Nepal is smaller than it looks on the map, but travel takes longer than most people expect. A short flight can save a day. A mountain road can eat one. That’s why a good first itinerary doesn’t try to do everything. It picks a few places and does them well.
This guide gives you three simple plans: 7 days, 10 days, and 14 days. Each one mixes culture, scenery, and a taste of adventure. You’ll also find travel times, ideas for adding a trek, and tips to avoid common planning mistakes.
Quick Answer
- 7 days: Kathmandu and Pokhara. Culture, lakes, and mountain views.
- 10 days: Kathmandu, Pokhara, and a short trek like Poon Hill. Or add Chitwan for wildlife.
- 14 days: Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara, and a longer trek, or a bigger mountain adventure.
- Rule of thumb: Build the trip around one trek and two cities. Don’t try to cover everything.
Travel Times to Know Before You Plan
| Route | By road | By air |
|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu → Pokhara | About 6–9 hrs | About 25–30 min |
| Kathmandu → Chitwan | About 5–7 hrs | Short flight to Bharatpur |
| Pokhara → Chitwan | About 5–6 hrs | None direct |
A flight between Kathmandu and Pokhara costs about $100–$130 one way, according to several sources. A tourist bus costs about $10–$15 but takes much longer. Road times depend on traffic and conditions, so allow extra.
When to Go
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are best, with clear skies and stable weather. For more detail, see our guide to the best time to visit Nepal for adventure . If you’re traveling in winter, read our winter trekking guide .
7 Days: Kathmandu and Pokhara
Best for: First-timers with one week who want culture, lakes, and mountain views.
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Kathmandu. Rest, and walk around Thamel. |
| 2 | Kathmandu Valley sights: Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath |
| 3 | Patan or Bhaktapur Durbar Square, then free time |
| 4 | Fly or drive to Pokhara. Evening by Phewa Lake. |
| 5 | Sarangkot sunrise, then lake and temples. Optional paragliding. |
| 6 | Free day in Pokhara, or a day hike. Fly or drive back to Kathmandu. |
| 7 | Departure |
Why it works: Kathmandu gives you heritage and culture. Pokhara gives you the mountain views and a relaxed pace. A flight between them saves a lot of time.
Add a trek instead? If you want mountains, trade two days in Kathmandu for a short trek like Ghorepani Poon Hill, which takes 4 days. See the Ghorepani Poon Hill Sunrise Trek.
Want something ready-made? Snowbank’s Kathmandu–Pokhara–Chitwan Tour covers three destinations in about 8 days.
10 Days: Add a Trek or a Safari
Best for: Travelers who want a real taste of the Himalayas as well as culture.
Option A: Kathmandu, Pokhara, and a Poon Hill Trek
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Kathmandu |
| 2–3 | Kathmandu Valley sights and UNESCO sites |
| 4 | Fly or drive to Pokhara |
| 5–8 | Ghorepani Poon Hill trek (4 days), with sunrise at about 3,210 m |
| 9 | Rest day in Pokhara. Optional paragliding. |
| 10 | Return to Kathmandu and depart |
Why it works: Poon Hill is the classic first trek. It’s non-technical, short, and scenic. See our Poon Hill itinerary guide for more detail.
Option B: Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara
Swap the trek for a wildlife stop. After Kathmandu, spend 2 nights in Chitwan National Park for jeep safaris and jungle walks, then continue to Pokhara. Snowbank’s Chitwan Jungle Safari is a good fit.
Option C: Add a Short Annapurna Trek
If you have a bit more energy, try Snowbank’s Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek – 6 Days. Check the itinerary to see how it fits your dates.
14 Days: The Full First Trip
Best for: Travelers who want to see culture, wildlife, and mountains without rushing.
Option A: Culture, Wildlife, and a Trek
| Days | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1–3 | Kathmandu, with UNESCO sites and a day in Bhaktapur or Patan |
| 4–5 | Chitwan National Park, with jeep safari and jungle walks |
| 6–7 | Pokhara, with Sarangkot sunrise, Phewa Lake, and rest |
| 8–12 | A trek such as Poon Hill or a longer Annapurna route |
| 13 | Return to Pokhara, and fly or drive to Kathmandu |
| 14 | Departure |
Option B: Culture and the Everest Region
If your main dream is Everest, try Snowbank’s Everest Heli Trek – 12 Days, which walks to Base Camp and flies back, then add 2 days of Kathmandu sightseeing for a 14-day trip. This trek reaches 5,364 m at Base Camp, so it needs good fitness and a slow pace. Read our altitude sickness guide first.
Option C: More Time in Nature
Skip Chitwan and spend extra days in Pokhara, with a longer trek like Annapurna Base Camp. It’s a great fit for travelers who prefer the mountains to the jungle.
What to See in Each Place
Kathmandu (2–3 days): Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur are the main UNESCO World Heritage highlights. Allow 2 to 3 days so you don’t rush.
Pokhara (2–3 days): Phewa Lake, Sarangkot sunrise, the World Peace Pagoda, and optional paragliding. See our Nepal adventure guide for more ideas.
Chitwan (2 days): A UNESCO World Heritage national park with jeep safaris, jungle walks, and a chance to spot one-horned rhinos.
Practical Tips for First-Timers
- Don’t pack too much in. Nepal’s roads are slow, so fewer stops make a better trip.
- Add a spare day before your flight home, especially if you trek.
- Fly between Kathmandu and Pokhara if time is short, but book early in peak season.
- Check your permits if you trek. See our Nepal trekking permits guide.
- Get travel insurance that covers trekking and adventure activities.
- Pack smart. See our Nepal trek packing list .
- Check visa rules with the Nepal Department of Immigration before you travel.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Underestimating road time. A 200 km trip can take most of a day.
- Skipping rest days. A busy itinerary tires you out.
- Booking tight connections. Weather can delay flights.
- Choosing a trek that’s too hard. Pick one that matches your fitness. Our best treks guide can help.
- Ignoring altitude. Even short treks need a slow pace.
FAQs
How many days do you need in Nepal for a first visit?
Seven to ten days works well for a first trip. Ten to fourteen days gives you room for a trek and a safari.
What is the best Nepal itinerary for 7 days?
Kathmandu and Pokhara, with a mix of culture, lakes, and mountain views.
What is a good 10-day Nepal itinerary?
Kathmandu, Pokhara, and a short trek like Poon Hill, or Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara.
What is a good 14-day Nepal itinerary?
Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara, and a longer trek, or a combination of culture and an Everest-region adventure.
Should I fly or drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara?
Flying takes about 25–30 minutes and costs about $100–$130. The road takes 6–9 hours and costs less. Fly if time is short.
How long does it take to get from Pokhara to Chitwan?
About 5–6 hours by road.
Can I do a trek in a 7-day Nepal trip?
Yes, a short one like Poon Hill (4 days), but you’ll spend less time in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Is Nepal good for first-time travelers?
Yes. It’s welcoming, scenic, and has trips for every fitness level, from city tours to mountain treks.
What is the best time to visit Nepal?
March–May and September–November, for clear skies and stable weather.
Do I need a guide for a trek?
A licensed guide is required in national parks and conservation areas. See our permits guide.
Is altitude a concern on a first trip?
It can be, even on short treks. Go slowly and read our altitude sickness guide.
Can I customize an itinerary?
Yes. Tell Snowbank your dates, interests, and fitness level, and we can tailor a plan.
Ready to plan your first trip? Browse Snowbank Adventure tours and treks or explore all activities, and tell us how many days you have. For official information, see the Nepal Tourism Board (External Link).