Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Kathmandu → Pokhara → Chitwan: 11-Day Nepal New Year Trip from Bengaluru (Dec 25 → Jan 4) — Culture, Lakeside Romance & Nightlife

Viewed by 175 travelers

Day 1: Arrival Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Nepal on December 25, 2025

6:00am

Flight: Bengaluru → Kathmandu

Early direct/one-stop flight from Kempegowda Intl Airport (BLR) to Tribhuvan Intl (KTM). Leaves you with most of the day to settle in; check luggage rules and passport/VISA requirements in advance.
INR10000, 3h0m

9:30am

Airport transfer & hotel check-in (Thamel area)

Taxi from KTM airport to Thamel (central tourist area) and check in; Thamel is compact, good for shopping, dining and nightlife. Early check-in depends on hotel — request in advance.
INR1500, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch — OR2K (Thamel)

Popular vegetarian-friendly rooftop-style café with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern choices; relaxed and great for jet-lagged arrivals. (Typical hours 9:00am–11:00pm).
INR700, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Thamel & Tibetan Market

Stroll narrow streets to browse handicrafts, trekking gear, souvenirs and tea shops; good first-day acclimatizing activity. Most shops open 9:00am–9:30pm.
INR0, 2h0m

4:00pm

Short temple visit: Garden of Dreams

A peaceful neo-classical garden in central Kathmandu—perfect for a gentle walk and coffee; usually open 9:00am–6:00pm.
INR300, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner — Fire and Ice Pizzeria (Thamel)

Popular pizza spot with international crowd; casual dinner to recover from travel. (Typically open 11:00am–11:00pm).
INR900, 1h30m

8:30pm

Rooftop bar — Drinks in Thamel

Try a rooftop bar with live music or DJs in Thamel for a low-key first-night adult-friendly outing; most bars operate 6:00pm–1:00am (last entry/closing varies).
INR1500, 2h0m

Day 2: Kathmandu Culture

Kathmandu, Nepal on December 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Hotel or Himalayan Java

Hearty breakfast to prepare for a day of sightseeing; Himalayan Java is a reliable café chain open early (6:30am–10:00pm).
INR600, 1h0m

9:30am

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

Iconic hilltop stupa with panoramic city views and a mix of Buddhist and Hindu worship; visit early to avoid crowds. Open roughly 6:00am–5:00pm.
INR300, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch — Bhojan Griha (traditional Nepali)

Traditional multi-course Newari meal in a historic house — good for tasting authentic local flavors; reservations recommended. (Usually 11:00am–10:00pm).
INR1200, 1h30m

2:00pm

Pashupatinath Temple & cremation ghats

Important Hindu pilgrimage site on the Bagmati River; respectful dress required. Main complex accessible typically 6:00am–5:00pm (some viewing points outside this).
INR200, 1h30m

4:00pm

Boudhanath Stupa

Massive Tibetan stupa and center of Tibetan Buddhist life in Kathmandu; pleasant at late afternoon for monks and circumambulation. Open 6:00am–9:00pm.
INR200, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — Krishnarpan / Dwarika's (fine Nepali)

Splurge on an intimate, multi-course Newari dinner at Dwarika's property (pre-book); great cultural food experience with upscale setting. Service hours usually 7:00pm–10:00pm; pre-reservation needed.
INR3500, 2h0m

Day 3: To Pokhara

Kathmandu → Pokhara, Nepal on December 27, 2025

7:00am

Domestic flight: Kathmandu → Pokhara

Short mountain/domestic flight (~25–30 minutes) giving scenic valley views; mornings have the highest on-time reliability. Flights operate 6:00am–6:00pm depending on airline.
INR4500, 0h30m

9:00am

Arrival & hotel check-in (Lakeside)

Settle into a lakeside hotel near Phewa Lake—this area has cafes, bars and easy access to boat rides and paragliding companies.
INR5000, 1h0m

11:30am

Lunch — Moondance Restaurant (Lakeside)

Popular café with lake views and international menu; good casual lunch spot. (Usually 7:30am–10:30pm).
INR800, 1h0m

1:00pm

Boat on Phewa Lake & Visit Tal Barahi Temple

Private boat rental or shared boat to the small island temple; calm, scenic lake ride with great Annapurna reflections in good weather. Boat rentals generally available 7:00am–6:00pm.
INR1200, 1h30m

3:00pm

Stroll Lakeside & Coffee

Relax by the promenade, check cafes and local shops; great low-effort afternoon to acclimatize further.
INR300, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner — Lakeside restaurant (e.g., Café Concerto or similar)

Enjoy lakeside dining with sunset views; many venues open 11:00am–11:00pm. Reserve a table for best views.
INR1000, 1h30m

9:00pm

Optional: Lakeside bar or live music

Pokhara has relaxed lakeside bars popular with adults — great spot for drinks and meeting travelers. Bars typically open 6:00pm–12:00am.
INR1200, 2h0m

Day 4: Paragliding & Sights

Pokhara, Nepal on December 28, 2025

5:15am

Sunrise at Sarangkot (optional paragliding)

Drive up to Sarangkot for panoramic sunrise over Annapurna and Fishtail peaks — paragliding operators run tandem flights from Sarangkot (early morning operations 6:00am–11:00am). Pre-book for the best slots.
INR6000, 3h0m

9:30am

Breakfast — Back in Lakeside

Breakfast at your hotel or a lakeside café after sunrise — great to relax and refuel. Most cafés open by 7:00am.
INR600, 1h0m

11:00am

David's Falls & Gupteshwor Cave

Short trips to these adjacent attractions: a striking waterfall and a cave shrine system; both are open roughly 8:00am–5:00pm.
INR300, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch — Local Nepali/International eatery

Try local momo shops or international cafés around Lakeside — quick, tasty and inexpensive options available. (Most open 10:00am–9:00pm).
INR500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Hike/Boat to World Peace Pagoda

Cross the lake by boat and hike up for a quiet viewpoint and excellent mountain views; the monument area is open daylight hours (dawn–dusk).
INR400, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner — OR2K Lakeside or similar

Relaxed, traveler-friendly food with a variety of options; perfect end to a full activity day. (Usually 11:00am–11:00pm).
INR800, 1h30m

Day 5: Pokhara to Chitwan

Pokhara → Chitwan, Nepal on December 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast & Morning at Leisure

Final lakeside breakfast and last-minute shopping or short walk — depart late morning/early afternoon toward Chitwan.
INR600, 1h0m

10:30am

Private transfer or tourist bus: Pokhara → Chitwan (Sauraha/Bharatpur)

Road transfer takes ~4–5 hours depending on route; private vehicle is faster and more comfortable. Scenic drive with rural landscapes.
INR3000, 4h30m

3:30pm

Check-in at jungle lodge (Sauraha)

Settle into a jungle lodge/resort that runs guided safari programs; dinner and overnight in lodge. Lodges typically serve meals at set times (breakfast/lunch/dinner).
INR4500, 1h0m

5:00pm

Village walk or short nature walk

Guided walk near the lodge to meet local Tharu community and learn about local life (available in late afternoon).
INR500, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner — Lodge Tharu-style

Relaxed dinner at your lodge — many include traditional Tharu cultural programs in the evening (show times typically 7:30pm–9:00pm).
INR800, 1h30m

Day 6: Chitwan Safari

Chitwan National Park, Nepal on December 30, 2025

5:30am

Early canoe on the Rapti River

Gentle birdwatching and river scenery; canoes usually depart at dawn and return by breakfast (operators run early trips ~5:30am–7:30am).
INR800, 1h30m

8:00am

Breakfast at lodge

Breakfast at your lodge or resort before morning safari activities; lodges usually serve breakfast 7:00am–9:00am.
INR400, 1h0m

9:30am

Jungle jeep/elephant safari

Guided jeep or elephant-back safari into Chitwan NP to seek rhino, deer and diverse birdlife; safaris usually operate in morning slots (7:00am–11:00am and 3:00pm–6:00pm).
INR2500, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch — Lodge

Lunch and rest; most lodges include lunch at fixed times, good time to relax after morning safari.
INR600, 1h0m

3:30pm

Elephant breeding center visit / Tharu cultural program

Visit the Elephant Breeding Centre (if open) or participate in Tharu cultural activities later in the evening; cultural shows typically 7:00pm–8:30pm.
INR500, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at lodge

Enjoy dinner at your lodge — many include a campfire or cultural performance in the evening.
INR700, 1h30m

Day 7: Back to Kathmandu

Chitwan → Kathmandu, Nepal (New Year's Eve) on December 31, 2025

7:00am

Optional short morning safari or birdwatch

A final early-morning nature activity if you want more wildlife sightings; otherwise enjoy a leisurely breakfast and check-out.
INR800, 1h30m

10:00am

Transfer: Chitwan → Kathmandu (flight from Bharatpur or tourist bus)

You can take a short flight from Bharatpur to Kathmandu (20–30 mins) or travel by road (~5–6 hrs). Flights save time—book early on NYE day due to limited seats.
INR6000, 0h30m

1:30pm

Hotel check-in & rest in Kathmandu

Check in and freshen up ahead of the New Year's evening; choose a central 4–5★ hotel if you plan to attend a gala (many host NYE gala dinners and parties).
INR7000, 2h0m

4:00pm

Couples spa / Relaxation (pre-book)

Treat yourself to a couples spa or hotel spa treatment to recharge before a late night; many spas operate 9:00am–9:00pm (confirm late appointments).
INR5000, 1h30m

9:00pm

New Year's Eve Gala or Thamel Party

Choose between a formal gala at a 5★ hotel (pre-booked, dress code, 21+) or the lively Thamel bar/club circuit which hosts countdown parties—expect events to run past midnight into the early hours. Confirm reservations and transport ahead.
INR6000, 5h0m

Day 8: New Year Recovery

Kathmandu, Nepal on January 1, 2026

9:00am

Leisurely brunch — Himalayan Java or hotel brunch

Late brunch to recover from NYE festivities; many cafés and hotels offer extended brunch hours on New Year morning (check 9:00am–3:00pm options).
INR800, 1h30m

11:30am

Shopping in Thamel & souvenir hunting

Shop for pashminas, handicrafts, tea, and trekking gear; most stores open 9:00am–9:00pm. Good day to compare prices and pick final gifts.
INR0, 2h0m

3:00pm

Relaxing spa or rooftop tea

Slow afternoon with a short spa treatment or rooftop tea for a calm start to the new year; many places open 9:00am–8:00pm.
INR2000, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner — Urban rooftop or contemporary Nepali restaurant

Casual celebratory dinner with skyline views or Newari cuisine; ideal for a relaxed evening after a late night prior.
INR1500, 1h30m

Day 9: Bhaktapur & Nagarkot

Bhaktapur / Nagarkot → Kathmandu, Nepal on January 2, 2026

7:00am

Day trip to Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Historic medieval city with exquisite Newari architecture, pottery square and local eateries; Durbar Square generally open 9:00am–5:00pm. Walk the lanes and taste local juju dhau (curd).
INR500, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch — Bhaktapur local restaurant

Enjoy traditional Newari or Nepali dishes in Bhaktapur; good opportunity to try local specialties in an authentic setting. (Open 10:00am–8:00pm).
INR600, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Nagarkot for mountain views

Short drive to Nagarkot for sweeping Himalayan panoramas and, if clear, dramatic sunsets; viewpoint area is accessible daylight hours. Drive time ~45–60 minutes from Bhaktapur/Kathmandu.
INR800, 1h30m

4:30pm

Sunset viewing at Nagarkot viewpoint

Sunset over the Himalaya is a highlight — bring warm layers and arrive early to claim a view spot; crowded at sunset but rewarding on clear days. Best around 4:30pm–6:00pm in January.
INR0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Return to Kathmandu — Dinner

Return to Kathmandu for dinner; choose a comfortable city restaurant or hotel dining room to close the day. Most central restaurants open until 10:00pm–11:00pm.
INR1200, 1h30m

Day 10: Final Kathmandu Day

Kathmandu, Nepal on January 3, 2026

8:30am

Breakfast & last-minute packing

Slow morning to pack, check luggage allowances and confirm airport transfer time. Hotel breakfast or nearby café; check-out times commonly around 11:00am.
INR500, 1h0m

10:00am

Patan (Lalitpur) Durbar Square visit

Explore Patan’s impressive artisan workshops and Durbar Square—distinctive sculptures and architecture; open about 9:00am–5:00pm.
INR400, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch — Café or Newari restaurant in Patan

Try a local café or recommended Newari dishes in Patan; a leisurely meal before the afternoon.
INR700, 1h0m

3:00pm

Free time: shopping, relax, or optional short trek

Use afternoon for anything missed earlier—souvenirs, a short city walk or a final spa treatment before departure (spas typically open 9:00am–8:00pm).
INR1000, 2h0m

7:30pm

Farewell dinner — Rooftop or fine dining

Splurge on a last-night dinner with views of the Kathmandu valley or a quiet romantic meal in a well-reviewed restaurant.
INR2500, 2h0m

Day 11: Departure

Kathmandu → Bengaluru, India on January 4, 2026

6:00am

Airport transfer to Tribhuvan Intl (KTM)

Early transfer to the airport—allow buffer time for traffic and international check-in; aim to arrive 2–3 hours before flight.
INR1500, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight: Kathmandu → Bengaluru

Return international flight to Kempegowda Intl Airport (BLR); flight time ~3 hours. Confirm immigration, visa exit requirements, and carry souvenirs accordingly.
INR10000, 3h0m

1:30pm

Arrival Bengaluru

Arrive back in Bengaluru; airport transfer home and end of trip. Allow time for customs and baggage collection.
INR0, 0h30m
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version