2 Weeks in Nepal - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Authentic Nepal - Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bandipur, & More

This unique itinerary focuses on Nepal’s cultural highlights and includes a short trek based out of the lakeside city of Pokhara. 

Start your exploration of Nepal with some sightseeing in Kathmandu: meet the resident monkeys at Swayambhunath stupa, wander the eclectic Kathmandu Durbar Square, and duck into a great eatery in Thamel. On day three, you’ll head outside the valley to Panauti, a Newari village with incredibly preserved traditional architecture and a friendly community. 

The next day you’ll visit the nearby holy site of Namo Buddha, a Tibetan Buddhist village with a monastery, notable stupa, and impressive views of the Himalaya. Bhaktapur awaits on the morning of day five; this city is one of the three revered traditional communities in the Kathmandu Valley. In the afternoon, you’ll take a spectacularly scenic flight along the Himalaya to Pokhara, Nepal’s second-largest city, situated on the banks of the idyllic Phewa Lake. 

On day seven, you’ll begin your trek, stopping first as the impressive World Peace Pagoda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful views of the lake and the Annapurna Himalaya. You’ll then hike to the village of Bumdi, where you’ll stay overnight. In the morning, trek through lush and lively forests to the village of Panchase Bhanjyang, after which you’ll be driven back to Pokhara. 

You’ll then head to Bandipur, a gorgeous Newari village with accessible adventure sports and epic views of the Himalaya. Visit the Siddha Gufa Caves, cycle, trek, or walk the environs, or wander around the charming community. On day eleven, you’ll head back to Kathmandu, stopping along the way at the fascinating Manakamana temple. Take the cable car up to the holy site where pilgrims believe wishes are granted by the patron deity. Spend the night in Patan, one of the three ancient cities in the Kathmandu Valley. 

After breakfast on day twelve, discover the rich history and beauty of Patan through its crafts. You’ll take a guided tour of the city, visiting the workshops of wood carvers, metal workers and painters, as well as the wonderful Patan Museum in the Durbar Square.

Your final full day in Nepal is focused on learning about the country’s two major religions: Hinduism and Buddhism. First, you’ll visit Boudhanath Stupa, the holiest Tibetan Buddhism site outside of Tibet. Then you’ll head Pashupatinath Temple, the most sacred Hindu site in all of Nepal. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Everest Base Camp Heli Trek

This epic trek takes you the iconic Everest Base Camp, with time to acclimatize in the Himalaya and a stop at Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital. 

Before you hit the road, enjoy some time in Nepal’s capital: Kathmandu. Spend your time learning to cook Nepalese classic dishes, visit sites sacred to Hindus and Buddhists, or enjoy guided tours of whatever interests you. On day three you’ll fly to Lukla, where you’ll begin your trek.

From Phakding, you’ll cross a number of high suspension bridges over the Dudh Kosi River en route to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital where you’ll spend the next day relaxing, exploring and adjusting to the higher altitude. On day six, it’s back to the trail for incredible views of the Himalaya as you hike up to Tengboche, a village the largest monastery in the region. The next day you’ll pass through mountain villages, past stupas and mani walls to Dingboche, where you’ll spend the following day resting up and adjusting to the climate.

On day nine, you’ll trek out to the foot of Khumbu Glacier; spend the day conquering the trail, zigzagging your way through the boulders of the glacier's terminal moraine, then climb along the glacier to Lobuche, where you’ll stay the night. Enjoy a hearty breakfast in the morning, then trek along the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, ascend to the top of Changri Glacier, and enjoy the unforgettable views of the world’s tallest mountains from Gorak Shep.

Press on to Everest Base Camp, then head back down to Gorak Shep for a hot dinner and a good night’s rest. The next morning, buddle up and head out before dawn for a hike to Kalapatthar, where you’ll be rewarded with incredible panoramic views of Everest. You’ll return to Lobuche for another night, then will descend to Pheriche, cross a wooden suspension bridge to traverse the Khumbu Khola (river), and will end your trek in the quaint village of Pangboche. 

In the morning you’ll enjoy a spectacular farewell to the region on a private helicopter tour on your way back to Kathmandu. You’ll have spectacular aerial views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kantega, Lhotse, and Nuptse, and you’ll also make a stop at Everest Base Camp before returning to the Nepali capital. Spend the remainder of your day resting or head out into the city to see anything you may have missed at the beginning of your trip. In the morning you’ll enjoy one final breakfast before heading to the airport for your departure. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Best of Nepal: Ghandruk, Seti River, and Chitwan

This itinerary is great for the traveler looking to combine culture and adventure: you’ll discover Nepal’s diverse cultural heritage, embark on a brief trek, navigate some river rapids, camp under the stars, and head out on safari. 

Start your adventure with two days in the Kathmandu Valley, where you’ll visit a trio of fascinating sites: Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Patan Durbar Square. On day three you’ll fly to Pokhara and will begin your trek through the region.

Reach Ghandruk on day five, one of the largest Gurung settlements in the area; learn about local traditions and cultures while you take in remarkable views of the snow-capped Himalaya. The next day you’ll end your trek in Kimche, then you’ll be driven to Pokhara, a lakeside city where you can unwind at happy hour as you look out onto the beautiful Phewa Lake. 

You’ll spend the next two days exploring the region by water; you’ll head to the beautiful Seti River for a relaxing day of rafting (you’ll only encounter two sets of Grade II rapids); enjoy a picnic on the banks and settle in for the night of camping — or lounge in style in a luxe glamping safari tent. You’ll raft for a few hours the next morning, taking on five Class II rapids, until you reach Gaighat. From there you’ll be driven to your lodge in the jungles of Chitwan National Forest. 

Spend day nine up close and personal with some of Chitwan’s biggest residents: the elephants. You’ll learn about, feed, and walk with these fantastic animals in an elephant camp, where mahouts will show you a day in the life of their pachyderms. Then it’s into the wilds for two full days of jungle safaris: you can explore by foot, by jeep, or from a longboat on the river. Keep your eyes peeled for a one-horned rhinoceros and an ever-elusive Royal Bengal Tiger!

On day twelve, you’ll fly back to Kathmandu, where you can explore more cultural landmarks and temples before you reach the sacred site of Namo Buddha in time for sundown. You’ll spend the night in the beautiful hilltop community, revered by Buddhists, as you take in views of the Himalaya and the local, quirky architecture.

In the morning you’ll learn about Tamang Buddhism in the village of Panauti, then you’ll head to the ancient city of Bhaktapur, where preserving ancient traditions and crafts are paramount to the community. Stay overnight at a traditional-style guest house and explore the fascinating city with a guide at dusk. After breakfast the next morning, you’ll head to the airport for your flight home or onto your next adventure. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Upper Mustang Trek & Jeep Adventure

Go off-the-beaten-path on this route that takes you to the Kingdom of Lo, where you’ll explore sculpted canyons, wild rock formations, medieval villages, and ancient fortresses and cave hermitages. 

Take the first two days to enjoy Kathmandu and the cultural gems of the valley. You can wander the city center on your own, then meet up with your guide on your second day to learn about three sites sacred to Hindus and Buddhists. On the third day, you’ll take a spectacular flight to Pokhara, a lakeside city with great eateries, a bevy of water sports, yoga, paragliding, and even an opportunity to take a helicopter tour to Annapurna Base Camp! Have fun and rest up, as you’ll fly the next morning to Jomsom — the headquarters of the Mustang district — to begin your trek.

Hike to Kagbeni, a clifftop village with ancient roots, a freshly 800-year-old Sayka Gompa, and the ruins of a formerly grand 100-room palace. The next morning, you’ll hop in your jeep for a scenic drive through the otherwise restricted Upper Mustang to Chuksang past villages, over gorgeous bridges, and abandoned meditation caves to the village of Ghami. 

After breakfast the next morning, you’ll hit the trail for more trekking, this time to the village of Tsarang, which overlooks a stunning canyon; en route, you’ll visit Ghar Gompa, the first-ever Tibetan Buddhist monastery. In Tsarang, wander the tunnel-like paths formed by stone walls that separate local houses, and take in the wonderful cultural highlights here: the 14th-century Dzon (a fortified palace with a gold-printed prayer book) and a friendly Gompa with a renowned library. 

You’ll stay the night here, then you'll drive in the morning through multi-hued high desert to Lo Manthang, a famous and majestic medieval walled city; explore its four unique temples, the Raja's Palace (home to the reigning monarchs), and the homes of the local  Lhoba (people of Lo). Make the most of the next two days in the region, with visits to the ridgetop Namgyal Gompa and the incredible cave village of Chosar.

On day ten, you’ll drive south to Yara, where you’ll hike down to the fascinating Luri Gompa and its complex of caves, which boast amazing Buddhist frescos, intricate chortens, and a network of subterranean dwellings. The next day you’ll return to Jomsom by car and fly back to Pokhara, where you can unwind by the lake of exploring the city’s charming coffee shops. You’ll fly back to Kathmandu on day thirteen. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Pikey Peak & Chitwan

This itinerary has it all: a fantastic 4-day trek with epic views, time to discover Nepal’s culture and religions, a jungle safari, and an aerial tour of the Himalaya. 

When you land in Kathmandu, you’ll have a number of ways to explore Nepal’s capital and the attractions in the greater Kathmandu Valley over the next two days. 

On day three, you’ll drive to Dhap to begin your trek; you’ll stay at teahouses and you’ll pass through tiny villages and verdant forests on your way to Pikey Peak Base Camp. Wake before dawn to summit Pikey Peak and enjoy Sir Edmund Hillary’s favorite view of Everest as the sun crests over the Himalaya. The next day, you'll reach Shivalaya, where you’ll end your trek. 

You’ll transfer to Charikot, a tiny hilltop, the next day; relax in a family-run retreat or stretch your legs and visit Dolakha, an ancient trading town rich in Buddhist, Hindu, and Shamanic history. On day eight, you’ll drive to Namo Buddha, a sacred site where Buddha is said to have offered his physical body to the hungry tigress, a selfless act that contributed to his reaching Nirvana. Stay the night in the monastery here, where you can meditate and dine with the resident monks. 

Learn about Tamang Buddhist culture the next day in the village of Panauti, then head back to the Kathmandu Valley to spend the rest of the day (and night) in the ancient city of Bhaktapur, home to traditional Nepalese wood carving and well preserved medieval architecture. The next morning you’ll fly into the jungles of Chitwan, where you’ll have the next two days to learn about the wild on safari. See if you can spot a greater one-horned rhinoceros, all manner of exotic birds, and an elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. 

You’ll return to Kathmandu on day twelve, when you can relax at your hotel, wander city streets, or visit anything you may have missed at the beginning of your trip. The next morning you’ll take a spectacular flight to Mount Everest, with unbeatable aerial views of Shisha Pangma, Cho-Oyu, and Nuptse and the snow-capped majesty of the Himalaya.

After, you could take a private jeep tour of cultural sites in the Kathmandu Valley or return for a long, delicious meal of traditional Nepalese fare in the bustling neighborhood of Thamel back in the city center. You’ll head to the airport after breakfast the next morning. Learn more

Itinerary #6: Khopra Danda Trek & Bandipur

This itinerary takes you off-the-beaten-track on an 8-day moderate trek to Khopra Danda, with a fantastic optional day hike to Kaire Lake, where dipping into the waters is said to aid in achieving Nirvana. 

Your exploration of Nepal begins in its capital; you’ll have two days upfront to learn about the city center and its cultural sights. A private English speaking guide will usher you around a trio of sacred landmarks — Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Patan Durbar Square. On day three you’ll fly to Pokhara, a charming lakeside city with a stellar coffeehouse scene, yoga studios, and funky shops. 

The next morning, you’ll drive to Nayapul to begin your trek, heading first to the Gurung village of Ghandruk. You’ll trek through dense rhododendron forests to the friendly village of Tadapani; from there, pass through villages, gorgeous flora and fauna, and fascinating temples to Dobato, where you can hike up to Muldai Point to watch the spectacular sunset. 

Get up before dawn on day seven to summit Muldai for sunrise (even if you watched the sunset here the day before!), then trek through more forest to Upper Chistibung, a temporary herder’s settlement. The next day you’ll reach Khopra Danda, where you’ll be rewarded with views of the Kali Gandaki River and the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna. You can rest in Khopra the next morning or head out on a full-day hike to Kaire Lake, whose waters are said to help one achieve Nirvana. 

You’ll spend the next two days descending through beautiful stone villages and terraced fields to Tatopani, where you can soak in the natural hot springs before being driven to Pokhara. Spend the rest of the day relaxing with a cocktail on the banks of Phewa Lake or gliding on the water in a kayak. 

The next morning you’ll head to Bandipur, a charming hilltop village full of history, which you can cycle outside of town or wander quaint streets; this article has some great ideas about how to make the most of your day here. You’ll return to Kathmandu the next day; relax or visit any sites or shops still on your bucket list. Get up early for a final Nepali sunrise from Boudhanath Stupa and enjoy a great breakfast before you head to the airport for your flight home. Learn more

More Great 14-Day Nepal Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your Nepal trip? Check out these other 14-day Nepal itineraries, ranging from active, to cultural, to luxury, or family-friendly trips.

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