10 days · Kathmandu + Pokhara
Nepal in 10 days
Nepal in 10 days: Kathmandu + Pokhara / trek lite. Temples, Himalaya and a short trek without permit overload.
Sacred city, lake, and one short trek
In 10 days: Kathmandu (3–4) + Pokhara (2) + trek lite (3–4) like Poon Hill/Ghorepani, or Pokhara + viewpoints only if you skip mountain lodges. Don’t stack EBC + Annapurna Circuit + Chitwan + Lumbini.
When
Oct–Nov
Best window: clear post-monsoon skies, Annapurna views. Peak demand — book lodges.
Mar–Apr
Spring: rhododendrons and good trekking; some haze possible.
Jun–Sep (monsoon)
Rain, leeches, and cancellable flights. Possible with flexibility and a valley plan B.
Budget / day
US$25–80
Hotel/lodge
US$10–25
Food
US$15–40
Guide/permits*
US$50–140
Total
10 days
Days 1–3Kathmandu (and valley)
Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath or Patan — not three temples the same midday. One soft Thamel day for jet lag and permits.
- TIMS/permits: handle with a solid agency on day 1–2 if you trek.
Days 4–5Pokhara
Short flight or tourist bus. Lakeside, World Peace Pagoda or Sarangkot sunrise. Rest before the trek.
- KTM–PKR flight saves a day of curves; the bus is cheap but long.
Days 6–9Trek lite (Poon Hill) or viewpoints
Classic Ghorepani–Poon Hill (3–4 days): lodges, Annapurna/Dhaulagiri sunrise. Alt: valley days + paragliding lite without trekking.
- Local guide recommended — not EBC, but elevation still tires. Layers + headlamp + cash on trail.
Day 10Buffer & departure
Return to Kathmandu with margin (domestics cancel). Shop souvenirs on the last day, not the first with jet lag.
- If the trek slips: cut a city day — don’t force an extra walking day.
Practical
Flights & buses
KTM–PKR frequent but weather-prone. Overnight tourist bus possible; daytime seat is kinder.
Where to stay
Thamel or Patan · Pokhara Lakeside · trek: Ghorepani/Ghandruk lodges by stage.
Health & permits
Insurance with heli evacuation if you trek. Treated water; basic kit. TIMS/ACAP by route.
Food
Dal bhat power · momos · chiya. On trail: dal bhat is the safe cheap choice.
Tips
Trek lite, not EBC
Poon Hill fits 10 days with city time. EBC needs its own window.
Full Annapurna Circuit
A serious circuit eats weeks. Here: a short stretch with views.
Poon Hill sunrise
Leave with a headlamp and layers — the souvenir is the light, not a midday selfie.
Only Thamel souvenirs
Get out to Patan or Boudha — Kathmandu is more than the tourist street.
Checklist
Nepal on TripMatches
Build Kathmandu + Pokhara + trek lite, share nights and align temples vs trails with your group.
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