Travel guide · Nepal
Nepal Itineraries by Trip Length
Pick a ready-made Nepal itinerary by how long you have — from a tight 7 days to a full three weeks, plus family and offbeat routes.
Nepal rewards travellers who plan around the clock rather than the map. The country is small but slow, so the single biggest decision is how many days you have. These itineraries are organised by trip length, each with a realistic day-by-day plan that accounts for slow roads, weather buffers and acclimatisation.
The short answer
If you have one week, follow the 7-day Nepal itinerary — a Kathmandu and Pokhara loop with one day hike. With ten days, the 10-day itinerary adds Chitwan or a short trek. With two weeks, the two-week itinerary fits a proper Himalayan trek alongside the cities. With three weeks, the three-week itinerary tackles a longer classic trek plus the Terai. Travelling with children, use the family itinerary; for quieter corners, the off-the-beaten-path itinerary.
How to choose
Be honest about pace. Nepal's highways are winding and slow, domestic flights can be delayed by weather, and treks demand careful acclimatisation. A good rule is to plan one fewer destination than feels possible and to build in a buffer day before any international flight.
For a broader overview that compares one, two and three weeks side by side, see our Nepal itinerary overview. To decide which walk fits your window, read the best treks in Nepal, and to understand travel times between stops, see getting around Nepal.
What every itinerary assumes
Each plan starts and ends in Kathmandu, the only city with reliable international flights. Most include Pokhara, Nepal's relaxed lakeside hub and the gateway to the Annapurna region, and several add Chitwan for jungle wildlife. Distances look short on paper but eat into your days, so each itinerary names the realistic transport — flight, tourist bus or private jeep — for every leg.
Tips for any length
- Fly between distant points to save days; drive to save money and see the countryside.
- Keep young children and unacclimatised trekkers below about 3,000 metres unless you ascend slowly.
- Don't over-schedule. Nepal rewards a relaxed pace, and the best memories are often the unplanned ones.
Browse the itineraries below and pick the one that matches your days, then dive into the linked city and trek guides to fill in the detail.
Our top picks
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need for Nepal?+
Seven days is the realistic minimum to enjoy Kathmandu and Pokhara without rushing. Ten days lets you add Chitwan or a short trek, two weeks fits a proper Himalayan trek, and three weeks gives time for a longer classic route plus the Terai. Match the itinerary to your time rather than trying to cram everything in.
Which Nepal itinerary is best for first-timers?+
Most first-timers do best with the 10-day or two-week plan, which balances the Kathmandu Valley, a short trek and either Chitwan wildlife or Pokhara's lakes. It covers Nepal's highlights without the long days or altitude commitment of a three-week trek.
Can you see Nepal in a week?+
Yes, but keep the route tight. A 7-day itinerary works best as a Kathmandu-and-Pokhara loop with one short day hike. Trying to add Chitwan and a multi-day trek in a single week leaves you mostly on buses and planes rather than enjoying the places.
Do these itineraries include trekking?+
Some do. The 7-day plan keeps to day hikes, the 10-day and two-week plans include short treks, and the three-week and off-the-beaten-path itineraries build around longer routes. Pick the one that matches how much walking you want to do.
