Duration10 Days9 nights, 3 destinations
Est. BudgetNPR 4k–12kper day (mid-range)
Best SeasonOct–Nov, Mar–AprClear skies & stable weather
AirportKTM (Tribhuvan)6 km to Thamel
Nepal Visa on Arrival: Most nationalities receive a Tourist Visa on Arrival at KTM. Fees: 15-day USD 30; 30-day USD 50; 90-day USD 125. Pay in USD, EUR, GBP, AUD or major Asian currencies — cash or credit card. Bring two passport photos and a completed arrival card. Indian, Chinese and SAARC nationals have different arrangements — check the Department of Immigration Nepal (doinepal.gov.np) for your specific passport.
Trekking permits required for Poon Hill (Days 8–9): Two mandatory permits: (1) ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) — NPR 3,000 (~USD 22). (2) TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) — NPR 2,000 (~USD 15). Both obtained at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Pokhara Lakeside or Kathmandu near Thamel. Bring two passport photos. Processing 30–45 minutes. Permits are checked at multiple trail checkpoints — trekking without them results in fines.
Altitude & Health Notes for This Itinerary
Kathmandu sits at 1,400m; Pokhara at 820m; Poon Hill at 3,210m. Altitude sickness is unlikely below 2,500m for most healthy adults — the Poon Hill ascent is a 2-day climb and does not typically cause serious AMS. Drink 3–4 litres of water daily on trek days, avoid alcohol at altitude, and descend immediately if symptoms worsen. Diamox (acetazolamide) is available over the counter in Kathmandu pharmacies. Travel insurance with emergency helicopter evacuation coverage is strongly recommended for any trekking in Nepal.
Day1
Arrival + Thamel + Pashupatinath at Dusk
Kathmandu · Prepaid taxi from KTM · Orientation evening at Nepal’s holiest Hindu site
✈
Arrival
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) → Thamel
KTM is 6 km from Thamel. After clearing visa on arrival (bring USD cash and two passport photos), take a prepaid taxi from the official counter inside arrivals: NPR 700–900 to Thamel, 15–30 minutes. Pathao (Nepal’s ride-hailing app) provides fixed-price bike or car bookings with a local SIM. Avoid touts approaching in the carpark — use only the prepaid counter or registered apps.
Buy an NTC or Ncell tourist SIM at the airport arrivals hall — 10 GB for 7 days from NPR 500–800. NTC has better mountain and trekking area coverage; Ncell stronger in Kathmandu and Pokhara urban areas. Passport required for registration.
🏭
14:00 – 16:30
Thamel — Nepal’s Trekking Bazaar
Thamel is the tourist hub of Kathmandu — rated 4.2/5 from 14,000+ Google Maps reviews. The 1 km² maze of narrow alleys contains 300+ trekking gear shops, licensed money changers, bookshops, permit agents and guesthouses. Buy or rent trekking equipment here at a fraction of Western prices. The afternoon is ideal for orientation, SIM purchase and booking Chitwan/Pokhara buses before Day 2.
Money exchange: use licensed changers on Thamel Marg (Nepal Rastra Bank licensed rates displayed). ATMs (NIC Asia, Global IME, Standard Chartered) on Thamel Chowk accept international cards; NPR 10,000–20,000 per transaction limit is typical. Withdraw sufficient NPR before leaving Kathmandu — no ATMs on the Poon Hill trail.
⛨
17:00 – 19:30
Pashupatinath Temple — Hindu Cremation Ghats at Dusk
Nepal’s holiest Hindu temple and one of the most sacred Shiva temples in the world — UNESCO World Heritage Site, rated 4.5/5 from 28,000+ Google Maps reviews. Entry: NPR 1,000 (foreigners; inner pagoda restricted to Hindus). Open-air cremations on the Bagmati River ghats daily — a sobering and profound experience. Arrive by 17:00 for the evening aarti (fire offering ceremony) at 18:00–18:30. Taxi from Thamel: NPR 300–400.
The ghats on the eastern bank are accessible to all visitors without a separate entry charge. Sadhu (holy men) on the western steps charge NPR 100–200 for photographs. Photography of cremations is permissible from a respectful distance; avoid zooming into funeral proceedings.
Day2
Boudhanath Stupa + Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
Kathmandu Valley · Taxi between sites · The two most-reviewed Buddhist monuments in Nepal
☯
08:00 – 11:00
Boudhanath Stupa — Largest Stupa in Nepal
One of the largest stupas in the world and the centre of Tibetan Buddhist life in Nepal — UNESCO World Heritage Site, rated 4.7/5 from 35,000+ Google Maps reviews. Entry: NPR 400. The 36-metre dome is encircled by Tibetan thangka painting shops, prayer flag vendors, monks’ quarters and rooftop cafes. The morning kora (circumambulation by Tibetan pilgrims and monks, spinning prayer wheels clockwise) is the most atmospheric time. Arrive before 08:30.
Rooftop cafe breakfasts surrounding the stupa — Stupa View Restaurant (4.4/5 from 2,800+ reviews) offers direct views at NPR 400–600 per person. Best photography is from the rooftop level, not the ground.
🚕
Transit
Taxi from Boudhanath west to Swayambhunath — 25 min, NPR 500–700.
NPR 500–700🐰
12:00 – 15:00
Swayambhunath — The Monkey Temple
A 2,500-year-old Buddhist stupa on a hilltop above Kathmandu — UNESCO World Heritage Site, rated 4.6/5 from 40,000+ Google Maps reviews. Entry: NPR 200. The 365 steps to the summit are lined with prayer flags, shrines and resident macaques (keep food hidden — they snatch without warning). The summit gives a 360° panorama of the entire Kathmandu Valley. The whitewashed dome with the all-seeing painted eyes of the Buddha is Nepal’s most photographed image.
The northeast corner of the summit has the best open Himalaya view — on clear October–November mornings, Ganesh Himal, Langtang and Manaslu are visible from here. The west side path has a gentler incline than the eastern staircase for the descent.
🍕
18:00 – 20:30
Thamel Dinner: Dal Bhat, Momos or Tibetan
Dal bhat — lentil soup, steamed rice, vegetable curries and pickle — is Nepal’s national meal, typically with unlimited refills. NPR 300–600 at local restaurants, NPR 600–1,000 at tourist-facing Thamel spots. Most-reviewed Thamel dinner options: Yangling Tibetan Restaurant (4.5/5 from 3,400+ reviews, momos NPR 200–350), Rosemary Kitchen (4.4/5 from 3,200+ reviews, Nepali and continental), The Roadhouse Cafe (4.4/5 from 2,800+ reviews, pizza and pasta).
Day3
Patan Durbar Square + Bhaktapur Day Trip
Kathmandu Valley · Taxi · Two of Nepal’s finest medieval squares (both UNESCO)
🏛
09:00 – 12:30
Patan Durbar Square — The City of Fine Arts
Patan (Lalitpur) is the oldest of the three Kathmandu Valley cities — UNESCO World Heritage Site, rated 4.6/5 from 22,000+ Google Maps reviews. Entry: NPR 1,000 (includes the Patan Museum, the finest museum in Nepal, rated 4.6/5 from 2,800+ reviews). The Durbar Square contains the 17th-century Royal Palace, Krishna Mandir (stone temple with 21 pinnacles, carved in 1637) and dozens of courtyard temples in the Newari architectural style. Patan is 5 km south of Thamel — taxi NPR 350–500.
The Patan Museum has the best-curated English-language collection of Nepali Hindu and Buddhist art in existence. Cafe de Patan on the museum rooftop (NPR 500–800 for lunch) has courtyard views. Allow 90 minutes for the museum alone.
🚕
Transit
Taxi from Patan east to Bhaktapur — 30–45 min, NPR 700–900.
NPR 700–900🏛
14:00 – 18:00
Bhaktapur Durbar Square — Nepal’s Most Intact Medieval City
Bhaktapur — the City of Devotees — is the most completely preserved medieval city in Nepal and among the finest in Asia. UNESCO World Heritage Site, rated 4.7/5 from 30,000+ Google Maps reviews. Entry: NPR 1,800 (valid all day). Three connected squares: Durbar Square (55-Window Palace, Golden Gate), Taumadhi Square (Nyatapola Temple — tallest temple in Nepal at 30m, rated 4.7/5), and Dattatreya Square. The 2015 earthquake damaged several structures but 80% of Bhaktapur’s heritage is intact and restored. Try juju dhau (king yogurt in clay pots, NPR 50–80) — a Bhaktapur specialty unavailable elsewhere.
Bhaktapur’s main gates close to non-residents at approximately 19:00. The entry fee is checked at multiple points — keep your ticket. Allow 3–4 hours for the full three-square circuit.
Day4
Nagarkot Sunrise + Changu Narayan Temple
32 km east of Kathmandu · Predawn taxi (04:30) · Best Himalaya panorama from the Valley
🌕
04:30 – 07:00
Nagarkot Sunrise — 180° Himalaya Panorama at 2,195m
Nagarkot is a hilltop viewpoint 32 km east at 2,195m — rated 4.5/5 from 18,000+ Google Maps reviews. On clear October–November mornings, the sunrise illuminates Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Jugal Himal, Dorje Lakpa and (on exceptionally clear days) Everest. Two options: predawn taxi from Thamel at 04:30 (NPR 2,000–2,500 return, 1.5-hour drive), or overnight at a Nagarkot guesthouse the previous evening. Viewpoint tower entry: NPR 100. Sunrise 05:45–06:30 depending on season.
October–November gives the clearest views — post-monsoon skies are washed clear of haze. Always call your hotel for an honest visibility assessment before making the predawn drive. Monsoon (June–September) and winter fog (December–February) significantly reduce visibility.
🚕
Transit
Taxi from Nagarkot south to Changu Narayan Temple — 12 km, 20–30 min, NPR 600–800.
NPR 600–800⛩
08:00 – 11:00
Changu Narayan Temple — Nepal’s Oldest Vishnu Temple
Nepal’s oldest surviving temple — UNESCO World Heritage Site dating to the 4th century CE, rated 4.6/5 from 10,000+ Google Maps reviews. Entry: NPR 300. The two-tiered pagoda is covered in stone, wood and metal carvings including the Vishnu Vikrantha — a 5th-century Gupta-period sculpture regarded as one of Nepal’s greatest artistic masterworks. The forested ridgetop location is quieter and less touristed than the Kathmandu Durbar Squares.
Day5
Chitwan National Park — Arrival + Afternoon Jeep Safari
180 km southwest · Tourist bus or private car · UNESCO World Heritage jungle · Rhino country
🚌
07:00 – 13:00
Kathmandu → Chitwan (Sauraha): Road Transfer
Tourist buses from Thamel or Kantipath to Sauraha/Chitwan: depart 07:00–08:00, arrive 13:00–14:00, NPR 700–1,200 (air-conditioned). Private car: NPR 7,000–10,000, 5–6 hours. The road south crosses the Mahabharat hills and descends into the sub-tropical Terai lowland — the landscape transition from mountain foothills to jungle is visible throughout. Sauraha village on the Rapti River is the main tourist access point for Chitwan National Park.
Book Chitwan accommodation before arrival — most Sauraha lodges include all wildlife activities (jeep safari, canoe, jungle walk, cultural programme) in their all-inclusive package price. The national park entry fee (USD 50/day for foreigners) is usually included; confirm when booking.
🐖
15:00 – 18:30
Chitwan National Park — Afternoon Jeep Safari
Chitwan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — rated 4.6/5 from 22,000+ Google Maps reviews. The 952 km² park supports 700+ one-horned rhinoceroses (one of the world’s largest populations), Bengal tigers, gharial and mugger crocodiles, Gangetic dolphins, gaur and 500+ bird species. Jeep safaris run 06:00–09:00 and 15:00–18:00. Rhino sighting probability on afternoon jeep safaris: above 90% according to verified operator reports. Tiger sighting: approximately 10–30% depending on season.
Morning safaris (06:00–09:00, Day 6) typically produce better wildlife sightings — cooler temperatures bring more animals out. Afternoon is best for birds. Bring long-sleeved clothing for mosquitoes and binoculars if available.
Day6
Chitwan: Canoe Ride + Elephant Bathing + Night Walk
Full day in Chitwan · Dawn canoe, jungle walk, Tharu culture, firefly night walk
🐆
06:00 – 10:00
Morning Canoe Ride on the Rapti River + Guided Jungle Walk
A dugout canoe drifts silently down the Rapti River at dawn — the most serene activity at Chitwan. Gharial crocodiles (up to 5m) bask on sandbars; kingfishers and cormorants work the shallows; rhinos sometimes approach the water. 3–4 km, approximately 45 minutes. Followed by a 2-hour guided jungle walk with a naturalist guide through the buffer zone — tracking rhino footprints, identifying bird calls and animal signs. The naturalist guides at reputable lodges are typically trained wildlife rangers with decades of field experience.
The jungle walk is genuinely one of the most reviewed Chitwan activities — closer and more immersive than the jeep safari. Rhino encounters on jungle walks occur regularly; the guide’s protocol on meeting a rhino is to climb the nearest tree. This is a practiced skill on their part.
🦓
11:00 – 12:30
Elephant Bathing at the Elephant Breeding Centre
The government-operated Elephant Breeding Centre in Sauraha (rated 4.3/5 from 5,600+ reviews) bathes domesticated working elephants in the Budhi Rapti River daily. Visitors are permitted to assist in a handled, walk-in river bathing session (free, no charge). Note: elephant-back safari rides have been discontinued at reputable Sauraha operators following documented welfare concerns. Avoid any operator still offering elephant rides. The bathing centre visit (walking, observing and assisting with washing only) remains a responsible and well-reviewed experience.
The elephant welfare situation at Chitwan has improved significantly since 2018. If a lodge still lists elephant rides as an activity, this is a reliable signal of lower overall welfare and care standards. Stick to lodges rated 4.4+ on verified review platforms.
🌄
19:00 – 21:00
Tharu Cultural Programme + Night Walk
Most Sauraha lodges include a Tharu cultural dance programme (stilt dance and fire performance, 19:30 — the Tharu are the indigenous people of the Chitwan lowlands) followed by a guided night walk along the Rapti riverbank buffer zone. The night walk reveals nightjars, owls, fruit bats and (in season May–August) tens of thousands of fireflies that illuminate the treeline in a synchronized display visible from 500 metres.
Day7
Pokhara — Lakeside + Phewa Lake + Devi’s Fall
150 km west of Chitwan · Tourist bus or domestic flight · Nepal’s most relaxed mountain town
🚌
07:30 – 13:00
Chitwan → Pokhara: Tourist Bus or Domestic Flight
Tourist bus Sauraha to Pokhara: departs 07:30–08:00, arrives 12:30–13:30, NPR 900–1,400. The Prithvi Highway follows the Marsyangdi river gorge with dramatic mountain road scenery throughout. Domestic flight option: Buddha Air or Yeti Airlines from Bharatpur (BHR, 30 min from Sauraha) to Pokhara (PKR) — 25 minutes, USD 80–120. The flight gives an unobstructed aerial Himalaya panorama on a clear day. Book domestic flights 3–5 days ahead in peak season.
🌤
14:00 – 18:30
Phewa Lake + Tal Barahi Temple + Devi’s Fall + Permits
Phewa Lake (rated 4.6/5 from 35,000+ Google Maps reviews) is a 4.4 km² lake with the Annapurna and Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain) range reflecting on the surface — Nepal’s most iconic lake scene. Wooden rowboats: NPR 400–700/hour from Lakeside ghats. Tal Barahi Temple on the lake island (NPR 15 entry). Devi’s Fall (rated 4.3/5, NPR 30) — a waterfall that disappears underground. Adjacent Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave (NPR 200) connects to the waterfall from below. Important: obtain ACAP and TIMS trekking permits at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Pokhara Lakeside this afternoon (open until 17:00).
Machapuchare (Fishtail, 6,993m) reflection in Phewa Lake is best photographed in the morning (07:00–09:00) before afternoon haze builds. The southern lakeside road offers the most unobstructed reflection angles. Pokhara Lakeside has the best restaurant strip in Nepal outside Kathmandu for price-to-quality ratio.
Day8
Poon Hill Trek — Nayapul to Ulleri (Day 1 of 2)
Nayapul trailhead (42 km from Pokhara) · 9 km / ~950m net ascent · ACAP + TIMS required
🚕
06:30 – 08:00
Pokhara → Nayapul Trailhead (Shared Jeep)
Shared jeep from Pokhara’s Baglung Bus Park to Nayapul (42 km east): NPR 200–350/person, departs 06:30–07:30, 1.5 hours. Private taxi: NPR 2,500–3,500. Nayapul elevation: 1,010m. Confirm both ACAP and TIMS permits are in hand before departure — the Birethanti ACAP checkpoint (5 min from Nayapul) checks both on entry to the conservation area.
A licensed guide (NPR 1,500–2,500/day, Pokhara trekking agencies) is strongly recommended for first-time trekkers. A porter (NPR 1,000–1,500/day) is worthwhile if carrying a pack above 8 kg — the Ulleri staircase is demanding with weight.
🏕
08:30 – 16:00
Nayapul (1,010m) → Tikhedhunga (1,480m) → Ulleri (1,960m)
The first trekking day ascends through Birethanti, Hile and Tikhedhunga before reaching the Ulleri stone staircase — approximately 3,400 stone steps ascending 480 vertical metres in 1.5 hours. Ulleri is a Magar village at 1,960m; the last stop before Ghorepani. Total walking time: 5–6 hours. Teahouse dal bhat and noodles en route: NPR 300–500. Overnight teahouse: NPR 500–1,000/room (typically covered in a meal package deal).
Pace the Ulleri staircase with 5–10 minute breaks every 200 steps. Drink water consistently. The rhododendron forest above Ulleri in full bloom (March–April) is among the most spectacular forest walking in Nepal — worth a slow pace upward.
Day9
Poon Hill Sunrise (3,210m) + Descent to Nayapul
Pre-dawn climb from Ghorepani · Annapurna 180° panorama · Return to Pokhara by afternoon
🌕
04:30 – 07:30
Ghorepani (2,860m) → Poon Hill Summit (3,210m): Sunrise
The 45-minute predawn climb from Ghorepani to Poon Hill viewpoint tower is the defining experience of this itinerary. From the summit platform (entry NPR 100), the sunrise illuminates Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Tukuche, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machapuchare in a single unobstructed 180° arc. Rated 4.8/5 from 12,000+ Google Maps reviews. Arrive by 05:30 to secure a platform position before the crowd peaks at 06:00. Temperature at dawn: −2°C to 8°C depending on season — bring all warm layers.
The Poon Hill sunrise is consistently described as a transformative experience. If the summit is clouded on arrival, wait 20–30 minutes — early-morning cloud often clears with the first warmth of the sun. The view of the same mountains from Pokhara Lakeside that evening is an extraordinary contrast to standing above them a few hours earlier.
🏕
08:00 – 15:00
Descent: Ghorepani → Tikhedhunga → Nayapul → Pokhara
Descent from Ghorepani (2,860m) to Nayapul (1,010m): approximately 4–5 hours. The Ulleri staircase descends — trekking poles protect the knees on the stone steps. Breakfast at Ghorepani teahouse before departing. Return to Pokhara by shared jeep from Nayapul, arriving 17:00–18:00. Post-trek dinner on Pokhara Lakeside with the Annapurna range visible across the lake at dusk — an Everest beer (NPR 350–500) and the still-visible mountains from a lakeside terrace is one of Nepal’s most satisfying travel experiences.
Day10
Return to Kathmandu + Garden of Dreams + Departure
Pokhara → KTM · Flight (25 min) or bus (6–7 hrs) · Final Thamel afternoon
✈
07:00 – 14:00
Pokhara → Kathmandu: Domestic Flight or Tourist Bus
Domestic flight (Yeti Airlines / Buddha Air, PKR to KTM): 25 minutes, USD 80–120. Multiple departures 06:30–11:30. Gives a final aerial Annapurna panorama. Tourist bus: departs 07:00–08:00, arrives 13:00–14:30, NPR 700–1,200. Allow at least 3.5 hours from Thamel to KTM Airport for international departure — Kathmandu check-in queues can be lengthy. Most international KTM flights depart late evening.
Domestic flights from Pokhara are weather-dependent and subject to delays. For a same-day international connection, never rely on a Pokhara domestic flight within 5 hours of international departure. The tourist bus or an early morning flight are the safer choices.
🌿
15:00 – 19:00
Garden of Dreams + Final Thamel Dinner or Dwarika’s
Garden of Dreams (Kaisar Mahal, rated 4.5/5 from 8,000+ Google Maps reviews, NPR 400 entry) is a restored 1920 neo-classical garden immediately behind Thamel — the most tranquil space in central Kathmandu. Kaiser Cafe inside (4.4/5, NPR 500–900 for afternoon tea). For a final dinner: Dwarika’s Hotel’s Nepal Pavilion (4.7/5 from 3,200+ reviews, set menu NPR 2,500–4,000) is the most ceremonially appropriate send-off in the city; or a final unlimited dal bhat in Thamel for one last refill of rice and lentils.
Full Transport Guide
This 10-day itinerary spans three destinations connected by tourist buses, domestic flights and taxis. Nepal has no inter-city rail network — all ground transport is road-based. Pre-book Chitwan and Pokhara buses at Thamel guesthouses before departure.
🚕 Nepal Transport Options
Four modes cover the full itinerary. Tourist buses handle most inter-city transfers; domestic flights save time on key connections.
🚌
Tourist Bus (Inter-city)
Kathmandu–Chitwan–Pokhara circuit
Kathmandu → ChitwanNPR 700–1,200 · 5–6 hrs
Chitwan → PokharaNPR 900–1,400 · 5–6 hrs
Pokhara → KathmanduNPR 700–1,200 · 6–7 hrs
Book atThamel agents / guesthouses
Air-conditioned tourist buses with food stops. Significantly more comfortable than public buses. Arrive 15 minutes before departure. Paved main highways with occasional slow sections near towns or after monsoon road repairs.
✈
Domestic Flights
Yeti Airlines · Buddha Air · Shree Airlines
Kathmandu ↔ PokharaUSD 80–120 · 25 min
Bharatpur ↔ PokharaUSD 80–110 · 25 min
Book onlineyetiairlines.com / buddhaair.com
Weather-dependent; subject to delays without advance warning. Allow a buffer before international connections. Book 3–5 days ahead in October–November and March–April peak seasons. Credit cards accepted for online booking.
🚕
Taxi (City + Valley Day Trips)
Negotiate or use Pathao app
Airport → Thamel (prepaid)NPR 700–900
Thamel → BoudhanathNPR 400–600
Thamel → PashupatinathNPR 300–500
Kathmandu → Nagarkot (return)NPR 2,500–3,500
Use the prepaid taxi counter at the airport for arrival. In Thamel, agree on price before entering — no meters in most taxis. Pathao app provides fixed prices for bike or car and eliminates negotiation. Requires a local SIM to register. Add 20–30% for late-night or predawn journeys.
🏕
Trekking Transport
Pokhara ↔ Nayapul trailhead
Pokhara → Nayapul (shared)NPR 200–350 · 1.5 hrs
Pokhara → Nayapul (private)NPR 2,500–3,500
ACAP permitNPR 3,000
TIMS cardNPR 2,000
Shared jeeps from Pokhara’s Baglung Bus Park depart 06:30–08:00. Guide hire (NPR 1,500–2,500/day) and porter (NPR 1,000–1,500/day) arranged through Pokhara Lakeside trekking agencies. Both ACAP and TIMS permits obtainable at the Nepal Tourism Board Lakeside office.
Cash & Cards in Nepal
Nepal is predominantly cash-based outside Kathmandu’s larger hotels. ATMs (Nabil Bank, NIC Asia, Standard Chartered) in Thamel and Pokhara Lakeside accept international Visa/Mastercard — NPR 10,000–15,000 per transaction typical. Withdraw sufficient cash before leaving Kathmandu or Pokhara — no ATMs on the Poon Hill trail and limited facilities in Chitwan. USD cash is accepted at most tourist lodges and safari camps. Credit cards: accepted at mid-range and upmarket Kathmandu/Pokhara hotels; not on the trail or in village guesthouses.
🗺 Full 10-Day Route Map
Kathmandu Valley → Chitwan (SW) → Pokhara (W) → Poon Hill trekReplace with your uMap embed.
See HTML comment for instructions.umap.openstreetmap.fr/zh/map/YOUR-ID
KTM Airport / Thamel
Pashupatinath (UNESCO)
Boudhanath (UNESCO)
Swayambhunath (UNESCO)
Patan Durbar Sq. (UNESCO)
Bhaktapur (UNESCO)
Nagarkot (2,195m)
Changu Narayan (UNESCO)
Chitwan / Sauraha
Pokhara / Phewa Lake
Nayapul Trailhead (1,010m)
Ulleri (1,960m)
Poon Hill Summit (3,210m)
Where to Stay
All properties rated 8.5+ on Booking.com with 200+ reviews as of June 2026. This itinerary requires accommodation in three locations: Kathmandu (4 nights, Days 1–4), Chitwan (2 nights, Days 5–6) and Pokhara (3 nights, Days 7–9).
Kathmandu — 4 Nights (Days 1–4)
🏛
Thamel · Luxury ⭐ Top Pick
Dwarika’s Hotel
A living museum of Newari art and architecture — 86 rooms built from reclaimed 15th-century wood carvings across seven heritage courtyards. UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award winner. The Nepal Pavilion restaurant is the most reviewed traditional Nepali dining experience in the country. 15 minutes from Thamel.
“Staying here is an art experience as much as a hotel. The carved wood, the courtyard fountains, the food — extraordinary.” — Booking.com user, November 2025
Check availability on Booking.com →
🏡
Thamel · Mid-range ⭐ Top Pick
Hotel Moonlight Thamel
Clean, well-reviewed boutique hotel in the heart of Thamel — rooftop terrace, reliable hot water and WiFi, staff who assist with trek bookings, Chitwan packages and Pokhara bus tickets. Outstanding location-to-price ratio for the Thamel area. One of the most consistently reviewed mid-range guesthouses in Kathmandu.
“Staff helped book everything — Chitwan lodge, Pokhara bus, permits. Rooftop is a great evening spot. Perfect Thamel base.” — Booking.com user, October 2025
Check availability on Booking.com →
🌄
Thamel · Budget
Hotel Encounter Nepal
Long-running Thamel budget guesthouse with clean rooms, reliable hot showers, strong WiFi and a rooftop garden. One of the most-reviewed budget properties for backpackers and trekkers in Thamel, maintained in quality over decades. Steps from the main Thamel intersection.
“For the price, the cleanliness and Thamel location is remarkable. Hot water always worked. Good rooftop for sunrise views.” — Booking.com user, April 2026
Check availability on Booking.com →
Chitwan — 2 Nights (Days 5–6)
🐖
Sauraha · Jungle Lodge ⭐ Top Pick
Barahi Jungle Lodge
Award-winning eco-lodge on the boundary of Chitwan National Park — thatched Tharu-style cottages, a swimming pool, and one of the most wildlife-rich positions in Sauraha. All activities (jeep safari, canoe, jungle walk, cultural programme) included in the all-inclusive package price.
“Rhino walking through the lodge garden on the second morning. The safari team were exceptional naturalists. Best Chitwan experience possible.” — Booking.com user, March 2026
Check availability on Booking.com →
🌿
Sauraha · Mid-range
Island Jungle Resort
Thatched bungalows surrounded by jungle on the edge of Chitwan, with a riverside location and all safari activities included. Consistently reviewed for knowledgeable naturalist guides and high wildlife sighting success rates. Full package (accommodation, all activities and meals) at the listed price.
“The guide knew every bird call and animal track. Five rhinos in two days. Well-organised and genuinely wild-feeling.” — Booking.com user, January 2026
Check availability on Booking.com →
Pokhara — 3 Nights (Days 7–9)
🌤
Lakeside · Mid-range ⭐ Top Pick
Temple Tree Resort & Spa
Boutique resort in Pokhara Lakeside with a garden pool, Annapurna views and one of the highest-rated spas in Nepal — ideal for post-trek recovery. 5-minute walk from Phewa Lake ghats and the Nepal Tourism Board permit office. Strong breakfast and consistent service reviews.
“The spa after two days of trekking was genuinely restorative. Mountain views from the pool at dawn are something else entirely.” — Booking.com user, November 2025
Check availability on Booking.com →
🌅
Lakeside · Budget ⭐ Top Pick
Hotel Barahi Lakeside
Reliable mid-budget hotel directly on the Phewa Lake promenade — rooftop terrace with Machapuchare views, clean rooms, central Lakeside location. Walking distance to the Nayapul jeep departure point and permit office. Strong value-for-money reviews in peak season.
“Fishtail Mountain from the rooftop at sunrise is free and worth everything. Location made trekking logistics easy.” — Booking.com user, October 2025
Check availability on Booking.com →
ℹHotel links above are Booking.com affiliate partner links. They do not affect our selection or ratings, and cost you nothing extra. Full affiliate disclosure →
📊 Research Sources & Methodology
Data sources: Itinerary informed by 7,000+ verified TripAdvisor and Google Maps reviews (minimum 4.0/5.0, 500+ reviews per attraction, verified June 2026). Hotel data from Booking.com (minimum 8.5/10 score, 200+ reviews) as of June 2026. Chitwan National Park entry fees and safari information from the Chitwan National Park official management board (chitwannationalpark.gov.np), verified June 2026.
Permit information: ACAP and TIMS permit costs from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project and the Nepal Tourism Board (nepaltourism.gov.np), verified June 2026. Permit costs are subject to revision — confirm current rates at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Pokhara before trekking.
Visa information: Nepal Visa on Arrival fees and eligibility from the Department of Immigration Nepal (doinepal.gov.np), verified June 2026. SAARC and Indian national arrangements confirmed from the same source. Visa fees are subject to change — verify before booking.
Altitude health guidance: AMS prevention guidelines from the UIAA Mountain Medicine Commission and the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) Nepal altitude safety guidelines, verified June 2026.
Elephant welfare note: Discontinued elephant rides sourced from World Animal Protection Nepal (2022) and verified against individual operator reviews on TripAdvisor, May 2026.
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Last verified: 2026-06-02. Visa fees, permit costs, park entry fees and flight prices are subject to change. Verify with official sources before travel.
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