Nepal in 12 Days
Nepal
Overview
This route balances Nepal's three strongest experiences without requiring high-altitude mountaineering experience: Kathmandu's UNESCO-listed temple squares and stupas, a well-supported lodge-to-lodge trek up to Poon Hill for sweeping Annapurna and Dhaulagiri sunrise views, and a jungle safari in Chitwan National Park for rhinos and, with luck, tigers. No technical climbing or camping required — the Poon Hill trek sleeps in teahouses each night.
- Duration
- 12 days
- Pace
- Balanced
- Transport
- Mixed
- Estimated budget (comfortable)
- US$1,250–US$1,600
Route
Highlights
- Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Sunrise over the Annapurna range from Poon Hill
- Teahouse trekking through rhododendron forest and Gurung villages
- A jeep or canoe safari in Chitwan National Park
Worth knowing
- The Poon Hill trek still involves several genuinely tough uphill days
- Kathmandu's traffic and air quality can be rough, especially pre-monsoon
- Domestic flights to Pokhara are sometimes delayed by weather
Day by day
Day 1
KathmanduMain activities
- Arrive, settle in
- Thamel district
Day 2
KathmanduMain activities
- Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Boudhanath Stupa
Optional additions
- Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
Day 3
Kathmandu → PokharaMain activities
- Domestic flight (~25min) or scenic drive (~7h)
- Sunset over Phewa Lake
Day 4
Pokhara → Poon Hill trekMain activities
- Drive to the trailhead, trek to first teahouse
A guide and porter are strongly recommended and easily arranged in Pokhara.
Day 5
Poon Hill trekMain activities
- Sunrise hike to Poon Hill viewpoint
- Trek onward through rhododendron forest
Day 6
Poon Hill trekMain activities
- Continue trekking through Gurung villages
Day 7
Poon Hill trek → PokharaMain activities
- Trek back down, drive to Pokhara
Day 8
PokharaMain activities
- Rest day by Phewa Lake
Optional additions
- Paragliding over the Pokhara valley
Day 9
Pokhara → ChitwanMain activities
- Drive (~5h)
- Village walk
Day 10
ChitwanMain activities
- Jeep safari in Chitwan National Park
Optional additions
- Canoe trip on the Rapti River
Day 11
Chitwan → KathmanduMain activities
- Drive or short flight back (~5h drive / ~20min flight)
Day 12
KathmanduMain activities
- Final souvenir shopping in Thamel
- Departure
Alternatives
Drop Chitwan and go directly from the Poon Hill trek back to Kathmandu.
Extend to the full Annapurna Base Camp trek instead of Poon Hill, adding roughly 4 more days.