You are all set to visit Nepal for your upcoming trip. But you’re under tight time constraints and have only five days. It might have made you anxious about how to plan your trip to Nepal for these five days.
Nepal is known to have a diverse range of trekking activities thanks to its Himalayan geographical landscape. The good news is that there are also plenty of adventure activities and outdoor places to explore. These places, like hill stations, cultural heritages, and architectural wonders, give you a different perspective of Nepal’s natural and cultural gems.
So, without any further ado, let us plan your next five-day trip to Nepal to help you make the best memories of your lifetime.
Is five days in Nepal enough?
While there is a diverse range of things to explore in Nepal, five days may not be enough. But for someone with a time constraint or someone with limited vacation days who wants to explore Nepal, even two days can give you enough exploration to give you a perspective of the country.
But how can you start planning your trip in Nepal for the next five days?
First Day: Kathmandu Valley and Its Gems
On the first day, you land at the Tribhuwan International Airport and then go to your respective hotel. After taking a short refreshment break, you start your day by exploring the Kathmandu Valley.
The valley is adorned with beautiful temples, durbar squares, and viewpoints from which to observe alluring views of the Jugal, Langtang, and, in the best clarity, even Manaslu.
Basantapur Durbar Square, Syambhunath, Boudha, and Pashupatinath are on our first-day list. Syambhunath and Boudha give you a peaceful chance to experience Buddhist culture. At the same time, Pashupatinath is one of the religious symbols of Hindu culture.
The Basantapur Durbar Square highlights Nepal’s cultural history and is also the perfect place to enjoy your evening. After that, you will visit Thamel, a major tourist hub, to enjoy the lively streets. Do not forget to check out those goodies.
Now that the exploration of the places is over for the first day, we take an early rest to tackle the jet lag.
Second Day: A Day Amidst The Nagarkot Hill Station
The following day is even more exciting. After an early refreshment, you take a scenic driver from Kathmandu Valley, and in about an hour, you reach the beautiful hill station of Nagarkot.
The cold breeze hits your face, and majestic peaks like the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhare, Lamjung Himal, and the green landscape. The marvellous view adorned in the natural charm of the place gives you the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the crowd. At the same time, you have time to enjoy the serenity of the place amidst nature.
You should not miss out on the golden rays of the sun striking those majestic peaks, which adds charm to the marvellous sight. Moreover, there is an opportunity to take part in a yoga retreat in some parts of Nagarkot.
Apart from that, if you are up for a day of hiking, then go Nagarkot to Dhulikhel hiking. Any activity in the panoramic scenery can increase your sense of satisfaction and enjoyment.
Third and Fourth Day: A Majestic Adventure To Pokhara
Pokhara is a must-visit place in Nepal. The beautiful valley located in the arms of the Annapurna ranges has a bunch of activities for you to do, from enjoying the serenity of the white snowy peaks to sitting beside Phewa Lake and enjoying the evening sunset. Furthermore, if you want to increase your adrenaline level, then take part in paragliding, zip-lining, ultralight flight, and hot-air ballooning. Oh, the list goes on and on.
You hop on the 25-minute domestic flight from KTM to Pokhara, and in the early morning, you reach Pokhara. The first stop is the ride of a boat on Phewa Lake and visiting the Tal Barahi Temple; it’s like the classic thing to do. After which, you drive to the World Peace Pagoda and Pumdikot Temple to observe yet another architectural wonder. At the same time, these are the viewpoints that give you the panoramic views of Annapurna I, Annapurna II, and Dhaulagiri.
In the evening, we highly recommend cycling around Phewa Lake. If you have some extra time, please visit Begnas Lake. It is a less crowded place, and you get to enjoy the serene atmosphere of the lake along with the tasty fish cuisine found in the area.
The second morning, you go to Sarangkot for yet another beautiful sunrise that gives you the best views of the golden rays storming in those white, snowy Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. On the same day, you can also take part in paragliding or zip-lining. These are found in Sarangkot.
Afterwards, you visit the remains of Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Cave, a fascinating rock formation and sacred shrine.
And wrap your day in the solitude and lively streets of Pokhara.
Finale Day
You might not know how fast time went, but here we are on the final day of your trip. You return to Kathmandu early and then make the most of the last day in the valley.
The remaining architectural wonders of Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square have yet to be explored. You have to try the architectural wonders and some local food.
When in the Durbar Square area, enjoy Newari food like bara, choila, and sekuwa. In addition, you can take your time to shop in the local shops. The goodies are interesting, and the cost is reasonable for tourists.
Now, end your day with a dinner accompanied by Thakali cuisine and the bagful of memories you have created.
How much money do you need per day in Nepal?
Nepal is among the budget-friendly destinations for tourists. In general, a five-day stay can cost around $400 to $800, depending on factors like food, transportation, and accommodation. Let me give you a short breakdown.
| Category | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range Traveler | Luxury Traveler |
| Flights | $800 – $1500 per person | $800 – $1500 per person | $800 – $1500 per person |
| Accommodation per night | 1000-2000 NPR ($8-16 USD) | 3000-5000 NPR ($24-40 USD) | 8000-20000 NPR ($64-160 USD) |
| Food and Drink per meal | 200-500 NPR ($1.6-4 USD) | 1000-2000 NPR ($8-16 USD) | Varies depending on preference |
| Transportation | Local buses/taxis: 2,000-5,000 NPR ($16-$41) | Local buses/taxis: 5,000-10,000 NPR ($41-$82) | Private car hire: 20,000-50,000 NPR ($164-$410) |
| Sightseeing & Activities | 2,500-10,000 NPR ($21-$82) | 2,500-10,000 NPR ($21-$82) | 2,500-10,000 NPR ($21-$82) |
| Miscellaneous | 1000 NPR ($8) per day | 1000 NPR ($8) per day | 1000 NPR ($8) per day |
| Total Estimated Costs (5 Days) | 14,500-34,000 NPR ($121-$278) excluding flights | 33,500-72,000 NPR ($274-$590) excluding flights | 70,500-155,000 NPR ($576-$1,266) excluding flights |
In a nutshell, now that your plan for five days in Nepal is ready, why not start planning research for it? Remember to hire a professional tour operator with good reviews on Google and expertise in the field, like Hiking Nepal, for a safe and memorable adventure.
As for you, plan accordingly and make a checklist of the things you have to do before your trip to Nepal. So what are you waiting for get ready for your next vacation in the lap of the Himalayas.
FAQS
Do I need travel insurance for Nepal?
Yes, it is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, lost luggage, missed flights and high-altitude trekking.
What is the best time to visit Nepal?
The best times to visit are during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when the weather is most favourable and the visibility is sharp.
Can I use credit cards in Nepal?
Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in larger cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, but cash is preferred in rural areas.
Is it safe to travel to Nepal?
Nepal is one of the safest countries for travelers. Although, tourists should take standard precautions against theft in crowded places.
Are ATMs easily accessible in Nepal?
ATMs are common in larger cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, but they may be scarce in rural areas. It’s advisable to carry sufficient cash when travelling outside urban centres.
How can I apply for a visa to Nepal?
You can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or apply at a Nepali embassy or consulate in your home country. Visa fees vary based on the duration of stay.
What should I wear while visiting Nepal?
While you can dress accordingly. But when you visit religious places or a crowded place, it is better to dress modestly.
What are some popular activities to do in Nepal besides trekking?
In addition to trekking, visitors can enjoy cultural tours, wildlife safaris in Chitwan National Park, white-water rafting, paragliding in Pokhara, and exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
