Epic 4-Week Adventure from San Francisco to Taipei and Kathmandu: Culture, Cuisine, and Scenic Wonders

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Taipei, Taiwan on October 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Yonghe Soy Milk King

Enjoy a traditional Taiwanese breakfast including soy milk and egg crepes at this popular spot open from 5am to 12pm.
TWD100, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Explore the iconic national monument and its beautiful gardens, learning about Taiwan's history. Open 9am-6pm.
TWD0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Famous for its exquisite xiao long bao (soup dumplings), a must-try by locals and tourists. Open 11am-9pm.
TWD400, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Taipei 101 Observatory

Visit the landmark skyscraper's observation deck for stunning city views. Open 9am-10pm.
TWD600, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Raohe Night Market

Relish Taiwanese street food favorites like pepper buns and bubble tea at this atmospheric night market. Open 5pm-midnight.
TWD200, 2h
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Day 2: Taipei Culture and Nature

Taipei, Taiwan on October 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fuhang Soy Milk

Start with a hearty Taiwanese breakfast of soy milk and fried dough sticks. Opens 5am-12pm.
TWD100, 1h

9:30am

Day trip to Yangmingshan National Park

Hike through beautiful landscapes, hot springs, and flower gardens. Park open daily 24h, visitor center 9am-5pm.
TWD0, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Shilin Night Market Food Court

Try various street food delights in Taipei's largest night market food court, open 11am-midnight.
TWD300, 1h

3:30pm

Visit National Palace Museum

Discover one of the world's largest collections of Chinese art and artifacts. Open 9am-5pm, closed Mondays.
TWD350, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Addiction Aquatic Development

Indulge in fresh seafood and sushi at this innovative market and restaurant open from 11am to 10pm.
TWD800, 1h30m
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Day 3: Taiwanese History and Markets

Taipei, Taiwan on October 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ice Monster

Enjoy refreshing fruit-based Taiwanese desserts, open from 11am to 10pm, lovely option for a mid-morning snack.
TWD150, 0h30m

9:00am

Explore Longshan Temple

Visit one of Taipei's oldest and most famous Buddhist temples, open 6am-10pm daily.
TWD0, 1h

10:30am

Walk through Bopiliao Historic Block

Discover the preserved Qing dynasty architecture and learn about Taipei's past. Open daily, free entry.
TWD0, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Jin Feng Braised Pork Rice

Savor authentic Taiwanese comfort food, especially their famous braised pork rice. Open daily 10am-9pm.
TWD150, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Huashan 1914 Creative Park

An arts and culture hub with galleries, shops, and cafes, open 10am-6pm.
TWD0, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Tonghua Night Market

Experience nightly street food and local delicacies, open from 5pm to midnight.
TWD200, 2h
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Day 4: Taiwanese Countryside and Night Market

Taipei, Taiwan on October 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Light breakfast before heading out for the day’s activities.
TWD150, 0h30m

9:00am

Day Trip to Jiufen Old Street

Explore the charming mountain town famed for tea houses, sweeping views, and old streets. Easily accessible via bus, open all day.
TWD100 (transport), 5h

3:00pm

Return to Taipei and Rest

A little downtime to relax after the day trip.
TWD0, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Shuanglian Market

Enjoy dinner with fresh local ingredients in this traditional market setting, mostly open until 8pm.
TWD250, 1h

7:30pm

Visit Ningxia Night Market

Taste more Taiwanese street foods at this historic night market. Open from 5pm to midnight.
TWD200, 2h
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Day 5: Final Taipei Day and Travel to Kathmandu

Taipei, Taiwan to Kathmandu, Nepal on October 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Dazzling Cafe

Delight in a stylish breakfast with Taiwanese and Western fusion items. Open 9am-10pm.
TWD300, 1h

9:00am

Visit the Taipei Fine Arts Museum

Explore contemporary Taiwanese art exhibits, open 9:30am-5:30pm, closed Wednesdays.
TWD30, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Yong Kang Beef Noodle

Try traditional Taiwanese beef noodle soup at this local favorite. Open 11:30am-8:30pm.
TWD220, 1h

2:00pm

Pack up and head to airport

Allow time to transfer to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport for flight to Kathmandu.
TWD300 (taxi), 1h

7:00pm

Flight from Taipei to Kathmandu

Evening flight to Kathmandu, Nepal. Approximate flight duration 5-6 hours.
USD600 (estimated), 6h
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Day 6: Arrival and Acclimatization

Kathmandu, Nepal on October 6, 2025

7:00am

Arrival in Kathmandu

Reach Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to hotel. Take the day to rest and acclimate to the altitude.
NPR0, All day

9:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with local and Western options to energize for the days ahead.
NPR500, 1h

11:00am

Short walk to Thamel

Explore vibrant Kathmandu’s main tourist district, perfect for shopping and getting your bearings.
NPR0, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at OR2K

Sample hearty Middle Eastern and Nepali vegetarian dishes in a popular Thamel spot. Open 11:30am to 10pm.
NPR600, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bhojan Griha

Enjoy traditional Nepali cuisine with cultural performances in a historic setting, open from 7pm.
NPR1200, 2h
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Day 7: Cultural Sites Tour

Kathmandu, Nepal on October 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a balanced breakfast before full day touring.
NPR500, 1h

9:00am

Visit Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)

Iconic Buddhist stupa with panoramic city views, open 6am-6pm.
NPR200, 2h

11:30am

Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square

Historic royal plaza with temples and museums, open daily.
NPR1000, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Cafe Swotha

Chic cafe with Nepali fusion dishes, open 8am-10pm.
NPR700, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Garden of Dreams

Peaceful neoclassical garden retreat in the city, open 9am-7pm.
NPR200, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Thamel House Restaurant

Traditional Nepali cuisine with a cozy ambiance, open 11am-11pm.
NPR1000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Pashupatinath & Boudhanath

Kathmandu, Nepal on October 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Energize with breakfast before spiritual site visits.
NPR500, 1h

9:00am

Visit Pashupatinath Temple

One of the holiest Hindu temples complex, observing rituals from 4am to 11pm.
NPR1000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Moonlight Restaurant

Taste authentic Newari food, open 11am-11pm.
NPR700, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Boudhanath Stupa

Massive Tibetan Buddhist stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site open 24 hours.
NPR100, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Yangling Tibetan Restaurant

Dine on Tibetan specialties close to Boudhanath. Open 11am–9:30pm.
NPR800, 1h30m
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Day 9: Bhaktapur Day Trip

Bhaktapur, Nepal on October 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a day trip with a filling breakfast.
NPR500, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Bhaktapur

Short 45-minute drive to the ancient Newari art city.
NPR700 (taxi), 0h45m

10:00am

Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Stroll through medieval squares, temples, and heritage sites. Open daily.
NPR1500, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Cafe Nyatapola

Enjoy local dishes with views of Nyatapola Temple. Open 9am-6pm.
NPR800, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Pottery Square

Watch traditional pottery making in this lively square.
NPR0, 1h

4:30pm

Return to Kathmandu

Travel back for evening in Kathmandu.
NPR700, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Krishnarpan

Savor a multi-course traditional Nepali feast in a fine dining setting, reservation recommended. Open until 10pm.
NPR2000, 2h
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Day 10: Nagarkot Himalayan Views

Nagarkot, Nepal on October 10, 2025

6:00am

Early Departure

Depart for Nagarkot, a hill station known for sunrise views of the Himalayas.
NPR1200 (transport), 1h30m

7:30am

Breakfast at Nagarkot Resort

Enjoy breakfast with mountain views at your lodging or local café.
NPR600, 1h

8:30am

Hike around Nagarkot

Take scenic trails offering panoramic Himalayan vistas. Explore for several hours.
NPR0, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Fire and Ice Pizzeria

International-style pizza and local dishes available. Open daily 11am-10pm.
NPR900, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Kathmandu

Head back to Kathmandu for more exploration or rest.
NPR1200, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Garden Retreat Restaurant

Relax with Nepalese and continental meals amidst garden surroundings. Open 7am-10pm.
NPR900, 1h30m
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Day 11: Museum and Tibetan Culture

Kathmandu, Nepal on October 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up for the day of culture and museums.
NPR500, 1h

9:00am

Visit Nepal National Museum

Explore Nepal's history and cultural heritage, open 10am-5pm except Tuesdays.
NPR300, 2h

11:30am

Visit the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center

Learn about the Tibetan community in Nepal and support handicraft sales. Open 9am-5pm.
NPR0, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Himalayan Java

Relax in café with Nepali and international cuisine. Open 8am-10pm.
NPR600, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Patan Durbar Square

Explore historic squares, exquisite temples, and museums in this UNESCO site. Open daily.
NPR1000, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Café de Patan

Enjoy fine dining with Nepalese and continental dishes. Open 11am-10pm.
NPR1200, 1h30m
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Day 12: Hiking and Local Villages

Kathmandu Valley, Nepal on October 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for a half-day hike.
NPR500, 1h

8:00am

Day Hike to Chisapani or Dhulikhel

Enjoy a moderate hike in Kathmandu Valley hills to beautiful villages and Himalayan views, suitable for all fitness levels.
NPR0, 5h

1:00pm

Lunch at local village restaurant

Taste homestyle Nepali food amidst traditional village hospitality.
NPR600, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Kathmandu

Relax in hotel after your scenic adventure.
NPR0, Rest of day

7:00pm

Dinner at The Old House

Try authentic yet diverse Nepali and continental dishes in a cozy garden setting. Open 11am-10pm.
NPR1000, 1h30m
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