Kathmandu · Nagarkot · Pokhara · Chitwan National Park
The best-rounded route for a first visit to Nepal - the ancient temples and palaces of the Kathmandu Valley, Himalayan panoramas from Nagarkot and Pokhara, and a wildlife safari in the jungles of Chitwan. Paced comfortably for travellers of all ages, with no technical trekking at any point.
This itinerary combines the three things most first-time visitors come to Nepal for: the UNESCO-listed heritage of the Kathmandu Valley, close mountain views without a multi-day trek, and a genuine jungle safari in the lowlands. It starts and ends at Tribhuvan International Airport, suits solo travellers, couples and families alike, and can be shortened or extended to fit the time you have.
| Day | Route | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Arrive Kathmandu | Airport pickup, afternoon at leisure, welcome dinner | Kathmandu |
| 02 | Kathmandu | Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Kathmandu Durbar Square | Kathmandu |
| 03 | Kathmandu Valley | Swayambhunath, Patan Durbar Square & Museum | Kathmandu |
| 04 | → Nagarkot | Hill station drive, nature walk, sunset over the range | Nagarkot |
| 05 | → Pokhara | Himalayan sunrise, Prithvi Highway drive or 25-min flight | Pokhara |
| 06 | Pokhara | Phewa Lake, Davis Falls, World Peace Pagoda | Pokhara |
| 07 | → Chitwan | Sarangkot sunrise, transfer south, Tharu village walk | Chitwan |
| 08 | Chitwan | Jungle safari, Rapti River canoe, Tharu dance show | Chitwan |
| 09 | → Kathmandu | Return by road or air, souvenir shopping in Thamel | Kathmandu |
| 10 | Departure | Final breakfast and airport transfer | — |
Land at Tribhuvan International Airport, where a representative meets you and transfers you to your hotel. The day is yours to recover from the flight and adjust. In the evening, a welcome dinner of traditional Nepali thali, often with a folk dance performance.
A full day through Kathmandu's spiritual and historic core. Begin at Pashupatinath, one of the holiest Hindu sites, dedicated to Lord Shiva on the banks of the Bagmati. Continue to Boudhanath, among the largest stupas in the world and the heart of the Tibetan Buddhist community, where you can walk the kora circuit. Finish at Kathmandu Durbar Square, the royal palace complex of carved temples and courtyards.
Visit Swayambhunath - the Monkey Temple - on its hilltop above the city, with panoramic views over the whole Kathmandu Valley. In the afternoon, cross the Bagmati to Patan, renowned for its Newari craftsmanship, for Patan Durbar Square and the Patan Museum.
Leave the city for the hill station of Nagarkot, famed for one of the finest Himalayan panoramas in the valley - views toward Langtang and, on clear days, Everest. Check into a hillside resort and spend the late afternoon walking through pine forest and terraced farmland before the sunset turns the mountains gold.
An early start for sunrise over the Himalayas from the Nagarkot viewing tower. After breakfast, travel to Pokhara, Nepal's lakeside town and the gateway to the Annapurna region. If time is short, a 25-minute domestic flight replaces the drive. The evening is free by the lake.
A full day among Pokhara's lakes and waterfalls. Row a wooden boat across Phewa Lake to Tal Barahi Temple, visit the thundering Davis Falls and the Gupteshwor Cave beside it, and climb - or drive - to the World Peace Pagoda for uninterrupted views of the Annapurna range reflected in the water below.
An early drive up to Sarangkot for one of the most celebrated sunrises in Nepal, as first light strikes Machhapuchhre - Fishtail - and the Annapurna massif. Back to Pokhara for breakfast, then south to the subtropical lowlands and Chitwan National Park, Nepal's premier wildlife reserve.
A full day in Nepal's wilderness. Choose a jeep safari or a guided jungle walk in search of one-horned rhinoceros, deer, crocodiles and - with luck - the elusive Bengal tiger. Paddle a dugout canoe down the Rapti River for birdlife, and in the evening watch a traditional Tharu stick dance.
Travel back to Kathmandu by road, or take a short domestic flight. The final afternoon is for souvenirs - pashmina, handicrafts and the crowded lanes of Thamel - followed by a farewell dinner.
Depending on your flight, a final breakfast and any last-minute shopping before your transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for the journey home.
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