting to get close to Nepal’s rare floras and faunas. Kathmandu is Nepal’s capital and the primary hub for tourists. The tourists that visit the country first land here and stay in the hotel. Then, they have several choices for trekking and touring. One of the most scenic drives is from Kathmandu to Chitwan and Sauraha, where you can experience the region’s magnificent wildlife.
Sauraha is a famous village in the Chitwan district and the Ratnanagar Municipality. It is located in the Chitwan Valley of Bagmati Province. Sauraha village is also the eastern gateway of the massive Chitwan National Park. The local villagers of Sauraha have played a huge part in saving the grasslands and Terai Dhar Savannah ecoregion. So, in this blog, we will check out the modes of transportation from Kathmandu to Sauraha. Furthermore, we will also explain the accommodation services you will get and the cultural experience you will experience during your tour of Sauraha.
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Transportation options For Kathmandu To Sauraha
Recently, travel from Kathmandu to Chitwan to reach Sauraha has become common. Some transportation options are available for tourists visiting the majestic village of Sauraha. Among the transportation options, you can choose from public buses, private sofa buses, tourist buses, cars, jeeps, and shared jeeps. So let’s get into it.
Bus
The bus is the most common and popular mode of transport from Kathmandu to Sauraha. They are notably cheaper than other modes of transportation like cars, jeeps, and others. There are a few types of buses that you can use for your transportation, like tourist buses, public buses, private sofa buses, etc.
You can get your Kathmandu to Chitwan Bus ticket from any bus stop or online. If you want to board the public bus, you don’t have to book online and can get from any bus station. The public bus ticket price is also relatively cheap at around $9 to $10 per person. However, remember that sometimes the bus will be full of passengers with all the chatter of them talking throughout the journey. You may even have to stand throughout your drive to Sauraha.
Another option is the Kathmandu to Chitwan tourist bus, which will give you more privacy and comfort than the public bus. The tourist bus from Kathmandu to Chitwan generally departs around 7 AM from Sorakhatte or any dedicated bus stop that would be mentioned to you previously. The tourist bus is a bit more expensive than the public bus, costing around $15 to $20 per person.
If you don’t want a tourist bus but want some privacy, you can book a night or day deluxe bus service. They are also referred to as Sofa buses, where the seats are sofas, making you comfortable throughout your journey. A Sofa bus is also generally cheaper at $10 per person.
Car
Apart from buses, cars are also another mode of transportation in Nepal. It is the quickest method of reaching Sauraha other than flight but is more expensive than all kinds of bus transport.
You can take a private taxi from Kathmandu to Sauraha. This option is more comfortable and convenient than local buses, which makes it great for families and medium-sized groups. Hiring a taxi gives you a more personalized experience, control your schedule, and make stops.
Although it’s more expensive than taking a local bus, the added comfort and convenience make it worth the extra cost. A car is a good choice for small to medium-sized groups as it can accommodate up to four passengers.
Private car hire options
The private car hire option is the best if you want to drive a car from Kathmandu to Sauraha. Several private car companies will provide you with private car hire services. You can either book a private car with or without a driver. If you don’t have a driver’s license, you can book a private car hire with the driver to make it easy and safe for you to travel from Kathmandu to Sauraha.
Some popular companies provide private car hire services like Sajilo Rental Mountain Vehicle Nepal. These rental services are among Nepal’s most coveted private car rentals. They provide different types of vehicle options for rentals or tours. Private car rentals have become very popular for local tourists with small to medium-sized families. You can hire a small car like a Sedan or a medium-sized vehicle like a Tata Sumos.
The price of hiring a private car ranges from NPR 4500 to 8500, i.e., approximately $450 to $850, based on factors like a car, the place you are visiting, the number of itinerary days, and the number of passengers traveling. Despite being relatively more expensive than bus transportation, the private car will provide flexibility and independence during your tour.
You can stop at any point for lunch or to click photos during your road trip. Along the way, you will find several places of attraction to stop, explore, click pictures, and keep them in your memory for a lifetime.
Cost of transportation
Sauraha is famous for its Chitwan jungle safari, which is why many people from Kathmandu book their trips to this magnificent village. As we have mentioned above, you have a few modes of transportation: public bus, tourist bus, deluxe bus, private taxi, shared taxi, private jeep, shared jeep, and private car hire. You have to keep in mind these modes of transportation have different prices—the comfort and privacy of the vehicles are directly related to the cost.
For example, private car hire costs around $800, more expensive than a shared car or jeep at around $450. Other than private and shared cars and jeeps, you also have the option to choose from public buses, deluxe buses, and tourist buses. The public bus is the cheapest mode of transport at around $7, whereas the deluxe bus is a bit more expensive at $11 to $13 per person. Lastly, the tourist bus is a bit more comfortable than the public bus, but you won’t have the flexibility of stopping the bus where you like. A tourist bus per person costs around $20 to $25.
Accommodation in Sauraha
Recently, Sauraha has become an important attraction for local and forest tourists. Since it is one of the gateways of the Chitwan National Park, many tourists visit the village to enjoy the multi-day adventure of wildlife sightseeing and cultural immersion. Sauraha had established some options for the guests to stay for their accommodation purposes. These accommodations are based on the cost, budget, and luxury that you won’t be able to experience.
Luxury Resorts: Luxury Resorts are for tourists who don’t mind spending money. They are looking for luxury services and are in the village for a good time. Some luxury resorts are Barahai Jungle Lodge, Green Park Chitwan, Green Mansions Jungle Resorts etc. The cost of these luxury resorts is from $70 to $250 per night.
Budget-friendly hotels: On the other hand, if you are curious about your expenses and want a budget hotel without much luxury, plenty are available in Sauraha. Some of the most-rated budget hotels are Tharu Garden, Happy Lemon Tree Hotel, Hotel Rhino Land, etc. They only cost about $9 to $10 per night.
Cultural experiences in Sauraha
Often, foreign tourists mistake Sauraha for the land of only wildlife exploration; however, there is much more. You will also find unique cultures and traditions and have the chance to see rare and endangered wildlife. Here are some activities to get cultural experiences in Sauraha.
Tharu Villages
Tharu Villages are very popular and are a common attraction in Sauraha. Tharu Village is the perfect place where the culture meets wildlife. The village is traditional without the massive hint of Western influence; however, it has been developed considerably over the years to attract tourists.
Tharu Homestay
If you have visited Tharu villages, why not consider staying at one of the Tharu Homestays? You will meet the local Tharu people who have lived there for a long time and are helping preserve the culture and tradition. Moreover, you can also taste delicious local cuisines like Dhindo, Pakuwa, Bhakka, and others.
Cultural Dances
During certain times of the year, Tharu people celebrate festivals; during those festivals, they get involved in cultural performances and dances. You can watch, enjoy, or even learn from the locals and perform their cultural programs.
Conclusion
Hence, Kathmandu to Sauraha is one of the best scenic drives, eventually taking you to the Chitwan National Park. You have several modes of transportation, from public buses to private hire cars.
So, if you are looking for a fantastic day out in Nepal, then the Sauraha tour is for you to experience. We hope our blog gives you all the details on transportation and the accommodation services you will get in the village.
FAQs
What is the time the VIP sofa Sauraha bus departs from Kathmandu?
Usually, the VIP sofa bus from Kathmandu to Sauraha departs at 7 Am. You can either board the bus from Ratnapark or Sorakhutte, which you can make sure of before the date of travel.
How much does it take to reach Chitwan from Kathmandu via car?
The distance from Kathmandu to Chitwan is 181 km, which means it will take 2 hours and 30 minutes by car. On the other hand, if you board a bus, it will take more than five hours.
How much is the bus fare from Kathmandu to Chitwan?
The bus fare from Kathmandu to Chitwan is based on your bus type. For a public bus, it might cost about $7, and for a deluxe bus, it might cost about $10.
What is the area of Chitwan National Park?
The Chitwan National Park covers an area of 952.63 km2 and spreads across four districts: Makwanpur, Nawalpur, Parsa, and Chitwan. Chitwan National Park was established in Royal Chitwan National Park.
Are Sauraha and Chitwan National Park the same?
No, Sauraha is a village in the buffer zone bordering Chitwan National Park, one of Nepal’s largest national parks.
