A small country nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Nepal offers diverse experience to travellers that are sure to last a lifetime. From religious sites to treks for adventure enthusiasts, from wildlife parks to the Everest Base Camp, the country has something for everyone. Five days are barely enough to scratch the surface of this culturally rich nation that skillfully carries its traditions in tandem with modernity, but here is a detailed guide if you wish to explore Nepal in less than a week:

Day 1: Kathmandu

Morning: Pashupatinath Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world. It lies on the banks of the Bagmati river and is just a few kilometres away from the centre of the city. Built by King Shupuspa in the 15^th century, the original complex has grown considerably over the years, with new structures added by new kings. The temple is one of the major tourists’ attractions and a sight to behold, especially during the days of the Mahashivratri festival held in the spring.

Evening: Swayambhunath Stupa

Swayambhunath Stupa lies to the Northwest of Kathmandu and is situated on top of a hill. It is the ideal place to spend the evening in tranquility and peace. The stupa gives a panoramic view of the surrounding hills, the Himalyas and the city. The Tibetan name of the site means “Sublime Trees” for the many varieties of trees found on the hill. A number of shrines and temples are present in the entire complex and the Stupa also houses a monastery and library. It is the best place to catch a sunset with your loved ones in the evening.

Day 2: Pokhara

Morning:

Begin your day by taking a scenic drive down to Pokhara, which is a picturesque town nestled amidst the mountains, with the Annapurna Range of the Himalayas nearby. It is popular for trekking, and most people pass by it on the way to the Annapurna Range. Spend the rest of the afternoon at the International Mountain Museum, which focuses on the people who live in the mountains of Nepal as well as the history of mountaineering.

Evening:

After reaching, you can spend the day the exploring the lakeside neighbourhoods and the waterfront, and book a boat tour to float through River Phewa. Visit the Tal Barahi Temple and end the evening by catching dinner in one of the many small restaurants near the lake, all the while enjoying a beautiful sunset.

Day 3

Morning: Wake up early in the morning and catch a ride in the Annapurna Cable Car to visit the Sarangkot Hill. It is a 10-minute ride and offers scenic views of the Annapurna Range. Even though the mountains are extremely close by, to ensure clear views visit during the months of November to February. You can hike around the farmlands here or just enjoy the majestic views of Pokhara or Lake Phewa. Carry warm clothing because it is situated in the upper reaches and gets cold, especially in the mornings.

After coming down, you can visit the Shanti Stupa or the World Peace Pagoda. It is located on the Anadu Hill. You can drive or trek to the pathways to reach the Stupa, which overlooks the Phewa Lake and offers stunning views of the Pokhara Valley.

Evening: Spend the evening doing the many adventure sports on offer like paragliding and bungee jumping or just explore the local markets to understand Tibetan culture and local handicrafts.

Day 4:

Morning: Drive down to the Chitwan National Park, which is the first national park of Nepal. The entire day will go by in exploring Chitwan, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It boasts of more than 900 square kilometres of dense forests, marshlands and a varied species of flora and fauna.

Considered to be one of the best wildlife parks in Asia, it is the last refuge of the Bengal Tiger and the one horned Asiatic rhinoceros. You can see deers, monkeys or even the rare sloth bears, which are only a hundred few left in the park. It is a haven for elephants and is also home to a large species of migrant and resident birds.

Day 5:

Morning: Fly back to Kathmandu, which is a 2-hour plane ride away. You can then rest for the day and have a traditional Nepali meal in Paleti Bhanchha Ghar restaurant. It is famed for serving authentic Nepali fare with traditional Gurung Hospitality and the Paleti style of seating.

Evening: Spend your last evening in Nepal exploring the culturally significant Durbar Square, which is again a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The outer complex consists of a number of temples built in the surroundings. The central complex is adorned by palaces built during the Shah periods.

Surrounded by ponds, ancient statues and a series of courtyard, the temple complexes are important sites for spiritual seekers. These complexes, decorated by Newar artists in the traditional style suffered heavy damages during the 2015 earthquakes; and since being restored, have seen an increase in tourist footfalls over the years

Getting There

The easiest way to travel to Nepal is by air. There are direct flights from Delhi, Kolkata and Varanasi airports in India, taking 1- 1.5 hours. Other airports and international carriers also offer flights that have multiple stops, depending on the route. For e.g., Mumbai airport has flights that have 4-5 stops on their way to Nepal and hence, is considerably longer.

Nepal is a visa free country for Indians. You just have to show your passport, election ID or any other valid ID issued by the government of India.