Nepal Travel Highlights - 8 Days, 3 Cities

Nepal surprised us in the best ways. As Indian travelers, we expected it to feel familiar, but what we found was a mix of cultural warmth, scenic beauty, and travel ease. From historic temples to peaceful jungles and lakeside views - every city had something different to offer.

We explored Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara over 8 days in the month of February, and managed to keep the total trip cost under ₹1 lakh for two people - including flights, hotels, food, local transport, and activities.

We began and ended our Nepal trip in Kathmandu, and both times, the city felt alive - full of movement, people, and tradition. Most places we visited were quite crowded, but thanks to good planning and a helpful guide, our experience stayed smooth and enjoyable.

We spent two days here and explored:

• 🏛️ Bhaktapur Durbar Square – A beautiful heritage spot with grand temples, carved windows, and open courtyards. It was busy, but still felt peaceful as we walked around.

• 🕉️ Pashupatinath Temple – One of the most powerful places we’ve visited. Full of energy, rituals by the river, and deep spiritual vibes. Very crowded, but well-managed.

• 🛕 Boudha Stupa – Our personal favourite. A peaceful break from the rush. Walking around the stupa with the prayer wheels and watching monks pass by was such a calming experience.

• 🐒 Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) – Located on a hilltop, with panoramic views of Kathmandu. The monkeys definitely own the place - but the vibe was lively and fun.

• 👑 Patan & Kathmandu Durbar Squares – Stunning royal courtyards with intricate Newari architecture. Both places were packed, but our guide helped us cover them smoothly and without stress.

🏙️ Kathmandu - Culture, Chaos & Spiritual Vibes

For local travel, we used the Pathao app (Nepal’s version of Uber). It worked perfectly - affordable, quick, and way better than bargaining in heavy traffic.

In short, Kathmandu was vibrant, spiritual, and full of energy. It might get busy, but if you plan it well, it becomes a beautiful start (and end) to your Nepal journey.

After the busy streets of Kathmandu, Chitwan felt like a breath of fresh air - slower pace, cleaner air, and surrounded by nature. It gave us a chance to slow down and enjoy the raw beauty of Nepal.

We stayed in Sauraha, the small town right next to Chitwan National Park. From here, all the safari activities are easily accessible.

Here’s what we experienced:

• 🛶 Canoe Safari – An early morning ride through calm waters, spotting gharial crocodiles and marsh muggers just a few feet away. Quiet, peaceful, and a perfect start to the day.

• 🌲 Jungle Walk – Easily the most thrilling part. Walking inside the forest with just a guide and no barriers was both exciting and slightly scary. More on this in our next diary!

• 🚙 Jeep Safari – A longer ride through the jungle where we saw rhinos, deer, monkeys, peacocks, and even two sloth bears that got surprisingly close to our vehicle.

• 🎭 Tharu Cultural Show – In the evening, we watched a local dance performance by the Tharu community. Drums, fire tricks, and traditional moves - short but full of energy.

🌿 Chitwan - Jungle Safaris & Slow Travel

For local travel within Sauraha, we skipped the apps and simply negotiated directly with tuk-tuk drivers. It worked well and everyone was helpful and honest.

Chitwan may not be the most famous stop in Nepal, but if you love nature and want a peaceful break, this hidden gem is totally worth it.

Pokhara felt just right - calm, green, and wrapped around the beauty of Phewa Lake, with small adventures at every turn.

We spent 4 nights here, and it turned out to be one of the most scenic parts of our trip. From sunrise views to flying over the hills, every moment felt picture-perfect.

Here’s everything we explored:

• 🕉️ Shiva Statue, Pumdikot – A peaceful hilltop spot with a giant statue of Lord Shiva overlooking Pokhara. The views from here are beautiful, and it's a great start to the day - calm, spiritual, and less crowded.

• 🕊️ Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) – A short uphill walk leads to this beautiful white stupa overlooking the lake and city. Calm, quiet, and one of the best viewpoints in Pokhara.

• 💦 Devi’s Falls – A powerful waterfall that disappears into an underground tunnel. A quick but worthwhile stop.

• 🕳️ Gupteshwar Cave – Located just across from Devi’s Falls. A dimly lit cave with a small Shiva temple and a view of the falls from below.

• 🌄 Sarangkot Sunrise – One of the most magical sunrises we’ve seen. The sky lights up slowly over the Annapurna and Machapuchare peaks — totally worth the early wake-up.

• 🪂 Paragliding – A definite highlight! Flying over the lake with those mountain views was surreal. (We’ve shared the full experience in our next diary!)

• 🛕 Bindhyabasini Temple – A peaceful local temple set on a hilltop, great for a short visit.

• 🕸️ Mahendra & Bat Caves – Quick underground adventures — Mahendra is larger and easier, while the Bat Cave adds a bit of fun if you're okay crawling out at the end.

• 🚣 Phewa Lake Boating – Calm waters, floating boats, and beautiful reflections. Sunset here was one of the most peaceful moments of our trip.

• 🏔️ International Mountain Museum – Packed with trekking history, Everest gear, and inspiring mountaineer stories. Must-visit for mountain lovers.

🏞️ Pokhara - Adventure Meets Serenity

📍There are no ride apps in Pokhara, so we used local taxis for sightseeing. We booked full-day cabs after some quick negotiation - worked out well.

Pokhara gave us those classic postcard moments - blue skies, mountain views, peaceful lakes, and just the right amount of thrill to keep it exciting.

💰 Budget Breakdown (for 2 people)

• ✅ No visa required

• ✅ Indian currency accepted (still, keep NPR for convenience)

• ✅ SAARC discounts at many tourist sites

• ✅ Familiar food, friendly people

• ✅ Direct flights from major Indian cities

🇮🇳 Why Nepal Works So Well for Indians

Nepal truly felt like three trips packed into one - cultural, wild, and incredibly scenic. From temples to jungles to mountain views, every place had its own vibe and story.

It’s one of those countries where every turn brings something new, and the best part? You can experience it all without burning a hole in your pocket.

If you’re looking for an international trip that’s easy, budget-friendly, and full of unforgettable moments - Nepal won’t let you down.

✍️ Final Thoughts

1. Pokhara from the Sky - Our Paragliding Story

2. Kathmandu Travel Diary - Temples, Chaos & Royal Stories

3. Chitwan Travel Diary - Nepal Beyond the Temples and Mountains

4. Exploring Pokhara - One Peaceful Stop at a Time

5. Getting Around Nepal - What Worked and What Didn’t

📚 Every Chapter from Nepal – Travel Diaries