10-day itinerary
10-Day Nepal Adventure
Kathmandu & the Himalayas
Nepal is a trekker's paradise where ancient Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries stand in the shadow of the world's highest peaks, offering an unmatched blend of culture and raw Himalayan adventure. From the chaotic charm of Kathmandu's bazaars to the breathtaking stillness of Everest Base Camp trails, this 10-day journey will push your limits and steal your heart.
Morning: Land at Tribhuvan International Airport, clear customs, and transfer to your guesthouse in the vibrant Thamel backpacker district.
Afternoon: Wander through Thamel's narrow lanes, pick up any last-minute trekking gear at competitive prices, and grab a dal bhat lunch at a local restaurant.
Evening: Visit the illuminated Boudhanath Stupa at dusk, join pilgrims doing kora (circumambulation), and dine on momos and Everest beer nearby.
Morning: Rise early to witness the ritual animal offerings and thick incense smoke at Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest Hindu site in Nepal, on the banks of the Bagmati River.
Afternoon: Take a taxi to Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and climb the 365 steps for panoramic views over Kathmandu's rooftops and the surrounding valley.
Evening: Return to Thamel for a Newari feast of bara (lentil patties) and yomari at a traditional restaurant, then catch a live music session at Tom and Jerry Pub.
Morning: Take a local bus (30 minutes) to Bhaktapur and spend the morning exploring Durbar Square, marveling at the 55-Window Palace and the exquisitely carved Golden Gate.
Afternoon: Stroll through the pottery-making district of Kumale Tol and Dattatraya Square, then hire a taxi for the 40-minute drive up to Nagarkot hill station (2,175m).
Evening: Watch the sun set behind the entire Himalayan arc from Langtang to Everest from Nagarkot's viewpoint, then stay overnight at a hilltop lodge for the morning spectacle.
Morning: Wake at 5am for the legendary Nagarkot sunrise when Everest, Lhotse, and the Annapurna range blaze orange and pink — one of Nepal's most iconic moments.
Afternoon: Return to Kathmandu by taxi and catch a scenic 25-minute Buddha Air flight to Pokhara, enjoying aerial views of the Annapurna massif en route.
Evening: Check into a lakeside guesthouse on Phewa Lake, rent a rowing boat for a golden-hour paddle to the white Tal Barahi Temple island, and dine on fresh lake fish.
Morning: Take an early jeep from Pokhara to Nayapul (1 hour) and begin your trek, crossing suspension bridges over the Modi Khola river and entering lush subtropical forest.
Afternoon: Ascend through terraced rice paddies and Magar villages, stopping for lunch at a teahouse in Birethanti before the steep stone-staircase climb to Tikhedhunga (1,540m).
Evening: Arrive at Tikhedhunga, check into a family-run teahouse, enjoy a hearty dal bhat by candlelight, and rest your legs early for the big climb tomorrow.
Morning: Begin the infamous 3,000-step stone staircase climb from Tikhedhunga through dense rhododendron and oak forest, passing the hilltop village of Ulleri (2,073m).
Afternoon: Continue upward through increasingly dramatic mountain scenery, arriving at the ridge-top village of Ghorepani (2,860m) in the early afternoon to acclimatize gently.
Evening: Explore Ghorepani's single stone-paved lane lined with teahouses, share trekking stories with fellow hikers over hot lemon tea and garlic soup, and sleep by 9pm.
Morning: Set your alarm for 4:30am and hike 45 minutes by headlamp to the Poon Hill tower (3,210m) for a sunrise panorama of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machapuchare, and Hiunchuli.
Afternoon: Descend back through rhododendron forest on the trail toward Tadapani (2,590m), a quieter village with stunning views of Annapurna South directly across the valley.
Evening: Reward yourself with a hot shower (solar-heated, fingers crossed) and a Snickers bar from the teahouse shop while watching alpenglow fade on Machapuchare's perfect pyramid.
Morning: Descend from Tadapani through bamboo and rhododendron forest to Ghandruk, the largest Gurung village in the Annapurna region, and visit the small Gurung Museum.
Afternoon: Continue the descent to Kimche and catch a waiting jeep back to Pokhara (45 minutes), arriving by mid-afternoon to check into a hot-shower lakeside hotel.
Evening: Treat your trek-weary body to a traditional Nepali full-body massage at one of Lakeside's reputable spas, then celebrate with wood-fired pizza and a cold Tuborg overlooking the lake.
Morning: Launch from Sarangkot hill at 1,600m on a 30-minute tandem paraglide over Phewa Lake with Dhaulagiri and Annapurna filling the entire northern horizon — book in advance for €80.
Afternoon: Explore the International Mountain Museum in Pokhara dedicated to Himalayan expeditions and the brave Sherpas, then visit the dramatic David's Falls underground waterfall.
Evening: Browse the lakeside market for pashmina scarves, Thangka paintings, and handmade yak-wool items, then catch the sunset from the rooftop bar at Busy Bee Cafe.
Morning: Fly back to Kathmandu on the morning Buddha Air or Yeti Airlines flight, check into a transit hotel near Thamel if needed, and do final souvenir shopping in the Indra Chowk spice market.
Afternoon: Visit the Garden of Dreams, a restored Edwardian neoclassical garden in central Kathmandu, for a peaceful final afternoon reading or journaling before your international flight.
Evening: Head to the airport at least 3 hours early for international departures, reflect on your Himalayan adventure, and carry home the memory of those impossibly high snow-capped peaks.
Compare rental cars from local and international companies, with free cancellation on most bookings.
Compare car rentals in KathmanduMore options: Kiwi.com · Oojo · seats.aero · Arangrant · QEEQ · GetTransfer · Saily · Yesim · GigSky · Klook · EF Ultimate Break · EF Adventures · AirHelp Plus · CruiseDirect
Tell Tony your dates, style and budget — get your own itinerary in seconds.
Plan my Nepal trip →