Unique Ideas Itinerary for Nepal: From 7 Days in Nepal to 3 Weeks

I spent 30 days exploring Nepal with a professional local guide. Now I am here to share the best ideas for a perfect itinerary for Nepal. So if you are planning to visit Nepal for a week, two weeks or a month, I am here to help you!

If you are wondering how many days are enough for Nepal, this guide is going to take you through the best itinerary for Nepal ideas. Whether that be for 7 days in Nepal or three weeks! Here, you’ll find the absolute best places to visit and the types of activities on offer, which I’ve put together through my own first-hand experience and research.

The country of Nepal is most famous for its stunning Himalayan mountain range, and of course, the highest mountain in the world – Mount Everest. However, it also has plenty more to offer. Aside from cultural cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara and various UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Nepal is also a great destination for wildlife and wait for it – safaris! 

With so much going on, how do you possibly put together a Nepal itinerary? Well, I’ve got you covered! In this guide, you’ll find several itineraries based on different timeframes so there’s something for everyone. All you need to do is consider how many days you have, how you want to travel around the country, and your budget.

You may also enjoy these articles ❤️:

• How to Plan a Perfect Trip to Nepal
• 30 Things You Need to Know about Nepal Before Your Visit

What to Expect When You Visit Nepal?

From epic hiking trails to biodiverse national parks, the country of Nepal has so much to offer. If you only have 7 days in Nepal, then you’ll want to make the most of your time by planning your trip in advance. The destinations you prioritize will all depend on what you want from the trip. Don’t worry, the itinerary outlined below includes a bit of everything.

The country of Nepal is most famous for its stunning Himalayan mountain range, and of course, the highest mountain in the world – Mount Everest. However, it also has plenty more to offer. Aside from cultural cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara and various UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Nepal is also a great destination for wildlife and wait for it – safaris! 

This Nepal itinerary covers some of the country’s top destinations. However, as you only have one week in Nepal, I’d recommend flying from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Flights take just 25 minutes, while the bus takes 7-8 hours so you’ll lose valuable time. Your other option is to get an overnight bus which costs around $7.50.

For more help planning your trip, check out my Nepal guide!

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Is Nepal an Expensive Vacation?

No, Nepal is very affordable vacation. You can spend as little as US$20/day per person if you choose to stay at a Hostel and cook your own food. If you choose to stay at a 3-star hotel and eat at local restaurants, it can cost you an average of US$50/day per person.

Now if you choose to go hiking, you will spend more money with the permits, guides, accommodations and food – it depends on what Nepal hiking trail, and the length of time.

The below are average prices per day for 2 people:
ACCOMMODATION	US$50
FOOD	US$30
TRANSPORATION	US$20
ACTIVITIES	US$30

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Do I need a Guide to for my Nepal itinerary?

I mostly travel everywhere independently. But of course, there are some expectations when a guide is required, or the logistics are unfeasible to go by me. 

If you are traveling on a budget, the good news is that it is possible to explore Nepal independently – it only requires some research, planning, and physical preparation in case you are planning to go on hiking. I explored Nepal with a private Travel Guide from Epic Adventures and I had an amazing experience, as they took care of my whole trip in Nepal.

I got to explore Kathmandu & Pokhara, hike the Annapurna Base Camp, go on the Everest Base Camp with the helicopter experience, and have a very unique experience at a Rural Homestay in the Himalayas all with my very experienced guide – including transportations, hiking permits and book of my accommodations. 

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Is Visa Required in Nepal?

The first step for your trip to Nepal, you need to understand the Nepal Visa requirements- Click here to check the Visa requirements to Nepal.

The easiest way to obtain your visa is at the Tribhuwan International Airport upon your arrival in Kathmandu.  Get your Nepal visa through iVisa if you don’t want to fill out the forms yourself.

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Travel Insurance for Nepal?

Travel insurance is as essential to travel as having your accommodations and plane tickets. While some may view it as a contingency for the “just in case” scenarios, the seismic wake-up call of the 2015 earthquake in Nepal underscores that the unexpected can, and does, happen.

In today’s ever-shifting landscape, it’s clear that if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. It’s the smart and responsible choice, ensuring that your adventures remain memorable for the right reasons, rather than marred by unexpected hurdles.

That is the reason I use and recommend Heymondo travel insurance – it’s the one I trust, it’s the one I use, and it’s the one I recommend to fellow travelers. HeyMondo – COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees. *Get 5% off your policy by booking through this link.

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Deciding how many days you need in Nepal is no easy task, as there are so many incredible places to visit. It all depends on what you want to do during your time here. 

Doing a multi-day hike is the highlight of many people’s trips to Nepal and there are a variety of options. Two of the most popular are the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek, and of course, Everest Base Camp. If you are short in time, but still want to see the tallest mountain in the world, the good news is that you can book a Everest Base Camp with the helicopter tour.

If you’re choosing to do one of these hikes, you will need to take into account acclimatization days, and rest days after you’ve finished the trek. 

Nepal is also famous for its beautiful cities, adventurous activities, and its wildlife. If you want to head out on a safari in one of Nepal’s national parks you’ll want to add on a few extra days just for that experience. So you get the idea! Here is what to expect on how many days you need to visit Nepal:

• 7 DAYS IN NEPAL: If you you want to get a taste of Nepal and visit the 2 top tourist cities, Kathmandu and Pokhara, take some day trips, go on a day hike.
• 10 TO 14 DAYS IN NEPAL: Visit the main cities, take some side trips, go on a short hike, or go on a safari.
• 3 TO 4 WEEKS IN NEPAL: Explore some of Nepal’s cities, go a multi-day hiking, go on a safari.

This is just a quick section on all the destinations within this itinerary and their distance from Kathmandu. This means you can be flexible on what you want to add to your own itinerary and change things up a little bit to suit you! It’s also useful to evaluate the length of time you’ll need and to help figure out what you’ll be able to fit in during your trip.

DISTANCE FROM KATHMANDU	TIME/ DISTANCE	HIGHLIGHTS
Bandipur	148km from Kathmandu – 5+ hours	one of the most beautiful towns in Nepal
Bhaktapur	16km from Kathmandu – 40 minutes to 1 hour	a popular UNESCO World Heritage Site
Nagarkot	27.5km from Kathmandu – 1-1.5 hours	incredible views of the surrounding mountain ranges
Patan	10km from Kathmandu – 20-30 minutes	known as the ‘City of Beauty
Pokhara	201km from Kathmandu – 6-8 hours or 30-minute flight	relaxing atmosphere, and plenty of opportunity for short day hikes and multi-day hikes
Chitwan National Park	160km from Kathmandu – 5+ hours or a 20-minute flight, and then a 25-minute drive	great place for wildlife and safaris
Lumbini	288 km from Kathmandu – 8-10 hours or a 35-minute flight	Kathmandu/Return Flight
Bardi National Park	516 km from Kathmandu – 12 + hours or a 50-minute flight, and then a 2.5-hour drive	great place for wildlife and safaris

When you enter Nepal, you’ll likely be arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), as it’s the main international airport in the country. This airport is just a 15-minute drive from the center of Kathmandu so you won’t have any problems getting to the city.

TIA is a relatively small airport, so it’s usually not difficult to find your way around. If you’ve arranged transportation with your accommodation, you might be greeted by a representative holding a sign with your name.

If not, there are plenty of taxis and transportation options available to whisk you away to your destination, whether it’s the bustling streets of Thamel or the serene outskirts of the city.

ITINERARY FOR 7 DAYS IN NEPAL	OVERNIGHT LOCATION
DAY 1: Explore Kathmandu	Kathmandu
DAY 2: Explore Kathmandu + Helicopter Day Trip to Everest Base Camp	Kathmandu
DAY 4: Take a day trip to Nagarkot	Kathmandu
DAY 5-6: Travel to Pokhara	Pokhara
DAY 7: Explore Pokhara	Pokhara
DAY 8-9: Option of a day hike in Pokhara or visit Chitwan National Park	Pokhara or Sauraha
DAY 10: Return to Kathmandu	Kathmandu/Return Flight

DAY 1 Nepal Itinerary: Explore Thamel Neighborhood

• 👓 Read More: 23 Fascinating Places in Kathmandu To Visit
• 📷 Suggested Tour: This private Kathmandu sightseeing tour will show you the very best of Nepal’s capital city. This tour is 5 ⭐️ out of 245 reviews

Famous for its monasteries, temples, and stupas, there’s so much to see in the country’s capital. Kathmandu is incredibly picturesque too as it’s surrounded by mountains. The food is also delicious, meaning this city has something for everyone!

No 7-day Nepal itinerary is complete without exploring Kathmandu so allow at least one full day here, although I’ve gone for two as there’s just so much to see! On the first day I recommend you to take it easy, and try to navigate some neighborhoods in Kathmandu.

Starting in 📷 Thamel Neighborhood. It is definitely one of the best places to visit in Kathmandu. Thamel Neighborhood is the oldest part of Kathmandu and is home to traditional restaurants, an array of unique cafes, and lots of market stalls. The atmosphere is fantastic and so is the nightlife, so if you can, try to stay in this part of the city.

If you have time, I recommend to visit some other popular attractions in Kathmandu, including:

📷 Ashok Binayak | is a golden Hindu shrine located at the top of Maru Tole, just on the eastern side of Kathmandu Durbar Square

📷 Garden of Dreams | You can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this place. This Edwardian-style garden has plenty to explore with exquisite fountains, pavilions, and lots of flora and fauna. 

📷 Narayanhiti Palace Museum | is one of the most important places in Kathmandu to visit when it comes down to Kathmandu’s history

📷 Chhauni Museum | It’s the national museum of Nepal and houses a wide variety of unique exhibits. 

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DAY 2 Nepal Itinerary: Explore the UNESCO Heritage Sites in Kathmandu

One your second day of your 7 day itinerary in Nepal you should prioritize to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Kathmandu Valley and some of these are found in the city itself.

MORNING:

I recommend to explore the Kathmandu Durbar Square. It’s a lively public square with a great history; it’s where the kings of Kathmandu were once crowned. Durbar square is home to some of the oldest buildings in the capital, so is a must for any Kathmandu itinerary.

📷 Kal Bhairav | A colourful stone image of Bhairav, representing the deity Shiva in his destructive manifestation. Great for watching locals performing religious practices

📷 Jagannath Temple | The oldest and most beautiful structure in the complex, and most famous for its erotic carvings. Dates back to 1563

📷 Hanuman Dhoka | The former Royal Palace was hit hard by the 2015 earthquake. You can walk into the courtyard, and see the Hanuman statue at the main entrance

📷 Kumari Ghar | Home to the Kumai; a girl who’s chosen to be the city’s living goddess. Considered to be a living symbol of Devi, the Kumari will appear through the window between 9 am – 11 am. The architecture is also incredible here!

🌟 INSIDER TIP: Although some of the sites mentioned above are within walking distance from each other, you may want to catch a local bus, rickshaw, or taxi to save your legs. No 7-day Nepal itinerary is complete without exploring Kathmandu so allow at least one full day here, although I’ve gone for two as there’s just so much to see!

AFTERNOON:

📷 Boudhantah Stupa | It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most important religious sites in the city. It’s the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal and dominates Kathmandu’s skyline.

📷 Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) | it is the oldest complex of its kind in Nepal and is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. 

📷 Pashupatinaht Temple | Every day, elderly and sick people arrive at the temple to find shelter for the last several weeks of their lives, to meet death, to be cremated, and lately, journey with the waters of the sacred river Bagmati, which later meets the holy river the Ganges.

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DAY 3 Nepal Itinerary: Day trip to Nagarkot

On day 3 of this 3 days Nepal itinerary you will take a day trip to 📷 Nagarkot, a charming village on the edge of Kathmandu Valley. It’s located around 17 miles (27 km) from Kathmandu and the journey takes around an hour by vehicle. For those who aren’t planning to head out on lots of hikes (if you’ve only got a week, that’s likely to be the case), then make sure you head to Nagarkot on a day trip from Nepal’s capital.

Aside from its charm and beauty, the main reason to visit is the striking views you’ll get. This is especially the case if you head to Nagarkot View Tower as if it’s a clear day, you’ll get breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

In fact, you can spot several iconic mountains from here including Annapurna, the Ganesh Himal Range, Manaslu, Langtang, and the mighty Mount Everest! I recommend to book a Everest Base Camp with the helicopter tour.

However, the skies in this area are notoriously cloudy and the mountains can easily disappear behind clouds. For the best views, try to time your visit between October-December and March-April.

🚘 HOW TO GET THERE: To reach Nagarkot, you can either catch the public bus (although you’ll probably need to make changes) or take a taxi. Considering the distance, prices are quite affordable, especially if you split the cost.

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DAY 4 Nepal Itinerary: Pokhara

• 👓 Read More: 22 Top Places to Visit in Pokhara
• 📷 Suggested Tour: This full-day private tour starts with a beautiful sunrise at Sarangkot. From there, you’ll explore Pokhara and its most notable attractions including Mahendra Cave, Seti River Gorge, Bindhyabasini Temple, Devi’s Falls, and the popular Phewa Lake.

The charming city of Pokhara is nestled within the Annapurna range, so naturally, is known for its jaw-dropping mountain vistas. Located on the scenic Phew Lake, this city is found in central Nepal and is a popular destination for hiking. Some of the popular hikes in this area include

• Annapurna Base Camp
• Ghorepani Poon Hill trek
• Mardi Himal Trek

As this 7-day Nepal itinerary only includes two days in Pokhara, you won’t have time to do a substantial amount of hiking. Luckily, there are plenty of other things to do in this city.

Phewa Lake is one of the most beautiful freshwater lakes in Nepal and is the perfect spot for a boat ride or kayaking. You can also rent a bike and go around the stunning views of Lake Phewa.

The World Peace Pagoda is another must for your Pokhara itinerary! At the top, you can get some incredible views of Pokhara Valley and the Annapurna Mountain Range on a clear day. You can either hike or take a Boat Ride to the World Peace Pagoda.

As you can see, there are tons of awesome things to do in Pokhara! Luckily, you’ve got another day in this amazing city to explore.

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DAY 5 Nepal Itinerary: Continue to Explore Pokhara

As with Kathmandu, I’d recommend hitting the most popular spots on the first day (if you arrive early enough). This way, you can take more of a relaxing approach to the second day, or you can jam-pack your itinerary still – it’s completely up to you!

Gupteshowor Mahadev Cave is another popular spot in Pokhara and offers you the chance to admire some unique geological features. There’s also a statue of the Hindu Lord Shive inside which is very impressive.

Other great places in Pokhara (and the surrounding area) include

• Pokhara Disneyland
• Begnas Lake
• Tashiling Handicraft Center
• For adventure junkies, there’s also a variety of outdoor activities on offer including paragliding, zipline package tour and bungee jumping!

If you fancy doing a short hike, then I’d recommend heading to Sarangkot Viewpoint. It’s one of the best short treks from the city although it still requires a 3-hour uphill climb. However, if you’ve managed to see Pokhara’s highlights the day before, then this is an awesome way to spend your second day in Pokhara.

From the top of this viewpoint, you’ll get striking views of the city, lake, and surrounding snow-capped mountains (especially at sunrise or sunset). There are cafes and restaurants at the top if you want something to eat or you can pack a picnic!

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DAY 6 Nepal Itinerary: Chitwan National Park

No trip to Nepal is complete without heading to Chitwan National Park in my opinion! Located at the foot of the Himalayas, this beautiful national park covers an impressive 93,200 hectares and is extremely biodiverse. Even more interestingly, Chitwan was the country’s first national park as it was established back in 1973.

The highlight of this national park is of course the wildlife! First of all, the Bengal tiger can be spotted here, although they aren’t the only popular attraction. Chitwan National Park is also home to the greater one-horned rhinoceros, and it’s believed that only around 4,000 are left in the world today! Other wildlife that can be seen here include the Asian elephant, sloth bears, striped hyenas, leopards, and macaques among others.

There are several ways to explore Chitwan; by jeep safari, guided nature walks, and canoeing excursions.

When visiting Chitwan National Park, the majority of travelers choose to base themselves in Sauraha. This village is known as the ‘Gateway to Chitwan’ and is where you’ll find the majority of tour operators and accommodation. To reach Sauraha, you can either travel overland from Pokhara (which takes 5+ hours) or catch a 10-minute flight to Bharatpur, which is just a 25-minute drive away!

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DAY 7 Nepal Itinerary: Return to Kathmandu

Before heading back to Kathmandu, you’ll want to opt for one more safari in Chitwan National Park (if your itinerary allows). As such, I’d suggest allowing seven full days to explore. Then fly out on day eight so you don’t use up invaluable time!

After a morning in the park, you’ll want to head back to Pokhara. Again, you can either fly or take a tourist bus/private transfer, with the latter taking much longer. Flying will be much more convenient if it fits in with your schedule as you’ll then need to travel onward to Kathmandu from Pokhara. However, it’s believed that Pokhara will start serving international destinations from the end of 2023 which would be very handy!

For those lucky people who have more than 7 days in Nepal, I’ve included some alternative itineraries below. If you’re heading to the country for 10 days, 2 weeks, or 3 weeks, I’ve got you covered, as I’ve just altered each itinerary slightly!

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Here is an overview of the perfect 10-day Nepal Itinerary:

DAY ACTIVITY	OVERNIGHT LOCATION
DAY 1-2: Kathmandu	Kathmandu
DAY 3: Day Trip to Nagarkot	Kathmandu
DAY 4: Day trip to Bhaktapur	Kathmandu
DAY 5-6: Pokhara	Pokhara
DAY 7: Hike from Pokhara	Pokhara
DAY 8-9: Chitwan National Park	Sauraha
DAY 10: Return to Kathmandu	Kathmandu/Return Flight

If you’re spending 10 days in Nepal then this gives you a bit more flexibility with how long you want to stay in places. To give you an idea of your options, I’ve altered the 7-day itinerary slightly to incorporate more experiences into your visit.

The first 3 days will stay the same, but day four will see you take a day trip to Bhaktapur. You’ll find this incredible city just 10 miles (16 km) from Kathmandu, and highlights include Durbar Square, Nyatapola Temple, and 55 Window Palace. You can then either stay in Kathmandu before flying out to Pokhara the next day, or you can take an overnight bus.

This Nepal 10-day itinerary includes three days in Pokhara, so you’ll have an additional day compared to the 7-day itinerary. This will allow you to fit in a day hike as there are plenty to be found in this area!

The only other difference to this itinerary is that you’ll have two days in Chitwan National Park rather than one. This gives you a better chance of spotting wildlife and you’ll have more time to get involved with other activities such as a jungle walk or canoeing tour.

Here is an overview of the perfect Nepal 2-week itinerary:

DAY ACTIVITY	OVERNIGHT LOCATION
DAY 1-2: Kathmandu	Kathmandu
DAY 3: Kathmandu	Kathmandu
DAY 4: Day trip to Nagarkot	Kathmandu
DAY 5: Day trip to Patan + Bhaktapur	Kathmandu
DAY 6-7: Pokhara	Pokhara
DAY 8-10: Poon Hill Trek	N/A
DAY 11: Pokhara	Pokhara
DAY 12-13: Chitwan National Park	Sauraha
DAY 14: Return to Kathmandu	Kathmandu/Return Flight

If you’re spending 2 weeks in Nepal then you’ll have even more time to explore – lucky you! For the first four days, you’ll be following the 10-day Nepal itinerary above, so you’ll be staying in the capital of Kathmandu.

On day five, you’ll take a trip out to Patan instead of spending it in Pokhara. Often referred to as the ‘City of Beauty’, Patan is another great place to include on your 2-week Nepal Itinerary. Also known as ‘Lalitpur’, this city is home to Patan Museum, Patan Durbar Square, Krishna Temple, and the Golden Temple.

You’ll then spend two days in Pokhara and for the outdoor lovers out there, you’ll be glad to head that this itinerary includes a multi-day hike. The Poon Hill Trek takes between 3-4 days and offers you the chance to admire Nepal’s stunning landscapes. I’ve included another day in Pokhara afterward, so you can rest up, or you’ve got a bit more flexibility if you find the hike takes you longer.

Finally, you’ll spend two days in Chitwan National Park (like with the 10-day Nepal itinerary). After, you’ll make your way back to Kathmandu for your return flight. Again, I’d recommend allowing two full weeks to explore, and then fly out on the 13th day!

Here is an overview of the perfect 3-week Nepal itinerary:

DAY ACTIVITY	OVERNIGHT LOCATION
DAY 1-2: Kathmandu	Kathmandu
DAY 3: Day Trip to Nagarkot	Kathmandu
DAY 4: Day trip to Bhaktapur	Kathmandu
DAY 5: Day trip to Patan	Kathmandu
DAY 6-8: Chitwan National Park	Sauraha
DAY 9-10: Bandipur	Bandipur
DAY 11-12: Pokhara	Pokhara
DAY 13-19: Annapurna Base Camp Trek	N/A
DAY 20: Pokhara	Pokhara
DAY 21: Return to Kathmandu	Kathmandu/Return Flight

For those who get to spend 3 weeks in Nepal, you’re in for a real treat! This amazing country has so much to offer and it’s not a place to be rushed. With this itinerary, I’ve swapped a few things around to ensure you’re truly making the most of your time.

Days one to five will see you stay in Kathmandu and take day trips out of the city (Nagarkot, Bhaktapur, and Patan). Next, you’ll head to Chitwan National Park for three days, and you’ll stay overnight in Sauraha. To get there from Nepal’s capital you can either fly (to Bharatpur) which is the quickest option, or you can catch a tourist bus. The latter will take around 6-7 hours.

From Sauraha, head to Bandipur for two days, a stunning settlement known for its traditional architecture, jaw-dropping views, and culture. This is the perfect place to relax so take it easy during your stay here!

This Nepal 3-week itinerary will then see you spend three days in Pokhara before hiking the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. This hike can be completed in 7 days, although I’ve included an extra day in Pokhara afterward. You can use this to rest or it’s handy if you find that the hike is taking longer than planned. Then it’s time to return to Kathmandu.

For those who are lucky enough to have more than 3 weeks in Nepal, there’s a lot more on offer. Of course, you can always spend more time in the country’s popular cities, such as Kathmandu and Pokhara. However, there are plenty of other destinations to visit too!

In terms of cities, other options include Dharan, Janakpur, Biratnagar, and Birganj among others. There’s also the beautiful Lumbini which is located near the Indian border. This Buddhist pilgrimage site is undeniably beautiful and it’s a great place to learn about Nepal’s culture.

If you’re a nature lover, then Bardiya National Park is another great place to spot wildlife. There’s also Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Parsa National Park, and Sagarmatha National Park. The latter is dominated by the towering Mount Everest.

For those who have more time in Nepal, you should consider doing additional multi-day trails. Popular options include the

• Annapurna Circuit
• Manaslu Circuit
• Langtang Valley
• Hiking to Everest Base Camp is also on many people’s bucket lists (including mine).

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How to Get Around Nepal

🚗  Private car/ taxi

Hiring a car in Nepal is easy and affordable, but you need to be aware of the poor road conditions. If you’re not a confident driver, then it may be best to simply hire a taxi or private driver to take you around. I personally did not drive in Nepal, and I recommend to not rent a car in Nepal. Taxis, or hiring a private guide with a driver is very affordable.

✈️ By Plane

For those who don’t have much time in Nepal, flying between destinations is a fantastic way to get around. Just keep in mind that some flight routes only run once daily, so you may have to adjust your itinerary accordingly.

🚌 By Bus

Nepal offers both short and long-distance bus routes so you’ll have plenty of options. Buses are very affordable and they’re the perfect transport method for budget travelers. Better yet, you can use overnight buses to get around so you’re not wasting time.

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Best time to visit Nepal

The best time to visit all depends on what you want from your trip! Here’s a quick overview to give you an idea:

• For Hikers: October-December is the best time to visit as the weather is favorable and you’ll have good visibility. During this time, precipitation levels are at their lowest and temperatures are typically mild. Just be aware that nighttime temperatures can be below freezing.

• For Animal Lovers: October to March is the best time for pleasant temperatures. However, if don’t mind the heat, then April and May are the best months for wildlife watching. This is the end of Nepal’s dry season, and you’ll find that the wildlife tends to gather at waterholes.

• For Culture: Festivals take place all throughout the year in Nepal. February is a popular time to visit as this is when the Hindu Festival of Holi takes place. For those who visit in October, you’ll get to appreciate Dasain, the country’s largest festival.

• For Budget Travelers: Those looking to cut costs should travel during the low season as prices will be cheaper. This includes June-September and December-February. Just expect to encounter plenty of rain and cloudy skies (the latter will affect your mountain views).

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What to Pack for an Itinerary in Nepal

• A day pack – perfect for sightseeing!
• Good quality hiking boots – even if you’re only planning to do a day hike, you’ll need these.
• Warm clothing and layers – depending on the time of year you visit and the altitude, the temperature can really drop in Nepal.
• Breathable clothing – this includes t-shirts, long shirts, and pants.
• Rain jacket – If you’re traveling from May to September, expect more rainfall.
• Hiking pants – great for comfort.
• Hat and polarized glasses – these are a huge bonus if you’re hiking or spending a lot of time outside
• Snacks and a water purifier – a must for hiking!
• Camera – preferably with a zoom lens if you’re planning to visit Chitwan National Park.
• Personal items – this includes a basic first aid kit, toiletries, sunscreen, insect repellant, etc.,

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Final Tips for Your Nepal Itinerary

• Avoid trekking alone – Recently, Nepal has brought in a law to counteract this anyway as you’ll need a local guide with you. However, many people still choose not to follow this. Unfortunately, the weather in Nepal is unpredictable and hiking alone brings unnecessary risks.

• Make sure you’re physically fit – If you’re planning to hike some of Nepal’s trails (especially the multi-day hikes) then make sure you’re up to the task. Day hikes aren’t usually a problem, but it’s best to do some training before you come out here anyway, specially training for high altitude hikes.

• Be careful with food and water – As with anywhere you visit, be careful when drinking water or ordering food. Tap water isn’t considered safe for tourists and unfortunately, many fruits and vegetables are often washed in this before they’re served.

• Beware of traffic and road conditions – The city of Kathmandu especially is known for its traffic and high volume of vehicles. Many of the roads in Nepal are also in bad condition, so you may not want to hire a car here!

• Watch your stuff – Like many destinations, pick-pocketing and bag snatching do occur in Nepal. Especially take care when in airports and popular tourist areas, and keep your stuff close to you at all times. Don’t have your phone hanging out of your pocket.

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There you have it – the ultimate Nepal itinerary! No matter whether you’re spending a week or three in the country, this guide will help you plan an epic trip. If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to cram in as much as possible. After all, it’s not every day that you visit a country like Nepal!

To ensure you make the most of your time, I’d recommend flying between destinations if you can. However, buses are cheaper and they’re more suitable for budget travelers. If you’re looking to cut costs, then go for an overnight journey instead so you’re not wasting a day.

It’s important to note that this itinerary is completely versatile, so you can easily switch it up. Whether you’re looking to go hiking, see wildlife, or embrace the country’s culture, Nepal has something for everyone. For the best experience, just tailor your itinerary to include more of what you love!

If you’ve got any further questions about this Nepal itinerary then just leave a comment below. Or feel free to leave some additional suggestions!

If you have enjoyed this guide, you will also love:

• Everything You Need to Know Before You Plan a Trip to Nepal
• Best Things to do in Pokhara
• Best Things to do in Kathmandu
• 17 Best Hikes in Nepal
• 10 Top-rated Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tours
• Homestay in Nepal, tales of a real-life experience at a rural village!
• How to Hire a Porter in Nepal
• Interesting Facts about Nepal That You Need to Know