Planning a Weeklong Trip to Nepal

Usually when it comes to trip planning, I am the one who comes up with the options on what city or country to visit. But this time it was an exception with Sush being very enthusiastic about Nepal when we were considering our options for a trip during last December. One week in Nepal and I came back home super energised thanking Sush for suggesting this beautiful country. It’s a country that felt so dear and many ways so similar to India. Whether the chaos of Kathmandu or the people talking to us in fluent Hindi or the Namaste that greeted us at every place, Nepal as a tourist place was an experience that would forever be alive in our hearts and minds. So if you are thinking of Nepal, just go ahead and plan a trip and we assure you this little mountain country will steal your heart with its pristine beauty.

Now let’s get in to the details that you may need to plan the trip.

Getting into Nepal

There are direct flights from major cities like Delhi and Bangalore to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. From many other cities, there are regular flights with 1 or 2 stops in between.

Getting around in Nepal

Taxi is the most convenient option to get around in the city. Taxis are affordable and can be easily availed. Do not forget to bargain on the prices quoted.

When it comes to moving from one city to another (such as Kathmandu<->Pokhara), you have two options. The first one is the tourist buses which are cheaper for long distance travel, but take more time to get you to your destination. The other option is the local flights that run between the cities. There are many such operators and you can easily get tickets with affordable prices.

Taxis are also another way for intercity travel, but they are very expensive for travelling long distance.

Let us take an example. Bus takes around 7-8 hours to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu and the tickets start from NPR 800 whereas it takes 25 minutes to fly the same distance for a fare of approximately 2000 NPR. Taxis charge around 100$ for this journey and take nearly 5 hours.

Places of interest

If you have a week in Nepal, then we recommend making Kathamandu and Pokhara as your base for a few days each. Where Kathmandu has a lot of local sites to see, Pokhara is the kind of place to slow down and enjoy the beautiful vistas all around. Pokhara is also used as the base for many of the treks.

You can also cover Chitwan National Park by adding 2 more additional days to the itinerary.

Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the place that truly surprised us. The pollution and traffic problems did not exactly portray a great image as we arrived in the city. But as we started exploring the city, we understood how rich this old city was in terms of culture and heritage. Surrounded by mountains and home to a number of world heritage sites, Kathmandu valley is a place where you need to spend at least 2-3 days to experience the rich architecture and local culture.

Things to do in Kathmandu

Read our complete Kathmandu guide http://theroamingshoes.com/2019/02/kathmandu-folllowing-the-indigenous-heritage-and-food-trail/

Start the day with a visit to the Pashupatinath Temple

An UNESCO world heritage site and the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu valley, Pashupatinath temple is considered an important religious site for all the Hindus. The temple stands besides the Bagmati river with a very unique pagoda style architecture and houses Lord Shiva as the main deity. 

Take a trip back in time with a visit to the age-old durbar squares

There are 3 durbar squares in and around Kathmandu namely Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. All the 3 durbar squares are UNESCO world heritage sites and boast of marvellous architecture and fine craftsmanship. With stunning temples, impressive statues and pagoda like buildings having exquisite carvings in stone and wood, each of the durbar squares will take you back in time to the primitive era of the kings and queens. 

Feel the calmness inside at the elegant stupas

Kathmandu has two prominent stupas namely Boudhanath and Swayambhunath that are frequented by locals and tourists alike. While Boudhanath stands as one of the largest stupas of Nepal, Swayambhunath stupa sitting on top of a hill provides the most beautiful sunset views over Kathmandu valley. Both the stupas are UNESCO world heritage sites and at least need an hour each to visit.

Spend the evening eating delicious food and shopping colourful items

What better than spending the evening walking through pretty little lanes edged with shops selling items in all possible colours? If this is what interests you too, then Thamel market area is the place for you. Starting from woollens to trekking gears and dreamcatchers to colourful decorative items, you will find everything in this market at a reasonable price. And when you get tired, just walk in to any of the lovely cafes to try some delicious food. Read the full article here.