5-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Nepal - July 2023

1. Day 1: Kathmandu Durbar Square
   30 minutes (4.8 km) from Kathmandu Airport

   Start the day exploring the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can see the old royal palace and various temples. In the afternoon, head to the Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and interact with friendly monkeys. In the evening, visit Thamel, a popular tourist district, to shop for souvenirs and enjoy authentic Nepali cuisine.

2. Day 2: Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa
   30 minutes (5.3 km) from Thamel

   Begin your day at Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Observe the cremation process on the banks of the Bagmati River, a spiritual experience. After lunch, head to Boudhanath Stupa, the largest stupa in Nepal. Walk around the stupa, shop for souvenirs and enjoy some tea or coffee at one of the rooftop cafes. In the evening, relax at Garden of Dreams, an oasis in the midst of the city.

3. Day 3: Chitwan National Park
   5 hours (146 km) from Kathmandu Durbar Square

   Take a day trip to Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for wildlife viewing. Go on a jungle safari and spot tigers, rhinos, elephants, and more. Enjoy a traditional Tharu cultural program and a delicious Nepali meal. Return to Kathmandu in the evening.

4. Day 4: Pokhara City
   6 hours (205 km) from Chitwan National Park

   Visit the picturesque city of Pokhara, situated on the shores of Phewa Lake. Take a boat ride on the lake and enjoy stunning views of the Annapurna mountain range. Visit the World Peace Pagoda and the International Mountain Museum to learn about the history and culture of the Himalayas. Return to Kathmandu in the evening.

5. Day 5: Bhaktapur Durbar Square
   45 minutes (14.8 km) from Thamel

   End the trip with a visit to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a well-preserved medieval city. Walk through the narrow alleys, admire the intricate wood carvings, and see the famous five-storey Nyatapola Temple. Try some traditional Newari food and shop for pottery and handicrafts. Return to Kathmandu in the evening.

Recommendations

You can take a day trip to Nagarkot to see the sunrise over the Himalayas or to Dhulikhel to see the traditional Newari houses and enjoy mountain views. If you have more time, you can go on a trekking adventure to Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit. For a unique experience, try momo-making or Thangka painting classes. Remember to bargain for prices when shopping.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Kathmandu Durbar Square (2-3 hours, free)
• Swayambhunath Stupa (1-2 hours, NPR 200 for foreigners)
• Thamel shopping and dining (2-3 hours, varies)
• Pashupatinath Temple (2-3 hours, NPR 1000 for foreigners)
• Boudhanath Stupa (1-2 hours, NPR 400 for foreigners)
• Chitwan National Park day trip (10-12 hours, NPR 7000-10000 per person)
• Pokhara City day trip (10-12 hours, NPR 5000-10000 per person)
• Bhaktapur Durbar Square (2-3 hours, NPR 1500 for foreigners)
• Total Estimated Costs: NPR 15000-25000 per person