Karnali Lodge

Rustic & remote
Nepal
Everything we do is custom made by real Asia experts...

This is an ideal retreat for combining wildlife watching with time out in Nepal’s singular wilderness.

Surrounded by the wild landscape of Bardia National Park, close to the border with India, Karnali Lodge is a peaceful pocket of understated luxury in a remote and unspoilt area. Run by the Tiger Tops conservation initiative, and sister property to Tharu Lodge in Chitwan, Karnali Lodge has an impressive commitment to eco sustainability, as well as being part of a larger project to protect and monitor Nepal’s wildlife.

The guest accommodation offers several traditionally built rooms, and a handful of higher-spec rooms with en suite facilities and private balconies, all created using local materials. Natural light gently illuminates each space, filtering through the surrounding trees and tall windows.

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With every detail finely tuned by our Asia Specialists.

Location & Highlights

In the heart of one of the world’s best tiger-spotting locations, Bardia National Park in western Nepal, this lodge is off the tourist trail. The nearest airport is Nepalgunj, about 1 hour and 45 minutes drive away.
  • Jeep & river safaris
  • Wildlife walks
  • Bird-watching & community visits
  • Cosy garden & firepit
a room with a couch and tables

Why we love it

“Karnali Lodge is truly off the beaten track, as cliché as that sounds. The sensational safaris, fresh food and homely welcome are well worth the journey.”

Closer to nature

Veranda with green trees at Karnali Lodge

Tune into the sounds of the jungle, turn off the tech (No TV’s here!) and sip a cocktail around the atmospheric fire pit. Travelling can be hectic, so taking time away from the tourist trail by getting back to nature is the ideal way to slow down the pace. Relax and exchange stories with like-minded travellers gathered around the flickering fire – the perfect spot.

Veranda with green trees at Karnali Lodge

Jeep safaris

Couple at sunset with jeep

Jump into a vintage, open-top jeep and head out on safari to spot some of Nepal’s most impressive wildlife. With you every step of the way, guiding you through the wilderness with interesting facts and tales of the jungle, the expert naturalists are full of passion and knowledge. Scan the treeline for a glimpse of a Bengal tiger, or perhaps a leopard lazing in the shadows…

Couple at sunset with jeep

What can you do there?

Couple sat at fire pit at night at Karnali Lodge

Take jeep safaris into the park, or explore on foot accompanied by experienced guides who can help you spot leopards, elephants, birds and even tigers. Cruise down the Karnali River to find wildlife on the water – you might catch sight of a crocodile or two. Back at the lodge, enjoy candlelit dinners, wander through secluded gardens, curl up in a cosy corner with a good book and keep warm around the firepit as you do a little stargazing.

Couple sat at fire pit at night at Karnali Lodge
Relaxed evenings at Karnali Lodge
Relaxed evenings at Karnali Lodge
Candlelit path at Karnali Lodge
Candlelit path at Karnali Lodge
Double bedroom with balcony at Karnali Lodge
Double bedroom at Karnali Lodge
Exterior of Karnali Lodge
Karnali Lodge
Decorative gardens at Karnali Lodge
Decorative gardens at Karnali Lodge
Restaurant at Karnali Lodge
Restaurant at Karnali Lodge

Brilliant! Selective Asia covered every detail.

Travel, hotels, guides, and excursions all flawlessly executed. Selective Asia listened to our requirements and worked with us to refine a great holiday.

Tim Goodman, Thailand

Holiday of a lifetime

The planning of the holiday and the ongoing support was excellent. The organisation on the ground when we got there was perfect and the local guides were knowledgeable and very personable. We would definitely go with Selective Asia again.

Gillian Baker, Komodo & Borneo

Selective Asia is more than a booking agency...

When a museum sent its exhibits overseas on tour, they learned about this before our departure and steered another to another site. When a hotel that we had booked scheduled a noisy wedding for the period of our occupancy, they were able to identify a fantastic hotel without noise before our arrival. I am not sure that any other tour operator would provide such detail in follow up, even after the tour was booked and paid for.

David Kosh, Vietnam

Our trip was outstanding...

We had had several discussions with Andrew before booking the trip and he incorporated all the activities we were interested in, plus recommending other activities that he knew we would be interested in. The whole trip was seamless and managed at a thoroughly professional yet friendly level. I would travel with this company again.

Heather, Japan

A great trip

We had an excellent holiday with an itinerary carefully arranged by Dave to suit our preferences. This is the third time we've travelled with Selective Asia and we will happily do so again in the future. We like the fact that they are a small company, passionate about what they do and committed to responsible travel.

Sarah Wilkie, Sri Lanka

A magical trip

Great planning and organisation, coupled with an amazing experience with the local guide and driver. Everything about the holiday was magical.

Inspiring experiences and places to stay

Lean into the details of your bespoke Asia trip to discover rare experiences, exceptional hotels, local connections, inspiring conservation and much more…

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With every detail finely tuned by our Asia Specialists.

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