Best Nepal Tours: How Many Days to Spend in Nepal

Nestled at the foot of the mighty Himalayan mountain ranges with the world’s highest mount, Everest, Nepal is not only a paradisiacal playground for professional hikers and trekkers but also a popular destination for holidaymakers coming for its diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes. 

To really experience all the best of Nepal, a trip within a month or longer will enable tourists to traverse throughout the most famous landmarks and some remote & under-visited sites across the country, while still have some extra time left to rest and relax. However, in as little as four days you can still catch a glimpse of this picturesque Himalayan nation. And a 10-day to less than 2-week journey will allow for a serious trek, a mixed cultural and natural tour, or a visit to a national park for some adventures in the wilderness.

Here are some suggestions for our best itineraries in Nepal, from four days to eleven days.

Nepal in 4 days

Almost every tour to Nepal will start at Kathmandu as it has the only international airport in the country as well as is the capital city with so many things to do, see, and experience in a couple of days.

If you're on a very tight schedule, it’s best to focus on exploring in and around Kathmandu to save time and still have a chance to indulge in the refined culture and long history of the nation. With 4 days, a visit around the rim of Kathmandu Valley will offer travellers a rich experience to the treasure trove of historical, architectural, and religious sites, many of which have been listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites like Kathmandu and Patan Durbar Squares, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath Stupa.

For those in search of some mountain views outside the capital, check out this Dream Kathmandu Valley 4 Day Tour, which includes a visit to Bhaktapur Durbar Square and a sunset tour at Nagarkot Hill Station for mesmerizing views of eastern Himalayan ranges.

Nepal in 5 – 7 days

If you’re planning a nearly week-long holiday in Nepal, it’s perfect to spend time discovering the cultural highlights of the capital Kathmandu first then heading west to the beautiful lakeside Pokhara Valley for some natural exploration. For a detailed itinerary suggestion, you can check out this Nepal At A Glance 6-Day Tour Itinerary: enjoy the first two days in Kathmandu with sightseeing tours to some UNESCO-listed temples, then drive along the scenic roads to Pokhara. Wander around the tourist area of Lakeside with the stunning views of western Himalayan ranges and Mount Fishtail, and take part in some outdoor activities in the next day, such as boating on Lake Phewa, visiting Seti Gorge and Tibetan Refugee Camp. Drive back to Kathmandu and use up the rest time for shopping, followed by a farewell dinner with folklore.

In up to a week, Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world can also take a tour to the birthplace of Lord Buddha in the enchanting Himalayan country of Nepal. The 6-Day Nepal Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour covers some sacred Buddhist Pilgrimage sites across the country, from Swayambunath and Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu to the sacred garden of Lumbini with ancient monasteries and fluttering prayer flags. It’s a great chance to gain insights into Buddhism in Nepal.

There are many week-long tours in Nepal for nature lovers, family holidays or honeymoon trips, read on Best Nepal 7-day Itinerary Ideas for detailed suggestions.

Nepal in 8 – 11 days

Within 8 – 11 days, tourists can visit both big cities: Kathmandu and Pokhara, as well as participate in a wide category of adventurous activities and tours in Nepal. If you’re adventure junkies, follow Nepal Adventure 8-Day Tour that offers the exhilaration of many outdoors, from bungee jumping in Bhotekoshi, whitewater rafting in the Trishul River, cycling to Pame, paragliding from Pokhara hills, zip flying at Sarangkot, to hiking to Australian Camp.

There is also enough time for a short trek if you have less than 2 weeks in Nepal. The 10-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek and 11-day Short Trek to Everest Area are two among the most popular short treks in the country. While you won’t trek all the way to the Base Camps, you still experience a small slice of the longer treks with 5 - 7 days of trekking. Along with these trips, you will visit charming villages of diverse ethnic groups, witness the Nepalese mountain lifestyle and ethnic diversity, as well as soak in the pristine views of Rhododendron & oak forests at the high elevation. Sunrise over the Annapurna and Everest from the camps is surely an astonishing experience you won’t easily forget.

Alternatively, if jungle safaris attract you more, then travel to the famous Chitwan National Park or the less-travelled Bardia National Park. First, start with a peaceful stay in a nearby village with plenty of time exploring local culture and traditions, nature lovers will then spend a couple of days partaking in a lot of forest adventure and wildlife expedition, such as Elephant Safari, Jeep Safari, Canoe Ride, Bird Watching or Tiger Tracking Tour. You can expect to see multiple one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, tigers and a diversity of birdlife in the parks. For detailed itineraries, have a peek at Nepal Wildlife Exploration 10-Day Tour or Flavor of Nepal's Nature and Wildlife 10-Day Tour.

There are many things to do and explore in Nepal. The concern of how many days you should spend in this Himalayan country should depend much on your interests and travel purposes. To see more tour plans that fit your trip duration, take a look at our list of Nepal Tailor-made Tours or contact our Asia Private Tours experts who are always happy to help you organize a perfect holiday.