Travel guide · Nepal
Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan Itinerary
Ten days, three landscapes — temple-packed Kathmandu, lakeside Pokhara and a Chitwan jungle safari for rhino and tigers.
The Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan loop is Nepal's most popular two-week-or-less route, covering three completely different landscapes in about ten days: the temple-dense Kathmandu Valley, the lakeside calm of Pokhara, and the subtropical jungle of Chitwan, where one-horned rhinos graze the grasslands. It is the natural next step up from the cities-only loop when you have a little more time.
The short answer
Spend days 1 to 3 in the Kathmandu Valley, days 4 to 6 in Pokhara with a Sarangkot sunrise, then drive south to Chitwan National Park for days 7 to 9 of jungle safaris before returning on day 10. It expands the Kathmandu and Pokhara itinerary with wildlife, and is the foundation for the longer one-month itinerary.
Days 1 to 3: Kathmandu Valley
Work through the valley's UNESCO icons: Boudhanath and Swayambhunath stupas, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu and Patan, and medieval Bhaktapur with its pottery square and the Nyatapola Temple.
Days 4 to 6: Pokhara
Fly or drive west to Pokhara. Row a boat on Phewa Lake to the island temple of Tal Barahi, rise early for the Sarangkot sunrise over the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre peaks, and walk to the hilltop World Peace Pagoda. Keep an afternoon free for paragliding or lakeside cafes.
Days 7 to 9: Chitwan jungle safari
Drive about five to six hours south to the lowland park, basing yourself near the gateway village of Sauraha. Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Asia's best places to see wild one-horned rhinoceros, alongside deer, gharial crocodiles and over 500 bird species, with elusive Bengal tigers also present. Spend your days on jeep safaris, dugout-canoe trips along the Rapti River and guided jungle walks, with evenings of Tharu cultural dance.
Day 10: Return to Kathmandu
Drive back about four to five hours, or fly from nearby Bharatpur, leaving a buffer before your international flight.
What to know before you go
Run the loop in whichever direction suits your flights, and fly the longer legs if time is tight. Chitwan is hot and humid, so pack light, breathable clothing and insect repellent; the cities and Pokhara need a layer for cool mornings. October to April is best for Chitwan, when grasses are cut low and wildlife is easier to spot, and autumn gives the clearest mountain views in Pokhara.
Make it work
New to Nepal? Begin with the first-time-in-Nepal guide. For realistic drive and flight timings on every leg, read getting around Nepal, and pick your season with the best time to visit Nepal. To compare this route with shorter and longer plans, browse the Nepal itineraries hub.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need for Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan?+
Around ten days is ideal. That allows three days for the Kathmandu Valley, three for Pokhara, and two to three for a Chitwan jungle safari, plus travel between them. It is the classic loop that covers Nepal's culture, mountains and wildlife in one balanced trip.
How do you travel between Pokhara and Chitwan?+
By road, the drive between Pokhara and Chitwan's gateway at Sauraha takes roughly five to six hours, or you can fly via Bharatpur to save time. From Chitwan back to Kathmandu it is about four to five hours by road, or a short flight from Bharatpur.
What wildlife can you see in Chitwan?+
Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for one-horned rhinoceros, which are commonly seen, along with deer, wild boar, gharial crocodiles, sloth bears and over 500 bird species. Bengal tigers are present but elusive, and most visitors do jeep or canoe safaris.
Is this itinerary good for first-time visitors?+
Yes. The Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan loop is the most popular first-timer's route in Nepal, balancing temples, lakes and jungle wildlife over about ten days without trekking or altitude. It works in either direction depending on your flights.
