Budget Couple's 9-Day North India and Nepal Adventure: Howrah to Pokhara, Sarangkot, Muktinath, and Chitwan Wildlife

Day 1: Travel to Raxaul

Howrah, India to Raxaul, India on September 26, 2025

8:00AM

Depart Howrah Railway Station

Board train from Howrah to Raxaul; the journey is overnight to reach Raxaul early morning next day.
INR 1500 (approx, couple sleeper class), 20h0m

Day 2: Arrival in Raxaul and Transfer to Pokhara

Raxaul, India to Pokhara, Nepal on September 27, 2025

9:15AM

Arrive Raxaul Railway Station

Disembark train, complete immigration and customs at the India-Nepal border nearby.
Free, 1h0m

10:30AM

Travel from Raxaul to Pokhara

Take a taxi or shared jeep from Raxaul border to Pokhara (approx 6-7 hours); enjoy scenic hills of Nepal.
NPR 6000 (approx $45 USD, couple shared jeep), 7h0m

5:30PM

Check-in Hotel in Pokhara

Budget hotel stay in Lakeside area for couple, comfortable and convenient location.
NPR 3000 per night (approx $22 USD), Overnight

7:30PM

Dinner at Moondance Restaurant

A cozy eatery serving affordable continental and local dishes; try the Nepali momos and dal bhat.
NPR 1500 (approx $11 USD), 1h30m

Day 3: Pokhara and Sarangkot Exploration

Pokhara & Sarangkot, Nepal on September 28, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Café Concerto

Enjoy hearty breakfast with Nepali tea, eggs, and toast to prepare for the day.
NPR 800 (approx $6 USD), 1h0m

8:00AM

Sarangkot Sunrise View

Head to Sarangkot hill to catch spectacular sunrise views over the Annapurna range and Phewa Lake; best from 6-7:30AM and accessible by taxi.
Taxi fare NPR 2000 round (approx $15 USD), 3h0m

11:00AM

Boat Ride on Phewa Lake

Enjoy boating at Phewa Lake and visit Tal Barahi temple in the middle of the lake.
NPR 1500 per boat for couple, 2h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Lakeside Restaurant

Try local Nepali set meal (dal bhat) with vegetable curries and fresh salad.
NPR 1200 (approx $9 USD), 1h0m

3:00PM

Visit International Mountain Museum

Explore informative exhibits on mountain culture, geography and history of Himalayas; open from 9AM-5PM.
NPR 600 tickets for couple, 2h0m

5:30PM

Relax at Lakeside

Walk along the lakeside market and enjoy views with a cup of tea or coffee.
NPR 500 approx refreshments, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Moondance Restaurant

Return to Moondance for more Nepali and continental dishes; budget-friendly and popular with tourists.
NPR 1500, 1h30m

Day 4: Muktinath Temple via Jomsom

Pokhara to Muktinath, Nepal on September 29, 2025

6:00AM

Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom

Take early morning flight to Jomsom, gateway to Muktinath; the flight offers stunning views of the Annapurna range.
NPR 6000 per couple round trip approx, 30m

7:00AM

Taxi/Jeep from Jomsom to Muktinath

Hire local vehicle to reach Muktinath temple early and avoid crowds; travel time ~1.5 hours.
NPR 3500 round trip for couple, 3h0m

9:30AM

Visit Muktinath Temple

Explore this sacred temple revered by both Hindus and Buddhists; the temple complex is essential for spiritual and cultural insight.
Free entry, 2h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at local eatery in Muktinath

Sample local Tibetan/Nepali dishes like thukpa and momos in a cozy village setting.
NPR 900, 1h0m

1:30PM

Return to Jomsom and Flight back to Pokhara

Travel back by taxi and catch afternoon flight to Pokhara.
included in round trip fare, 3h0m

4:30PM

Rest at hotel

Relax at hotel after a long day before dinner.
Included in hotel cost, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Lakeside Restaurant

Enjoy typical Nepali dishes; dal bhat and vegetable curry at comfortable rates.
NPR 1500, 1h30m

Day 5: Pokhara Leisure Day

Pokhara, Nepal on September 30, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Concerto

Delicious breakfast with continental and Nepali options near lakeside.
NPR 800, 1h0m

9:30AM

Visit Devi's Fall and Gupteshwor Cave

Explore the beautiful waterfall and nearby cave temple, open 9AM-5PM.
NPR 300 combined tickets for couple, 2h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at Mountain Café

Casual dining with a good selection of pizzas and Nepali dishes at budget-friendly prices.
NPR 1200, 1h0m

2:00PM

Relaxing lakeside stroll and souvenir shopping

Walk around Phewa Lake markets for handicrafts and local souvenirs.
NPR 500 approx purchases, 2h0m

5:00PM

Evening coffee at The Juicery Café

Healthy refreshments and fresh smoothies; great way to unwind.
NPR 600, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Next Door Café

Popular café offering a variety of international dishes at affordable rates.
NPR 1500, 1h30m

Day 6: Travel to Chitwan National Park

Pokhara to Chitwan, Nepal on October 1, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Simple breakfast to start journey to Chitwan.
Included in hotel stay, 0h45m

8:00AM

Bus/Jeep ride from Pokhara to Chitwan

Shared jeep or tourist bus ride; approx 5-6 hours travel to Chitwan National Park area.
NPR 3000 couple shared vehicle, 6h0m

2:00PM

Check-in to budget lodge near Chitwan

Simple lodge accommodation with meals included available around the park area.
NPR 3500 per night, including meals, for couple, Overnight

4:00PM

Tharu Cultural Program & Village Walk

Experience local Tharu culture with dance and music performance; village tour to understand indigenous life.
NPR 1500 couple, 2h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at lodge

Traditional Nepali meal served at lodge included in price.
Included, 1h0m

Day 7: Chitwan Jungle Safari

Chitwan National Park, Nepal on October 2, 2025

5:30AM

Morning Elephant Safari

Explore the park early morning to spot rhinos, deer, and birds; elephant rides are the best way to traverse dense forest.
NPR 4000 per couple including guide, 3h0m

9:00AM

Breakfast at lodge

Breakfast with local Nepali food at lodge after safari.
Included, 1h0m

11:00AM

Canoe Ride on Rapti River

Relaxing canoe trip spotting aquatic birds and possibly crocodiles; peaceful way to enjoy nature.
NPR 1200 couple, 2h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at lodge

Tasty set meal included with lodge stay.
Included, 1h0m

3:00PM

Jeep Safari or Nature Walk

Optional afternoon jeep safari or guided nature walk to learn about park flora and fauna.
NPR 3500 couple, 3h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at lodge

Restorative meal included with stay.
Included, 1h0m

Day 8: Return to Raxaul

Chitwan to Raxaul, India on October 3, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at lodge

Enjoy early breakfast before departure.
Included, 0h45m

8:00AM

Travel from Chitwan to Raxaul

Taxi or shared jeep to cross border back into India to Raxaul railway station approx 5-6 hours.
NPR 4000 approx taxi fare couple, 6h0m

2:30PM

Check-in budget hotel in Raxaul

Affordable stay close to railway for next day journey.
INR 1000 per night, Overnight

7:00PM

Dinner at local dhaba

Simple North Indian food, dal, chapati, vegetable curry at affordable prices near hotel.
INR 400, 1h0m

Day 9: Return to Howrah

Raxaul to Howrah, India on October 4, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast before train journey.
Included in hotel cost, 0h45m

9:00AM

Depart Raxaul Railway Station

Board train from Raxaul to Howrah for return journey; approx 22 hours.
INR 1500 sleeper class couple, 22h0m

7:00AM (next day)

Arrive Howrah Railway Station

End of journey with memories of cultural and natural wonders.
Free, -