Nepal’s golden triangle: Kathmandu, Chitwan and Pokhara in a week

The 7 day Kathmandu, Chitwan and Pokhara program

This version runs Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara, which spreads the long drives evenly. We cover the reverse order further down. Just note that the bookable 7-day tour below runs Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan instead.

1. Day 1: arrive in KathmanduYou’ll be picked up at the airport and transferred to your hotel. If you arrive early, wander the lanes of Thamel or Asan in the late afternoon.
2. Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeingKathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath on its hilltop, Boudhanath stupa, and the riverside temples and cremation ghats of Pashupatinath. If you’d prefer a quieter old town, Bhaktapur can be swapped in for one site.
3. Day 3: drive to ChitwanTake the morning tourist bus or a private car via the Prithvi Highway, about 5–7 hours to Sauraha. In the afternoon there’s a Tharu village walk and sunset on the Rapti riverbank.
4. Day 4: full day in ChitwanAn early canoe ride and guided walk, a rest at midday, then a half-day jeep safari. In the evening, there’s a Tharu stick-dance program.
5. Day 5: drive to PokharaAn optional early bird walk, then about 4.5–6 hours by road to Pokhara. Spend the evening by Phewa Lake.
6. Day 6: PokharaAn early drive up to Sarangkot for sunrise over the Annapurna range (weather permitting), a boat on Phewa Lake, and the walk or drive up to the World Peace Pagoda.
7. Day 7: return to KathmanduFly back to Kathmandu (it’s a short flight) or take the long road journey, in time for an evening or next-day departure.

The Chitwan part follows our 2 nights, 3 days package. Road times are approximate and can run longer with traffic or road works.

What to see in Kathmandu and Pokhara

In Kathmandu, one full day covers the main heritage sites if you start early. Durbar Square has the old royal palace and temple courtyards; Swayambhunath sits on a hill above the city with wide views; Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in the region and at its busiest around dusk; and Pashupatinath, on the Bagmati River, is Nepal’s most important Hindu temple complex. Bhaktapur, a well-preserved old town east of the city, deserves its own half day or more.

Pokhara is slower, and that’s half its charm. Phewa Lake is the center of town life, with boats for hire and a lakeside path. Sarangkot is the classic sunrise viewpoint over the Annapurna range, and the World Peace Pagoda, on the ridge across the lake, gives you views back over the water. Mountain views are clearest from October to December.

Best season for the golden triangle

October to April is the best window. Autumn brings clear skies in the hills and comfortable days in Chitwan, while February and March bring good visibility in the park after the grass-cutting. Winter means cold Kathmandu mornings and foggy dawns in Chitwan, but it’s rarely a problem. April and May are hot in the lowlands, and the June–September monsoon limits some safari routes and often hides the mountains.

Stretching the trip to 8 or 10 days

A third night in Chitwan is the most useful single addition for wildlife; the 3 nights, 4 days package shows how it’s used.

Kathmandu to Chitwan to Pokhara, or Pokhara first?

Some travelers go Pokhara, Chitwan, Kathmandu when they arrive in Nepal overland or start in Pokhara after a trek. You’ll find route details on the Kathmandu to Chitwan and Pokhara to Chitwan pages.

Bus, private car or flights between the three

Tourist buses are the cheapest option, and they leave in the morning. A private car costs more but lets you stop for lunch and views, and leave whenever your safari ends. Flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara or Bharatpur save a day of road travel on the return leg. Many travelers use the road for the two short legs and then fly back to Kathmandu at the end. Whatever you choose, don’t book an international flight on the same day as a long drive.

For a private version with your own car and guide throughout, see private Chitwan safaris, or ask us for a quote.