1 Beautiful Week In Nepal: A Highlights Itinerary

A true hub, Kathmandu is the center of activity filled with energy. Follow your guide on a tour of Old Kathmandu City. Here, you’ll explore the bustling bazaar of Ason, take in the majestic woodwork in Durbar square and learn about ancient traditions that continue as a part of everyday life like the Living Goddess. After a morning of sightseeing and exploring, hop on a rickshaw to take in the town from a new vantage point! With your guide, head to Patan for a delicious meal at a local resident’s home. Here you’ll receive a cooking demonstration from a lovely local family and learn about the art of Nepalese cuisine like momos, dhali sets, and raksi while experiencing the gift of Nepalese hospitality. In the afternoon, head to Swoyambhunath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There you’ll be greeted by monkeys, incredible views of Kathmandu valley, and endless ancient history. Transfer back to your hotel for dinner, drinks and an obligatory game of Bagh chal. In Kathmandu, I stayed in the lovely Dwarika’s Hotel, which is a restoration project turned hotel. At every turn you’re surrounded by intricately crafted woodwork, lush common spaces and intentionality with each interior design piece on property. I can’t wait to go back!

After a leisurely breakfast in your hotel, hop on a short 25-minute flight to Chitwan. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your driver for an easy hotel transfer. I stayed in the exquisite Bahari Jungle Lodge, a beautiful eco-lodge right on the riverbank with sustainability and hospitality at its core. Explore the beautiful property grounds and enjoy a cocktail overlooking the national park!

After settling into your luxurious jungle hut, take a canoe ride with a local naturalist who will point out notable wildlife and satiate your curiosity for the birds, rhinos and fish you’ll see on your way. You’ll disembark along the riverbank where your hotel team will be ready to greet you with drinks, local snacks and true Nepalese hospitality. Enjoy the sunset along the bank with a cold Tuborg and momos well in hand. Afterwards, transfer back to the resort by Jeep.

Start your day with a misty jungle walk, led by your naturalist and your local guide. Here you’ll be on the lookout for tiger tracks, rhino tracks, notable birds and so much more. The stillness and quiet of the jungle during this time is breathtaking! After several hours of exploring on foot, cross the river for leisure time and lunch at the hotel. Once the morning fog has cleared, head back across the river by canoe to meet your Jeep safari. Your naturalist guide will take you throughout the park in search of wildlife sightings! Be sure to bring binoculars, a charged camera or phone, and plan on wearing dark, full-length clothing on this day. Your guide will point out the best spots to see wildlife and will end the day with fresh coffee or tea while on safari. After freshening up at the hotel, enjoy a traditional Tharu dance before heading to dinner.

After bidding adieu to your superb hotel team in Chitwan, head to the airport to catch a short 17-minute flight to Pokhara. You’ll be immediately greeted by the Annapurna mountains upon your descent into this beautiful base for exploring. Head right to lunch in town, descend down to the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, or pop by Devil’s Falls. Your guide can best support you in curating this day, whether it’s a leisurely turn around the lake or a more intense hike! End the day with a perfect view of the Annapurna mountain range from your hotel balcony.

Regardless of your preferred level of adventure for Pokhara, set your alarm early to catch the sunrise. From the 360-viewing deck at your hotel, take in the pink hues coating the Annapurna range from all angles. After breakfast, head out to explore- For adventure seekers, Pokhara really has it all! From zip lining to paragliding to extreme hikes, Pokhara is the perfect place to take in the beauty of the Annapurna range from all angles. For a shorter walk, take a boat across Phewa Lake and hike up to World Peace Stupa for a wonderful view of the surrounding region.

Your driver will meet you at your hotel for transfer to the Airport. Hop on your short flight back to Kathmandu, where you’ll then transfer by car (45 minutes) to check into your hotel in Dhulikhel. After a week of sightseeing, learning and exploring, Dwarika’s Resort in Dhulikhel, set on the mountainside, is a perfect place to take in your experience in Nepal and reflect on your trip. Here you can participate in a slew of onsite activities like yoga and meditation classes, pottery workshops, swimming pools, spa services, a Himalayan salt room, and so much more. Dwarika’s Resort is a true farm to table establishment and invites guests to visit their farm to experience that side of Nepalese culture. Take in the views from all angles at this gorgeous property built to connect its guests with nature.

Begin your half day in Dwarika’s Resort continuing to explore the many activities offered onsite. After lunch, meet your guide in the lobby, where you will transfer to Bhaktapur, translating to “City of Devotees.” To me, Bhaktapur is to Kathmandu what Toledo is to Madrid- a step back in time with absolute charm at every turn. Explore Durbar Square, which will transport you back to the Malla Dynasty. Follow your guide’s lead as you take in the art and architecture of the Nyatapola Temple, Bhairavnath Temple, Nyatapola Temple, The Golden Gate. Peruse the shops at Taumadhi Tole for souvenirs to bring home!