Nature Lover's 7-Day Itinerary in Kathmandu - June 2023

1. Day 1: Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
   30 minutes (8.5 miles) from Tribhuvan International Airport

   Start your trip with a morning hike in the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. Enjoy the scenic views of the Himalayas and explore the diverse flora and fauna of the park. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Budhanilkantha Temple, a unique Hindu temple with a sleeping statue of Lord Vishnu. End the day with a cultural show at the Nepal Cultural Museum.

2. Day 2: Chitwan National Park
   5 hours (99.7 miles) from Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park

   Take a day trip to the Chitwan National Park, known for its diverse wildlife and bird species. Enjoy a jungle safari on an elephant or jeep, visit the elephant breeding center, and take a canoe ride along the scenic Rapti River. In the evening, experience the local Tharu cultural dance and music performances.

3. Day 3: Phulchowki Hill
   1 hour 45 minutes (12.6 miles) from Chitwan National Park

   Wake up early for a beautiful sunrise at Phulchowki Hill, the highest hill surrounding the Kathmandu Valley. Take a guided hike through the dense forests and enjoy the panoramic views of the Himalayas and the Kathmandu Valley. In the afternoon, explore the Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn about the history and culture of the Newar people.

4. Day 4: Boudhanath Stupa
   1 hour (7.5 miles) from Phulchowki Hill

   Visit the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a tour of the monastery and learn about the Tibetan culture and Buddhism. In the afternoon, visit the Pashupatinath Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world. Witness the evening aarti (prayer) ceremony on the banks of the Bagmati River.

5. Day 5: Langtang National Park
   7 hours (78.4 miles) from Boudhanath Stupa

   Take a day trip to the Langtang National Park, known for its beautiful scenery, diverse wildlife, and trekking trails. Take a guided trek to the Kyanjin Gompa monastery, enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains, and learn about the local Tamang culture. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Nepali meal with a cultural show at a local restaurant.

6. Day 6: Swayambhunath Stupa
   1 hour (4.5 miles) from Langtang National Park

   Visit the Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the temple complex and enjoy the panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. In the afternoon, visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the ancient temples and palaces.

7. Day 7: Nagarjun Hill
   45 minutes (6 miles) from Swayambhunath Stupa

   End your trip with a morning hike to Nagarjun Hill, located on the outskirts of the Kathmandu Valley. Explore the Nagarjun Palace ruins, enjoy the scenic views of the valley, and visit the Nagarjun Forest Reserve. In the afternoon, visit the Narayanhiti Palace Museum, the former royal palace of Nepal, and learn about the history and culture of the Nepali monarchy.

Recommendations

Consider taking a side trip to the Everest Base Camp, one of the most popular trekking destinations in the world. You can also take a cultural tour of the Newari villages in the Kathmandu Valley or visit the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park (4 hours, NPR 1,000)
• Chitwan National Park (12 hours, NPR 6,000)
• Phulchowki Hill (6 hours, NPR 500)
• Boudhanath Stupa (3 hours, NPR 500)
• Langtang National Park (14 hours, NPR 8,000)
• Swayambhunath Stupa (3 hours, NPR 300)
• Nagarjun Hill (4 hours, NPR 200)
• Total Estimated Costs: NPR 16,500