How Many Days to Spend in Nepal

Learn how many days to spend in Nepal. Have some ideas for cultural tours, trekking, wildlife safaris, and immersive adventures in Nepal.

Nestled at the foot of the mighty Himalayan mountain ranges, including the world’s highest peak, Everest, Nepal offers a paradisiacal playground for professional hikers and trekkers and a popular destination for holidaymakers seeking diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes.

To fully experience Nepal, a month-long trip allows tourists to traverse famous landmarks and explore remote, under-visited sites across the country, while still having time to rest and relax. Even in just four days, you can catch a glimpse of this picturesque Himalayan nation. A journey of 10 days to two weeks allows for a serious trek, a mix of cultural and natural tours, or a visit to a national park for wilderness adventures.

Here are some of our best itinerary suggestions in Nepal, ranging from four days to eleven days.

Nepal in 4 Days

Most tours to Nepal start in Kathmandu, the capital city, which hosts the country’s only international airport and offers a plethora of activities and experiences.

If you’re on a very tight schedule, focus on exploring in and around Kathmandu to save time while immersing yourself in the refined culture and rich history of the nation. With 4 days, a tour around the rim of Kathmandu Valley provides a rich experience of historical, architectural, and religious sites. Many of these sites, such as Kathmandu and Patan Durbar Squares, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath Stupa, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

For those seeking mountain views outside the capital, the Kathmandu Valley 5-Day Tour is a great option. It includes a visit to Bhaktapur Durbar Square and a sunset tour at Nagarkot Hill Station, offering mesmerizing views of the eastern Himalayan ranges.

Nepal in 5 – 7 Days

For a nearly week-long holiday in Nepal, start by exploring the cultural highlights of Kathmandu, then head west to the beautiful lakeside Pokhara Valley for natural exploration. For a detailed itinerary, consider the 7-Day Experience Nepal Tour. Spend the first two days sightseeing in Kathmandu, visiting UNESCO-listed temples, then drive along scenic roads to Pokhara. In Pokhara, enjoy stunning views of the western Himalayan ranges and Mount Fishtail, and engage in outdoor activities like boating on Lake Phewa, visiting Seti Gorge, and exploring the Tibetan Refugee Camp. Drive back to Kathmandu, spend the remaining time shopping, and end with a farewell dinner featuring folklore.

Buddhist pilgrims can also make the most of a week in Nepal. The 6-Day Lumbini Pilgrimage Tour takes you to sacred sites, from Swayambhunath and Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu to the sacred garden of Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. This tour provides deep insights into Buddhism in Nepal. There are numerous week-long tours in Nepal for nature lovers, family holidays, or honeymoon trips.

Nepal in 8 – 11 Days

In 8 to 11 days, tourists can explore both Kathmandu and Pokhara while engaging in a variety of adventurous activities. For adventure enthusiasts, the 8-Day Best of Nepal Tour offers thrills such as bungee jumping in Bhotekoshi, whitewater rafting in the Trishuli River, cycling to Pame, paragliding from Pokhara hills, zip flying at Sarangkot, and hiking to the Australian Camp.

With less than two weeks in Nepal, there’s also enough time for a short trek. The 11-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the 11-day Short Trek to the Everest Area are popular options. These treks provide a taste of the longer expeditions with 5 to 7 days of trekking. You’ll visit charming villages, experience the Nepalese mountain lifestyle and ethnic diversity, and enjoy pristine views of rhododendron and oak forests. Sunrises over the Annapurna and Everest from the camps are unforgettable experiences.

For those more interested in wildlife, consider a trip to Chitwan National Park or the less-traveled Bardia National Park. Begin with a peaceful stay in a nearby village to explore local culture and traditions. Then, spend a few days on forest adventures and wildlife expeditions, such as elephant safaris, jeep safaris, canoe rides, bird watching, and tiger tracking tours. Expect to see one-horned rhinoceroses, elephants, tigers, and diverse birdlife. For detailed itineraries, check out the 10-Day Birds of Nepal Tour.

Nepal offers a wide range of activities and experiences. The length of your stay should depend on your interests and travel purposes.

Nepal in 12 – 15 Days

In just 12 to 15 days, experience Nepal’s vibrant culture, breathtaking scenery, and exhilarating activities. Start your adventure in Kathmandu, exploring remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich culture and history during your stay.

Next, head to Pokhara, known for its tranquil lakes and stunning Himalayan vistas. Thrill yourself with boating on the picturesque Lake Phewa, paragliding from Sarangkot, and exploring the vibrant local markets. Pokhara also serves as the gateway to some of Nepal’s most renowned treks.

For trekking enthusiasts, a 12-15 day trip offers ample time to experience the beauty of Annapurna Base Camp or the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. Revel in the awe-inspiring views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, immerse yourself in the rich cultures of diverse ethnic communities, and taste the unique Himalayan lifestyle.

Additionally, consider adding a 2-night trip to Chitwan National Park for a thrilling jungle safari. Enjoy elephant rides, exciting jeep safaris, and bird watching, encountering magnificent wildlife like rhinoceroses, tigers, and a diverse range of bird species.

This comprehensive itinerary combines cultural discovery, thrilling adventures, and breathtaking natural beauty, guaranteeing an unforgettable and rewarding travel experience in Nepal.

Nepal in 16 – 20 Days

You can take a 16–20 day complete tour of Nepal that includes trekking activities, wildlife encounters, and cultural exploration. This longer itinerary guarantees a memorable and rewarding travel experience by providing a full immersion into the nation’s many offerings.

Start your journey in the Kathmandu Valley, where you will explore Nepal’s cultural and historical center for the first three days. Visit renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple). Wander through the historic Durbar Squares in Patan, Bhaktapur, and Kathmandu, marveling at the intricate Newari architecture and lively local markets. These initial days lay the groundwork for your upcoming adventures, offering a deep dive into Nepal’s rich cultural history.

Proceed to Pokhara, a serene lakeside city known for its stunning views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges. Spend a few days exploring the vibrant local markets, paragliding from Sarangkot, and boating on Lake Phewa. From Pokhara, embark on the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek or the Annapurna Circuit. These treks, lasting seven to twelve days, provide breathtaking mountain scenery, opportunities to interact with diverse ethnic communities, and a taste of Himalayan culture. The Annapurna Circuit offers a longer, more challenging route, while the journey to Annapurna Base Camp is quicker yet equally rewarding.

For a longer trip, consider incorporating a trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC). This iconic journey takes you through the Khumbu region, home to the world’s highest peaks. Over 12 to 14 days, trek through picturesque Sherpa villages, visit ancient monasteries, and experience the awe-inspiring Himalayan landscapes. Reaching Everest Base Camp is a challenging but incredibly rewarding adventure that offers unmatched views and a profound sense of accomplishment.

After your trekking adventure, embark on a wildlife safari in Bardia or Chitwan National Parks. Spend three to four days exploring the dense jungles and diverse ecosystems of these parks. Engage in activities such as bird watching, canoe trips, jeep safaris, and elephant safaris. Witness wildlife like Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceroses, and numerous bird species. Bardia provides a more remote and less frequented option, while Chitwan is more accessible and popular.

Conclude your itinerary with a visit to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Spend a day exploring the sacred garden, ancient monasteries, and the Maya Devi Temple. Then, visit Tansen, a charming hill town known for its traditional architecture and stunning mountain views. These destinations provide a historical and spiritual culmination to your travels.

This 16–20 day itinerary offers a comprehensive tour of Nepal, combining cultural immersion, trekking adventures, and wildlife encounters. Whether trekking in the Annapurna or Everest regions, exploring Kathmandu’s cultural treasures, or enjoying the natural beauty and wildlife of Nepal’s national parks, this itinerary ensures a varied and enriching travel experience.