# Nepal Itinerary: How to Spend 7, 10, 14 or 21 Days in Nepal

_Published 1 May 2026_

One of the most common questions we receive is simple: "I have X days in Nepal. What should I do?" Nepal is small on the map but big in experience, and travel times are longer than they look. A road journey of 200 km can take seven hours, mountain flights depend on the weather, and treks need time for acclimatisation. The key to a great trip is choosing a few places and enjoying them properly, rather than trying to see everything.

These are the itineraries we most often build for **7, 10, 14 and 21 days**, after years of planning trips for our guests. Each can be adapted to your interests, whether that is trekking, culture, wildlife, adventure or relaxation. At the end, we explain how to customise them and what to consider when planning.

**Quick answer:** with **7 days**, combine Kathmandu with Pokhara or a short trek such as Poon Hill. With **10 days**, add Chitwan for a safari. With **14 days**, add a longer trek such as Annapurna Base Camp or the Everest View Trek, or do Everest Base Camp. With **21 days**, you can trek the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp and still visit Pokhara and Chitwan. Always keep at least one spare day for flights and weather.

## How long do you need in Nepal?

Trip lengthWhat you can realistically do5–7 daysKathmandu Valley plus Pokhara, or a 4-day trek from Pokhara10 daysKathmandu, Pokhara, a short trek and Chitwan14 daysKathmandu plus a 10–12 day trek (ABC or EBC), or a longer tour with a short trek21 daysA big trek (Everest, Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu) plus Pokhara and Chitwan4 weeks+Two treks, or a trek plus Tibet or Bhutan## Travel times between main destinations

RouteBy roadBy airKathmandu – Pokhara6–8 hours25 minutesKathmandu – Chitwan (Sauraha)5–6 hours20 minutes to BharatpurPokhara – Chitwan5 hours—Chitwan – Lumbini4–5 hours—Kathmandu – Lumbini8–9 hours35 minutes to BhairahawaKathmandu – Lukla—35 minutes (or 20 min from Ramechhap)Kathmandu – Syabrubesi (Langtang)7–8 hours—## 7 days in Nepal

### Option A: culture and lakes

DayPlan1Arrive in Kathmandu; evening walk in Thamel or Boudhanath2Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath3Bhaktapur and Patan; optional early Everest mountain flight4Fly or drive to Pokhara; boating on Phewa Lake5Sarangkot sunrise, World Peace Pagoda, paragliding6Hike to Australian Camp or explore Begnas Lake; fly to Kathmandu in the evening7Departure### Option B: a short trek

Arrive in Kathmandu (day 1), fly to Pokhara (day 2), trek Poon Hill or Mardi Himal (days 3–6) and fly back to Kathmandu for departure (day 7). This gives you a real Himalayan trek in a single week. More in our [Poon Hill guide](/blog/poon-hill-trek-guide) and [Mardi Himal guide](/blog/mardi-himal-trek-guide).

### Option C: Everest in a week

For those who dream of seeing Everest, the [Everest View Trek](/everest-view-trek) flies to Lukla and walks to Namche Bazaar and the Everest View Hotel in five or six days, with a spare day for flights. Alternatively, spend two days in Kathmandu and take a morning [helicopter tour to Everest Base Camp](/blog/everest-helicopter-tour-guide).

## 10 days in Nepal

Ten days is the sweet spot for a first visit, allowing culture, mountains and wildlife.

DayPlan1Arrive in Kathmandu2Kathmandu sightseeing3Bhaktapur, then drive or fly to Pokhara4Drive to trailhead, trek to Ulleri or Tikhedhunga5Trek to Ghorepani6Poon Hill sunrise, trek to Tadapani7Trek to Ghandruk, drive to Pokhara8Drive to Chitwan; Tharu village walk9Canoe trip, jungle walk and jeep safari10Drive or fly to Kathmandu, departureOur [Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan tour](/nepal-tour-kathmandu-pokhara-chitwan) covers the non-trekking parts of this itinerary.

## 14 days in Nepal

### Option A: Everest Base Camp

Two weeks is the minimum for the [Everest Base Camp trek](/blog/everest-base-camp-trek-guide), with a day in Kathmandu at each end and a spare day for Lukla flights. There is little time for anything else, but you will have completed one of the world's great treks.

### Option B: Annapurna Base Camp and Chitwan

DaysPlan1–2Kathmandu arrival and sightseeing3To Pokhara4–10Annapurna Base Camp trek (7 days from Pokhara)11Rest day in Pokhara12–13Chitwan safari14Return to Kathmandu, departure### Option C: culture, wildlife and a short trek

Kathmandu Valley (3 days), Bandipur (1 night), Pokhara and a 4-day Poon Hill or Mardi Himal trek (6 days), Chitwan (2 nights) and Lumbini (2 nights), then fly back to Kathmandu.

## 21 days in Nepal

### Option A: Annapurna Circuit

Kathmandu (2 days), the [Annapurna Circuit](/blog/annapurna-circuit-trek-guide) (14–16 days, including Tilicho Lake if you wish), a rest day in Pokhara and two nights in Chitwan.

### Option B: Everest Base Camp plus Nepal highlights

Kathmandu (2 days), Everest Base Camp trek (12 days), Pokhara (2–3 days), Chitwan (2 nights), and back to Kathmandu.

### Option C: Manaslu Circuit

Kathmandu (2 days), the [Manaslu Circuit](/blog/manaslu-circuit-trek-guide) (14–15 days), then relaxation in Pokhara.

## Four weeks or more

With a month, you can combine two treks, such as Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Base Camp, or the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley. You can also add [Tibet](/blog/tibet-travel-from-nepal-guide) or [Bhutan](/blog/bhutan-tour-from-nepal-guide), or explore quieter regions such as Upper Mustang, Rara or Bardia.

## Itineraries by interest

### For culture lovers

Spend more time in the Kathmandu Valley, staying in Patan and Bhaktapur, and add Bandipur, Tansen, Lumbini and Janakpur. Time your visit for a festival if possible. We cover this in our [festivals guide](/blog/festivals-of-nepal).

### For wildlife lovers

Combine Chitwan and Bardia, with birdwatching at Koshi Tappu in the east, and add a short trek for Himalayan birds and red pandas in Langtang.

### For adventure seekers

Combine a high trek with rafting on the Trishuli or Bhote Koshi, paragliding in Pokhara and a trekking peak such as [Island Peak](/blog/island-peak-vs-mera-peak).

### For families

Choose shorter travel days, a gentle trek and plenty of time in Pokhara and Chitwan. See our [family guide](/blog/nepal-family-travel-guide).

### For spiritual travellers

Include Boudhanath, Swayambhunath and Pashupatinath, a meditation retreat at Kopan, Lumbini, Muktinath or the [Kailash yatra](/blog/kailash-mansarovar-yatra-guide).

## Planning tips

- **Do less, better.** Two or three regions are enough for most trips.
- **Keep spare days** around flights to Lukla, Jomsom and other mountain airstrips.
- **Fly between Kathmandu and Pokhara** if time is short.
- **Arrive a day early** for treks, to recover from travel and collect permits.
- **Consider the season**: see our [best time guide](/blog/best-time-to-trek-in-nepal).
- **Finish somewhere easy**: a few days in Pokhara or Chitwan.

## A closer look: the classic 10-day route, day by day

Because the 10-day plan is the one we are asked about most often, here is how it feels in practice. On **day one**, you land in Kathmandu, are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After a rest, an evening walk around Boudhanath, with pilgrims circling the stupa and butter lamps flickering, eases you into Nepal. **Day two** is a full day of sightseeing with a guide: the Monkey Temple at Swayambhunath in the morning, the palaces and temples of Kathmandu Durbar Square, the cremation ghats of Pashupatinath and, if energy allows, a sunset visit back to Boudhanath. On **day three**, you explore Bhaktapur's medieval squares before flying to Pokhara in the afternoon, arriving in time for a lakeside dinner.

**Days four to seven** are spent on the Poon Hill trek: climbing the stone steps to Ulleri, walking through rhododendron forest to Ghorepani, watching the sunrise from Poon Hill, and descending through Tadapani to the Gurung village of Ghandruk before driving back to Pokhara. On **day eight**, you drive to Chitwan, where an afternoon walk through a Tharu village and a sunset by the Rapti River introduce the lowlands. **Day nine** is safari day: a dawn canoe trip, a jungle walk, and a jeep safari looking for rhinos. On **day ten**, you fly or drive back to Kathmandu for your onward flight. It is a varied, relaxed introduction to Nepal that suits most first-time visitors.

## Adding Lumbini, Bandipur or Tansen

For travellers interested in history and culture, three places make excellent additions. **Lumbini**, the birthplace of the Buddha, is about four to five hours from Chitwan and has a peaceful atmosphere with monasteries built by countries from around the world. **Bandipur**, a hilltop Newari town halfway between Kathmandu and Pokhara, has car-free streets, old merchant houses and mountain views, and makes a lovely overnight stop. **Tansen**, further west, is an old hill town with Newari architecture, a palace and famous dhaka weaving. Adding one or two nights in these places slows the pace and shows a quieter, more traditional side of Nepal. See our [Lumbini tour](/lumbini-buddhist-pilgrimage-tour).

## Budgeting your itinerary

Costs vary with travel style, but a few rules of thumb help. Cultural touring with a private car and guide, mid-range hotels and meals costs roughly US$80–150 per person per day for two people travelling together. Treks in popular regions cost about US$60–120 per day, including guide, porter, permits, lodges and meals. Flights add to the cost, especially to Lukla. Safaris in Chitwan cost around US$100–200 per person per day in comfortable lodges, including activities. Take a look at our guide to the [cost of trekking in Nepal](/blog/cost-of-trekking-in-nepal) for detailed breakdowns.

## Common itinerary mistakes

- **Too many destinations:** constant travel leaves no time to enjoy places.
- **No buffer days:** a cancelled Lukla flight can cost you your international connection.
- **Underestimating road journeys:** 200 km can mean a full day.
- **Rushing altitude:** skipping acclimatisation days to save time is dangerous.
- **Ignoring the season:** planning a high trek in the monsoon or deep winter without adjusting expectations.
- **Arriving and trekking the same day:** jet lag and permits need at least a day.

## Itineraries by season

### Autumn (October–November)

Autumn is the classic season, with clear skies and stable weather, so almost any itinerary works. It is the perfect time for high treks such as Everest Base Camp, the Annapurna Circuit and Manaslu, and for combining a trek with Pokhara and Chitwan. Nepal's biggest festivals, Dashain and Tihar, also fall in this period, adding colour but also crowded transport. Book early, as flights and lodges fill up.

### Winter (December–February)

In winter, favour lower treks such as Poon Hill, Ghandruk, Helambu and the Everest View Trek, and add cultural touring and wildlife. Chitwan and Bardia are pleasant and wildlife viewing is good, while the Kathmandu Valley is sunny by day. High passes may be snowbound, so avoid itineraries that depend on crossing the Thorong La or Larkya La. See our [winter trekking guide](/blog/trekking-in-nepal-in-winter).

### Spring (March–May)

Spring brings rhododendrons, warmer days and the Everest climbing season. It is excellent for Annapurna treks, Everest Base Camp and trekking peaks. Chitwan becomes hot by May, so visit early in the season. Haze can reduce mountain views later in spring, so plan viewpoints for early mornings.

### Monsoon (June–September)

During the monsoon, build your itinerary around rain-shadow regions such as Upper Mustang, or combine Kathmandu's culture with Tibet, which is at its best in summer. Expect flight delays and occasional road closures, and keep plans flexible. Our [monsoon trekking guide](/blog/trekking-in-nepal-in-monsoon) goes into more detail.

## A 14-day sample in detail: Annapurna Base Camp and Chitwan

For travellers with two weeks who want both a proper trek and some variety, this plan works beautifully. After arriving in Kathmandu and spending a day exploring its temples, you fly to Pokhara and relax by the lake. The trek begins the next morning with a drive to the trailhead and a walk through terraced fields and villages to Ghandruk or Jhinu. Over the following days, you follow the Modi Khola valley through Chhomrong, bamboo forest and the gorge below Machhapuchhre to Deurali, then climb into the Annapurna Sanctuary, spending a night at Machhapuchhre Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp itself, surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the world. The descent takes two to three days, with a stop at the Jhinu hot springs for tired legs.

Back in Pokhara, a free day gives time for paragliding, boating or simply resting. Then you drive to Chitwan for two nights of canoe trips, jungle walks and jeep safaris, before returning to Kathmandu for your flight home. It is a rich, balanced itinerary that suits fit first-time visitors. Our [Annapurna Base Camp Trek](/annapurna-base-camp-trek) page has the day-by-day plan.

## A 21-day sample in detail: Everest and beyond

For three weeks, one of our favourite plans combines Everest Base Camp with the rest of Nepal. You spend two days in Kathmandu, then fly to Lukla and trek for about twelve days to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, with acclimatisation days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. On your return to Kathmandu, a spare day allows for flight delays and a massage. Then you fly to Pokhara for two days of relaxation, drive to Chitwan for two nights of safari, and return to Kathmandu. This gives you the world's most famous trek plus a complete picture of Nepal's landscapes and cultures, with a relaxed finish after the effort of the mountains.

## Solo, couple and group itineraries

The same itineraries work for solo travellers, couples and groups, but a few details change. **Solo travellers** can book private trips with their own guide or join group departures to share costs and meet people. **Couples** often prefer private trips with boutique hotels and a slower pace, perhaps adding a luxury lodge trek or a helicopter tour for a special occasion. **Groups of friends** can share the cost of private vehicles and guides, making even premium experiences affordable. **Families** need shorter travel days and child-friendly activities. Tell us who is travelling, and we will adjust the plan accordingly.

## Arrival and departure tips

Most international flights arrive in Kathmandu in the afternoon or evening, so plan a light first day. Visa on arrival is available for most nationalities, although queues can be long at busy times. For departures, allow at least three hours at the airport for international flights, and never schedule a Lukla or Jomsom flight on the same day as an international departure. If you are travelling on to India, Tibet or Bhutan, factor in visa and permit requirements. Take a look at our [first-time visitor's guide](/blog/nepal-travel-guide-first-time-visitors) for visa and arrival details.

## Making time for the unplanned

Some of the best moments in Nepal are unplanned: an invitation to a village festival, an extra day at a lodge with a perfect view, a long conversation with a monk in a monastery courtyard, or a spontaneous detour to a hilltop temple. When planning your itinerary, leave some breathing space rather than filling every hour. You will return home with richer memories, and less stress if plans change because of weather or traffic.

## Itineraries for returning visitors

If you have been to Nepal before and done the classics, consider a different region. The far west offers **Rara Lake**, Nepal's largest lake, and **Bardia National Park**, the best place to see tigers. The far east has the **Kanchenjunga** and **Makalu** base camp treks, the tea gardens of **Ilam** and the wetlands of **Koshi Tappu**. In the north, **Upper Mustang**, **Nar Phu** and **Tsum Valley** have Tibetan culture and bare, high-desert landscapes. For culture, spend a week in the Kathmandu Valley exploring lesser-known towns such as **Kirtipur**, **Panauti** and **Khokana**, or time your visit for a festival. A lot of our guests enjoy their second or third trip even more than the first.

## Combining trekking and wellness

Many travellers like to balance the effort of trekking with relaxation. After a trek, a few days at a spa resort in Pokhara, a yoga retreat near Kathmandu or a meditation course at a Buddhist monastery helps the body and mind recover. Hot springs such as those at Jhinu Danda on the Annapurna Base Camp trail and Tatopani on the Annapurna Circuit are exactly what tired legs need. Including a slow day or two at the end of your itinerary makes the whole trip more enjoyable.

## Checklist before finalising your itinerary

- Check the season and weather for each region.
- Confirm permit requirements and processing times.
- Add spare days around mountain flights and treks.
- Book international flights with buffers at both ends.
- Consider travel times realistically.
- Balance active days with rest.
- Make sure your insurance covers all activities and altitudes.

## Private tour or group departure?

Most itineraries can be done as a private trip or as part of a group departure. **Private trips** offer complete flexibility: your own dates, pace, hotels and guide, and the freedom to change plans along the way. They work well for families, couples and travellers with specific interests. **Group departures** run on fixed dates with other travellers, sharing costs and offering company, which suits solo travellers who enjoy meeting people. On treks, groups are usually small, and the guide sets a pace suitable for everyone. Whichever you choose, the most important thing is a well-planned itinerary with realistic travel times and proper acclimatisation.

## Our most popular itinerary request

If we had to name the single most popular request we receive, it would be a two-week trip combining Kathmandu's heritage, a trek with big mountain views and a Chitwan safari, with a couple of relaxing days in Pokhara. It suits first-time visitors of almost any age and fitness, and shows how varied Nepal is, from medieval cities to glaciers to jungle, in a fortnight. Tell us your dates, and we will tailor it for you.

## Adding a scenic flight

If your itinerary does not include the Everest region, consider adding the one-hour [Everest mountain flight](/everest-mountain-flight) from Kathmandu at sunrise. It fits easily into any Kathmandu day, and on clear mornings offers close views of Everest and the Himalayan range from a window seat.

## Using spare days wisely

If your spare days are not needed for flight delays, use them well: visit Patan or Bhaktapur, take a cooking class, book a massage, hike to Chandragiri or Nagarkot for mountain views, or simply relax in a garden café in Kathmandu. Spare days are never wasted.

## Let us help

Our Kathmandu team plans itineraries every day and knows how long each journey really takes. Share your dates and interests, and we will send a tailored plan with honest advice and a clear price.

## How we build custom itineraries

Every traveller is different, which is why most of our trips are private and tailor-made. When you contact us, we ask about your dates, interests, fitness, budget and travel style, then suggest an itinerary with realistic travel times and the right balance of activity and rest. We adjust it until it feels perfect, and during the trip, we stay flexible if weather or circumstances change. [Tell us how many days you have](/contact-us), and we will design a plan for you.

## Frequently asked questions
### How many days do I need in Nepal?
At least **7–10 days** for the highlights; **2–3 weeks** to include a major trek.

### What is the best 7-day itinerary for Nepal?
Kathmandu plus Pokhara, or Kathmandu plus a short trek such as Poon Hill.

### Can I do Everest Base Camp in 10 days?
It is very tight; we recommend at least 12–14 days, or a helicopter return to save time.

### What is the best 2-week itinerary for Nepal?
Kathmandu, a 7–10 day trek such as Annapurna Base Camp, Pokhara and Chitwan.

### Should I fly or drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara?
Flying takes 25 minutes; driving takes 6–8 hours but is scenic and cheaper.

### Is Chitwan worth adding?
Yes, for wildlife and a contrast to the mountains; 2 nights is ideal.

### Can I visit Nepal without trekking?
Yes: cultural tours, safaris, mountain flights and Pokhara make an excellent trip.

### How much time should I allow for flight delays?
At least one spare day for Lukla and other mountain flights.

### What is the best itinerary for families?
Kathmandu, Pokhara with a gentle hike, and Chitwan.

### Can I combine Nepal with Tibet or Bhutan?
Yes, both are reached from Kathmandu.

### How much does a 10-day Nepal trip cost?
Roughly US$1,000–2,000 per person, depending on style, flights and activities.

### Can you customise an itinerary for me?
Yes, all our trips can be tailor-made to your dates and interests.


Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/blog/nepal-itinerary-guide