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Auckland to Nepal: Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan

Auckland → Kathmandu → Pokhara → Chitwan

Boudhanath
"Boudhanath_stupa_,_Kathmandu,_Nepal.jpg" by Sumitbhatt222, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence
Pokhara Valley (Pokhara)
Photo: Utsab Raj Giri, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Himalaya foothills & rhinos Best season (general guide): Oct–Nov, Mar–Apr

Nepal goes from tropical lowlands to the highest mountains on earth in a short distance, and this route samples both without a long trek. It starts in Kathmandu, travels to Pokhara for views of the Himalaya and ends in Chitwan's jungle. From Auckland you'll connect via Asia or Australia to Kathmandu.

The Kathmandu Valley has seven groups of monuments listed together by UNESCO, including the old royal squares, Boudhanath's great stupa and the hilltop Swayambhunath. Bhaktapur, with its pottery square, is also worth a day. A short flight or a long road trip takes you to Pokhara, where you can paddle on Phewa Lake and walk up for sunrise over Machhapuchhre and the Annapurnas. Chitwan National Park, also listed by UNESCO, is reached by road. Jeep safaris, canoe trips and walks with guides look for one-horned rhinos, deer and birds, and with luck tigers.

October and November usually bring the clearest mountain views after the monsoon, and March to April is the second-best season, with rhododendrons in bloom. The monsoon from June to September brings heavy rain.

Roads in Nepal are slow, so allow plenty of time. Use licensed guides in Chitwan, and check your travel insurance for any activity you plan.

How to pace it: the first full day in Kathmandu is best spent close to your hotel, in Thamel or Patan, while you recover from the long journey from Auckland. Save Boudhanath for an evening, when pilgrims walk around the stupa. In Pokhara, plan one dawn for the mountain views, as cloud often builds later. Chitwan days start very early, because wildlife is most active at first light, so leave the afternoons free for rest. Go back to Kathmandu a day before your international flight, in case the roads are slow.

Suggested outline

  1. Auckland

    Start

  2. Kathmandu

    By air · 3 nights suggested

    The Kathmandu Valley's squares, stupas and temples, including Durbar Square, Boudhanath and Swayambhunath.

  3. Pokhara

    By air · 3 nights suggested

    A lakeside town with views of the Annapurna range; short hikes to Sarangkot and the World Peace Pagoda.

    Phewa Lake
    "Phewa_lake,_Pokhara.jpg" by Jmhullot, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence

  4. Chitwan

    Overland · 2 nights suggested

    A national park in the lowlands where one-horned rhinos and many birds live. Visits use the Kathmandu airport (KTM).

    Chitwan National Park
    "Chitwan_swamp.jpg" by Vadim Tolbatov, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence

Day by day

  1. Day 1 · Kathmandu — Arrive; Durbar Square· Auckland → Kathmandu (by air) — long-haul; may arrive the next calendar day
  2. Day 2 · Kathmandu — Swayambhunath and Boudhanath
  3. Day 3 · Kathmandu — Patan or Bhaktapur
  4. Day 4 · Pokhara — Fly to Pokhara; Phewa Lake· Kathmandu → Pokhara (by air)
  5. Day 5 · Pokhara — Sunrise from Sarangkot
  6. Day 6 · Pokhara — Day hike
  7. Day 7 · Chitwan — Road to Chitwan; jungle walk· Pokhara → Chitwan (overland)
  8. Day 8 · Chitwan — Canoe trip and jeep safari
  9. Day 9 · Chitwan — Travel home from Chitwan· Chitwan → Kathmandu (overland), then Kathmandu → Auckland (by air)

A suggested pace only; expedition days are set by the operator.

Flights, leg by leg

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Kathmandu

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Pokhara

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Chitwan

Nearest airport: Kathmandu Search fares · Kathmandu ↗

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