If you are visiting Nepal soon, I have the best Nepal 3 week itinerary for you! Within these 3 weeks, you can fully explore the country, natural beauty, tourist attractions, and local delicacies.
Nepal is a landlocked country blessed by nature. Its diversity is not limited to its beautiful landscapes but extends to ethnicity, religion, and biodiversity. Home to the highest mountain in the world Mt. Everest, Nepal is a harmonious blend of culture, nature, and spirituality. There might be many who have the idea that Nepal is only for hikers and mountain climbers. But the country has so much to offer and you can do numerous activities here. You can trek in the mountains, and travel through picturesque valleys and gorges. Or you can go for sightseeing and touring to different cities of Nepal. There are numerous temples, monasteries, heritage, and religious sites.
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For adventurers other than trekking there are activities like mountain climbing, paragliding, bungee jumping, rocking climbing, and many more. Whichever activities you choose, you can experience the unique culture and tradition. So our Nepal 3 week itinerary will provide you options for trekkers and for those who want to tour around the country. Moreover, if you plan properly, you can trek and tour within the 3 weeks. It is enough for you to enjoy most of Nepal. Also, Nepal is very budget-friendly and the locals are very welcoming to their visitors. So you can enjoy your time here without breaking the bank. For full details stay with us and see what you can do in Nepal in 3 weeks!
Tour Focused Nepal 3 Week Itinerary
Our tour-focused Nepal 3 week itinerary focuses more on sightseeing and exploring the cultural heritage sites and tourist attractions. This itinerary includes four different cities in Nepal, i.e., Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini. So what can you do in a Nepal 3 week itinerary? Here is our recommendation!
1 Week Kathmandu Itinerary
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), situated in Kathmandu is the gateway for international air travel in Nepal. So your first arrival in Nepal is in Kathmandu. Capital of Nepal and surrounded by mountains, Kathmandu is the perfect blend of age-old allure with modern infrastructures. Similarly, the city is a melting pot of diverse ethnic groups and cultures.
There is also religious diversity in Nepal. The majority of people follow Hinduism while the second majority is Buddhism. So you will come across numerous temples, shrines, and stupas during your stay here. There are UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Durbar Squares, Bhaktapur, and Patan. Similarly, you can visit religious and spiritual sites like Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath stupa (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath stupa, etc. You can get a panoramic view of the city from the top of the Swayambhunath stupa.
Similarly, you can enjoy the bustling streets and markets in Kathmandu. You can explore markets for traditional handicrafts and art like intricate woodwork, metalwork, Thanka arts, etc. Given the diversity, you can also experience a diverse culinary scene. There is no shortage of restaurants serving traditional Nepali and international cuisines. You can also hop around local eating places for local specialties. While in Kathmandu, you can spend a night in Nagarkot and witness a gorgeous sunrise. You can go for a half-day tour of Chandragiri to ride the cable car and enjoy the scenic view of Kathmandu Valley. There are also easy and short hike routes like Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, Sundarijal waterfall, Phulchowki temple hike, Kakani hike, Nagarkot hike, and Amitabha monastery hike.
2nd Week Pokhara Itinerary
After a week in the bustling streets of Kathmandu, you can travel to Pokhara for a more relaxing experience. It takes around 6 hours to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara by bus. Meanwhile, it takes less than an hour to get there by flight. Pokhara is a favorite destination for many tourists because of its natural beauty. Enjoy the majestic mountain views while sipping a drink at Lake Phewa. From budget-friendly backpacking hostels to luxury hotels, you can find any accommodations in Pokhara without a problem.
Pokhara is a gateway to popular trekking routes like Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal Trek, and many others. Other than trekking you can opt for adventure activities like paragliding, bungee jumping, zip-lining, canyoning, etc. You cannot miss boating in Phewa Lake while you are in Pokhara. Likewise, there are many tourist attractions like Peace Pagoda, Mahendra Cave, Davis Falls, International Mountain Museum, and Seti River Gorge. At night you can wander around Lake Side, the city’s heart where most restaurants, shops, and bars are located.
If you are up for a short hike, you have options like Muldhai Viewpoint, Ghandruk, Sarangkot View Tower, Ghorepani Poonhill, Panchase Hilltop Heliport, Poonhill Sunrise Viewpoint, and Dhampus View Tower. You can also go for yoga and cooking classes during your Pokhara stay.
3 Week Chitwan & Lumbini
Our Nepal 3 week itinerary next takes us to Chitwan where the UNESCO site Chitwan National Park is situated. It takes a 5-hour drive from Kathmandu or a 30-minute flight to Bharatpur. Meanwhile, it takes a 3.5-hour drive from Pokhara to reach Chitwan. The city provides a unique experience of culture, nature, and wildlife.
There are many luxury resorts around the area but budget-friendly lodges are also available. Since the city lies in the lowland regions of Nepal, do not expect to see mountains during your stay. The majority of locals in this region belong to the indigenous Tharu community. You can experience the local delicacies, traditional dance, and music, unique to the Tharu people.
The best part of traveling to Chitwan is visiting the Chitwan National Park. Its ecosystem includes dense forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Wildlife enthusiasts can go for park excursions through jungle safaris. You can observe a wide range of biodiversity. The national park is home to different species including endangered wildlife species like one-horned rhinoceros and Bengal tiger. Bird watching is also a popular activity where you can get the chance to spot resident and migratory birds. Another activity you can do in Chitwan is go canoeing in the Rapti River where you can get a chance to spot wildlife along the riverbanks.
After you finish the jungle safari, head to Lumbini for a spiritual retreat. It takes around 5 hours to travel from Chitwan to Lumbini by bus. Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is one of the most popular pilgrimage spots for Buddhists worldwide. Thousands of tourists flock to Lumbini every year seeking spiritual enlightenment. You can explore the UNESCO Heritage sites like the sacred garden and the Maya Devi temple. You can explore the major tourist attractions of Lumbini in time as short as two days.
Trekking Focused Nepal 3 Week Itinerary
For adventure seekers and trek lovers, we also have a trekking-focused Nepal 3 week itinerary. You will spend the first week or two trekking to the mountains and the rest in different cities of Nepal. Here are our top recommendations:
1) Everest Base Camp Trek and Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour + Kathmandu Tour
After you land in Kathmandu and spend a day or two here, you can start your trek journey to Everest Base Camp. It usually takes 12 days to complete the route but here at Adventure Walkway Company, we also have a 21 days Everest Three Passes Trek package. You will travel from Kathmandu to Lukla via mountain flight. You will land in one of the most adventurous airports in the world, Tenzing-Hillary Airport. During your trek, you will come across the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sagarmatha National Park, Khumbu Valley, Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, and Thame. You will be able to experience the rich culture of Sherpas and come across numerous ancient monasteries. Similarly, you will get to enjoy the magnificent view of the world’s tallest mountains Mt. Everest, and others like Cho Oyu and Nuptse.
After finishing your trek, you will return to Kathmandu. You can go sightseeing around Kathmandu like Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), and Boudhanath Stupa. Similarly, you can explore the old and historic cities of Patan and Bhaktapur. You can explore the bustling streets and markets for traditional Nepali handicrafts and arts while enjoying the local delicacies.
Then you travel to Pokhara which takes 6 hours by bus and less than an hour by flight. The city is famous among tourists for its natural beauty and gorgeous mountain view. You can relax by Lake Phewa while enjoying the serene environment of Pokhara. At night you can stroll around Lake Side where different restaurants, bars, and shops are situated. There are different tourist attractions you can visit while in Pokhara like Peace Pagoda, Davis Falls, Mahendra Cave, International Mountain Museum, and Seti River Gorge.
Finally, we travel to Chitwan which takes a 3.5-hour drive from Pokhara. You get to experience the culture, food, and hospitality of the Tharu community while in the city. The Chitwan National Park is the biggest attraction of the city. Thousands of wildlife enthusiasts flock to Chitwan every year to observe the flora and fauna. You can also go for a jungle safari, bird watching, or canyoning activities before you head back to Kathmandu.
2) Kathmandu Tour and Tamang Heritage Site + Langtang Valley
Our next trekking-focused Nepal 3 week itinerary will take you to explore Kathmandu Valley and the remote Langtang Valley. You can explore the capital city of Nepal in a week. Here at Adventure Walkway Company, we offer you an 11 days Langtang Valley Trek package.
While in Kathmandu visit all the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These seven sites include the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Swayambhnath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Changunarayan Temple. You can get deep insights into the culture and history of Kathmandu. Similarly, you will also be able to get a glimpse of the lifestyle and culture of Nepalese people. Tour the bustling streets and markets to explore the Nepali traditional handicrafts and arts. You can also enroll in arts and crafts classes if you are interested.
For the Langtang Valley trek, you will begin your journey with a drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. After staying overnight, your trek to Langtang Valley will begin. As you trek exploring the beauty and culture of the region, you will come across many scenic landscapes, green forests, terraced fields, waterfalls, and picturesque valleys. Similarly, you will travel through the Langtang National Park, known for being the habitat of endangered species, the Red Panda and Himalayan black bears. You will come across the village of Kyanjin Gompa where you can experience the hospitality and culture of the Tamang community. There is also an ancient Buddhist monastery with significant cultural and spiritual importance to the region. The monastery is a Tamang heritage site. Likewise, taste the traditional cheese and witness the cheese-making process while you are at Kyanjin Gompa.
The Langtang Valley Trek is one of the popular trekking routes. However, compared to other popular routes like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit, the route is less crowded. Therefore, for those looking to experience a serene trekking experience, it is a perfect destination and fits perfectly to your Nepal 3 week itinerary.
3) Annapurna Base Camp Trek + Pokhara Chitwan Lumbini Tour + Kathmandu Valley
The third option for your trekking-focused Nepal 3 week itinerary is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek along with Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini, and Kathmandu tours. It does look quite packed for your 3 week itinerary but bear with us.
After you arrive in Kathmandu, you will travel to Pokhara where you will begin your Annapurna Base Camp Trek. At Adventure Walkway Company, we have 15- day and 11-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek packages. So you can choose anyone and customize it to suit you. Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the second most popular trekking destination after Everest Base Camp Trek. You will get to explore the base camp of Mt. Annapurna, the tenth-highest mountain in the world. The locals mainly belong to the Gurung and Magar communities. You will experience their unique culture and traditions while getting an insight into their lifestyle. You will travel through the forests of rhododendron and lush bamboo. As you move higher, you will travel across alpine meadows and glacial moraines. Another highlight of the trek is that you get to witness the panoramic views of majestic mountains like Annapurna I & South, Machapuchare (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, and Hiunchuli. The trek is a complete package of adventure, culture, and nature.
The next destination is Chitwan. It takes a 3.5-hour drive from Pokhara to reach Chitwan. Heaven for wildlife enthusiasts, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Chitwan National Park lies in the city. You can enjoy jungle safari, bird watching, and canoeing while also enjoying the local culture, food, and hospitality of the Tharu people. The national park is home to diverse flora and fauna. It is home to over 500 species of birds, and a habitat for endangered animals like the one-horned rhinoceroses, Asian elephants, and the Bengal tiger.
You will now head towards Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. It is a UNESCO World Heritage and one of the most important pilgrimage destinations for Buddhists worldwide. You can get spiritual experience and get an insight into Buddha’s teaching. You can also visit the monastic zone. The monastic zone consists of various monasteries built by different countries and have different unique architectural styles. After this spiritual journey, you will travel back to Kathmandu.
Spend the last few days in Kathmandu and its bustling streets while enjoying the local specialties. Kathmandu is the melting pot of different cultures and home to different ethnic groups. On every corner of the street, you will come across a temple. The capital city of Nepal has numerous ancient heritage sites, monasteries, and religious sites. While you may not be able to explore all, you can visit heritage sites like Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, or Swayambhnath Stupa (Monkey Temple). Or you can visit the ancient cities of Kathmandu Valley like Bhaktapur and Patan. You can also stroll around the bustling streets of Kathmandu while exploring the traditional Nepali handicrafts and arts.
This itinerary includes trekking and a tour of the major cities of Nepal. The trip might look packed but if you plan properly, you can cover all the destinations. Visit a travel agency to assist you in planning and arranging everything in Kathmandu. Adventure Walkway Company is here to assist you in your journey.
Faqs
Is Nepal a safe country?
Nepal is one of the safest countries with a low crime rate. The locals are friendly and welcoming to their visitors. Similarly, it is an ideal country choice for solo and female travelers. But like any other country in the world, you have to take your safety precautions.
Is Nepal a cheap place to visit?
Nepal is known for being an affordable and budget-friendly destination. There are many cheap options for tourists who want budget-friendly options. You can find accommodations, food, and travel options. You can also negotiate for extra discounts.
What is the best time to visit Nepal?
The ideal season for traveling in Nepal is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These two seasons have the most pleasant weather to do outdoor activities. However, check the weather conditions before making your trip plan.
Is it easy to travel around Nepal?
Most of the tourist destinations are well-connected by roads. The common and affordable means of transportation are buses and tourist buses available for popular routes. You can also take domestic flights to get access to remote areas. Although most road conditions are decent, the road conditions in remote areas may be challenging.
Will a Nepal 3 weeks itinerary be enough?
3 weeks is more than enough to explore the uniqueness of Nepal. Moreover, you can choose various activities like trek, tours, sightseeing, and adventure activities within the 3 weeks you have. Plan your itinerary and do your research. You can also get help from travel agencies to customize your travel itinerary and get more out within the duration.
What to pack for Nepal travel?
Even in summer, it can get quite chilly at night in Nepal. So, bring a lightweight jacket and long trousers with you. Likewise, bring proper hiking shoes, and windproof/waterproof jackets if your itinerary includes trekking. Other than these, you can carry your hats and comfortable clothing. You can rent any other trekking equipment you need in Kathmandu easily.
Conclusion
As you can see from above you can do many things in Nepal 3 week itinerary. There is something for everybody. The diversity is unlike any other country in the world and you will experience something unique.
Our best Nepal 3 week itinerary is perfect for exploring what Nepal has to offer. However, you can customize the itinerary to tailor to your requirements. You can skip some places and spend more time in others or spend a few nights in the place that you like, it’s your choice. So adjust and customize your itinerary that suits you the best and enjoy your time in Nepal. We at Adventure Walkway Company are a team of experts to assist you in your planning. If you need any assistance, feel free to contact us!
