5-Day Adventure Itinerary for Nepal in December 2023

1. Day 1: Kathmandu
   10 minutes (3.5 km) from Tribhuvan International Airport

   In the morning, visit the Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple. Enjoy the panoramic view of Kathmandu valley from the hilltop. In the afternoon, explore the Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world. Watch the cremation rituals on the banks of the Bagmati River. In the evening, take a stroll around the bustling Thamel neighborhood.

2. Day 2: Pokhara
   6 hours (200 km) from Kathmandu

   Take an early morning flight to Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region. In the morning, hike to the World Peace Pagoda, a Buddhist stupa situated on a hilltop overlooking the Phewa Lake and the Annapurna range. After lunch, go paragliding or zip-lining for an exciting adventure. In the evening, relax by the lakeside and enjoy the stunning sunset.

3. Day 3: Chitwan National Park
   4 hours (150 km) from Pokhara

   Drive to Chitwan National Park, one of the best wildlife-viewing national parks in Asia. In the morning, go for a jungle walk to spot one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers and other wildlife. After lunch, take a canoe ride on the Rapti River and observe the gharials and mugger crocodiles. In the evening, enjoy the Tharu cultural dance performance.

4. Day 4: Nagarkot
   6 hours (220 km) from Chitwan National Park

   Drive to Nagarkot, a hill station famous for its panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest. In the morning, go for a hike to the Nagarkot view tower for breathtaking views of the sunrise over the Himalayas. After lunch, visit the ancient city of Bhaktapur, known for its well-preserved Newari architecture and cultural heritage. In the evening, enjoy the sunset over the Himalayas.

5. Day 5: Kathmandu
   2 hours (30 km) from Nagarkot

   Drive back to Kathmandu. In the morning, visit the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world, and the nearby Pashupati Nath Temple. After lunch, explore the medieval city of Patan, also known as Lalitpur, and its Durbar Square. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with Nepali cuisine and cultural show.

Recommendations

Consider taking a mountain flight from Kathmandu for an aerial view of the Himalayas. You may also want to go on a trek in the Annapurna or Everest region, but keep in mind that December is a cold and dry season. Side trips to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, or Bandipur, a charming hilltop village, are also worth considering. To maximise your fun, be sure to try the local cuisine and interact with the friendly locals.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Monkey Temple (2 hours, free)
• Pashupatinath Temple (2 hours, NPR 1000)
• World Peace Pagoda (3 hours, NPR 500)
• Paragliding or Zip-lining in Pokhara (2 hours, NPR 8000-10000)
• Chitwan National Park Jungle Walk (3 hours, NPR 2000)
• Canoe ride in Chitwan National Park (2 hours, NPR 1000)
• Bhaktapur Durbar Square (2 hours, NPR 1500)
• Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple (2 hours, NPR 1000)
• Patan Durbar Square (2 hours, NPR 1000)
• Farewell dinner with cultural show (3 hours, NPR 1500)
• Total Estimated Costs: NPR 17,000-19,000 (excluding flights and accommodation)