Nepal is a land of high majestic vistas, diverse culture, and antique heritage.
There is so much to see and do in Nepal, including trekking, mountaineering, wildlife safari, cultural exploration and many adventurous sports.
You can cover the major highlights and diverse flavours of Nepal in this 2-week itinerary. But if you want to do treks like Everest Base Camp tour, Manaslu Circuit trek, Upper Mustang trek, and other long explorations, you may need more time.
By following this guide to Nepal, you can enjoy many popular cultural explorations and do some short treks or mountaineering into the untamed beauty of this South Asian country.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal
Welcome to the land of culture! Kathmandu is the focal point of social, historical, religious, and urban beauty. With a population of around 1.7 million, the city is a melting pot of diversity as well as a magnate for travellers seeking something different.
It certainly has the busy energy of many capital cities you’ll find in Asia. Though on your first day in the city it’s a good idea to ease your way in by strolling around the poetically titled Garden of Dreams. Located just outside of Thamel, the Garden of Dreams is filled with pavilions, verandahs, fountains and a relaxing amphitheatre where you can indulge in the beauty of your surroundings.
In the evening soak up the city’s atmosphere at one of the bars, or try one of the restaurants where ordering momos is a must! This traditional delicacy was initially made in a round shape and stuffed with meat and vegetables, but now, you can find a variety of momo in different shapes, sizes and stuffings. Momo is usually served with a dipping sauce, locally called achar and are made with tomato as a base ingredient – and whats more, they’re super cheap and tasty!
Day 2 - 3: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Exploration
Kathmandu is famously called the ‘city of temples and idols’. There are 10 UNESCO listed world heritage sites in Nepal, and seven of them are solely in Kathmandu valley.
The temples and places to visit while in Kathmandu are:
Boudhanath and Swayambhunath
Boudhanath and Swayambhunath (also known as Monkey Temple) are both the famous Buddhist stupas of Kathmandu. These monuments are the pilgrimage point for Buddhists from all over the world. They both articulate peace and serenity away from the chaos of the city.
Pashupatinath
Pashupatinath is a very famous and sacred Hindu temple of Lord Shiva. This temple reflects on Hinduism blended with spirituality. The temple premise has the biggest cremation spot in the valley. If you are interested to know more about this aspect of life, you will be able to witness the funeral proceedings that take place.
Also, do not miss the divine Aarti ceremony which commences each evening at 6:30pm on the Bagmati river. The Aarti ceremony is one of the more important ceremonies in the Hindu faith; it’s full of colour, light and chanting.
Patan Durbar Square
This ancient palace lies at the centre of narrow streets and ancient brick houses. The palace area showcases the history of Malla kings (12- 18 century) in Nepal. The palace courtyard features the intricate water tank Sundari Chowk, the temple Krishna Mandir, and the cultural museum.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Crafted in the 18th century, this palace is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taumadhi Square, 55 Window Palace, and Nyatapola Temple are the major attractions.
You can end your day at Siddha Pokhari to view the lovely sunset.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Day 4 - 5: Travel to Another City
After exploring Kathmandu, it’s time to travel to other famous cities like Chitwan, Bandipur, Lumbini, Pokhara. Depending on what you wish to explore you can travel to any of these destinations.
Chitwan National Park (Sauraha)
Listed as a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site, Chitwan National Park is a popular destination with distinct wildlife and vegetation. You can take a wildlife safari tour with a possibility of seeing tigers, one-horned rhinos, crocodiles (gharial), elephant, wild boar and many types of bird.
Chitwan National Park is also known for its successful anti-poaching patrols, which have led to an increase in the population of the greater one-horned rhino (bucking the declining trend of other rhino species around the world).
Lumbini
Bandipur
Bohemian Bandipur is a charming town often dubbed the ‘beauty of Nepal’. It is a living museum of Newari culture, a beautifully preserved village showcasing many traditional houses. Here, you will find several attractions including Khadga Devi temple, Bindhyabasini temple and Chandithan for your exploration. For something away from the temples, how about a visit to the silk farm?
Pokhara
Surrounded by lake for as far as the eye can see, Pokhara is nothing short of extraordinary. You can get there either by flight (30-40 minutes) or vehicle (6-7 hours) from Kathmandu. This place is a must for adventure lovers who can do anything from canoeing, boating, zorbing, and paragliding.
Other stunning sites to visit are the World Peace Pagoda, Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, International Mountain Museum, and the Tibetan Refugee Camp.
You can even explore Phewa, Rupa, and Begnas lakes and don’t miss the glowing sunrise and sunset at Sarangkot!
Day 6 - 12: Trekking Adventure
Trekking in Nepal will leave you spellbound. You get to bask in the otherworldly landscape filled with amazing flora and fauna. You will catch the close-up views of gigantic mount ranges, glaciers, and icefalls.
Several years ago my brother (pictured opposite) climbed the based of Mount Everest and his love for adventure travelling hasn’t stopped.
Nepal is a mecca for adventure travellers so if that includes yourself, chances are you’ll make friends with some like-minded people along the way.
Depending on your preference, you can choose to take easy or difficult grade treks. While you plan trekking in Nepal you have a number of options to choose from. There are many treks that extend from a week-long to month-long.
Wherever you trek, you must be well-prepared with a reliable trekking map. Alongside, it is a good idea to pack your camera to frame your memories that will last for long.
For your week-long trek, you can choose from any of these routes:
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a short and easy trek which you can complete in 3-4 days. This trek will take you to beautiful Gurung and Magar settlements like Ghandruk, Tadapani, Ghorepani, and Ulleri.
This journey takes you at Poon Hill (3210m), which is one of the beautiful destinations in the Annapurna Region. Poon Hill is often recognised as ‘Photographer’s paradise’.
Stunning sunrise and sunset from Poon Hill is a major attraction of this trek. From the hilltop, you will get the stunning panorama of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna ranges.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp is the best and popular trekking choice in Nepal. It normally extends up to 12 days but you can also complete the trek in a week as well.
This is a moderate level trek that takes you to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m) and Machhapuchhre Base Camp. Once there, you can get the 360-degree views of Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Hiuchuli, Fang, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre.
The trails to ABC are serene with green meadows, captivating Rhododendron forests, festooned orchids, and picturesque landscapes.
With quaint villages like Ghandruk and Chhomrong, Annapurna welcomes trekkers with its alluring landscapes and humble locals showcasing their typical culture & tradition.
Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal trek is perhaps the toughest challenge among the three that have been highlighted here. However, compared to some treks in the region it’s considered a moderate level trek that you can complete in 5-6 days.
On this journey you will reach the maximum height at Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m). From this vantage point, Fishtail and Mardi Himal appear right above you.
This trek allows you to explore the endangered flora and faunas belonging to Annapurna Conservation Area.
While on the trek, you will visit local ethnic villages like Siding, Lwang Ghalel, Kande, and Deurali, which offer a great chance to soak up local culture and enjoy a small rest.
Day 12 - 13: Adventure Sports
Why don’t you wrap up your journey with some adrenaline-pumping activities ?
You can do a 265 feet Bunjee Jumping at Hemja (Pokhara) for the added thrill. Or, you can do rafting in Trishuli river on your way back to Kathmandu.
Day 14: Final Departure from Kathmandu
On your final day before your flight from Tribhuvan International Airport, enjoy the offerings of Kathmandu one last time. Relax or maybe jump back into the thick of it by heading to the Ason and Mangal bazaars for some shopping and your last chance to get hold of some souvenirs. You’ll find everything from street food, spices, gifts, bags and clothes.
Conclusion
Two weeks in Nepal is not enough to explore everything the country has to offer. But as this itinerary shows, you can certainly fit in a lot of places and various activities, from trekking to adventure sports, cultural exploration to nature travel.
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