Kathmandu Nepal 6 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Thamel

Morning

  • Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
  • Take a taxi or bus to your hotel in Thamel, the tourist hub of Kathmandu
  • Check-in to your hotel and freshen up
  • Visit the nearby Garden of Dreams, a serene oasis in the heart of the city

Afternoon

  • Explore the narrow alleys and shops of Thamel, looking for souvenirs or trying local snacks
  • Visit the Thamel House, a historic building turned into a museum showcasing Nepalese architecture and culture

Evening

  • Head to Freak Street (Jochhen Tole) for dinner and drinks at one of the many restaurants and bars
  • Try some traditional Nepali cuisine like dal bhat or momos at The Old House
  • Get a good night’s sleep to prepare for the next day’s adventures

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Tibet International: A comfortable hotel with modern amenities in the heart of Thamel
  • Backyard Hotel: A budget-friendly option with a cozy atmosphere and helpful staff

Day 2: Kathmandu City Tour

Morning

  • Visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world (entrance fee: NPR 400)
  • Explore the nearby Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred Hindu temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site (entrance fee: NPR 1,000)

Afternoon

  • Head to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historic square filled with ancient temples and palaces (entrance fee: NPR 750)
  • Visit the Narayanhiti Palace Museum, which showcases the history of Nepal’s royal family

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at The Kaiser Cafe, a restaurant serving international cuisine in a cozy setting
  • Try some local street food like sel roti or pani puri at one of the many stalls in the city

Day 3: Bhaktapur and Nagarkot

Morning

  • Take a bus or taxi to Bhaktapur (approximately 1 hour journey)
  • Explore the ancient city, including the Durbar Square and Nyatapola Temple (entrance fee: NPR 1,500)

Afternoon

  • Visit the nearby Nagarkot, a hill station offering stunning views of the Himalayas
  • Watch the sunset from one of the many viewpoints in Nagarkot

Evening

  • Return to Kathmandu and enjoy dinner at The Roadhouse Cafe, serving American-style burgers and sandwiches
  • Get a good night’s sleep before heading out of the city

Day 4: Chitlang and Chandragiri

Morning

  • Take a bus or taxi to Chitlang (approximately 2 hours journey)
  • Explore the scenic village, including the Chitlang Bazaar and Bhadrakali Temple

Afternoon

  • Head to Chandragiri Hill, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas and Kathmandu Valley
  • Take a cable car ride to the top of the hill (approximately NPR 700 return)

Evening

  • Return to Kathmandu and enjoy dinner at The Factory Gastropub, serving international cuisine with a focus on local ingredients
  • Relax at your hotel or explore the city’s nightlife

Day 5: Pokhara

Morning

  • Take an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (approximately 1 hour journey)
  • Check-in to your hotel and freshen up

Afternoon

  • Explore Lakeside, a scenic area surrounding Phewa Lake
  • Visit the nearby Barahi Temple, a sacred Hindu temple situated on an island in the lake

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at The Olive Cafe, serving Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with stunning views of the lake
  • Take a boat ride on Phewa Lake (approximately NPR 500 per person)

Day 6: Return to Kathmandu

Morning

  • Spend the morning relaxing in Pokhara or exploring the nearby Sarangkot hill station
  • Return to Kathmandu by flight (approximately 1 hour journey)

Afternoon

  • Visit any last-minute sights or do some souvenir shopping in Thamel
  • Depart for the airport and fly back home

Things to Know

  • Nepal is a cash-based economy, so have some local currency (NPR) with you at all times
  • Dress modestly when visiting temples and religious sites
  • Be prepared for power outages and internet connectivity issues
  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (7-9 am and 4-6 pm) to avoid traffic congestion

Transportation

  • Taxis are widely available, but agree on the fare before you start your journey
  • Local buses are a cheap and efficient way to get around, but can be crowded
  • Private car rentals are also an option, but may require some negotiation

Tips

  • Haggle when shopping at local markets or stalls
  • Try to avoid eating from street vendors or drinking tap water
  • Respect the environment and keep Nepal clean
  • Learn some basic Nepali phrases like “Namaste” (hello) and “Dhanyabaad” (thank you)

Other Things of Interest

  • Visit the Nepal National Museum to learn about the country’s history and culture
  • Take a day trip to the nearby Dhulikhel, offering stunning views of the Himalayas
  • Go trekking in the surrounding hills or take a longer trek to destinations like Everest Base Camp or Langtang Valley