Our Story
Meet The Team
At Bardiya Nature Lodge, our people are at the core of everything we do. Our team is made up of local guides, hosts, and support staff who have grown up alongside the forests, rivers, and wildlife of Bardiya. Their deep-rooted connection to this land allows them to offer more than just service—it allows them to share stories, traditions, and lived experiences that bring the destination to life.
Our naturalists and guides possess an intimate understanding of the region’s wildlife, landscapes, and rhythms of nature. Whether it’s tracking wildlife in the national park, explaining the behavior of birds, or sharing insights into Tharu culture and history, they ensure every experience is thoughtful, respectful, and enriching. Their knowledge comes not only from training, but from generations of learning passed down through the community.
Equally important are our hosts, who welcome every guest with warmth and care, making the lodge feel like a home rather than a hotel. From small conversations to attentive details, our team takes pride in creating a space where guests feel comfortable, connected, and truly present. Together, they make each stay at Bardiya Nature Lodge authentic, meaningful, and memorable.
The BNL Family
We practice regenerative tourism by investing in local people. Our team is drawn from neighbouring villages and is strongly focused on inclusive employment, creating opportunities for growth, dignity, and community-led development. Meet the hardworking BNL Team.
Laxman Tharu
Laxman has worked as a naturalist and guide for more than a decade now. He completed his nature guide training in 1999 and has since worked at various hotels in Thakurdwara. He has a keen interest in birdwatching and keeps track of all the local and migratory birds found in Bardiya.
Janga Bahadur
Janga Bahadur has been working in the kitchen for more than 20 years in many hotels in Thakurdwara and is also a farmer. He believes in working as a family and brings authentic dishes from BNL.
Lilu Tharu
Lilu has worked with us from day one, since the construction phase. Born and brought up in this locality, Lilu knows Bardiya like no one else. He supports his wife and a young son and is the true caretaker of BNL, since he is one of the very hands who helped create the place.
Apsara Thakuri
Apsara is a mother to her two-and-a-half-year-old daughter. Living with her mother, she is the sole breadwinner for her family. Before this, she had held part-time jobs in construction and other fields.
Karuna Tharu
Karuna is from another small Tharu village, a little farther from our site across the Karnali River. She believes women should also get opportunities to grow, earn, and choose their own path. She wants to break traditional norms and pave her own path by pursuing a professional career first, and break what her traditional life would be as a wife.
Rupa Chaudary
Rupa has had some prior experience working in restaurants. She travelled to Syangja to work with her family and now has returned home in hopes of finding a job in her hometown. She, along with her sister, is the breadwinner of her family.
Lure
Meet Lure (meaning, skinny/thin for males). Lure suddenly appeared at BNL. He was the tiniest and thinnest puppy, so they named him Lure. Ever since, he’s been part of our team and is very well known not only at BNL but also in the surrounding houses as the naughtiest member, who steals neighbors’ shoes and clothes.
Luri
Meet Luri (meaning, thin for female). Luri was brought to BNL from a surrounding village as a tiny puppy. She is the second member of our team and has lived with our construction crew ever since she was brought here. She recently had an accident that left her with half a leg, but she has recovered and had her first litter of puppies.
Dallu
Meet our newest member, Dallu (meaning “round”). He was the roundest puppy in his litter. Dallu is Luri’s son.
From local guides to friendly hosts, our team ensures every guest feels at home. With deep knowledge of wildlife and culture, they make your stay authentic and memorable.