Destinations
Nepal 10 Days Complete Itinerary
Ten days allows Nepal to breathe. This itinerary adds Chitwan National Park and a longer Annapurna trek to the classic Kathmandu-Pokhara route, giving you a genuine taste of three very different Nepals.
Overview
Ten days is the sweet spot for a first Nepal trip — long enough to avoid the rushed feeling of a week-long visit while still fitting comfortably within most annual leave allocations. This itinerary covers the Kathmandu Valley heritage circuit, the Annapurna foothills trek, the Pokhara lakeside, and Chitwan National Park in the subtropical Terai.
Days 1-2: Kathmandu
Arrive and orientate. Day one focuses on Thamel, Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath. Day two covers the three Durbar Squares: Kathmandu, Patan (Lalitpur), and Bhaktapur. Hiring a cycling guide for the Kathmandu-Patan-Bhaktapur circuit is an excellent way to cover all three without feeling rushed. Budget NPR 1,000 per durbar square for entry (Bhaktapur NPR 1,800). Dinner in Bhaktapur's Durbar Square is a memorable way to close day two.
Days 3-6: Annapurna Trek
Day three: Fly or drive to Pokhara (35 minutes by air), then drive to Nayapul and begin the Annapurna Sanctuary approach or the Ghorepani-Poon Hill circuit. A four-day version of either route is comfortable and rewarding. The Poon Hill route covers Nayapul-Tikhedhunga-Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Tadapani-Ghandruk-Nayapul and returns to Pokhara on day six. Daily walking is four to six hours on clear mountain trails with excellent teahouse accommodation throughout.
Days 7-8: Pokhara
Two days in Pokhara to decompress after the trek. Day seven: Phewa Lake, Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, and a lakeside dinner. Day eight: Paragliding (USD 80-100, one of the world's best paragliding locations), International Mountain Museum, Barahi Temple. A Sajilo cab from your hotel to the paragliding launch site at Sarangkot is the most comfortable way to reach the top.
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Days 9-10: Chitwan National Park
Drive or fly to Chitwan (four hours by tourist bus, 25 minutes by air). Day nine: Jungle walk and elephant bathing interaction at Sauraha. Day ten: Early morning jeep safari for one-horned rhinos, gharial crocodiles, and with luck, a tiger. Return to Kathmandu for your onward flight.
FAQ
Is Chitwan National Park worth including in a 10-day Nepal itinerary?
Yes, strongly. Chitwan adds a completely different dimension — subtropical jungle, wildlife, and the Tharu culture of the Terai. The contrast with high mountain scenery is part of what makes Nepal such a diverse destination.
Can I do the Annapurna trek in four days without a guide?
The Ghorepani-Poon Hill circuit is well-marked and can be done independently. However, first-time trekkers benefit greatly from a guide, especially for navigation above the treeline in poor visibility.
What permits do I need for this 10-day itinerary?
You need a TIMS card (NPR 2,000) and ACAP permit (NPR 3,000) for the Annapurna trek. Chitwan National Park entry is NPR 3,500 per day. Book through a registered agency or the national park office.
