# One Week in Nepal: The Perfect 7-Day Itinerary

_Published 23 June 2026_

One week is enough to see the highlights of Nepal: the temples of the Kathmandu Valley, a Himalayan sunrise and the lakes of Pokhara.

**Quick answer:** spend **2–3 days in the Kathmandu Valley** (including a night at Nagarkot or Bhaktapur) and **3 days in Pokhara**, with a short hike or paragliding. Swap Pokhara days for **Chitwan** if wildlife is your priority.

## Day by day

1. **Day 1:** arrive in Kathmandu; evening in Thamel.
2. **Day 2:** Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. See our [sightseeing tour](/kathmandu-sightseeing-day-tour).
3. **Day 3:** Patan and Bhaktapur, then sunset and overnight at Nagarkot.
4. **Day 4:** sunrise at Nagarkot, fly or drive to Pokhara.
5. **Day 5:** Sarangkot sunrise, Phewa Lake and the World Peace Pagoda.
6. **Day 6:** paragliding, or a day hike to Australian Camp.
7. **Day 7:** return to Kathmandu and depart.

## Variations

- **Wildlife:** replace days 5–6 with a [Chitwan safari](/chitwan-2-day-safari).
- **Trekking:** do the [Australian Camp trek](/australian-camp-dhampus-trek) from Pokhara.
- **See Everest:** add an [Everest flight](/everest-mountain-flight) on day 2 or 7.

## The classic week in more detail

### Day 1: arrive in Kathmandu

Land at Tribhuvan International Airport, get your visa on arrival, and transfer to your hotel. Spend the evening wandering Thamel or have dinner on a rooftop. See [airport arrival guide](/blog/kathmandu-airport-arrival-guide).

### Day 2: Kathmandu's highlights

Start at Swayambhunath at sunrise, then explore Kathmandu Durbar Square and the Kumari Ghar. After lunch, visit Pashupatinath, then walk or drive to Boudhanath for the evening kora and dinner overlooking the stupa.

### Day 3: Patan, Bhaktapur and Nagarkot

Explore Patan's Durbar Square and museum in the morning, then Bhaktapur's squares and Pottery Square, with juju dhau for a snack. Drive up to Nagarkot for sunset and overnight in a hotel with mountain views.

### Day 4: sunrise and Pokhara

Watch the sunrise over the Himalaya from Nagarkot, return to Kathmandu, and fly to Pokhara (25 minutes). Afternoon by the lake.

### Day 5: Pokhara's classics

Sunrise at Sarangkot, then boat across Phewa Lake to Tal Barahi temple and hike to the World Peace Pagoda. Evening in Lakeside.

### Day 6: adventure or hike

Choose tandem paragliding, the zip line, or a day hike to Australian Camp for close-up views of Machhapuchhre. Or simply relax by the lake.

### Day 7: depart

Fly back to Kathmandu for your international flight. Allow at least three hours between the domestic and international flights.

## Alternative one-week itineraries

FocusPlanCulture and wildlifeKathmandu (2 days), Chitwan (2 nights), Bandipur (1 night), KathmanduShort trekKathmandu (2 days), Pokhara, Poon Hill trek (4 days)Everest viewsKathmandu (3 days), Everest mountain flight or helicopter tour, Pokhara (3 days)Buddhist heritageKathmandu (3 days), Lumbini (2 days), Chitwan (2 days)Everest View trekFly to Lukla; Namche and Tengboche; back to Kathmandu (tight; needs spare days)## Is one week enough?

One week is enough for a memorable first taste of Nepal, especially the Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara. You will not have time for a long trek such as Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit, which need two weeks or more. Try not to cram in too much: travel times are long, roads slow and flights weather-dependent. Two destinations, plus an optional short trek or safari, is a comfortable pace. See [two weeks in Nepal](/blog/two-weeks-in-nepal-itinerary).

## Best time for a one-week trip

October and November offer the clearest mountain views and pleasant weather, as do February to April. December and January are cold but clear. In the monsoon (June–September), mountain views are rare and flights more often delayed, but the valleys are green and quiet. See [best time to visit](/blog/best-time-to-visit-nepal).

## Budget for a week

A comfortable mid-range week, including hotels, private transfers, a domestic flight, guides, entry fees and meals, typically costs from around US$700–1,200 per person, excluding international flights. Budget travellers can spend much less using tourist buses and guesthouses; luxury travellers more. See [trip cost](/blog/nepal-trip-cost).

## Tips for a one-week trip

- Book your domestic flight to Pokhara for the morning, when weather is best.
- Keep the last day free of flights to the mountains, in case of delays.
- Arrange a private car for sightseeing days to save time.
- Get a local SIM card on arrival for maps and ride-hailing apps.
- Carry cash for entry fees and small purchases.
- Don't overpack the schedule: Nepal rewards slow travel.

## One week with children

Families can follow the classic itinerary at a slower pace: shorter sightseeing days in Kathmandu with monkeys at Swayambhunath and pottery in Bhaktapur; Pokhara boat rides and a gentle hike; or Chitwan for jungle adventures. Avoid long road journeys where possible by flying between cities. See [family travel](/blog/nepal-family-travel-guide).

## Where to stay

PlaceAreaKathmanduThamel for convenience; Boudhanath or Patan for atmosphereNagarkotA hotel with mountain-facing roomsPokharaLakeside, or a hillside lodge for viewsChitwan (variation)Sauraha or Meghauli jungle lodgesSee [Kathmandu hotels](/accommodation/hotels-in-kathmandu) and [Pokhara hotels](/accommodation/hotels-in-pokhara).

## Getting around

Use a private car with driver for sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley, a domestic flight between Kathmandu and Pokhara to save time, and taxis or walking in Pokhara. If you prefer to travel by road, tourist buses between Kathmandu and Pokhara are cheap and comfortable but take six to eight hours. See [Kathmandu to Pokhara](/blog/kathmandu-to-pokhara-travel-guide).

## Making the most of a short trip

With only seven days, focus on quality rather than quantity. Choose a few experiences that matter most to you, whether a Himalayan sunrise, a temple at dusk, a short trek or a safari, and give them time. Nepal's magic often lies in unplanned moments: a conversation over tea, a festival procession, or a view that suddenly opens up as the clouds lift.

## One week of trekking

If trekking is your priority, you can spend most of a week on the trail. Arrive in Kathmandu, fly or drive to Pokhara the next day, and trek Ghorepani–Poon Hill or a short version of Mardi Himal in four or five days, returning to Kathmandu on the last day. Alternatively, start right from Kathmandu with the Chisapani–Nagarkot trek or Helambu, avoiding domestic flights altogether. Remember that a licensed guide is required in national parks and conservation areas. See [treks near Kathmandu](/blog/best-treks-near-kathmandu) and [treks near Pokhara](/blog/best-treks-near-pokhara).

## A one-week wildlife and culture itinerary

DayPlan1Arrive in Kathmandu2Kathmandu highlights3Patan and Bhaktapur4Drive to Chitwan; Tharu village and sunset5Canoe, jungle walk and jeep safari6Drive to Bandipur or fly to Kathmandu7Return to Kathmandu and depart## Our recommendation

For a first visit, the classic Kathmandu–Nagarkot–Pokhara week gives the best balance of culture, mountains and relaxation. If wildlife excites you more than lakes, swap Pokhara for Chitwan. If you want to walk in the Himalaya, choose Poon Hill. And if Everest is the dream, add a mountain flight. Whatever you choose, leave room for the unexpected. [Contact us](/contact-us) to tailor your week.

## Costs at a glance

ItemApproximate costTourist visa (15 days)US$30Kathmandu–Pokhara flightAbout US$100–130 one wayKathmandu Valley entry feesAround US$40–45 in totalEverest mountain flightAround US$200–250Tandem paraglidingAround US$80–120Prices change; check current rates.

## Ready-made tours

Our [Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan tour](/nepal-tour-kathmandu-pokhara-chitwan) covers the classics. See also [two weeks in Nepal](/blog/two-weeks-in-nepal-itinerary) and our [itinerary guide](/blog/nepal-itinerary-guide).

## Frequently asked questions
### Is one week enough for Nepal?
Yes, for Kathmandu, Pokhara and a sunrise viewpoint.

### Can I trek in one week?
Yes, a short trek such as Australian Camp or Poon Hill.

### Should I go to Chitwan or Pokhara?
Pokhara for mountains, Chitwan for wildlife.

### Can I see Everest in one week?
Yes, on a mountain flight.

### Can I see Everest in a one-week trip?
Yes, on an Everest mountain flight or helicopter tour from Kathmandu.

### Should I fly or drive to Pokhara on a one-week trip?
Flying saves a day; driving is cheaper and lets you stop at Bandipur.

### How much does a week in Nepal cost?
Roughly US$700–1,200 per person mid-range, excluding international flights.

### Is Nagarkot worth an overnight?
Yes, for sunrise over the Himalaya on clear days.

### What is the best month for a one-week trip?
October and November, or February to April.

### Is one week enough with children?
Yes, at a slower pace, flying between cities to avoid long drives.

### Can I trek to Everest Base Camp in a week?
No, it needs about two weeks; consider an Everest flight or helicopter tour instead.

### Where should I stay in Kathmandu for one week?
Thamel for convenience, or Boudhanath or Patan for atmosphere.

### Is it worth flying to Pokhara?
Yes on a short trip; it saves most of a day compared with the road.

### Can I trek for most of a one-week trip?
Yes, with Poon Hill, Mardi Himal or Helambu.

### Do I need a guide for a short trek?
Yes, in national parks and conservation areas since April 2023.

### Can I do Chitwan and Pokhara in a week?
Yes, but it is busy; consider dropping Nagarkot or one Kathmandu day.

### What is the best one-week itinerary for a first visit?
Kathmandu, Nagarkot and Pokhara, with an optional mountain flight.

### Can I add Lumbini to a one-week trip?
Yes, by flying to Bhairahawa, but it means dropping Pokhara or Chitwan.

### Which visa do I need for one week?
The 15-day tourist visa, US$30 at the time of writing.

### Can I do a one-week trip in the monsoon?
Yes, focus on Kathmandu's culture and Pokhara, or fly to Jomsom for drier Mustang.


Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/blog/one-week-in-nepal-itinerary