A Comprehensive Itinerary to Nepal’s Heritage Sites, Mountains, and Must-Visit Places from Tribhuvan International Airport

 A Comprehensive Itinerary to Nepal’s Heritage Sites, Mountains, and Must-Visit Places from Tribhuvan International Airport

Credit :- Karan Pun

Nepal, a land of Himalayan peaks, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and vibrant culture, is a traveler’s paradise. Starting your journey from **Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA)** in Kathmandu, this itinerary covers Nepal’s key attractions, including heritage sites, trekking routes, mountains, and must-visit places. Designed for 21 days, this plan balances adventure, culture, and relaxation, with options to shorten or extend based on your preferences. Let’s embark on an unforgettable journey through Nepal!

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

**Morning**: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Obtain a visa on arrival (15/30/90 days, costing $30/$50/$125). Transfer to a hotel in Thamel (10–15 min drive, 4 km).

**Afternoon**: Explore **Thamel**, Kathmandu’s tourist hub, for gear shopping and Nepali cuisine (try momos at a local eatery). Visit the **Garden of Dreams** for a tranquil escape.

**Evening**: Rest and prepare for sightseeing. Stay at a 4-star hotel like Hotel Shanker or Hyatt Regency (5–6 km from TIA).

**Tip**: Exchange currency at TIA or Thamel for better rates.

Day 2–3: Kathmandu Valley Heritage Sites

**Day 2 Morning**: Visit **Kathmandu Durbar Square** (15 min drive from Thamel). Explore Hanuman Dhoka, Kumari Ghar, and Taleju Temple.

**Afternoon**: Head to **Swayambhunath Stupa** (10 min drive) for panoramic views and Buddhist serenity.

**Evening**: Dine at a rooftop restaurant in Thamel, savoring dal bhat.

**Day 3 Morning**: Drive to **Patan Durbar Square** (30 min, 7 km). Admire Krishna Mandir and the Patan Museum.

**Afternoon**: Visit **Boudhanath Stupa** (20 min drive, 6 km) and explore surrounding monasteries.

**Evening**: Drive to **Pashupatinath Temple** (10 min) to witness evening aarti rituals. Return to Kathmandu.

**Stay**: Same hotel in Thamel or near Boudhanath (e.g., Hyatt Regency, 4 km from TIA).

Day 4: Bhaktapur and Changu Narayan

**Morning**: Drive to **Bhaktapur Durbar Square** (45 min, 15 km). Explore Nyatapola Temple, 55-Window Palace, and pottery square.

**Afternoon**: Visit **Changu Narayan Temple** (30 min drive, 10 km), Nepal’s oldest Hindu temple.

**Evening**: Return to Kathmandu (45 min). Optional evening stroll in Thamel.

**Stay**: Kathmandu hotel.

Day 5–6: Nagarkot and Short Hike

**Day 5 Morning**: Drive to **Nagarkot** (1.5 hr, 32 km), a hill station known for Himalayan sunrise views. Check into a resort like Club Himalaya.

**Afternoon**: Relax or take a short hike to viewpoints for glimpses of Everest and Langtang peaks.

**Day 6 Morning**: Enjoy sunrise over the Himalayas. Drive to **Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park** (1 hr, 20 km) for a day hike (e.g., Shivapuri Peak, 2,732 m).

**Evening**: Return to Kathmandu (45 min).

**Stay**: Kathmandu hotel.

Day 7–8: Pokhara and Surroundings

**Day 7 Morning**: Fly to Pokhara (25 min, Buddha Air/Yeti Airlines, ~$100) or take a tourist bus (7 hr, 200 km). Check into a hotel near Phewa Lake (e.g., Hotel Barahi).

**Afternoon**: Boat on **Phewa Lake** and visit **Barahi Temple**. Explore Lakeside for cafes and shops.

**Day 8 Morning**: Drive to **Sarangkot** (30 min, 10 km) for sunrise views of Annapurna and Machapuchare.

**Afternoon**: Visit **Peace Pagoda** (45 min drive) and **Davis Falls**. Optional paragliding or zip-lining.

**Evening**: Return to Pokhara.

**Stay**: Pokhara hotel.

Day 9–13: Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek

**Day 9**: Drive to Nayapul (1.5 hr, 42 km), the starting point for the **ABC Trek**. Trek to Ghandruk (4–5 hr, easy). Stay in a teahouse.

**Day 10**: Trek to Chomrong (5–6 hr). Enjoy views of Annapurna South.

**Day 11**: Trek to Himalaya (6–7 hr, moderate).

**Day 12**: Trek to **Annapurna Base Camp** (4–5 hr, 4,130 m). Spend the afternoon soaking in views of Annapurna I, II, III, and Gangapurna.

**Day 13**: Descend to Bamboo (6–7 hr). Drive back to Pokhara (3 hr from Nayapul).

**Stay**: Teahouses during trek; Pokhara hotel on Day 13.

**Note**: Hire a licensed guide and obtain a TIMS card (NPR 2,000) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (NPR 3,000).

Day 14–15: Chitwan National Park

**Day 14 Morning**: Fly to Bharatpur (20 min, ~$80) or take a bus (5 hr, 150 km) to **Chitwan National Park**. Check into a lodge like Barahi Jungle Lodge.

**Afternoon**: Enjoy a Tharu cultural program and village walk.

**Day 15 Morning**: Go on a jungle safari (jeep or elephant-back) to spot rhinos, tigers, and birds.

**Afternoon**: Take a canoe ride on the Rapti River for birdwatching.

**Evening**: Return to lodge.

**Stay**: Chitwan lodge.

Day 16–17: Lumbini

**Day 16 Morning**: Drive to **Lumbini** (3 hr, 100 km). Check into a hotel like Buddha Maya Garden.

**Afternoon**: Visit **Maya Devi Temple**, Ashokan Pillar, and monastic zones.

**Day 17 Morning**: Explore international monasteries and the Lumbini Museum.

**Afternoon**: Drive to Bhairahawa (30 min) and fly back to Kathmandu (35 min, ~$90).

**Evening**: Relax in Kathmandu.

**Stay**: Kathmandu hotel.

Day 18–20: Everest Base Camp Trek (Short Version)

**Day 18 Morning**: Fly to Lukla (30 min, ~$180, weather-dependent). Begin **EBC Trek** to Phakding (3–4 hr, easy).

**Day 19**: Trek to Namche Bazaar (6–7 hr, 3,440 m). Visit Sherpa Culture Museum.

**Day 20**: Acclimatization day in Namche. Hike to Everest View Hotel for views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Fly back to Kathmandu (or extend trek to EBC, adding 5–7 days).

**Stay**: Teahouses during trek; Kathmandu hotel on Day 20.

**Note**: Requires Sagarmatha National Park Permit (NPR 3,000) and guide.

Day 21: Departure

**Morning**: Optional **mountain flight** over Everest (1 hr, ~$200) for stunning aerial views.

**Afternoon**: Shop for souvenirs in Thamel (e.g., thangka paintings, pashmina shawls). Transfer to TIA (15 min). Depart Nepal.

**Tip**: Arrive at TIA 2–3 hr before your flight due to security checks.

Optional Extensions

**Langtang Valley Trek** (7–10 days): Drive to Syabrubesi (7 hr from Kathmandu) and trek to Kyanjin Gompa. Add after Day 4.

**Upper Mustang Trek** (12–16 days): Fly to Jomsom via Pokhara and trek to Lo Manthang. Add after Day 8.

**Bardia National Park** (3–4 days): Fly to Nepalgunj (1 hr from Kathmandu) for a quieter wildlife experience. Add after Chitwan.

**Ilam or Janakpur** (2–3 days): Explore tea gardens in Ilam or Janaki Temple in Janakpur via domestic flights. Add before departure.

Practical Tips

**Best Time**: October–November or March–May for clear weather and trekking. Avoid monsoon (June–August) for trekking.

**Budget**: Expect $50–100/day for mid-range travel (excluding flights/treks). Treks cost $30–50/day with guides. Luxury options (e.g., 5-star hotels) increase costs.

**Permits**: Obtain TIMS cards and park permits through agencies like TAAN in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

**Safety**: Hire licensed guides for treks, check weather forecasts, and respect local customs (e.g., modest dress in temples).

**Transport**: Domestic flights (Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines) are reliable but weather-dependent. Tourist buses and private cars are affordable for overland travel.

**Health**: Carry a reusable water bottle with a purifier (e.g., SteriPen) and altitude sickness medication (e.g., Diamox) for treks.

This itinerary covers Nepal’s essence, from the cultural riches of Kathmandu to the wild beauty of the Himalayas. Customize it based on time and interests, and let Nepal’s warmth and wonder leave you spellbound. Contact a local agency like Nepal Sanctuary Treks or Base Camp Adventure for tailored planning.