Sightseeing · Chitwan
Visiting Bishazari Tal (Twenty Thousand Lakes)
How to walk the Twenty Thousand Lakes wetland near Chitwan: timing, watchtower, birds and access.
How to visit Bishazari Tal
To visit Bishazari Tal — the "Twenty Thousand Lakes" — plan a guided half-day from Sauraha or Bharatpur, ideally at first light. You'll walk forest-fringed trails between glassy oxbow ponds, climb a watchtower to scan the reeds, and look for waterbirds, crocodiles and basking turtles. It is the calmest, most contemplative corner of the Chitwan area, and a perfect counterpoint to the noise of a jeep safari. For the place itself and its Ramsar status, see our Bishazari Tal overview; this guide is about the practicalities of going.
What the wetland is
The name reflects the maze of interconnected oxbow lakes and channels left behind as old river courses meandered and shifted across the Terai floodplain. Lying in the buffer zone of Chitwan National Park, it is a Ramsar-listed wetland of international importance, sheltering hundreds of bird species, marsh mugger crocodiles, turtles and, in the surrounding sal forest, deer and other mammals.
When to go
Aim for the cool, dry season from October to March, when the weather is comfortable and migratory ducks and waders swell the resident bird population. Early morning is ideal: the water is mirror-still, the light is soft, and birds and animals are at their most active. Avoid the monsoon (June to September), when paths flood and humidity is high. Time your wider trip with the best time to visit Nepal.
Getting there
Bishazari Tal sits between Bharatpur and the park, about a 30 to 45 minute drive from Sauraha. You can arrange a jeep through your lodge, or make a half-day of it on two wheels with a Chitwan cycling tour. A licensed guide is required for the buffer-zone trails and watchtower, and is well worth it for finding and identifying wildlife.
What you'll see
This is one of the best birdwatching in Chitwan sites: egrets, herons, storks, kingfishers, eagles and, in winter, flocks of migratory ducks. Crocodiles and turtles bask along the banks, and the forest edge holds deer and the occasional rhino. It is a slower experience than a safari, best for photographers, birders and anyone craving quiet.
Tips
- Bring binoculars and a long lens — many sightings are across water or high in trees.
- Wear neutral colours and move quietly to avoid spooking birds.
- Carry water, sun protection and insect repellent.
- Pair it with a community-forest walk for a full nature day.
Bishazari Tal is a highlight of our Chitwan beyond the safari collection and a must for anyone interested in Nepal's national parks and wildlife. Plan the rest of your trip from the Chitwan travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bishazari Tal?+
Bishazari Tal, the Twenty Thousand Lakes, is a Ramsar-listed system of oxbow lakes and wetland channels in the buffer zone of Chitwan National Park, near Bharatpur. It is one of the quietest, most rewarding nature spots in the Chitwan area.
Do I need a guide to walk Bishazari Tal?+
Yes. Bishazari Tal sits inside the park's buffer-zone forest, so a licensed guide is required for walking the trails and using the watchtower. A guide also greatly improves your chances of spotting birds and wildlife.
How do I get to Bishazari Tal from Sauraha?+
It lies between Bharatpur and the park, roughly a 30 to 45 minute drive from Sauraha, or a longer, scenic cycle ride. Many visitors come on a guided half-day trip combining the wetland with birdwatching.
When is the best time to visit?+
October to March is best, with cool, dry weather and large numbers of resident and migratory birds. Early morning brings the calmest water and the most active wildlife.
