If you only have one week to explore Nepal, don’t worry; you can still cover a lot of ground without feeling rushed. Here’s a 7-day itinerary that balances culture, nature, and adventure. It hits a few iconic spots while leaving room for some flexibility. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
Your trip kicks off in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. After arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport, settle into your accommodation. Spend your first day exploring a couple of Kathmandu’s iconic sites to get a feel for the city.
Must-Visit: Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
This ancient stupa sits on top of a hill, offering a beautiful view of Kathmandu. It’s a peaceful spot despite being a tourist hub. Walk up the steps while dodging monkeys to take in the panoramic view.
Explore: Durbar Square
Kathmandu’s Durbar Square is packed with temples, shrines, and royal history. It’s a great place to just wander around and soak up the history. Make sure to visit the Kumari’s house, a living goddess.
Evening: Thamel
In the evening, head to the Thamel neighborhood. Thamel is tourist-central in Kathmandu, full of amazing restaurants, cafés, and shops. Grab a momos snack (traditional Nepali dumplings) and maybe pick up some trekking gear if you need it.
Day 2: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing
Today, spend a full day discovering the rest of Kathmandu Valley’s treasures. This area is packed with ancient temples, stupas, and cultural sites.
Morning: Pashupatinath Temple
This is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in Nepal. You’re likely to see religious ceremonies happening by the river. It’s a spiritual experience, though the cremation rituals by the river might be intense for some people.
Afternoon: Boudhanath Stupa
This is one of the largest stupas in Nepal and is a must-see. Take your time walking around the stupa and relaxing in a rooftop café with a cup of tea while you observe Tibetan monks circling the stupa.
Evening: Patan Durbar Square
Hop over to Patan (just a short drive from Kathmandu) and spend your evening exploring its Durbar Square. It’s a bit less crowded than Kathmandu’s Durbar Square but equally rich in history and beauty.
Day 3: Fly to Pokhara
In the morning, catch a quick flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The flight only takes about 30 minutes, but the view of the Himalayas from the plane is stunning.
Check out: Phewa Lake
Once you’re in Pokhara, head right to Phewa Lake. Rent a boat and row over to Barahi Temple, a small temple in the middle of the lake. The lake is peaceful and surrounded by mountains.
Afternoon: Devi’s Falls
In the afternoon, visit Devi’s Falls, a waterfall that plunges underground. It’s a quick trip but worth visiting for a nice nature experience.
Evening: Lakeside Area
The Lakeside area in Pokhara is filled with cafés and restaurants right by the water. It’s a great place to relax after a day of sightseeing. Try some local dal bhat or head to a café for a Himalayan pizza while watching the lake shimmer under the setting sun.
Day 4: Hike to Sarangkot for Sunrise
Wake up early today, because you’re heading to Sarangkot to catch a sunrise view over the Annapurna range. The hike is steep but not too long (about 1.5 to 2 hours), or you can take a taxi most of the way up and walk the final 30 minutes.
Post-Hike: Relax in Pokhara
After the hike, take the morning and afternoon to relax in town. You can explore more of Pokhara’s lakeside or visit the International Mountain Museum to learn about the mountaineering history of Nepal.
Evening: Adventure or Relaxation
If you’re looking for more action, try paragliding over Phewa Lake, or book an hour at a spa to relax those legs after the hike. Pokhara is laid-back, and you can take the day at your own pace.
Day 5: Trekking Day or Trip to Peace Pagoda
If you’re trekking enthusiast, spend Day 5 doing a mini trek outside of Pokhara, like to Australian Camp or Dhampus village. Both treks are light, will take around 4 to 6 hours, and offer incredible views of the Annapurna range.
Alternative: Peace Pagoda Visit
If trekking isn’t for you, head to the Peace Pagoda. It’s perched overlooking the lake, and you can either hike up (about 1.5 hours climbing) or take a taxi. The view up there is unmatched as you can see the lake below and the Himalayas in the distance.
Day 6: Return to Kathmandu
Catch a morning flight back to Kathmandu. This gives you a good part of the day to check out anything you missed earlier.
Morning: Bhaktapur
If you have time, go to Bhaktapur, a well-preserved ancient town about 40 minutes from Kathmandu. Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square is one of the best I’ve seen; it feels like stepping back in time. Try the local specialty, Juju Dhau (a sweet curd), while you’re there.
Afternoon: Explore Some More
Back in Kathmandu, you can use this time to revisit your favorite spots or check out Garden of Dreams, a peaceful, walled garden near Thamel.
Evening: Farewell Dinner
For your last night, head to a traditional Newari restaurant for a farewell dinner. If you’re not sure where to go, try Bhojan Griha, which offers a traditional setting and a range of Nepali food with cultural performances.
Day 7: Departure Day
Time to say goodbye to Nepal. Depending on your flight time, you might have a few hours to grab some souvenirs or just unwind before heading to the airport. If you need any quick gifts, Thamel is filled with shops where you can buy prayer flags, yak wool scarves, or some trekking gear.
That’s it! Seven days might seem short, but this itinerary gives you a great mix of Kathmandu’s culture and Pokhara’s nature without feeling too rushed. You’ll get a taste of trekking, temples, and the friendly local vibe that makes Nepal so special. Safe travels!
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