Nepal varies in elevation from very high mountains to jungle-covered plains, making it difficult to travel swiftly around the nation despite its small size. If visiting Nepal is on your bucket list but you don’t have much time, don’t worry; the geographically dynamic Himalayan country may be explored in as little as 5 days. There are numerous activities available in Nepal. You can choose from a variety of treks and trips, from the most expensive to the most affordable. Explore the famous Katmandu and Pokhara Valleys, hike in the Annapurna region, fly to the Everest range, go on animal adventures in Chitwan and Bardiya, and participate in multisport adventure experiences such as paragliding and rafting.
Nepal is a small country with a lot of outstanding sights, and the rich culture and landscape will make you want to stay for much longer than five days. If you only have a limited amount of time, here are some suggestions for making the most of your visit to one of the last Himalayan kingdoms. The Best Itinerary for your 5 Days in Nepal is as follows:
Kathmandu and Pokhara Sightseeing:
This five-day tour plan is perfect for visitors interested in learning about Nepal’s historic Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu before flying to Pokhara, a picturesque lakeside city. This journey blends culture and history with some of the best views of the country’s most beautiful mountains and lakes. The journey begins with a visit to Kathmandu’s famed Buddhist shrine, Swayambhunath. Visit the Kathmandu and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares to learn about the rich heritage and history of Nepal’s unification. The next day, take a picturesque flight to Pokhara, the city of lakes, and meander around the Phewa lakeshore. The World Peace Pagoda and a thrilling paragliding ride in the blue sky from the Sarangkot Hill’s perspective are probably the highlights of the tour. A picturesque flight back to Kathmandu brings the tour to an end.
Ghandruk Village Trek:
Ghandruk Village Trek is one of Nepal’s top short treks for hikers looking to explore the Himalayan terrain near to Pokhara in about 5 days. The journey brings you to Ghandruk, one of the most famous towns in the Annapurna foothills, from which you can see Annapurna and Machhapuchre in all their glory. When you arrive in Kathmandu, go on a historical walk to see some of the city’s most famous religious sites. Then travel to Pokhara, where the hike to Pothana begins through Dhampus village’s Gurung settlement. The walk continues from the little town of Pothana to the Gurung Village of Ghandruk via the villages of Tolkha and Landruk. The hike to Nayapul passes through rice fields while taking in the Himalayan scenery. Drive to Pokhara and then fly to Kathmandu.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Short Trek:
Ghorepani Poon Hill Short Trek is a fast-paced trek through the Annapurna region’s foothills near Pokhara that leads to Poon Hill Station, which is surrounded by clouds. The short walk begins with a picturesque flight to Pokhara, followed by a drive to Nayapul, where the hike to Ulleri village begins. The walk then continues to Ghorepani village, where a short hike leads to Poon Hill Station, which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna Massif. Continue to Tadapani, then to Ghandruk, a Gurung settlement, before driving to Pokhara. The aircraft will take you to Kathmandu, where you will board your final journey.
Annapurna Panorama Village Trek:
Traveling to traditional communities in the Annapurna foothills is the greatest way to explore true Nepal in 5 days. The Annapurna Panorama Village Trek gives you the opportunity to engage with the residents in ethnic villages nestled in the hillsides, with views of the Annapurna Region. When you arrive in Nepal, take a stroll through the city’s cultural heritage sites. After a magnificent flight to Pokhara, a short drive takes you to the Brahmin settlements in Astam village. The trip then continues to Dhampus village, which is home to the Gurung community. The trip then continues to Majgaon village, where you will get the opportunity to connect with the local Chhetri and Gurung people. The following day’s hike will take you to Kande, after which you’ll drive back to Pokhara for an evening adventure along the Phewa Lakeside. The short 5-day trip in Nepal comes to an end with a picturesque flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
Central Nepal Multi-Sport Adventure:
On this multi-sport journey in central Nepal, adventurous tourists won’t lose out on some of Nepal’s top outdoor activities owing to a lack of time. From Kathmandu and Pokhara, try trekking, rafting, and paragliding. When you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be greeted at the airport. Spend the evening, depending on your arrival time, visiting the Thamel area and eating your first dal bhat for dinner. On the second day, leave Kathmandu for Pokhara after breakfast. Much of the drive follows the Trishuli River, and after a couple of hours of driving, you’ll stop for some white-water rafting excitement. The Trishuli features some decent medium-sized rapids, making it appropriate for beginners, but if you’d rather relax at a riverside lodge, you may skip the rafting. Continue to Pokhara, where you may see the sunset from the lakeside. On day three, there will be even more adventures. You’ll be transported up to Sarangkot Hill in the morning, which is the starting point (literally!) for paragliding above Pokhara. On a tandem flight with an instructor, take in the breathtaking mountain and lake vistas. Drive to Kande in the afternoon to begin your trip to the Australian Camp. Along the trip, you’ll get some spectacular vistas of the Annapurna Himalaya. The following day, travel from the Australian Camp to Dhampus Village and then to Phedi. At Phedi, your driver will be waiting for you. Return to Pokhara and spend the rest of the day exploring: get a post-trek massage or go for a lake paddle. On day five, take an early flight back to Kathmandu, from where you can depart Nepal or spend some time seeing the capital.
Tour to Chitwan National Park:
While many visitors associate Nepal with mountain peaks, those in the know recognize that the country also has magnificent forest national parks to visit. In the Chitwan National Park, spend five days in Nepal getting up close and personal with rhinoceros, elephants, and other magnificent creatures. Check out a handful of the city’s cultural sites after you arrive in Kathmandu, depending on how much time you have. Because of their central location, the Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa are excellent choices. On the second day, fly to Chitwan (or, more precisely, Bharatpur, approximately an hour’s drive from the Chitwan National Park). Set up your cozy lodging with a view of the Rapti River. On the third day, go on a day of safari activities with an expert naturalist. You have a good possibility of spotting rhinoceros, deer, gharial crocodiles, and a variety of birds if you tour the park in a Jeep and on foot. Enjoy a relaxing boat journey down the Rapti and Narayani Rivers to the Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge, located in a different region of Chitwan, on day four. Relax at the resort or go on a walk through the Tharu village to discover more about the local culture. If you want to cool off in the evening, take a bullock cart ride. On day five, take a short flight from Bharatpur to Kathmandu or go overland (5-6 hours) if you want.
Namche Trek & Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour:
Although a five-day Namche Trip and Helicopter Tour will not allow you to complete the full Everest Base Camp trek, it will allow you to see the highlights of the Everest region. Trek the first couple of days of the EBC itinerary, then take a helicopter trip the rest of the way. Spend some time getting to know the city, depending on when you arrive in Kathmandu. Because of their prominent location, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa are good destinations to visit for newcomers. On day two, begin your mountain adventure with an early morning flight to Lukla, the Everest region’s gateway. On your first day, trek to Phakding along the Dudh Koshi River for 3-4 hours. On day three, climb from Phakding to Namche Bazaar to get a taste of the Everest Base Camp trail. The journey is strenuous at times, but you’ll get your first look of Everest through a clearing in the forest and pass one of Nepal’s longest and highest suspension bridges along the way. After arriving, spend some time visiting Namche, which is the bustling heartland of Sherpa culture. While you won’t be able to walk all the way to the summit of Everest (this time!), you can take a helicopter tour to the base of the world’s highest mountain on day four. Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kantega, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Everest herself are all visible. Stop at Base Camp for breathtaking vistas, but don’t stay too long because you’ll start to feel the effects of the altitude. After your tour, return all the way to Kathmandu to relax, receive a post-trek massage, shop, or do some last-minute sightseeing. On the fifth day, depart Kathmandu with some wonderful memories from your five-day tour.
In the End:
The treks and tours indicated above are ideal for travellers who only have 5 days in Nepal for their vacation. However, keep in mind that these 5-day trip and trek itineraries are not set in stone and can be tailored to your specific needs. If you’re looking for a custom Nepal travel plan or have any questions, please contact us for advice and trip management from our experts.