Nepal 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

  • Arrival: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu
  • Visa Requirements: Make sure you have a valid Nepalese visa. Citizens of certain countries can obtain a visa on arrival, while others need to apply in advance.
  • Accommodation: Check-in to your hotel and freshen up after the long flight

Places to Visit:

  • Boudha Stupa: One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, located just 10 minutes from the airport
  • Pashupatinath Temple: A sacred Hindu temple on the banks of Bagmati River

Things to Know:

  • Nepali Currency: The Nepalese Rupee (NPR) is the local currency. You can exchange your money at the airport or at a local bank.
  • Language: While many Nepalis speak English, it’s still a good idea to learn some basic Nepali phrases like “Namaste” (hello), “Dhanyabaad” (thank you), and “Chha” (okay)

Transportation:

  • Airport Taxi: Pre-paid taxis are available outside the airport. The fare is around NPR 700-800 (~ $6-8 USD) to Thamel, a popular tourist area.
  • Walking: Kathmandu is a walkable city. Be prepared for crowded streets and chaotic traffic.

Day 2: Explore Kathmandu

  • Breakfast: Try some Nepali breakfast dishes like sel roti (sweet rice bread), gundruk ko achar (fermented vegetable soup), or jhol momo (spicy noodle soup)
  • Places to Visit:
    • Kathmandu Durbar Square: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic square is home to several temples and palaces
    • Swayambhunath Stupa: A beautiful stupa with panoramic views of the city
  • Things to Know:
    • Altitude Sickness: If you’re planning to trek in Nepal, be prepared for altitude sickness. Drink plenty of water, eat well, and take it easy.
    • Haggling: Haggling is a way of life in Nepal. Be prepared to negotiate prices at markets and shops.

Transportation:

  • Local Bus: Use local buses to get around the city. They’re cheap (NPR 20-50 ~ $0.15-0.40 USD) but crowded.
  • Rickshaw: Three-wheeled rickshaws are a fun way to explore the city.

Day 3: Nagarkot and Bhaktapur

  • Breakfast: Try some local breakfast dishes like Tibetan bread, momos, or sel roti
  • Places to Visit:
    • Nagarkot: A scenic hill station with stunning views of the Himalayas. Take a sunrise hike or simply enjoy the scenery.
    • Bhaktapur: A historic town famous for its pottery, weaving, and metalwork
  • Things to Know:
    • Respect Local Culture: Nepal is a conservative country. Dress modestly, remove your shoes when entering temples, and respect local customs.
    • Power Outages: Power outages are common in Nepal. Be prepared with a portable charger or power bank.

Transportation:

  • Private Car: Hire a private car for the day (NPR 2,000-3,000 ~ $15-25 USD) to explore Nagarkot and Bhaktapur.
  • Bus: Use local buses to get around. They’re cheap but might take longer.

Day 4: Pokhara

  • Breakfast: Try some Nepali breakfast dishes like Tibetan bread, momos, or sel roti
  • Places to Visit:
    • Pokhara: A scenic lakeside town with stunning views of the Himalayas. Take a boat ride on Phewa Lake or hike to Sarangkot for panoramic views.
    • Devils Falls: A beautiful waterfall near Pokhara
  • Things to Know:
    • Trekking: If you’re planning to trek in Nepal, Pokhara is a great starting point. Choose from several treks like the Annapurna Base Camp or Mardi Himal Trek.
    • Food: Try some local delicacies like fish from Phewa Lake or some Nepali thukpa (noodle soup).

Transportation:

  • Bus: Take an early morning bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara (NPR 1,000-1,500 ~ $8-12 USD). The journey takes around 6 hours.
  • Flight: You can also take a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (NPR 2,500-3,500 ~ $20-30 USD).

Day 5: Departure

  • Breakfast: Try some local breakfast dishes like Tibetan bread, momos, or sel roti
  • Departure: Head back to Tribhuvan International Airport for your return flight

Things to Know:

  • Nepal Tourism Board: The Nepal Tourism Board has a lot of useful information on their website. Check it out before planning your trip.
  • Responsible Tourism: Be a responsible tourist in Nepal. Respect the local culture, environment, and people.

Remember to stay hydrated, eat well, and take breaks during your trip. Happy travels!