The route at a glance
| Day | Plan | Sleep in |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive, rest, evening walk | Kathmandu |
| 2 | Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath | Kathmandu |
| 3 | Pashupatinath, Bhaktapur, then Nagarkot | Nagarkot |
| 4 | Sunrise, then travel to Pokhara | Pokhara |
| 5 | Sarangkot sunrise and Lakeside | Pokhara |
| 6 | Free day, then back to Kathmandu | Kathmandu |
| 7 | Last-minute shopping, then departure | None |
Days 1 and 2: Kathmandu
Arrive and take it easy, with a short walk and a meal in Thamel. On your first full day, visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, climb up to Swayambhunath, and finish at Boudhanath, where the evening walk around the stupa is special. Read our Kathmandu guide.
Day 3: Pashupatinath, Bhaktapur and Nagarkot
Start at Pashupatinath, then go on to Bhaktapur, an old city of brick lanes, temples and squares. Later, head up to Nagarkot for the night. It's a hilltop known for sunrise and sunset views of the Himalaya, when the weather's clear. Our Bhaktapur and Nagarkot Tour covers this area.
Day 4: Over to Pokhara
Get up for sunrise, then head to Kathmandu for your flight or set off by road. One source gives about 6 to 7 hours by tourist bus, and it can take longer. Flights are much quicker at about 25 minutes, but mountain weather can cause delays. Try not to plan anything important on the same day.
Day 5: Sarangkot and Lakeside
Many itineraries start with a sunrise at Sarangkot, looking towards the Annapurna range. Then enjoy Lakeside, rent a boat on Phewa Lake, or visit the World Peace Pagoda. If you're feeling brave, try a paragliding flight. Read more about things to do in Pokhara.
Day 6: Slow morning, then return
Sit by the lake, walk along the waterfront or do some shopping. Fly or drive back to Kathmandu. If you're going by road, leave early and don't plan to arrive at the airport the same day. A flight on Day 7 is a much safer plan if you've returned the day before.
Day 7: Departure
If you've got time before your flight, visit Patan, shop for handmade crafts, or have a last cup of tea. Leave plenty of time for traffic. Our Patan Heritage Walk is a short way to fill a spare morning.
Three other ways to spend the week
With a short trek
Skip Nagarkot and spend days 3 to 6 on a short version of the Poon Hill trek. One itinerary fits it into a week by flying to Pokhara and driving to the trailhead the same day, although that's a tight schedule with long walking days. See our Poon Hill guide.
With a safari
Skip Nagarkot, and spend two nights in Chitwan after Pokhara. You can fly from Bharatpur back to Kathmandu, and one sample itinerary uses that route. Read our Chitwan guide.
With no long journeys
Stay in the Kathmandu Valley, visiting Patan, Bhaktapur, Nagarkot and Dhulikhel and Namobuddha. You'll spend less time travelling and more time exploring.
Choosing between the options
| If you most want… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Temples, old towns and easy travel | The main plan, or the Kathmandu Valley version |
| A real taste of walking | The short trek |
| Rhinos and jungle | The Chitwan version |
| The fewest long journeys | The Kathmandu Valley version |
Is one week enough?
It's enough for a good first visit, but not for a major trek. If you've got 10 days, see our 10-day itinerary. For Everest Base Camp, you'll need around two weeks, or a helicopter tour instead.
When to go
Autumn and spring offer the most reliable weather for mountain views. Winter is clear but colder in the mornings, particularly at Nagarkot. In the monsoon, views are often hidden, and road and air travel are less reliable. See our season guide.
Practical tips
- Check visa rules. A 15-day visa may be enough for this trip.
- Avoid night travel. The UK government warns about road risks, especially in the mountains, and says that tourist buses are generally safer than crowded local ones.
- Check entry fees at heritage sites. These change, so ask your guide or hotel.
- Dress modestly at temples, and ask before photographing people.
- Check the UK Air Safety List or your own government's advice when choosing an airline.
- Read about safety in Nepal before you go.
Common questions
Should I fly or take the bus to Pokhara?
Flying saves most of a day, which matters on a short trip. The bus costs less and shows you the countryside, but the road can be slow.
Is Nagarkot worth it?
If it's clear, yes. If you'd rather have a slower trip, you could sleep in Bhaktapur instead, and skip the sunrise.
Can I add a trek to Everest in a week?
Not to base camp. Lukla delays alone could use up your spare time. Try the shorter Everest Panorama Trek on a longer trip.
Next steps
See our Nepal Highlights Tour, or ask us to build this week around your dates.
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