8 Days in Nepal - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

On this trip plan, you'll discover tiny villages, beautiful landscapes, and sublime views of the Annapurnas on one of the most famous short treks in Nepal. You’ll bookend your trip with time in the country’s two biggest cities — Kathmandu and Pokhara — and you’ll connect to local communities on the trail when you stay in traditional teahouses. 

Before you head for the hills, enjoy two days in Kathmandu: you can make your way around the city on your own or choose to hire an expert to guide you around the attractions that call to you. Take a cooking class, visit sacred sites, or see the town from a Vespa; this article has some other great ideas. On day three, you’ll fly to Pokhara, where you’ll hit the trail, trekking first to Tikhedhunga; en route, you’ll see fields of grain, a lovely little waterful, and tiny villages. 

Eat a hearty breakfast on day four, then climb 3,767 stairs up the ridgeline to begin today’s trek. You pass through pristine forests and will stop for lunch in the charming village of Nangethanti before finishing at Ghorepani, where you can relax at your teahouse and take in the incredible mountain views. You’ll wake before dawn the following morning for a one-hour hike to the top of the iconic Poon Hill, a majestic and spiritual viewpoint with stunning panoramas of the Annapurna region. After, you’ll trek to the charming village of Tadapani, where you’ll relax for the night. 

Your final day on the trail will take you from Tadapani to the village of Nayapul, through lush forests, terraced rice fields, and verdant hillsides. When you reach your destination, you’ll be driven to the lakeside city of Pokhara; stretch out here in a yoga class, unwind looking out onto the gorgeous Phewa Lake, or pop into funky local shops and coffeehouses. You’ll return to Kathmandu the next day; you can relax back at your hotel or hit the town to see anything you may have missed at the beginning of your trip. After breakfast the next day, you’ll head to the airport for your departure. Learn more. 

Itinerary #2: Pikey Peak Trek

This itinerary gives you the opportunity to sightsee at a relaxed pace and embark on a four-day trek to the magnificent Pikey Peak, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Everest at dawn. Your trek is bookended with plenty of time to explore Kathmandu, its beautiful valley, and ancient villages. 

Your adventure begins with two days to explore Kathmandu’s treasures, shopping, sacred sites, and ancient relics. Get to know the city on foot; wander the windy alleyways of Durbar Square and enjoy a meal (and grab any last-minute supplies) in the tourist hub of Thamel. The next morning, you’ll visit two ancient villages nearby: the beautiful Bungamati is famed for its amazing woodwork, and the storied Khokana boasts friendly artisans and the stunning Shekala Mai Temple. 

On day three, you’ll head out of town to begin your trek in Dhap, then hike to Jhapre, a village with views of Everest and Numbur Himal. The next day you’ll trek through forests dotted with fuschia rhododendrons, passing yak herders and mani walls en route to Pikey Peak’s base camp. If you’re rearing to go and the conditions are clear, you can make the summit in the evening; otherwise, wait until tomorrow to time your hike so you can enjoy the extraordinary view from the top at sunrise. 

As you journey down from the peak on day five, you’ll pass through the picturesque tiny village of Ngaur, then through a thicket of forest to Kosinasa, the perfect place to stop for a warming bowl of Daal Bhat (Nepalese lentil curry) for lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll trek through towns and sacred sites until you reach Chaulakharka, situated on the lush Likhu Kola river. 

On day six, enjoy stunning views of the river and mountains as you ascend the scenic Deurali pass. You’ll end your trek in the riverside village of Shivalaya, but you can also press on to Those or Jiri for the night if you prefer. The next morning, you’ll take the bus through the beautiful valley as you return to Kathmandu for the rest of the day. Enjoy a final night in the city — visit any sites you may have missed or celebrate with a delicious meal in town — before you head to the airport after breakfast the next morning. Learn more. 

Itinerary #3: Kathmandu and Pokhara Valleys

Hit the highlights of Nepal in this itinerary, which helps you make the most out of a brief trip: you’ll see the capital’s cultural gems, take a short trek in the Annapurna section of the Himalaya, take in the lakeside splendor of Pokhara, and discover the charms of two hilltop towns.

Spend your first two days in and around Kathmandu, where you can wander the windy alleyways and shops near Durbar Square, visit temples, sacred sites, and try some delicious local cuisine. There are myriad ways to explore the city, and your specialist is also happy to help with some great recommendations. On day three, you’ll travel to Bandipur, a small town perched on a ridge with gorgeous views; visit temples, shrines, and sacred caves and learn about the heritage, culture, and architecture of the Newar ethnic community. This article has some great ideas about how to make the most of your time in this charming town. 

The next morning, you’ll head west to Pokhara, situated on the banks of idyllic Phewa Lake; you’ll head first to the World Peace Pagoda, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stellar views of the Himalaya. Then you’ll begin your trek, heading first to the beautiful village of Bumdi, where you’ll stay the night. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll trek to the village of Panchase Banjyang: en route, you’ll pass through rhododendron forests, where you can admire glimpses of the snow-capped Himalaya beyond. 

From Panchase Banjyang, you’ll be picked up and driven back to Pokhara, where you can spend the rest of the day relaxing with a cocktail at Phewa Lake, dining at delicious eateries, or taking a kayak or paddleboat onto the water. The next morning you’ll trek to the quieter village of Rupakot, whose secluded Rupa Lake is the perfect place to unwind after your hike. 

You’ll take a scenic road trip back to Kathmandu on day eight: keep your eyes peeled for riverside villages, rice terraces, and lush scenery. Stretch your legs with a stop in Kurintar, where you’ll take a cable car up to the sacred Manakamana, a Hindu temple devoted to the Goddess Bhagwati, who is said to grant wishes to visiting worshippers. Back in Kathmandu, enjoy a night out on the town or watch the sunset over Boudhanath Stupa; you’ll have time tonight and tomorrow morning to shop for last-minute souvenirs or visit a site you may have missed. After breakfast the next day, you’ll head to the airport for your departure. Learn more. 

Itinerary #4: Nepal’s Golden Triangle

This relaxed trip plan gives you plenty of time to explore Kathmandu’s sacred sites and bustling streets, with visits to the ancient city of Bhaktapur and the unforgettable Swayambhunath. Unwind in the lakeside splendor of Pokhara, taking in the sights of the Annapurnas from an evening boat ride. Then it’s off to the jungles of Chitwan National Park for an adventure with incredible wildlife!

Your trip begins in Kathmandu, where you’ll have two days to explore the city and its amazing food and winding streets. You’ll head out to the 9th-century city of Bhaktapur, home to medieval art and architecture, then will spend some time at the Swayambhunath, one of the oldest Buddhist shrines in the world. 

On day three, you’ll head to Bandipur, a beautifully preserved village where you’ll learn about the Newari people and culture. Melt into the relaxation of local life as you wander around town, enjoy traditional fare, and catch the sunset from a gorgeous hillside perch. The next morning you’ll head to Pokhara, Nepal’s second-largest city, situated on the banks of the picturesque Phewa Lake. Enjoy an evening boat tour on the serene waters, taking in incredible views of the imposing Annapurna range beyond. 

After breakfast on day five, you’ll fly to Bharatpur, where you’ll then transfer to your lodge in Chitwan National Park. Spend the next two days however you wish in this jungle paradise: go on a game drive, take a lake safari, and meet wildlife like one-horned rhinoceros, a plethora of birds, deer, and maybe even a tiger or two!

You’ll return to the wilds of urban life on day seven when you fly back to Kathmandu. Take the day to explore the city at your own speed — visit any sites you may have missed, wander tiny storefronts, hit a nightclub, or relax with a sunset view from the stupa at Boudhanath. The next morning, enjoy one last breakfast in Nepal before heading to the airport for your flight home. Learn more. 

Itinerary #5: Kalinchowk Multi-Sport Adventure

If you’ve got a week in Nepal and adventure is calling, consider this trip plan, which is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. You’ll see Kathmandu’s cultural highlights, then will spend four nights camping in pristine nature that’s off-the-beaten-path; you’ll trek, mountain bike, go river rafting, and can even try bungee jumping or canyoneering!

After landing in Kathmandu, you can settle in at your hotel or head to the streets to explore highlights like Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, or the neighborhood of Thamel (which is a great place to grab some delicious food). The next morning, you’ll head off to the Last Resort, a spectacular glamping and adventure destination close to Tibet. The beautiful property has luxe amenities (spa, plunge pool, sauna), as well as a high ropes course, the world’s largest swing, a tandem swing, and a phenomenal spot for bungee jumping. 

After a cozy night in your well-appointed safari tent, enjoy a hearty breakfast, then cross the bungee bridge and head out on your trek. You’ll be hiking through incredible landscapes that are away from more popular and well-known routes; pass through verdant forests, tiny villages, sacred lakes, and terraced rice fields and admire sensational views of the Jugal Himal section of the Himalaya. On day five, you’ll reach the highlight of your trek: Kalinchowk, a little-visited religious shrine sacred to Shamans, Hindus, and Buddhists. You’ll end your trek in Khurikharka, where you’ll camp for the night. 

In the morning, you’ll cruise downhill on a mountain bike, tackling jeep trails and paved roads, through rhododendron and oak forests, to the Bhote Kosi River. You’ll spend the next day riding the river’s epic rapids, then will be picked up and transferred back to Kathmandu, where you can enjoy a nice hot shower and a delicious meal in town. After breakfast the next morning, you’ll head out to the airport for your flight home or onto your next adventure. Learn more. 

Itinerary #6: Best of Chitwan

This exciting trip plan takes you to the jungles of Chitwan, home to an incredible national park full of exotic flora and fauna. You’ll go safari — by foot, jeep, and boat — and will spend a day at an elephant camp, where you’ll bond with pachyderms and their handlers. 

Your adventure in Nepal begins with two days in it’s buzzing capital: Kathmandu. Explore the city based on your interests: you can take a Nepali cooking class, take a guided tour of the city’s sacred sites, or even tour the Everest region of the Himalaya by helicopter. This article has some great inspiration for how to spend your time in Kathmandu, and you can always get stellar recommendations from your expert specialists. 

On day three, you’ll fly to Chitwan, the jewel on the Terai (the tropical, flat lowlands that border India). You’ll spend the first two nights of your time here in the Barahi Jungle Lodge, where you’ll stay in an air-conditioned villa with a private balcony that overlooks the jungle and the Rapti River. Keep your eyes peeled on the water at dawn and dusk, when exotic animals emerge from the depths of the jungle. The next morning, you’ll explore Chitwan National Park by foot and by jeep on a day full of thrilling safaris: see if you can spot resident one-horned rhinos, sloth bears or an elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. 

You’ll switch accommodations today in style via a longboat safari; you’ll be accompanied by beautiful flora and fauna and local gharial crocodiles. You’ll arrive at Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge, where you can unwind for the rest of the day. Dine under the shade of a mango tree, swim in the pool, or simply relax to the sound of nature. The next day is devoted to your lodge’s favorite guests: the elephants. Walk with the animals in the jungle, feed them with their mahouts, and learn about the jungle’s dynamic ecosystem from expert nationalists. 

Enjoy one last morning in Chitwan with a final safari or a visit to the village of Tharu, then head back to Kathmandu where you can visit any sites you may have missed at the beginning of your trip. After breakfast the next morning, you’ll head to the airport for your departure. Learn more. 

More Great 8-Day Nepal Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your Nepal trip? Check out these other 8-day Nepal itineraries, ranging from active, to cultural, to luxury, or family-friendly trips.

Or, describe your ideal trip and we will connect you with a local specialist to make it happen.