The short answer
If you only have a week, the five that give the best mix are Kathmandu (old city, stupas, Pashupatinath), Bhaktapur or Patan (a calmer taste of Newar craft), Pokhara (lake, cafes, mountain skyline), Chitwan (jungle and a wildlife morning) and a ridge viewpoint such as Nagarkot for sunrise over the Himalaya.
This order also works logistically. You fly in to Kathmandu, spend two or three days in the valley, go by road or a short flight to Pokhara, loop down to Chitwan if you want animals, and return to Kathmandu for the flight out. It uses only one internal flight and keeps hotel changes to three.
Key facts
- Days
- 7 to 9
- Hotels
- 3 changes
- Flights
- At most 1 internal
- Best season
- Oct to Nov, Mar to Apr
How it works
- Days 1 to 3, KathmanduOld city, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath. See the temple day plan.
- Day 4, Bhaktapur or PatanA slower day; see how to choose.
- Days 5 to 6, PokharaLake, Sarangkot sunrise, a boat ride. See Sarangkot.
- Day 7, ChitwanJungle walk or canoe at first light; see safari options.
- ReturnRoad or flight back to Kathmandu for the departure.
Insider tip
Two nights in each base is usually better than one night in many.
Avoid this
Do not add Everest or Annapurna treks to a one-week city loop.
Related questions
Can I do these five in 5 days?
Only by skipping Chitwan or the Bhaktapur day, and it will feel rushed.
Is a fifth place needed?
No. Many first trips choose four and enjoy them more.
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