Ten days is enough time to experience Nepal’s essential range, from the ancient temple squares of the Kathmandu Valley to Himalayan lake views and a jungle safari in the lowland Terai. This itinerary moves through Kathmandu, Pokhara, the Annapurna foothills, Chitwan National Park, and Bhaktapur before returning to the capital for departure. It works well whether this is your first visit to Nepal or a return trip focused on a different mix of culture, mountains, and wildlife.
Nepal rewards travelers who accept its slower pace, particularly once you leave Kathmandu’s traffic behind. Below is a full breakdown of the ten days, including where to eat and practical tips for each stop.
Trip Overview
| Days | Focus | Best For |
| Day 1-2 | Kathmandu | Temples, stupas, old city squares |
| Day 3-4 | Pokhara | Lake views, mountain panoramas |
| Day 5-6 | Annapurna Region | Short trekking, mountain villages |
| Day 7-8 | Chitwan National Park | Jungle safari, wildlife |
| Day 9 | Bhaktapur | Medieval architecture, handicrafts |
| Day 10 | Return to Kathmandu | Local markets, departure |
Most travelers fly between Kathmandu and Pokhara to save time, then use ground transport or a short trek for the Annapurna leg before continuing south to Chitwan. This route can be adjusted depending on trekking ambition and season.
Day 1-2: Kathmandu
The trip begins in Kathmandu, Nepal’s chaotic, temple-filled capital. Two days allow time to explore Durbar Square, visit the hilltop stupa at Swayambhunath, and pay respects at Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu sites in the world. Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest in Asia, anchors a Tibetan Buddhist quarter worth a slower half-day visit.
Kathmandu can feel overwhelming on arrival given its traffic, dust, and density. Breaking the two days into temple-focused mornings and neighborhood-focused afternoons keeps the pace manageable.
Where to Eat in Kathmandu
- Restaurants in the Thamel district offer a wide range of Nepali, Tibetan, and international dishes, convenient given the neighborhood’s role as the city’s main tourist hub.
- Look for momo specialists throughout the city, since these steamed or fried dumplings are considered one of Nepal’s signature dishes.
Insider Tips for Kathmandu
- Visit Swayambhunath, often called the Monkey Temple, in the early morning to avoid both crowds and the resident monkey population’s more mischievous afternoon behavior.
- Dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering temple courtyards, since this is expected at most religious sites.
- Hire a licensed guide for Durbar Square, since much of its earthquake-related restoration history is not well explained by signage alone.
Day 3-4: Pokhara
A short flight or scenic road journey brings travelers to Pokhara, set beside Phewa Lake with the Annapurna range rising dramatically behind it. A boat ride on the lake and a visit to the World Peace Pagoda anchor the sightseeing, while a sunrise trip to nearby Sarangkot offers one of Nepal’s most celebrated mountain views. Pokhara’s relaxed pace makes it a welcome contrast to Kathmandu.
Where to Eat in Pokhara
- Restaurants along Lakeside, Pokhara’s main tourist strip, offer lake views paired with a strong mix of Nepali and international menus.
- Local Newari restaurants serve traditional dishes worth seeking out for travelers wanting a deeper taste of Nepali culinary tradition.
Insider Tips for Pokhara
- Set an early alarm for the Sarangkot sunrise viewpoint, since clear morning skies typically offer the best chance of an unobstructed Annapurna view.
- Rent a rowboat on Phewa Lake in the late afternoon, when the water is calmest and the light softest.
- Book your Annapurna region transport or trekking permits while in Pokhara, since this is the main gateway for the region.
Day 5-6: Annapurna Region
From Pokhara, this itinerary heads into the Annapurna foothills for a short taste of Himalayan trekking without committing to a multi-week expedition. Terraced hillsides, mountain villages, and sweeping Annapurna views define this stretch, typically covered via a two-day trek to a village like Ghandruk or Dhampus. This section can be adjusted based on your fitness level and available time.
Where to Eat in the Annapurna Region
- Teahouses along the trekking route serve simple, hearty meals, typically dal bhat, Nepal’s staple rice and lentil dish.
- Village guesthouses often prepare meals using locally grown vegetables, offering a genuine taste of hill country cooking.
Insider Tips for the Annapurna Region
- Hire a local guide or porter if you are new to trekking, since navigation and altitude can both present challenges even on shorter routes.
- Pack layers regardless of season, since temperatures shift considerably between valley floors and higher village elevations.
- Start hiking early each day, since afternoon clouds frequently roll in and obscure mountain views by midday.
Day 7-8: Chitwan National Park
The itinerary then shifts dramatically from mountains to jungle, heading south to Chitwan National Park in Nepal’s lowland Terai region. A jungle safari offers strong chances of spotting one-horned rhinos, while a canoe ride on the Rapti River adds a slower, wildlife-focused pace. A visit to a Tharu cultural village rounds out the stop with insight into the region’s indigenous community.
Where to Eat in Chitwan National Park
- Lodges within and around the park typically include meals as part of a safari package, given the more remote setting.
- Local Tharu restaurants near the park offer traditional dishes distinct from the mountain and valley cuisine found elsewhere on this itinerary.
Insider Tips for Chitwan National Park
- Book a jeep or elephant-back safari in advance, since availability can be limited during peak season between October and March.
- Bring insect repellent, since Chitwan’s jungle and riverside environment supports a significant mosquito population.
- Attend a Tharu cultural dance performance in the evening, typically offered by lodges as part of an overnight stay.
Day 9: Bhaktapur
Returning north toward Kathmandu, day nine stops in Bhaktapur, a beautifully preserved medieval city known for its Durbar Square and towering Nyatapola Temple. Ancient brick streets and traditional pottery and woodcarving workshops give the city a noticeably different atmosphere from Kathmandu’s busier core. It makes for a relaxed, culturally rich final full day before departure preparations begin.
Where to Eat in Bhaktapur
- Local restaurants around Durbar Square serve Newari specialties, including juju dhau, a rich, caramelized yogurt unique to the city.
- Rooftop cafes overlooking the square offer a relaxed setting to watch daily life unfold below.
Insider Tips for Bhaktapur
- Visit early in the morning to see the square before tour groups arrive and while local vendors are setting up for the day.
- Watch traditional pottery being made at Pottery Square, one of the city’s most distinctive and photogenic corners.
- Buy handicrafts directly from artisans in Bhaktapur rather than Kathmandu’s tourist shops, since prices and authenticity are often better here.
Day 10: Return to Kathmandu and Departure
The final day returns to Kathmandu for any last-minute shopping and a relaxed café stop in Thamel before departure. This buffer day also allows flexibility in case earlier legs of the trip, particularly the Pokhara flight or Chitwan safari, ran into scheduling delays, which are not uncommon given Nepal’s mountain weather.
Where to Eat Before Departure
- Cafes in Thamel offer a final chance to enjoy Nepali coffee alongside both local and international breakfast options.
- Pick up packaged Nepali tea or spices from a reputable shop if you want an edible souvenir to bring home.
Insider Tips for Departure Day
- Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport well ahead of your flight, since security processing can move slowly during peak periods.
- Confirm your flight status the day before, since Kathmandu’s airport occasionally experiences weather-related delays.
- Use any remaining time for last-minute shopping in Thamel, known for trekking gear, pashmina scarves, and handicrafts.
Final Thoughts
Ten days across Kathmandu, Pokhara, the Annapurna foothills, Chitwan, and Bhaktapur captures an impressively varied cross-section of Nepal, from ancient temple squares to Himalayan views to jungle wildlife. Booking your Pokhara flight and Chitwan safari in advance keeps the logistics manageable, leaving more time for the experiences that make each stop worthwhile. Pack layers for the temperature shifts between valley and mountain, and let Nepal’s slower rhythm shape the pace of your trip.