6 Days in Nepal - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Best of Central Nepal - Sightseeing & Relaxation

Experience the best of central Nepal, including the nation’s two largest cities: Kathmandu and the peaceful lakeside Pokhara, located in a valley with sensational views of the Himalaya. A stop in the medieval Newari village of Bhaktapur, home to impressive temples and crafts, rounds out this relaxing trip plan. 

Nepal’s buzzing capital, Kathmandu, is your first destination. Spend the day exploring ancient temples, tiny storefronts, and delicious restaurants; be sure to sample some local classics like momo, a traditional Nepali dumpling. The next morning, you’ll hit the road en route to Bandipur, a charming village full of rich Newari culture and history. 

On day three, you’ll travel to Pokhara, Nepal’s second-largest city. This lakeside enclave, set against the backdrop of the Annapurnas, is the perfect place to relax. Get the chill vibes going as you surrender to the tranquility of Phewa Lake or linger in cafes or the city’s many coffee shops. If you’re itching for adventure, you can see the land via a thrilling paragliding flight or mountain biking route. 

After a couple of days of laid back relaxation, you’ll head back to Kathmandu, stopping through Bhaktapur, a medieval Newari village home to impressive temples and traditional clay crafts. After your final breakfast in Kathmandu, it's off to the airport for your flight home or onto your next adventure. Learn more. 

Itinerary #2: Ghandruk Trek

This itinerary is perfect for the traveler interested in combining a short trek with a host of other activities in Nepal. You’ll have ample time to discover Kathmandu before embarking on a three-day-long trek around the Annapurna foothills, where you’ll wander through exquisite scenery and learn about ethnic traditions.

Your trip begins in Kathmandu, where you can explore the city and its surrounding areas however you choose. On your first night, watch the sunset at Boudhanath, a sacred Buddhist site, and walk around its imposing stupa. How you spend your next day is up to you. You can visit the medieval town of Bhaktapur — famous for its gorgeous Nepalese wood carving — tour Kathmandu by Vespa or take a cooking class. If the mountains are calling, consider flying by Mount Everest or even taking a morning helicopter ride into the region for a spectacular breakfast with views of the famed peak and the Himalaya. 

On day three, you’ll fly to Pokhara to begin your trek. Pass through incredible rhododendron forests and Gurung villages, with the landscape of the Annapurnas as your backdrop. You’ll also pass through a smattering of ethnic villages (including Deurali, Tolkha, and Landruk) and will amble along the Modi Khola River en route to Ghandruk. Here, you can learn about the Gurung people and their traditions, re-up supplies, or simply basque in the transcendent panorama of the Himalaya. 

After an early breakfast on day five, you’ll hit the trail, passing through rice fields and more villages until you reach your final trekking destination: Nayapul. From there, you’ll transfer back to Pokhara, then fly back to Kathmandu, where you can spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring anything you may have missed at the beginning of your trip. The next morning, enjoy one last breakfast and wander tiny Nepali streets before heading to the airport for your flight home. Learn more.

Itinerary #3: Balthali Village Trek

This trekking trip plan takes you along the rim of the Kathmandu Valley, through orchards, forests, and villages. Enjoy the splendor of the Himalaya panoramic as you experience different cultures, sacred sites, and local life. 

Get your bearings in Nepal with a day in Kathmandu, the country’s bustling epicenter. Durbar Square is a great place to start your urban exploration — tuck in to a meal at a neighborhood restaurant, shop in tiny storefronts, stop by temples, or lose yourself in the matrix of alleyways. 

The next morning, you’ll meet your trekking guide and will head out by jeep to Jarsing Pauwa, at the edge of the Kathmandu Valley, where your adventure begins. You’ll spend the next four days navigating this gorgeous region by foot, passing through spectacular terrain and learning about local traditions, approaches to Buddhism, and village life. 

You’ll spend your first evening on the road in Nagarkot, where you’ll be rewarded with views of terraced fields and farmhouses. On day three, you’ll trek along the valley rim to Dhulikhel, and then onto to the sacred community of Namo Buddha, which draws religious and spiritual pilgrims. You’ll learn about the distinctions between Tamang and Tibetan Buddhism and will visit Thrangu Tashi Yangtse, a revered monastery home to young monks. 

On the final day of your trek, relax with a picnic lunch en route to the serene village of Balthali, then journey on to Khopasi, where you’ll end your journey with unforgettable views and charming hospitality. Later, you’ll drive back to Kathmandu for a final evening in Nepal’s capital before leaving the next morning after breakfast. Learn more. 

Itinerary #4: Annapurna Panorama Luxury Trek

This itinerary is perfect for the traveler looking to combine trekking, sightseeing, and world-class luxury accommodations. You’ll explore the vibrant rhythm of Kathmandu and the lakeside serenity of Pokhara before spending three days hiking through the nation’s incredible landscapes.

Start your journey in Kathmandu, where the city’s sights and sounds will wash over you. Head to Durbar Square, and wander its tiny alleyways, stunning temples, unique storefronts, and wonderful eateries. The next day, you’ll take a short — albeit spectacular — flight along the Himalaya to Pokhara, a lakeside city with stunning views of the Annapurnas. Explore the community’s funky boutiques, charming coffee shops, yoga studios, and relaxing cafe culture. 

On day three, you’ll drive along a scenic route to the village of Astam, where you’ll begin three days of trekking through the incredible Annapurna region. You’ll tackle moderate to steep terrain, passing by tree orchids, donkeys, shepherds, and thrilling panoramas. You’ll stop to explore Dhampus, which features one of the best views of the epic mountains, as well as Majgoan, where you’ll learn about the Gurung — the largest ethnic group in this part of the Himalaya.

Hike a rugged jeep trail to finish your trek at Kande, after which you’ll return to Pokhara for some serenity. On day six, linger over your last Nepali breakfast and take in the beautiful lakeside scenery of Pokhara before you return to Kathmandu for your flight home. Learn more.

Itinerary #5: Namche Bazaar Heli Trek 

This trip plan is a perfect blend of Nepal’s highlights, explore the bustle of Kathmandu, trekking through villages and lush valleys, and enjoy a thrilling private helicopter ride around the Himalaya. There’s also ample time for you to rest between routes and acclimatize so you can make the most of your epic adventure. 

Your journey begins in the vibrant capital, Kathmandu, where you can visit ancient temples, devour delicious momo (the famous Nepali dumpling), and lose yourself in winding alleyways brimming with tiny storefronts. The next day, you’ll take a short flight to Lukla, where your trekking adventure begins. 

Your first route is slower-paced so you can become comfortable with the altitude: you’ll pass through villages and into the lush Dudh Koshi Valley en route to Phakding. From there, you’ll cross spectacular high suspension bridges and will discover the verdant, protected lands within Sagarmatha National Park. You’ll hike up steep inclines, but if the weather permits, you’ll be rewarded with views of Mount Everest. 

Rest, recharge, and acclimatize in Namache, where you can spend day four wandering through tea shops or walking up to Everest View Hotel for spectacular views of peaks like Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and — of course — Everest. The next day, it’s time to fly! You’ll board a helicopter for a private tour of the Himilaya, with aerial views of incredible peaks, and a stop at Everest Base Camp. You’ll soar back over the land to Kathmandu, where you can spend the rest of your day exploring the city before you head to the airport the next morning. Learn more. 

Itinerary #6: Wild & Remote West Nepal

Get ready to go wild on this remarkable trip plan that takes you away from the crowds and up close and personal with jungle life. After wandering around Kathmandu, you’ll head west to the remote Bardia National Park for safaris and maybe a sighting of a Royal Bengal Tiger or the extremely rare Gangetic dolphin.

Your trip begins with a day in Kathmandu, Nepal’s humming capital, full of lively streets, ancient temples, and delicious restaurants. On day two, you’ll fly to Nepalgunj, where you’ll be transferred to Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge, where you’ll enjoy an organic farm-to-table lunch before heading out at dusk on your first guided jeep safari, in search of tigers and leopards out on their evening prowl. After, relax with a cocktail by a firepit, followed by a traditional Nepali dinner. 

Spend the next two days exploring the wilds of Bardia National Park and its phenomenal flora and fauna. You’ll embark on a full-day jeep safari in search of the magnificent Royal Bengal Tiger and can visit breeding centers for elephants and Gharials (the rarest crocodiles in the world). You can explore the jungle on an elephant or by jeep, or set sail on a unique river safari to seek out monkeys and rare river dolphins. After, explore nearby villages, paddy fields, and meet local farmers. 

On day five, you’ll return to the urban jungle of Kathmandu for one last day of sightseeing. Enjoy a delicious dinner, stop by temples, or shop for souvenirs, then rest up before you head back to the airport the next morning. Learn more. 

Get inspired by even more ways to explore Nepal in six days. Read on!