The short answer
A classic first circuit is Kathmandu to Pokhara to Chitwan and back to Kathmandu. The road legs are roughly six to eight hours, then two to four hours to Chitwan from Pokhara, and five to six hours from Chitwan to Kathmandu. That is about fifteen hours of driving spread over seven to nine days, which is comfortable if you do not add extra stops.
Adding Lumbini increases the total by a day or more. Adding Nagarkot or Bandipur is easy. Combining the loop with a flight to Pokhara cuts about six hours from the schedule at a higher cost.
Key facts
- Loop
- Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan
- Road time
- About 15 hr total
- Days
- 7 to 9
- Add-ons
- Bandipur, Nagarkot
How it works
- Day 1 to 3Kathmandu valley.
- Day 4Road or flight to Pokhara.
- Day 5 to 6Pokhara sights; see things to do.
- Day 7Road to Chitwan, via Bandipur if you wish.
- Day 8 to 9Jungle morning and return to Kathmandu.
Insider tip
Spread the road legs across different days; two long legs back-to-back are tiring.
Avoid this
Do not schedule more than one long leg a day.
Related questions
Is the loop too much for kids?
Break the longer legs with a stop; see travel with kids and seniors.
Can I skip Chitwan?
Yes, and add Nagarkot or Bandipur instead.
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