Nepal is a short flight from India and needs no long trek to see the Himalaya. Six days covers Kathmandu and Pokhara comfortably.
Day 1: Kathmandu
Arrive and visit Swayambhunath, the hilltop "monkey temple", for views over the valley. In the evening, explore Thamel.
Day 2: Kathmandu Valley
Visit Pashupatinath on the Bagmati river, the great stupa of Boudhanath and Kathmandu's Durbar Square. Many travellers stay for the evening aarti at Pashupatinath.
Day 3: Bhaktapur and to Pokhara
See the medieval city of Bhaktapur in the morning. Fly to Pokhara (about 25 minutes) or drive (about six to seven hours through the hills).
Day 4: Pokhara
Watch sunrise over the Annapurna range from Sarangkot. Row on Phewa Lake, visit the World Peace Pagoda and Davis Falls. If you like adventure, paraglide from Sarangkot.
Day 5: Pokhara at leisure
Take a short hike in the foothills, visit the International Mountain Museum or simply relax by the lake. Fly back to Kathmandu in the evening.
Day 6: Everest flight and departure
If weather permits, take an early-morning mountain flight past Everest before your flight home. Book it for an earlier day if you can, so you have a back-up.
Adding Chitwan
Add two nights in Chitwan National Park between Kathmandu and Pokhara for rhino safaris and Tharu culture.
Practical points
- Documents: Indian citizens can travel with a valid passport or voter ID. Check the current rules before you go.
- Money: Nepalese rupees are used; Indian rupee notes are widely accepted, but rules on larger denominations have varied, so carry smaller notes.
- Season: October to November and March to April give the clearest views.
See Pilgrimage tours for a Pashupatinath and Muktinath route.
When to go
When to go
When to go
When to go