How Many Days Do You Need in Nepal?
Five to seven days is the practical minimum for a first Nepal trip covering Kathmandu and Pokhara, while 10–14 days allows Chitwan or a short Annapurna trek. A good route moves in one direction — Kathmandu Valley, then Pokhara, then Chitwan — rather than backtracking.
A well-structured Nepal itinerary matches duration to distance. Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan sit on a workable east–west corridor, so a 7-day plan can cover all three without long return drives. Adding Lumbini or a trek pushes the ideal length to 10–14 days.
Arrival and departure days should stay light. Tribhuvan International Airport sits in Kathmandu, so Day 1 and the final day are best kept for Boudhanath, Pashupatinath or last-minute shopping rather than a transfer to Pokhara.
- 3 days: Kathmandu Valley only — tight but workable for heritage sites.
- 5 days: Kathmandu plus Pokhara — good fit for first-timers.
- 7 days: Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan or Nagarkot — ideal.
- 10–14 days: add a short Annapurna trek or Lumbini — ideal for repeat visitors.
Sample Nepal Itineraries by Duration
Three, five, seven and ten-day Nepal itineraries suit different travellers. A 3-day plan covers Kathmandu's UNESCO sites; 5 days adds Pokhara; 7 days includes Chitwan or Nagarkot; 10 days allows a short Annapurna trek. Indicative land-only costs range from about INR 22,000 to INR 85,000 per person.
3-Day Nepal Itinerary
Best forTravellers with a long weekend or a stopover who want Kathmandu's heritage core.
StrengthsCovers Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath without internal flights.
Trade-offsNo Pokhara or Chitwan; tight if arrival is delayed.
5-Day Nepal Itinerary
Best forFirst-time visitors who want Kathmandu plus Pokhara's lake and mountain views.
StrengthsGood balance of heritage and scenery; Sarangkot sunrise and Phewa Lake fit comfortably.
Trade-offsSkips Chitwan and trekking; internal flight or long drive needed.
7-Day Nepal Itinerary
Best forTravellers wanting Kathmandu, Pokhara and a wildlife or hill add-on.
StrengthsIncludes Chitwan safari or Nagarkot; realistic pacing with one internal flight.
Trade-offsChitwan safari quality varies by season and guide; no high-altitude trek.
10-Day Nepal Itinerary
Best forRepeat visitors or those wanting a short Annapurna trek or Bandipur.
StrengthsAdds Ghorepani or Mardi Himal trekking and a slower Kathmandu Valley day.
Trade-offsRequires more planning; road construction can alter trail access.
The table below compares duration, best-fit traveller, pros and cons. Prices are indicative per-person land-only planning ranges for 2026, excluding international flights, and are not Tripstor package offers.
Nepal Itinerary for 5 Days, 7 Days and 10 Days
Three ready-to-use Nepal itineraries cover 5, 7 and 10 days. The 5-day plan links Kathmandu and Pokhara; the 7-day plan adds Chitwan; the 10-day plan includes a short Annapurna trek. Each keeps arrival and departure days light and uses realistic transfer times.
Day01 Stop 1 of 10Arrive Kathmandu — Boudhanath and Pashupatinath
Light arrival day focused on two UNESCO sites near the airport.
MorningArrive at Tribhuvan International Airport; transfer to your Kathmandu hotel.
AfternoonVisit Boudhanath Stupa and walk the kora (circumambulation) route.
EveningSee the evening aarti at Pashupatinath Temple on the Bagmati riverbank.
Day02 Stop 2 of 10Kathmandu heritage circuit
Full-day circuit of Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan.
MorningClimb the steps to Swayambhunath for valley views before the crowds.
AfternoonExplore Kathmandu Durbar Square, then drive to Patan Durbar Square.
EveningReturn to Thamel for dinner; keep the evening free.
Day03 Stop 3 of 10Fly or drive to Pokhara
Transfer day with a free evening by Phewa Lake.
MorningFly (about 25 minutes) or drive (about 6–7 hours) to Pokhara.
AfternoonCheck in and walk along Phewa Lake; optional boat ride.
EveningLakeside dinner with views of the Annapurna range on clear days.
Day04 Stop 4 of 10Sarangkot sunrise and Pokhara sightseeing
Early sunrise viewpoint followed by Pokhara's main attractions.
MorningDrive to Sarangkot for sunrise; return for breakfast.
AfternoonVisit Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave and the International Mountain Museum.
EveningRelax at Phewa Lake or explore Lakeside's cafés.
Day05 Stop 5 of 10Return to Kathmandu and depart
Fly back to Kathmandu for your onward flight.
MorningFly or drive back to Kathmandu.
AfternoonLast-minute shopping in Thamel or visit Garden of Dreams.
EveningTransfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for departure.
Day06 Stop 6 of 10Chitwan transfer and Tharu village
Drive from Pokhara to Chitwan; evening cultural programme.
MorningDrive from Pokhara to Chitwan National Park (about 4–5 hours).
AfternoonCheck in at a jungle lodge; guided nature walk.
EveningTharu cultural dance performance at the lodge.
Day07 Stop 7 of 10Chitwan safari and return to Kathmandu
Morning safari then drive or fly back to Kathmandu.
MorningJeep safari or canoe ride in Chitwan National Park.
AfternoonDrive or fly back to Kathmandu (drive about 5–6 hours).
EveningArrive Kathmandu; overnight near the airport.
Day08 Stop 8 of 10Bhaktapur or Nagarkot day trip
Optional Kathmandu Valley extension before departure.
MorningDrive to Bhaktapur Durbar Square or Nagarkot for Himalayan views.
AfternoonReturn to Kathmandu; visit Patan if not already covered.
EveningFarewell dinner in Kathmandu.
Day09 Stop 9 of 10Trek preparation and Sarangkot
Prepare for a short Annapurna trek; Sarangkot sunset.
MorningPermit checks and gear hire in Pokhara.
AfternoonDrive to Nayapul or Kande trailhead; begin short trek.
EveningOvernight at a teahouse on the Ghorepani or Mardi Himal route.
Day10 Stop 10 of 10Trek day and return to Pokhara
Short trekking day then return to Pokhara.
MorningTrek to a viewpoint such as Poon Hill or Mardi Himal base camp area.
AfternoonDescend and drive back to Pokhara.
EveningRest in Pokhara; Lakeside dinner.
Choose the option that matches your available leave. All three assume you arrive at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport and depart from the same airport.
Where to Base Yourself in Nepal
Kathmandu suits heritage and arrival nights, Pokhara suits lake and mountain views, Chitwan suits wildlife, and Nagarkot suits a quiet hill escape. Base changes should follow a one-way route — Kathmandu to Pokhara to Chitwan — to avoid backtracking.
- Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu
Compact cultural base for UNESCO-listed Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath.
Best forFirst-time visitors, heritage travellers, arrival and departure nights.
Allow buffer time: heritage-site traffic and festival closures can make a nominal half-day sightseeing plan take much longer.
- Gandaki Province
Pokhara
Lakeside city with Annapurna and Machhapuchhre reflections from Phewa Lake and access to short treks.
Best forScenery, boating, paragliding and trekking bases.
Schedule Sarangkot sunrise on the first clear morning rather than fixing it to one day because cloud cover changes quickly.
- Terai lowlands
Chitwan National Park
Nepal's best-known lowland wildlife area for jeep safaris, canoeing and Tharu village experiences.
Best forWildlife enthusiasts and families.
Do not promise guaranteed tiger sightings; rhinos are more realistic, while safari quality depends heavily on season and guide.
- Kathmandu Valley rim
Nagarkot
Short Kathmandu escape for Himalayan sunrise views and village walks on clear autumn mornings.
Best forSunrise views, short hikes and quiet stays.
It is not a reliable Everest-view destination from every hotel; confirm viewpoint orientation and weather expectations.
- Rupandehi District
Lumbini
Archaeological birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama with an international monastery zone.
Best forPilgrims and heritage travellers.
The site is spread out and hot; arrange an e-rickshaw or cycle and start early instead of walking between every monastery.
Each base has a distinct role. Use the table below to match your travel style to the right town or park.
Planning Tips for Your Nepal Trip Itinerary
Book internal flights and popular lodges early for October–November and March–April, keep one buffer day for weather delays, and use a one-way route to avoid backtracking. Indian nationals do not need a visa but must carry a passport or Election Commission voter ID — Aadhaar is not accepted.
- Book internal flights early
Kathmandu–Pokhara flights fill quickly in peak season. Book at least 4–6 weeks ahead for October–November and March–April travel.
Bookings - Keep one buffer day
Mountain weather and road conditions can delay flights and drives. A spare day in Kathmandu or Pokhara prevents a missed international connection.
Pacing - Carry the right ID
Indian nationals do not need a visa but must carry a passport or Election Commission voter ID. Aadhaar is not accepted as a travel document for Nepal.
Documents - Use a one-way route
Plan Kathmandu → Pokhara → Chitwan → Kathmandu rather than returning to a previous base. This saves a full day of driving.
Route - Combine with nearby destinations
Nepal pairs well with a short extension to Darjeeling or Sikkim via the eastern border, or with a return leg through Varanasi from the Terai.
Extensions - Confirm trek access
Road construction and seasonal landslides can alter trail access in the Annapurna region. Confirm the latest roadhead and lodge route before departure.
Trekking
These practical tips cover transfers, pacing, advance bookings and combining Nepal with nearby destinations.
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Before you go
Straight answers to help you plan — then personalise the trip with a specialist.
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Ask a specialistHow many days are enough for a Nepal trip?
Five to seven days suits Kathmandu, Pokhara and one short excursion; trekking or adding Chitwan usually requires 10–14 days. A 3-day trip covers only Kathmandu Valley heritage sites. Match duration to whether you want scenery, wildlife or trekking.
What is the best time to visit Nepal?
October–November and March–April are generally best for clear mountain views, trekking and comfortable sightseeing. December–February is colder at altitude but quieter. June–September is monsoon season with heavy rain and landslide risk on trekking routes.
Do Indians need a visa for Nepal?
No. Indian nationals do not need a visa, but must carry an accepted identity document such as a passport or Election Commission voter ID. Aadhaar is not accepted as a travel document for travel to Nepal.
Can Indians travel to Nepal with Aadhaar card?
No. Nepal immigration states that Aadhaar is not accepted as a travel document for travel to Nepal. Carry a passport or Election Commission voter ID instead. This applies to all Indian nationals entering Nepal.
How much does a Nepal tour package cost from India?
A typical land-only twin-sharing package costs about INR 35,000–110,000 per person for budget to premium 4–7 night travel, excluding international flights. Indicative planning ranges for 2026 are INR 22,000 for 3 days and INR 85,000 for 10 days.
Which places are best to visit in Nepal?
Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini and Nagarkot are the most practical highlights for first-time visitors. Kathmandu covers UNESCO heritage, Pokhara offers lake and mountain views, Chitwan provides wildlife safaris, and Nagarkot is a short hill escape.
Is Nepal safe for Indian tourists?
Nepal is broadly suitable for tourism, but travellers should plan for road safety, altitude illness, weather disruptions and standard urban precautions. Trekking above 3,000 metres requires acclimatisation days. Check current conditions before departure.
Which currency is used in Nepal and can Indians use Indian rupees?
Nepal uses the Nepalese rupee. Indian currency is commonly accepted in some tourist areas, but denominations and exchange restrictions apply; carry Nepalese currency for smaller payments. Exchange Indian rupees at banks or authorised counters.