Skip to content
LarkTours

Routes · Asia

Sydney to Nepal: Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan

Sydney → 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 packs extreme changes of altitude into a small country, and this route takes in three of them: the temple-filled Kathmandu Valley, the lake town of Pokhara below the Annapurna range, and the subtropical jungle of Chitwan in the southern lowlands. From Sydney, the trip to Kathmandu usually means changing planes in Southeast Asia or the Gulf. The itinerary spends three nights in Kathmandu, three nights in Pokhara and two nights in Chitwan.

Kathmandu is a lot to take in at first, so three nights let you settle in. Durbar Square, the Swayambhunath and Boudhanath stupas, and the medieval towns of Patan and Bhaktapur are all within easy reach. A short domestic flight then brings you to Pokhara on Phewa Lake. Early mornings there are the time to look for the peaks, perhaps from the Sarangkot ridge, and the town also suits gentle day hikes or paragliding. The road down to Chitwan follows river valleys to the lowlands, where guided jungle walks, canoe trips and jeep safaris look for one-horned rhinos, deer and birds. Travellers then usually return to Kathmandu by road or via a nearby airport.

The months after the monsoon, October and November, usually bring the clearest mountain views, and March to April is the second good window. In spring, haze and smoke from seasonal forest fires can soften views of the peaks, especially later in the season. During the monsoon, from about June to September, cloud often hides the Himalaya and landslides can slow traffic. Bharatpur is the airstrip closest to Chitwan, but we route this stop via Kathmandu to keep the flight search on a reliable code.

Domestic flights in Nepal depend on visibility and are often delayed in the early morning, so keep a spare half-day. Responsible operators in Chitwan don't offer elephant rides. Trekking permits apply on routes beyond Pokhara.

Suggested outline

  1. Sydney

    Start

  2. Kathmandu

    By air · 3 nights suggested

    Three nights for the valley's squares and stupas.

  3. Pokhara

    By air · 3 nights suggested

    Three nights by the lake, with sunrise views from the hills.

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

  4. Chitwan

    Overland · 2 nights suggested

    Reached by road. Two nights for guided wildlife walks and safaris in the national park.

    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· Sydney → 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 → Sydney (by air)

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

Flights, leg by leg

Each button opens a live, dated search. We don't show stored fares here: check today's price on the booking site.

Showing dates about a month ahead — change them when you search.

Kathmandu

More about Kathmandu →

Plan the trip: Kathmandu

These links go to partner sites. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices and terms are set by the partner.

Pokhara

More about Pokhara →

Plan the trip: Pokhara

These links go to partner sites. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices and terms are set by the partner.

Chitwan

Nearest airport: Kathmandu Search fares · Kathmandu ↗

Partner links may earn LarkTours a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices, availability and terms are set by each partner.