Nepal packs the Himalayas, ancient temple cities and easy adventure into one short, cheap trip, and for Indians it is about as simple as travel abroad gets, since you need no visa and no foreign currency hassle. This 5 day Nepal itinerary covers the temple-packed Kathmandu valley and the lakeside town of Pokhara under the Annapurnas, and shows exactly what it costs in your own currency.
See every price in your money. Pick your home country below and all the costs on this page update instantly.
Quick facts before you book
Best time to go: October to November and March to April, with clear skies and the best Himalayan views. The monsoon, June to August, clouds the mountains, and winter nights are cold but still fine for the valleys.
Daily budget: around 45 US dollars a day for comfortable mid-range travel, or about 28 US dollars a day on a tighter budget. Nepal is one of the cheapest trips abroad you can take.
Visa: Indian passport holders need no visa for Nepal and can enter with an Indian passport or a Voter ID card. There is no foreign exchange headache either, as Indian rupee notes are widely used. Confirm the latest entry rules in the GlobeDude Explorer.
The route at a glance
Two days in the Kathmandu valley for its temples and old Durbar squares, then the relaxed lakeside town of Pokhara under the Annapurnas, linked by a cheap tourist bus or a short, scenic flight. It is an easy, low-stress loop.
Day by day
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
Land and settle into Thamel, the buzzing travellers quarter full of gear shops, cafes and bars. Walk to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO-listed plaza of pagoda temples and old palaces, and catch a glimpse of the Kumari, the living goddess, at her residence. Eat your first momos and dal bhat in Thamel.
Day 2: Kathmandu valley temples
See the valley’s holy sites. Climb to Swayambhunath, the hilltop stupa known as the monkey temple, for sweeping city views, then visit the enormous Boudhanath stupa and the riverside Hindu temple of Pashupatinath. Finish at Patan Durbar Square across the river, at its most golden in the late afternoon.
Day 3: Drive or fly to Pokhara
Take a tourist bus along the river canyon, about six to seven hours, or a short 25-minute flight, to Pokhara. Spend the afternoon rowing a boat across calm Phewa Lake to the Tal Barahi temple on its island, then relax at a Lakeside cafe as the sun drops behind the hills.
Day 4: Pokhara views and adventure
Rise early for the drive up to Sarangkot for sunrise over the Annapurnas and Machapuchare, the fish-tail peak. Spend the day on adventure, Pokhara is a world capital for paragliding, or keep it gentle with the World Peace Pagoda, the Davis Falls and the Gupteshwor cave. Another easy lakeside evening awaits.
Day 5: Back to Kathmandu and fly out
Return to Kathmandu by bus or flight, leave time for last-minute shopping in Thamel for pashminas, prayer flags and trekking gear, then head to the airport for your flight home with a sensible buffer.
What this trip actually costs
Per person for a mid-range trip. Pick your home country above and the flight row updates with live return fares from your nearest hub:
| Expense | Per person |
|---|---|
| Accommodation, four nights | 120 US dollars |
| Food | 60 US dollars |
| Transport, tourist bus or flight | 70 US dollars |
| Tours and entries | 90 US dollars |
| Est. flights from your country | Pick your country above |
| Total for the trip, with flights | 340 US dollars |
Compare it to your income in the Salary Goes Furthest tool.
Where to stay
Base yourself in Thamel in Kathmandu for everything on your doorstep, and at Lakeside in Pokhara for the water and mountain views. Both have great-value guesthouses and boutique hotels. Find hotels in Nepal on Agoda.
Getting around
Tourist buses link Kathmandu and Pokhara cheaply and comfortably, and short domestic flights save a day if your budget allows. Within the cities, use taxis (agree the fare first) or walk. Hiring a car with driver for the valley temples is inexpensive and saves time.
Book ahead
Reserve paragliding, a guided valley tour or any short trek in advance, especially in the October peak. Browse tours and day trips in Nepal on GetYourGuide.
Stay connected
A travel eSIM gets you maps and ride-hailing the moment you land, handy for navigating Thamel’s lanes and booking buses.
Pay at the real rate: a Wise account helps you spend without markup. Cover the trip with SafetyWing, sensible for mountain roads and treks, and compare flights to Kathmandu across dates.
Plan it your way
Build a custom day-by-day plan with the AI Itinerary Builder, and if you want more mountains, pair this with our best first trips abroad for Indians guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a visa for Nepal?
No. Indian passport holders need no visa for Nepal and can enter with an Indian passport or a Voter ID card with photo. There is no entry fee for Indians, which makes it one of the easiest trips abroad.
Is 5 days enough for Nepal?
Yes for the classic Kathmandu and Pokhara loop. It covers the valley temples and lakeside Pokhara without rushing. Add three to five days if you want a short trek such as Poon Hill or Annapurna Base Camp.
How much does a Nepal trip cost?
Around 340 US dollars per person for a mid-range five-day trip excluding international flights, covering guesthouses, food, transport and sightseeing. It is one of the cheapest international trips from India.
What is the best time to visit Nepal?
October to November and March to April, for clear skies and the best mountain views. Avoid the June to August monsoon if you want to see the Himalayas, as cloud often hides the peaks.
This itinerary is AI assisted and reviewed before publishing. Costs, opening hours and entry rules change, so confirm current details before you book. Some links above are affiliate links that support GlobeDude at no extra cost to you.
