Nepal 15-Day Itinerary for Families

  • Day 1: Kathmandu Durbar Square
    20 minutes (6.5 km) from Tribhuvan International Airport

    Kathmandu Durbar Square is a historic plaza filled with traditional architecture, temples, and monuments reflecting the rich culture & tradition of Nepal. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a glimpse into the Newari architecture and a chance to learn more about the country's history and culture.

  • Day 2: Swayambhunath Stupa
    30 minutes (7.5 km) from Kathmandu Durbar Square

    The Swayambhunath Stupa is a famous ancient Buddhist temple located on a hillock in the city. Also known as "Monkey Temple," the stupa offers a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley, and the playful monkeys on the temple grounds are sure to delight families with children.

  • Day 3: Patan Durbar Square
    20 minutes (7 km) from Swayambhunath Stupa

    The Patan Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its traditional Newari architecture, temples, and palaces. Visitors can explore the Palace Complex, the Golden Temple, and the exquisite sculptures that adorn the site.

  • Day 4: Chitwan National Park
    5 hours (159 km) from Patan Durbar Square

    A natural paradise, Chitwan National Park is home to hundreds of species of birds, animals, and reptiles. Visitors can go on a jungle safari, elephant ride or canoe ride to see the park's rare flora and fauna. Family-friendly lodging and dining facilities are available within the park.

  • Day 5: Pokhara
    3 hours (148 km) from Chitwan National Park

    Pokhara is a picturesque town located at the foothills of the Himalayas. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride on the serene Phewa Lake, trek to the World Peace Pagoda, or relax at one of the many lakeside cafes or restaurants. The breathtaking mountain views and natural beauty make Pokhara a must-visit destination.

  • Day 6: Annapurna Base Camp Trek
    2 hours (40 km) from Pokhara

    A moderate trek, the Annapurna Base Camp trek takes visitors on a journey through hilly terrain, quaint villages, and scenic vistas. The trail ends at the base camp from where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna range. This is a memorable activity for families looking to experience Nepal's natural beauty.

  • Day 7: Bandipur
    3 hours (79 km) from Annapurna Base Camp

    Bandipur is a beautifully preserved village that seems to have stood still in time. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, friendly locals, and traditional architecture. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the village to see the temples, shrines, and much more.

  • Day 8: Pashupatinath Temple
    4 hours (154 km) from Bandipur

    Pashupatinath Temple is a Hindu temple that attracts millions of devotees and visitors each year. The temple complex is located on both banks of the Bagmati River and is home to many temples, shrines, and ashrams. Visitors can observe the rituals and ceremonies, or take a guided tour of the site.

  • Day 9: Bhaktapur
    1 hour (14 km) from Pashupatinath Temple

    Bhaktapur is another UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved culture, temples, and traditional buildings. Visitors can explore the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the Nyatapola Temple, and the Pottery Square, among other unique sites.

  • Day 10: Everest Mountain Flight
    4 hours (124 km) from Bhaktapur

    Experience the thrill of flying over the Himalayas and getting a glimpse of the world's highest mountain - Mount Everest. This scenic flight takes visitors on an unforgettable adventure, showcasing the snow-capped peaks and stunning landscape of the region.

  • Day 11-12: Trekking in Sagarmatha National Park
    3 hours (140 km) from the airport

    Sagarmatha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the Himalayas. Visitors can explore the park's diverse flora and fauna on a trek through the rocky terrain, alpine forests, and glacial rivers. The park is home to Mount Everest and many other peaks, making it a popular destination for trekkers worldwide.

  • Day 13: Boudhanath Stupa
    5 hours (137 km) from Sagarmatha National Park

    The Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world and is an important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists. Visitors can learn about the culture and tradition of Buddhism, or take a tour of the nearby monasteries and temples to get a better understanding of the religion.

  • Day 14: Nagarkot
    30 minutes (18 km) from Boudhanath Stupa

    Nagarkot is a hill station famous for its panoramic views of the Himalayas. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking sunrise and sunset views, go trekking in the surrounding hills, or explore the many temples and villages nearby.

  • Day 15: Kathmandu Craft Beer Tour
    2 hours (30 km) from Nagarkot

    End the trip with a visit to one of the many craft breweries in Kathmandu. Sample some of the local brews and soak in the vibrant nightlife of the city while recounting all the amazing sights and experiences enjoyed during the 15-day trip.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Kathmandu Durbar Square (1-2 hours, NPR 200 - 1000)
  • Swayambhunath Stupa (1-2 hours, NPR 50 - 200)
  • Patan Durbar Square (1-2 hours, NPR 200 - 500)
  • Chitwan National Park (1-2 days, NPR 1000 - 4000)
  • Pokhara (2-3 days, NPR 1000 - 3000)
  • Annapurna Base Camp Trek (3-5 days, NPR 10,000 - 20,000)
  • Bandipur (1-2 hours, NPR 500 - 1000)
  • Pashupatinath Temple (1-2 hours, NPR 1000 - 2000)
  • Bhaktapur (2-3 hours, NPR 500 - 1000)
  • Everest Mountain Flight (1-2 hours, NPR 10,000 - 20,000)
  • Sagarmatha National Park Trek (3-7 days, NPR 8000 - 15,000)
  • Boudhanath Stupa (1-2 hours, NPR 200 - 500)
  • Nagarkot (1-2 days, NPR 500 - 2000)
  • Kathmandu Craft Beer Tour (2-3 hours, NPR 1000 - 4000)
  • Total Estimated Costs (Per person): NPR 30,000 - 70,000

Transportation

Travellers can hire a private car or taxi for transportation during their stay in Nepal. The cost per day for a car with a driver is approximately NPR 5000-8000, depending on the destination. Public transportation options such as buses and local taxis are available but can be time-consuming and crowded, especially during peak tourist season. Domestic flights are also available to travel to different regions of the country, but these can be pricey depending on the distance travelled.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting Lumbini (the birthplace of Lord Buddha), or exploring Nepal's Terai region, famous for its wildlife and natural beauty. If you have less time, skip the Everest Mountain Flight and Sagarmatha National Park trek. Keep in mind that certain areas of Nepal may have altitude sickness issues, so it is important to research the destination before embarking on a trek.

Airports

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) is the only international airport in Nepal, located in Kathmandu city, 5 km (20 minutes) away from the city center. The airport has direct flights to major cities in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Domestic airports are located across the country, including Pokhara (PKR) and Bharatpur (BHR), with flights connecting to Kathmandu.

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