7 Days in Nepal - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

After your arrival in Kathmandu, take it easy and have a relaxed first meal in Thamel, the lively tourist hub of the city.

On day two, visit some of the most beautiful sights in the city. There are seven UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley, and you’ll see a few of them, most notably the old town of Patan, the holiest Hindu site in the country at Pashupatinath Temple, and hilltop Swayambhunath Stupa, colloquially called the Monkey Temple… you’ll soon find out why.

Make an early start on day three and fly to Pokhara, Nepal’s second city, in the west. If the weather’s clear, you’ll get good views en route. After arriving, you’ll be driven about 90 minutes outside the city to Astam, where you’ll stay at a gorgeous eco-lodge with close-up views of the Annapurna Himalaya.

Take your time on the morning of day four, enjoying the morning views or going for a short walk around Astam. You’ll then be driven back to Pokhara, where you’ll have time to explore the Lakeside area of the city.

On day five, fly from Pokhara to Bharatpur, near the Chitwan National Park, for a complete change of scenery. Relax at your jungle lodge and keep an eye out for wildlife and birds.

Prepare for a full day of safari activities on day six: try a walking safari, Jeep safari, bird watching, and a canoe ride down the river. There’s a strong chance you’ll spot rhinos, gharial crocodiles, deer, elephants, and many different species of birds. Say goodbye to the jungle on day seven as you return to Kathmandu by air, and depart Nepal. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is ideal for first-time trekkers in the Himalaya with reasonable fitness and offers some of the best mountain views from such an accessible location that you’ll find anywhere in the country. 

Arrive in Kathmandu, and if there’s time, get out and about and explore the buzzing city. Convenient places to visit on your first day include the Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Temple, which are both a short distance from the tourist hub, Thamel.

The next day, take a morning flight to Pokhara to begin your adventure in the mountains. If the weather’s clear, you’ll get good views from the flight. You’ll be picked up from the airport and driven out to Nayapul, the trailhead for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. Walk for 4-5 hours on this first day, through villages and farmland in the foothills of the Himalaya.

On day three, the first real challenge awaits: the climb up more than 3700 steps to Ulleri. It’s not easy, but you’ll feel a huge sense of accomplishment once you’ve made it to the top. The trail continues more gently through forests until you reach Ghorepani. Walk for 6-7 hours today.

Make an early start on day four, climbing up to the lookout atop Poon Hill to see the sunrise over the Himalaya. You’ll see Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Fishtail, and Singa Chuli, among other enormous mountains. Return to Ghorepani for breakfast, then continue trekking to Tadapani, about 6-7 hours of hiking.

Your last day on the trail will be shorter, as you make your way from Tadapani to Nayapul, where you’ll be picked up and driven back to Pokhara. Enjoy some well-earned R&R in Pokhara: get a massage, go shopping, chill out in a cafe or bar, or spend time by the lake.

Return to Kathmandu on day six, where you’ll have a free afternoon to spend sightseeing. Must-see highlights include the Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa. Depart Kathmandu on day seven, after a busy and rewarding week seeing the best of Nepal. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Pikey Peak Trek

Trekkers who want to avoid the busiest of Nepal’s trails while still experiencing some of its best views will enjoy the Pikey Peak Trek, which can comfortably be done within a week. Sir Edmund Hillary claimed that the view of the lower Everest region from Pikey Peak is the best in Nepal, and he might just have been right.

Ease into Kathmandu by checking out the Thamel neighborhood. Enjoy your first meal of dal bhat and gather strength for the adventure awaiting you.

Leaving Kathmandu early on day two, drive several hours to the trailhead at Dhap. The road is one of the better of Nepal’s mountain roads, so the drive shouldn’t be too uncomfortable. Hike 4-5 hours to Jhapre, with views of the Numbur Himal range.

Trek for 6-7 hours on day three towards Pikey Base Camp. You’ll pass Tibetan Buddhist mani walls and through a forested trail. If it’s spring, you’ll see colorful rhododendron in bloom. 

Early on day four, you’ll climb up to Pikey Peak summit to enjoy the sunrise. You’ll see an enormous sweep of mountains if the weather is favorable, from Annapurna in the west to Kanchenjunga in the east. Return to your lodge for breakfast, then continue your trek for the day, mostly going downhill. Walk for 6-7 hours today.

On day five you start with a steep ascent again, to Deurali, from where you’ll be able to see the Langtang Range. Then descend to Shivalaya, where you’ll spend your last night on the trail. Walk for 6-7 hours again today.

Return to Kathmandu by bus on day six, which will give you a chance to rest your feet and enjoy the views along the Bhote Kosi River and Arniko Highway from Tibet. Depart from Kathmandu on day seven. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Balthali Village Trek

You don’t need to travel far from Kathmandu to enjoy a rural trekking experience with great views. The Balthali Village Trek starts just outside Kathmandu, and takes you along trails just outside the valley. 

You’ll be met at the airport after your arrival in Kathmandu. Depending on the time of day, you may have time for a bit of city sightseeing. The Kathmandu Durbar Square is an ideal place to start, as it’s not far from the tourist hub, Thamel.

Ease into your adventure on day two, as you’ll be driven to Jarsing Pauwa on the edge of the Kathmandu Valley, from where you’ll begin your trek. Hike a couple of hours up to Nagarkot, which is famous for its Himalayan views, especially at sunrise and sunset. 

Spend a full day trekking on day three, walking through cultivated farmland and villages from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel. If the weather is clear you will see Himalayan views for much of the way.

From Dhulikhel, trek 3-4 hours on day four to Namo Buddha, one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal. Spend some time at the peaceful Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery as well as the Namo Buddha Stupa, where the devout believe the Buddha (in one of his incarnations) sacrificed himself to a hungry tigress and her cubs.

On day five, trek from Namo Buddha to Balthali. You’ll pass through primarily Tamang villages, so you can see another way of life of one of Nepal’s many ethnic groups. Today’s walk is about five hours.

The last day of your trek, day six, takes you from Balthali to Panauti, a trek of 3-4 hours. This Newari town is very well preserved as it’s never been destroyed by an earthquake. Spend some time exploring the riverside temples and the beautiful domestic architecture and carvings, before returning to Kathmandu. Enjoy a well-earned rest in the city, and have a farewell meal. Depart Kathmandu on day seven. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Luxury Annapurna Panorama Trek

Trekking in the Himalaya doesn’t have to mean cold showers and hard mattresses. On this luxury trek in the Annapurna Himalaya you’ll stay in extremely comfortable lodgings at night, which will help you appreciate the stunning mountain scenery and cultural riches of the region all the more.

Do a bit of easy sightseeing in Kathmandu on day one, as this seven-day itinerary doesn’t include much time in the capital. Good places to start at the Kathmandu Durbar Square or Swayambhunath, which are quite near the center of town.

Early the next day, fly to Pokhara. Try to sit on the right-hand side of the plane for the best views. After your arrival in Pokhara you’ll be driven directly to Astam. Here, there are spectacular views of the enormous Annapurna Himalaya, and you can spend some time relaxing and taking them in.

On day three, the trek begins. Hike from Astam to Dhampus, an ethnic Gurung village with some fine traditional architecture. Tonight you’ll stay in a luxurious Ker & Downey Lodge, which will make this rural stay at high altitude much more comfortable.

The next day, trek from Dhampus to Landruk, through rhododendron and orchid forests. Keep a lookout for the many bird species that live here. Spend the night at a local teahouse in Landruk for an authentic Himalayan experience.

Begin your descent on day five, from Landruk to the Modi River, and then another sharp ascent up to Ghandruk. This is one of the largest Gurung towns in the area, and a good place to learn about this Nepali ethnic group. From Ghandruk there are views of Gangapurna, Annapurna, and Machhpuchhre. 

Your last day on the trail is short, with just a one-hour descent to Kimche. From there you’ll be driven back to Pokhara. Spend some time exploring this laid-back lakeside town, before returning to Kathmandu on day seven, and departing Nepal. Learn more

Itinerary #6: Best of Chitwan National Park

Nepal isn’t all high mountains and trekking trails. If your interests lie elsewhere, or if you’ve been to Nepal before and are seeking a different kind of adventure, a week in Chitwan National Park might be just the ticket. This seven day Best of Chitwan itinerary includes numerous safari and wildlife spotting activities around the park, as well as some beautiful and unique accommodation.