Budget 5‑Day Nepal Exploration from Gorakhpur (Feb 23‑28 2026)

Day 0: Travel from Gorakhpur to Kathmandu

Morning: Arrive at Gorakhpur (GOP) airport from Bangalore, collect luggage and catch a shared taxi to the Gorakhpur–Sonauli border (≈2 hrs, ₹200 per person).

Afternoon: Cross into India‑Nepal border at Sonauli, then board a Nepalese public bus to Kathmandu (≈9 hrs, ₹1 200 per person). Enjoy the scenic plains and foothills en route.

Evening: Arrive in Kathmandu, check into YHA Kathmandu Hostel (dormitory bunk, ₹800 per night per person, includes breakfast). Relax and explore the nearby Thamel market.

Day 1: Kathmandu Cultural Core

Morning: Visit Durbar Square to admire the historic palace courtyards and temples (≈2 hrs, entry ₹500).

Afternoon: Walk to Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) for panoramic city views and Buddhist rituals (≈2 hrs, entry free, donation ₹100).

Evening: Stroll through Patan Durbar Square, soak up Newari architecture, and enjoy cheap local dinner at a street stall (≈2 hrs, ₹300).

Day 2: Kathmandu to Pokhara (Night Bus)

Morning: Explore the tranquil Garden of Dreams and have a light brunch at its café (≈1.5 hrs, entry ₹250).

Afternoon: Take a shared taxi to the New Bus Park and board an overnight tourist bus to Pokhara (≈8 hrs, ₹1 100 per person, includes blanket).

Evening: Sleep on the bus, arriving in Pokhara early the next morning.

Day 3: Pokhara Lakeside & Mountains

Morning: Check into Pokhara Youth Hostel (dormitory, ₹700 per night per person). Rent a bicycle and cycle around Phewa Lake (≈2 hrs, bike ₹150).

Afternoon: Hike up Sarangkot for sunrise‑like views of the Annapurna range (≈3 hrs, entry free, guide optional ₹300).

Evening: Enjoy a low‑cost dinner of momos and dal bhat at a lakeside stall (≈1 hr, ₹350) and relax by the lake.

Day 4: Pokhara to Chitwan (Night Train)

Morning: Visit the Devi’s Fall and the nearby Gupteshwor Cave (≈2 hrs, entry ₹200).

Afternoon: Board the affordable night train from Pokhara to Gorakhpur Junction (≈6 hrs, ₹900 per person, sleeper class). Transfer to a shared taxi for the short ride to the Chitwan National Park gate.

Evening: Check into a budget Chitwan Jungle Hostel (dormitory, ₹600 per night per person) and attend a cultural Tharu dance show (≈1 hr, free).

Day 5: Chitwan Wildlife Safari

Morning: Embark on a guided Jungle Safari (jeep & walking) to spot rhinos, tigers, and birds (≈4 hrs, ₹2 000 per person, includes park entry).

Afternoon: Take a canoe trip on the Rapti River for bird‑watching (≈2 hrs, ₹500 per person).

Evening: Return to hostel, enjoy a communal dinner of lentil soup and rice (≈1 hr, ₹300) and prepare for night travel.

Day 6: Chitwan → Delhi (Return)

Morning: Catch a shared taxi to Gorakhpur Railway Station (≈2 hrs, ₹250).

Afternoon: Board the express train to New Delhi (≈12 hrs, ₹1 200 per person, 2nd class AC). Bring snacks from the hostel to keep food costs low.

Evening: Arrive in Delhi, take the metro or taxi to the home station for onward travel.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Gorakhpur–Sonauli border taxi – 2 hrs – ₹200 per person
• Bus to Kathmandu – 9 hrs – ₹1 200 per person
• YHA Kathmandu Hostel – 1 night – ₹800 per person
• Durbar Square entry – 2 hrs – ₹500 per person
• Swayambhunath donation – 2 hrs – ₹100 per person
• Patan dinner – 2 hrs – ₹300 per person
• Garden of Dreams – 1.5 hrs – ₹250 per person
• Night bus to Pokhara – 8 hrs – ₹1 100 per person
• Pokhara Youth Hostel – 1 night – ₹700 per person
• Bicycle rent at Phewa Lake – 2 hrs – ₹150 per person
• Sarangkot hike guide (optional) – 3 hrs – ₹300 per person
• Lakeside dinner – 1 hr – ₹350 per person
• Devi’s Fall & Gupteshwor Cave – 2 hrs – ₹200 per person
• Night train to Gorakhpur – 6 hrs – ₹900 per person
• Chitwan Jungle Hostel – 1 night – ₹600 per person
• Jungle Safari (jeep + walk) – 4 hrs – ₹2 000 per person
• Canoe trip – 2 hrs – ₹500 per person
• Chitwan dinner – 1 hr – ₹300 per person
• Taxi to Gorakhpur Railway Station – 2 hrs – ₹250 per person
• Express train to New Delhi – 12 hrs – ₹1 200 per person
• Overall total per person – – ₹13 000
• Overall total for 5 travelers – – ₹65 000

Tips

If you need extra time for trekking in the Annapurna region, add an additional night in Pokhara and take a sunrise hike to Australian Camp. To shorten the trip, skip Chitwan and spend the final day exploring the historic town of Bhaktapur before heading back to Delhi, which reduces travel time and costs.