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.

KathmanduPokharaTrek liteHimalaya
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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 1–3

Kathmandu (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 4–5

Pokhara

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 6–9

Trek 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 10

Buffer & 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

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