Couple's Budget Adventure: Howrah to Pokhara, Muktinath Temple & Chitwan Forest Itinerary

Day 1: Travel & Arrival

Howrah, India to Pokhara, Nepal on September 26, 2025

6:00am

Train from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri

Begin your journey early by train from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri, as the first leg towards Nepal. This saves cost and offers scenic views en route.
INR500, 8h0m

3:00pm

Bus from Siliguri/New Jalpaiguri to Pokhara

Take a budget-friendly bus from Siliguri to Pokhara (via Nepal border), enjoy the Himalayan foothills landscape during the journey.
NPR1000, 7h0m

10:30pm

Check-in at budget guesthouse in Pokhara

Rest at a cozy and affordable guesthouse like 'Hotel Middle Path & Spa' in Lakeside, offering comfort and local charm.
NPR1200/night, Overnight

Day 2: Pokhara Exploration

Pokhara, Nepal on September 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Concerto

Enjoy fresh coffee and a hearty breakfast with omelets and toast in a cozy ambiance by the Lake.
NPR350, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Phewa Lake and Tal Barahi Temple

Rent a rowboat to Phewa Lake and visit the serene Tal Barahi Temple located on an island mid-lake, open till 6pm.
NPR500, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Moondance Restaurant

Relish local Nepali dishes like dal bhat along with international choices at this budget-friendly popular spot.
NPR600, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Cave

Explore these natural wonders near Pokhara; both sites are open till 5pm and offer beautiful photo opportunities.
NPR200, 2h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Lakeside Promenade

Stroll along Lakeside area, check out shops and local cafes.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Tibetan Kitchen

Taste affordable Tibetan and Nepali cuisine like momo and thukpa in a cozy setting.
NPR450, 1h0m

Day 3: Muktinath Temple Day Trip

Pokhara, Nepal to Muktinath Temple on September 28, 2025

5:00am

Drive to Muktinath Temple

Start early by jeep from Pokhara to Muktinath; it’s a 6-7 hour scenic mountain drive, important spiritual pilgrimage site, open all day.
NPR4000 roundtrip by jeep per couple, 6h0m

11:30am

Visit Muktinath Temple

Explore this sacred Hindu and Buddhist temple amidst Himalayan landscape.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Local Eatery near Muktinath

Enjoy simple Nepali mountain cuisine, fueling for the return journey.
NPR400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return drive to Pokhara

Head back to Pokhara by jeep, resting in between for breaks.
Included in jeep fare, 6h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Lakeside Diner

Casual meal with local and continental options to relax after a long day.
NPR500, 1h0m

Day 4: Travel to Chitwan

Pokhara to Chitwan, Nepal on September 29, 2025

7:00am

Bus from Pokhara to Chitwan

Take a morning bus to Chitwan National Park; takes approximately 5-6 hours through beautiful landscapes.
NPR800, 6h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Green Grass Restaurant, Chitwan

Sample local Tharu cuisine at this popular, affordable restaurant near park entrance.
NPR600, 1h0m

2:30pm

Check-in at budget lodge near Chitwan National Park

Stay at affordable accommodations like Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge for easy park access.
NPR1500/night, Overnight

4:00pm

Relax or short village walk

Explore the nearby Tharu village to learn about local culture before a forest adventure.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at the Lodge

Enjoy a simple but tasty dinner with local flavors, preparing for next day's activities.
Included, 1h0m

Day 5: Chitwan Forest Safari

Chitwan National Park, Nepal on September 30, 2025

6:00am

Jaguar Safari in Chitwan National Park

Begin an early morning jeep or elephant safari to spot wildlife including rhinos, deer, and various birds; park open from 6am to 6pm.
NPR2500 per couple, 3h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Lodge

Enjoy a fresh breakfast with local and continental items at the lodge.
Included, 1h0m

11:00am

Tharu Cultural Program

Attend a traditional Tharu dance and music show nearby to understand local heritage.
NPR500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at local restaurant

Taste more regional dishes featuring fresh ingredients.
NPR600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Boat Ride on Rapti River

Enjoy a tranquil boat ride spotting aquatic birds and hippos, a relaxing afternoon.
NPR800, 1h30m

5:00pm

Evening Leisure

Relax at your lodge or stroll nearby market streets.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Lodge

Finish the day with a warm dinner at the lodge.
Included, 1h0m

Day 6: Return Journey

Chitwan to Howrah, India on October 1, 2025

7:00am

Bus from Chitwan to Kathmandu

Early bus to Kathmandu for connecting travel; journey approx 5-6 hours.
NPR1000, 6h0m

1:00pm

Lunch in Kathmandu

Quick meal at a budget cafe such as Rose Garden Cafe offering Nepali and western dishes.
NPR500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Fly or bus to New Jalpaiguri, India

Take a flight (if budget allows) or bus to New Jalpaiguri for onward train journey to Howrah.
Flight approx INR3000; Bus INR1000, 4h0m

7:00pm

Overnight stay in New Jalpaiguri hotel

Rest overnight before final train journey to Howrah.
INR1200, Overnight

Day 7: Travel to Howrah

New Jalpaiguri to Howrah, India on October 2, 2025

7:00am

Train from New Jalpaiguri to Howrah

Final leg of your trip on a scenic train ride back to Howrah, concluding the budget-friendly Himalayan adventure.
INR500, 8h0m

3:00pm

Arrival at Howrah

Complete the trip and enjoy memories of Nepal’s mountains and wildlife.
Free, End