7-Day Nepal Itinerary — Kathmandu, Pokhara & Chitwan
One week is tight for Nepal, but it's enough for the classic triangle: the temples and bazaars of Kathmandu, the lakes and mountain views of Pokhara, and the rhinos of Chitwan. This itinerary sequences them to minimise backtracking and maximise mornings — which in Nepal are everything.
The Route at a Glance
| Day | Where | Highlights | | --- | --- | --- | | 1 | Kathmandu | Arrival, Thamel, Swayambhunath sunset | | 2 | Kathmandu Valley | Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, Patan | | 3 | → Pokhara | Tourist bus or flight, Lakeside evening | | 4 | Pokhara | Sarangkot sunrise, lake, Peace Pagoda | | 5 | → Chitwan | Drive down, river sunset | | 6 | Chitwan | Jeep safari, canoe trip | | 7 | → Kathmandu | Return, fly out (or buffer day) |
Day 1 — Land in Kathmandu
Arrive, settle into your hotel (see where to stay in Kathmandu), and ease in: wander Thamel's lanes, then taxi to Swayambhunath — the hilltop "Monkey Temple" — for sunset over the valley. Eat your first dal bhat.
Day 2 — The Valley's Greatest Hits
Start early at Boudhanath, joining pilgrims circling the great stupa before the tour buses arrive. Continue to Pashupatinath, Nepal's holiest Hindu site, then spend the afternoon in Patan — its Durbar Square and museum are the valley's finest. Cap the day grazing the old town's street food (we have a whole guide for that).
Day 3 — To Pokhara
The tourist bus takes 7–9 hours through the Trishuli valley; the 25-minute flight buys you an extra half-day. Arrive, check in (Lakeside guide here), and walk the lakefront as Machhapuchhre catches the evening light.
Day 4 — Pokhara's Big Day
Pre-dawn taxi to Sarangkot for sunrise over the Annapurnas — the single best "wow" moment a one-week trip allows. Spend midday boating on Phewa Lake and hiking up to the World Peace Pagoda; if you have adrenaline budget, this is the day to paraglide. More options in things to do in Pokhara.
Day 5 — Down to the Jungle
Drive 4–5 hours south to Chitwan National Park. Afternoon arrival leaves time for a village walk in Tharu country and sunset on the Rapti River, crocodiles drifting past.
Day 6 — Safari
A full day in the park: morning canoe trip and jungle walk, afternoon jeep safari. One-horned rhino sightings are near-certain; sloth bears, gharials and — rarely — a tiger fill the lottery tickets.
Day 7 — Back to Kathmandu
The drive back takes 5–6 hours (or fly from Bharatpur in 20 minutes). Evening flight out, or better: keep a buffer night for last-minute shopping and one final Newari feast.
Tweaks
- More mountains, less wildlife? Swap Chitwan for the Australian Camp overnight hike.
- Festivals or trail conditions may shape your dates — check the best time to visit.
- Ten days instead of seven? Add the Poon Hill trek between days 4 and 5. Our trekking guide has the details.
Plan your trip with GatewayToNepal — browse stays, restaurants and things to do across Nepal. Online booking is coming soon.