10-Day Nepal Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Nepal tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaNepal travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Days in Nepal, incl. Kathmandu and Langtang Valley

  A 117km route winds from Kathmandu to Langtang Valley. The trail ascends from Syabrubesi (1,600m) to Kyanjin Gompa (3,800m), offering optional Tsergo Ri summit (5,033m), with mixed accommodation throughout.

  

  View itinerary Compare 10 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Kathmandu Arrival

    Check into your Kathmandu hotel after airport pickup. Take time to check your trekking equipment and adjust to the altitude (1,400m). Get a good night's sleep before your journey begins.

    
  • Day 2

    Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1,600m)

    The 117km journey to Syabrubesi takes 8-9 hours. One experienced trekker suggests: "Try to book a jeep transfer instead of the local bus as the road is very very rough in places." A jeep costs more ($300 round trip) but offers better comfort and reliability than the bus.

    
  • Day 3

    Syabrubesi to Sherpa Gaou (2,300m)

    Start your trek by crossing Bhote Koshi river and following Langtang Khola upstream. This 5.5-hour walk gradually climbs through bamboo forests where you might spot red pandas. The trail gets slippery in wet weather so proper hiking boots are essential.

    
  • Day 4

    Sherpa Gaou to Thangshep Village (3,200m)

    Walk through beautiful rhododendron forests covered in moss. You'll catch glimpses of Langtang Lirung peak along the way. Pass through Ghora Tabela (3,000m) where the valley opens up. In Thangshep, you'll see traditional Tibetan-style houses with flat roofs and experience local Tamang culture.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Thangshep to Kyanjin Gompa (3,800m)

    The path winds past yak pastures to Kyanjin Gompa. Arrive for lunch and spend the next day exploring. The mountain views here span 360 degrees. Visit the local cheese factory and monastery or climb Tsergo Ri peak (5,033m) if conditions allow.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Descent to Lama Hotel and Syabrubesi

    Head back down through different vegetation zones. A traveler advises: "Wear good quality ankle-length boots - the track is very rough and often muddy." Going down is quicker but requires careful attention.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Return to Kathmandu

    Take an 8-9 hour bus or jeep ride back to Kathmandu. Enjoy a traditional Nepali dinner to celebrate before leaving the next day.

    

  View itinerary

• 10 Days in Nepal, incl. Kathmandu and Lumbini

  A spiritual odyssey through 7 Nepalese cities costs around $1,200. Visit 5 UNESCO sites including Boudhanath Stupa and Lumbini's birthplace of Buddha. Time split between Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, and Chitwan's jungle activities.

  

  View itinerary Compare 10 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Kathmandu Arrival

    Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and head to your Kathmandu hotel. Book a morning flight to avoid Ring Road's heavy afternoon traffic. Take it easy today to adjust to the altitude and rest up for tomorrow's temple visits.

    
  • Day 2

    Kathmandu Sacred Sites

    Start your day at Boudhanath Stupa, Nepal's largest Buddhist shrine. "Watching locals doing kora (circumambulation) at sunrise while incense fills the air is deeply moving," says one visitor. Visit Pashupatinath Temple before the 9 AM crowds. Continue to Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) but wear sturdy shoes for the 365 steps. Finish your day watching sunset at Patan Durbar Square.

    
  • Day 3

    Kathmandu to Pokhara

    Take the 6-hour scenic drive to Pokhara. Stop at Manakamana Temple, accessible by a quick 10-minute cable car ride. Consider taking motion sickness pills for the winding mountain roads. Spend your evening exploring Pokhara's lakeside area and watch traditional boats on Phewa Lake at sunset.

    
  • Day 4

    Pokhara Exploration

    Drive to Sarangkot viewpoint before dawn to see sunrise over the Annapurna range. Visit the International Mountain Museum to learn about Himalayan climbing history. Take a boat ride to Barahi Temple in the afternoon but go before 2 PM when the lake gets choppy.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Lumbini Buddhist Circuit

    Drive seven hours to Lumbini, Buddha's birthplace. Visit Maya Devi Temple but remember to bring socks since shoes aren't allowed inside. Explore the peace gardens and international monasteries. On day 6 take a trip to Tilaurakot, 27km away to see the ruins of Buddha's childhood palace. Pack clothes that cover shoulders and knees.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Chitwan National Park

    Drive three hours to Chitwan. Go on a morning elephant-back safari through the grasslands to spot rhinos and deer. One visitor notes: "The early morning mist over the grasslands was magical but bring warm layers as it's chilly before sunrise." End your day with a traditional Tharu dance performance.

    
  • Day 9

    Return to Kathmandu

    Take the five-hour drive back to Kathmandu. You'll see beautiful views of terraced fields and village life along the way. Note that roads can be rough during monsoon season from June to August. Enjoy a farewell dinner in the Thamel neighborhood.

    
  • Day 10

    Departure

    Head to the airport. Choose an afternoon flight to avoid morning traffic. If you have time shop for prayer flags or singing bowls in Thamel. Most shops open by 10 AM.

    

  View itinerary

• 10 Days in Nepal, incl. Kathmandu and Pokhara

  This cultural circuit connects 6 major destinations: Kathmandu's UNESCO temples, wildlife safaris in Chitwan National Park, Buddha's birthplace in Lumbini, sunrise at Sarangkot, and lakeside Pokhara. Nine nights in 3-star hotels and full-board meals in Chitwan included.

  

  View itinerary Compare 10 days itineraries
  • Days 1-2

    Kathmandu Valley & Nagarkot

    Begin your journey at Pashupatinath Temple to see Hindu sadhus performing morning rituals. "Watching the morning aarti ceremony at Pashupatinath was humbling - arrive by 6:30 AM to fully experience it." Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square early to beat the crowds. Then take the drive to Nagarkot for mountain views. The trip should take 1 hour but plan for 2+ hours because of traffic.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Chitwan National Park

    Leave early for the 5-6 hour drive to Chitwan to make the most of your time. Take elephant safaris and canoe rides in the morning when animals are most active. A visitor reported: "The 6:30 AM canoe ride was magical - we saw crocodiles basking and countless birds before the day got hot." Bring light clothes that dry quickly since it's humid all year.

    
  • Day 5

    Lumbini

    The drive to Buddha's birthplace takes 3-4 hours. Start at Maya Devi Temple before exploring the international monastery zone. You'll need socks since shoes aren't allowed in temples. The site is large so consider renting a bike to see more.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Pokhara

    This lakeside city gives you amazing views of the Annapurna range. Book your Sarangkot sunrise trek ahead of time. One traveler suggests: "Start hiking by 4:30 AM with headlamps - the best photo spots fill up fast." Spend your afternoons at the Old Bazaar and Phewa Lake.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Return to Kathmandu

    The 6-7 hour drive back offers nice valley views. Use your last day to see Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath. Visit Boudhanath at sunset when locals walk around the stupa.

    
  • Day 10

    Departure

    Book an afternoon flight since morning traffic in Kathmandu can be slow. Most international flights leave in the late evening.

    

  View itinerary