Is Chitwan worth adding to a Nepal itinerary?
Chitwan is worth adding if you want Nepal to include lowland wildlife and a slower jungle rhythm. It is less convincing when squeezed in between trekking logistics just to make the route look complete.
Answer
Chitwan gives Nepal a different register: flat heat, river edges, forest, wildlife watching and a much slower lowland pace. That contrast can be excellent after city time or before leaving the country, especially if you are interested in nature beyond mountains. But it is not a neutral add-on. Getting there takes time, conditions vary by season, and the quality of the experience depends heavily on how you approach wildlife and operators. Add Chitwan because you want that lowland chapter, not because your itinerary feels guilty about being only mountains and Kathmandu. In a short trip, one extra recovery day may beat a rushed safari detour.