The route at a glance
| Day | Plan | Sleep in |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive, rest, evening walk | Kathmandu |
| 2 | Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath | Kathmandu |
| 3 | Pashupatinath and Bhaktapur, then fly or travel to Pokhara | Pokhara |
| 4 | Drive to the trailhead, walk to Ulleri | Ulleri |
| 5 | Walk to Ghorepani | Ghorepani |
| 6 | Poon Hill sunrise, then walk on towards Ghandruk | Ghandruk area |
| 7 | Walk out, drive to Pokhara, rest by the lake | Pokhara |
| 8 | Travel to Chitwan, sunset by the river | Sauraha |
| 9 | Canoe trip and jeep safari | Sauraha |
| 10 | Return to Kathmandu for your flight | None |
To make this trek work in four days, you may need to walk further on some days or take a slightly different route than our standard trips. Ask your operator what suits your pace.
Kathmandu: days 1 to 3
Spend your first full day on the great sights: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath at dusk. The next morning, visit Pashupatinath and Bhaktapur before moving on. Our Kathmandu guide has tips and reported entry fees.
One guide puts the flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara at about 25 minutes, and the tourist bus at about 6 hours, though road times can vary and are often longer. Mountain weather can delay flights, so don't plan tight connections.
Poon Hill: days 4 to 7
This short trek gives you a real taste of the Himalaya without serious altitude. You'll climb stone stairs to Ulleri, walk through rhododendron forest to Ghorepani, and rise before dawn for the Poon Hill sunrise at 3,210 m. Our Poon Hill guide has the full details.
Pokhara: day 7
You'll come back to a hot shower and a lakeside dinner. Consider adding a boat ride on Phewa Lake if you've got time. If you can spare one more day, spend it here. See things to do in Pokhara.
Chitwan: days 8 and 9
Travel to the lowlands for a very different Nepal, with jungle, rivers and wildlife. Take a canoe trip and a jeep safari with a naturalist, looking out for greater one-horned rhinos, deer and birds. Read our Chitwan safari guide.
Day 10: back to Kathmandu
One operator lists about 5 hours by tourist bus from Chitwan to Kathmandu, and short flights also run from nearby Bharatpur. Leave plenty of time for your international flight. If it departs in the morning, or if you're relying on a road journey, return the day before.
Pacing it well
The biggest risk on this route isn't the walking. It's the travel. A delayed flight or a slow road can use up a whole day, and this plan doesn't leave much room for that. Use these simple rules to keep the trip enjoyable.
- Don't book anything important on the day you arrive. You'll be tired, and flights can be late.
- Check flight weather limits. If you fly, ask what happens if the flight is delayed or cancelled.
- Avoid long road days after your trek. That's why we suggest a night in Pokhara before you go to Chitwan.
- Travel during the day. The UK government advises against night travel on Nepal's buses.
- Keep the last night near your flight. It's the simplest protection against a road closure.
Buddha Air lists flights from Kathmandu to Bharatpur of about 20 to 25 minutes, so flying is an option if you're short of time. Sauraha is around 20 km from the airport, so you'll also need a transfer.
Ways to change it
| If you want… | Change this |
|---|---|
| No trekking | Replace Poon Hill with Bandipur or more time in Pokhara |
| A bigger trek | Skip Chitwan, and walk the Mardi Himal ridge |
| A slower trip | Skip Chitwan, and spend extra days in Pokhara |
| Buddhist heritage | Add Lumbini instead of the trek |
| Everest | Add a helicopter tour or scenic flight from Kathmandu |
Everest Base Camp doesn't fit into this trip. It's better to allow two weeks or more. See how many days you need.
When to go
Autumn and spring are the best times for this route. In winter, Chitwan is pleasant, and low mountain trails can be clear but cold. In the monsoon, the trek is wet and road travel is less reliable. See our season guide.
How to book it
You can arrange each part yourself, but transport links and permits are easier to handle with one operator. Look for licensed guides and clear pricing, and make sure you know exactly what's included.
Before you go
- Check visa rules. A 15-day visa may be enough for this trip.
- Read our guide to trekking insurance.
- Read about safety in Nepal, and check your government's advice.
- Pack layers for the hills and light clothes for Chitwan.
Common questions
Is 10 days enough for Nepal?
It's enough for a good first visit if you choose carefully. Don't try to fit in too many long road days.
Should I fly or take the bus?
Flights save a lot of time, but they're more expensive and can be affected by weather. Buses are cheaper but slow. The UK government says tourist buses generally offer better safety than crowded local buses. Weigh up your own comfort and risk.
Next steps
See our non-trekking Nepal Highlights Tour, or ask us to build this route around your dates.
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