The BEST 3-Week Nepal Itinerary! A Complete Guide

Are you heading East and looking for the Best 3-week Nepal Itinerary? Well, after my month-long stay there, here are my best recommendations.

Nepal stole my heart when I ventured here from India in 2016. It quickly became one of my most cherished places in the world, and it remains so to this day.

Nepal is a sacred land, a spiritual paradise. It has a way with you, capturing your heart and soul. The humble people, the dramatic landscapes, the diversity of nature, and the intricate sacred architecture make up this list of the most beautiful places in Nepal.

You’ll definitely find it hard to leave, and it will imprint on you for the rest of your life, well it certainly has for me at least!

Where Is Nepal?

Nestled between India and Tibet, Nepal is landlocked with awe-inspiring natural beauty and a vibrant cultural heritage. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the lush valleys of Kathmandu, Nepal beckons travellers from across the globe to experience its magic.

How to Travel There:

Getting to Nepal is easier than you might think. With major airlines offering direct flights to Kathmandu from cities worldwide, you’ll find yourself touching down in the heart of the Himalayas in no time.

If you prefer overland travel, buses and trains from India provide scenic routes into the country. Once in Nepal, public transport options abound, from local buses to taxis and rickshaws, making exploring every corner of this diverse land easy.

How Much Does it Cost to Travel Nepal?

Nepal is a budget traveller’s paradise, offering affordable accommodation, delicious street food, and free or low-cost activities.

From cosy guesthouses in Kathmandu to charming tea houses along trekking routes, you’ll find plenty of options to suit every budget.

A hearty meal can be enjoyed for just a few dollars, while guided treks and cultural tours offer incredible value for money.

Best Time of Year to Travel Here:

The best time to visit Nepal depends on your priorities. The spring months of March to May bring clear skies and blooming rhododendrons, making it ideal for trekking in the Himalayas.

However, this is also peak season, so be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices. If you prefer quieter trails and lower prices, consider visiting during the autumn months of September to November. The weather is still favourable during this time, and you’ll have the bonus of colourful festivals like Dashain and Tihar.

Now that we’ve covered the logistics let’s dive into the heart of our journey – the itinerary itself.

The Best 3-Week Nepal Itinerary

KATHMANDU – 4 Nights

Our first stop was the majestic capital, Kathmandu. The largest metropolis in the Himalayan hill region, it is also known as the City of Temples.

Spend your days exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world.

The city was the royal capital of the Kingdom of Nepal and hosted the palaces, mansions, and gardens of the Nepalese aristocracy. It is also the best starting and base point for your adventures around Nepal, as it is central to the rest of the country.

We stayed at Park Village Resort, a cute hotel with a swimming pool and buffet breakfast, set in beautiful green gardens and lovely private little rooms accessed by buggy. But if you are on a budget, Andes House is one of the most popular hostels there.

Best Tour of The 7 UNESCO Heritage Sites in Kathmandu!

Boudhanath Stupa at Sunset. Central Kathmandu.

Accommodation Options:

• Luxury: Dwarika’s Hotel – A stunning heritage hotel offering luxurious accommodations and a serene atmosphere.
• Budget: Andes House – A backpacker’s hostel with private rooms and a quaint garden in the centre of the art district!
• Mid Range – Park Village Resort, a cute hotel with a swimming pool and buffet breakfast, set in beautiful green gardens.

MT EVEREST REGION TREKKING – 1 Week

After exploring the gardens and temples and roaming the beautiful streets Kathmandu offers, we took off on our trekking adventure from Lukla to Namche Bazare!

This is one of the most beautiful places in Nepal. Awe-inspiring, breath-taking and utterly mesmerising would be a profound understatement.

From Kathmandu, we had to take a terrifying but incredible flight over the foothills of the Himalayas to Lukla. This airport is known as the most dangerous airport in the world… I’m terrified of flying, so this was quite an achievement.

We had booked a guide in advance to navigate us on the trails; we did a 5-night trek to Namche Bazaar and watched the sunrise over Mount Everest. This was all we could do with our time, but there are optional treks to carry on to Everest base camp and even summit Everest if you so wished!

Read my Full Blog Post on this Incredible Trekking Experience!

It was the most incredible experience. The guides are the most humble people I’ve met. The food was amazing, and the scenery was out of this world. White and turquoise rivers gushed around forests glued to snowy peaks. Bridges hung above gauges, and little temples and ruins scattered along the trails.

I highly recommend a trek like THIS from Kathmandu! All accommodation and food are included for five days for just under $600!

Getting a guide in this region helps support the local community, who work tirelessly trekking these regions daily to provide for their family.

I have never experienced beauty like it. It is a MUST-do trek in Nepal, and it will change your life on many levels.

POKHARA – 5 Nights

With blistered feet, we made our way back down to Kathmandu and headed to POKHARA. A city further west of Kathmandu, situated on Phewa Lake. In the spring, you can see the snowy peaks of the Annapurna Circuit, which you can trek, which is also one the most beautiful places in Nepal.

There’s a strip along the river in Pokhara; most hotels are on the first leg of the strip. But if it’s the backpacker paradise you are looking for, continue down to the end, where all the traveller’s bars and guesthouses are.

We stayed at Hotel Harmony, a unique family-owned hotel. One night, they invited us to eat with their family. It was a highlight of my whole trip; they were so welcoming and hospitable.

We couldn’t leave. We originally booked two nights but ended up staying over two weeks. I guess you could say Pokhara stole our hearts a little… or a lot.

Just outside of Pokhara, there are multiple places and experiences to enjoy and explore, from life-changing yoga teacher training and meditation courses to trekking in the Annapurna Circuit, Waterfalls, and Begnas Lake.

You can explore the nearby hills on scooters to secret waterfalls, hire boats on the lake, and watch movies under the stars at the outdoor Movie Garden.

We also ventured up to the hippie haven on Begnas Lake for the day, an hour’s bus from Pokhara. You can stay here, but the giant spiders were too much for me.

However, it is the perfect place to chill all day in a hammock…

Accommodation Options:

• Luxury: Pavilions Himalayas – Indulge in five-star luxury at this boutique resort overlooking Phewa Lake, which features spacious villas and a serene spa.
• Budget: Hotel Harmony– Located in the heart of Pokhara, this family-run hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms at budget-friendly prices, a lake view and a rooftop for sunset yoga!
• Unique: The Begnas Lake Resort & Villas – Escape the hustle and bustle of the city at this secluded lakeside retreat, offering stunning views and luxurious accommodations.

BANDIPUR – 2 Nights

En route from Pokhara To Chitwan, the safari reserve, make sure you plan a night or two in Bandipur, a hilltop settlement with a beautifully preserved old-time cultural atmosphere.

Bandipur was a pleasant surprise to us on our trip there. I originally booked it as a stop to break up the journey, but I fell in love with this quaint hillside town. I wish I had stayed more than one night. It is truly a hidden, undiscovered, beautiful place in Nepal.

It’s a secret hidden gem with cooler mountain temperatures. From here, you can spend a few nights in Chitwan National Park.

CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK – 3 Nights

Enjoy a safari in Nepal. Who would have thought that? One evening, we were enjoying some sunset cocktails, and a wild Rhino casually decided to join in and stroll past just in front of the bar.

You freeze with fear but then realise you are experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity and hide behind the table to get a quick snapshot…

You are right in the thick of it here, and there’s a chance to see wild tigers. Unfortunately, we only got to see tigers—food.

Nepal was magical, serene, majestic, and wholesome. It is somewhere I have not had enough of, and I hope to be back to volunteer over the next few years!

FAQ – Best 3-Week Nepal Itinerary

Is 3-weeks enough for Nepal?

3-Weeks is certainly enough to explore the best of Nepal. However, if you wish to trek to Everest Basecamp or do a trek longer than 1-week, and explore Nepal, you may need to adjust the Itinerary accordingly.

How many days in Nepal is enough?

I could live in Nepal, so I’m biased, but I would say you would need at least 10-14 days to explore the highlights.

Thank you for reading Our Best 3-week in Nepal Itinerary!

If you enjoyed this travel guide, check out our other Asian travel Guides below!

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