Kick off your Nepal adventure by heading straight to the heart of the city- the Kathmandu Durbar Square. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers visitors an opportunity to navigate through the hustle and bustle of Nepal’s capital city while marveling at ancient temples and palaces in the most beautiful Newari architecture. Make it a point to visit the Kumari Ghar, an intricately designed palace that is home to the Living Goddess. A great way to take in the full splendor of all the historical buildings is through a guided tour. End the day with some mouth-watering local street food sold by vendors lining the square.
On the second day, set off to discover the natural beauty of Nepal at the Chitwan National Park. The park is home to hundreds of bird species, elephants, and mugger crocodiles, to mention a few. Enjoy a jungle safari and get up close with the wildlife or embark on a canoe trip along the Rapti River and spot the crocodiles, water birds, and aquatic life as you flow downstream. Another exciting activity here is visiting the Tharu Cultural Museum and Learning about Tharu indigenous culture and their way of life.
Head to the serene and relaxing city of Pokhara for a more laid-back experience. The gateway to several trekking routes for travelers, Pokhara boasts incredible mountain views and adventures to witness. Begin with an early morning excursion to Sarangkot viewpoint for an unforgettable view of the sunrise over the Annapurna massif. Visit the International Mountain Museum, sailing on Phewa lake, boating around Tal Barahi Temple, and strolling through the city's markets for some souvenir shopping.
For the last day, visit the beautiful city of Patan established in the 3rd century BC. Take a leisurely and informative walk through Patan Durbar Square, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can see towering pagodas, monuments, shrines, temples, and palaces built in Newari architectural style. The city is known for its metalwork, handicrafts, and locally made textiles, so make sure you visit shops that are found scattered throughout the city. Patan is famous for its delicious lunch establishments, and a great place to end the day.
If you have more time, consider adding a day to your Chitwan National Park trip to explore the neighboring villages and learn about local livelihoods such as the production of honey or how the sugarcane juice is extracted. Trekking around the Annapurna Massif is also a must-do for daring travelers who can spare some extra time. For those short on time, you could skip Patan on day four and instead take a mountain flight to witness stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas.