• • Strolling past the more than 50 temples and palaces that sprawl across Durbar Square in Kathmandu, and the smaller collections of religious architectural treasures in nearby Patan and Bhaktapur.
  • Trekking for days around the Annapurna massif for breath-taking views of that awesome range.
  • Clambering aboard an elephant for a rock-and-rolling ride through Royal Chitwan National Park to spot rhinos, wild boar, crocodiles, monkeys and other resident wildlife.
  • Photographing scenery – towering mountains, deep green-clad valleys, glacial rivers, plummeting waterfalls – that rivals any on earth.
  • Discovering tiny villages laid out along narrow cobblestone streets that could have been plucked from medieval Europe and transported to their present idyllic setting.
  • Interacting with some of the most friendly people anywhere -- whose perpetual greeting, Namaste (na-ma-stay), which means “welcome,” says it all.
  • Observing the extent to which religion is as much a part of life as eating and breathing to most Nepalese, who express their devotion throughout the day and into night at both immense places of worship and tiny family shrines.

Nepal in 1 Week - first time visit

With one week, you can embark on a sensory adventure through Nepal’s most vibrant cities, explore awe-filled temples and monasteries, and take in the splendor of the Himalayas.

Day 1, Kathmandu: Explore the delicious restaurants, cozy coffee shops, fantastic shopping, and friendly international vibe of Thamel, a colorful tourist-focused neighborhood on the west side of downtown Kathmandu. Take a rickshaw ride to nearby Durbar Square, where you can get a glimpse into the history of the Nepalese monarchy.

Day 2, Bhaktapur: Ten miles west of Kathmandu, the ancient city of Bhaktapur is a wonderful place to soak up some Nepalese culture. A hub for traditional crafts and art, this city also has a beautiful open market and some of the country’s most celebrated architecture. Walk along the wooded path to Suryabinyak, a Hindu temple outside of town that can only be reached on foot.

Day 3, Mount Everest: Skip the arduous, 9+ day hike to Everest Base Camp and hop onto a sightseeing flight to behold the beauty of the mighty Himalayas from the comfort of a seat in the sky. Flights are about an hour long, and a window seat is guaranteed. Morning flights leave the rest of the day free to further explore Kathmandu’s restaurants, temples, and museums.

Days 4-5, Chitwan National Park: Board a 20-minute flight from Kathmandu to Bharatpur, your jumping-off point for exploring the wildlife in Chitwan National Park. One-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers (elusive, but sometimes spotted by park visitors), and hundreds of other colorful species await you during your safari through this tropical hotspot for biodiversity.

Days 6-7, Pokhara: One more 20-minute flight delivers you to Pokhara, a celebrated city known for its access to some of Nepal’s best outdoor activities. Paddle a canoe across a lake, splash through a river in a whitewater raft, or hike through the Himalayan foothills to get up-close-and-personal views of the Himalayas on the northern horizon. Between adventures, visit Pokhara’s restaurants to fill your belly with traditional Nepalese foods like dhal bat (lentil stew) and momos (decadent dumplings).

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Nepal in 2 Weeks - Trekking

Two weeks in Nepal allows enough time for a multi-day trek through the Himalayas, as well as a few days to explore the sights, smells, and tastes of Kathmandu and/or Pokhara.

Day 1, Kathmandu: Eat and shop in Thamel, picking up any clothing or supplies you’ll need for your high-altitude adventure during the next week.

Days 2-12, Trekking: Choose from 10-day trekking routes near Everest, Annapurna, or Langtang, all of which offer stunning explorations into the world’s most formidable mountain range.

Days 13-14, Kathmandu or Pokhara: Take your pick between Kathmandu and Pokhara to decompress from your alpine adventure. Daily flights between the two cities are only 20 minutes long.

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