8-Day Nepal Tour for US Travelers: Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara Adventure
Nepal has always been in my bucket list. Mount Everest gets the credit for that. I’ve always wanted to glimpse the tallest mountain in the world. I knew I couldn’t climb it, but I can get close to it!
When I suggested Nepal to my husband as our first wedding anniversary trip destination, he was puzzled why. Nepal never occurred in his radar, nor he thought of the country to visit one day. But with a little digging and countless videos of its beauty, he said yes.
I researched online on the tour companies that offer at least an 8-day trip that would give us the best experience & value for money. Finally, I found Thamel Travel & Tours. Reaching out via WhatsApp was so easy, and Baliram (the owner) was quick to answer all my queries and tailor the trip to our liking.
PTOs have been filed, and travel day came! Buckle up, because I'm about to take you on a magical ride through Nepal, one of the most beautiful countries I’ve been to.
Day 1: Namaste, Nepal!
Upon landing in Kathmandu, we were warmly greeted by the Mr. Bhim, our driver for the entire tour from the Thamel Travel team. It was late at night, but he made us feel so welcome and gave us a marigold garland. Driving to our hotel was a different kind of experience. The traffic lights were out of sight, but rather traffic enforcers on top of a platform were directing the traffic. We got to our hotel with welcome drinks and finally rested, all ready for day 2!
My Tip: Long flights from the US can be brutal (20-30 hours, depending on connections). Pack a neck pillow, stay hydrated, and give yourself grace to crash early. Nepal’s time zone is weirdly specific (UTC+5:45), so jet lag hits hard.
Day 2: Kathmandu’s Magic Blew Me Away
Day two was when I realized Nepal is unlike anywhere else. Our guide, Saru who co-owns the company, took us on a tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO sites. First up was Swayambhunath, or the Monkey Temple, sitting high on a hill. Monkeys were everywhere, stealing snacks and scampering across the steps, while prayer flags fluttered against the city skyline. The view was unreal—I could’ve stayed there all day. Then we hit Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred Hindu spot by the Bagmati River. It felt intense and humbling, watching rituals unfold amidst the intricate carvings. Boudhanath Stupa was next, and I swear, that giant white dome with its painted eyes felt like it was watching me back. Spinning prayer wheels with Tibetan monks walking nearby was a moment I’ll never forget. Every stop had a story, and our guide’s enthusiasm made it feel personal.
My Tip: Wear sneakers or comfy sandals! There’s a lot of walking, and some spots have uneven steps.
Day 3: Road Trip to Chitwan’s Jungles
After a big breakfast (pro tip: Nepali pancakes are amazing), we hopped into a van for the 5-6 hour drive to Chitwan National Park. The road was bumpy, but the views of green hills, tiny villages, and glimpses of rivers kept me glued to the window. (If you’re not up for the drive, you can take a quick flight, but I loved the road trip vibe.) We pulled into our jungle lodge in Chitwan. That’s when the bug spray started doing its work lol. That night, we watched a Tharu cultural show, with locals dancing and singing in vibrant costumes.
My Tip: Chitwan’s humid, so pack lightweight clothes and bug spray. The lodge had fans and mosquito nets, but I was glad I brought a small portable fan from home.
Day 4: Safari Thrills in Chitwan
Day four was wild—literally. We started with a jeep safari, bouncing through the jungle, scanning for animals. When we spotted a one-horned rhino munching grass just yards away, my jaw dropped. I mean, when do you ever get that close to a creature like that? Later, we took a canoe ride down the Rapti River, gliding past crocodiles (yep, real ones!) and colorful birds I’d never heard of. A guided jungle walk had me feeling like Indiana Jones, and the Elephant Breeding Center visit was eye-opening, learning how they’re protecting these gentle giants. Not gonna lie, this tour was sketchy afterwards because our guide told us at the end of the trip that some people have been killed by animals here, and their only weapon was a stick….
My Tip: Bring binoculars if you have them—the wildlife is incredible, and you’ll want a closer look. Also, don’t skip the sunscreen; the jungle sun is sneaky.
Day 5: Pokhara – Instant Love
After breakfast, we headed to Pokhara, about a 5-6 hour drive (or a 25-minute flight if you’re feeling fancy). Pulling into Pokhara felt like hitting the reset button. The city’s surrounded by Phewa Lake, with the Annapurna mountains looming in the background. I checked into a lakeside hotel and spent the evening wandering the shore, sipping coffee at a quirky café and watching fishermen in wooden boats. Pokhara’s vibe is so chill, it’s like the city’s giving you a big hug after Chitwan’s wild energy.
My Tip: Pokhara’s got great food. And if you need a break from Nepali food, there’s a bunch of western restaurants here. Also had my first sip of iced mocha since we landed.
Day 6: Pokhara’s Beauty Took My Breath
AwayI’m not a morning person, but getting up at 4 a.m. for the Sarangkot sunrise was worth every yawn. The sunrise is just so beautiful. Back in Pokhara, we checked out Devi’s Fall, a waterfall with a heartbreaking local legend, and Gupteshwor Cave, where we navigated narrow paths past stalactites and a sacred shrine. The International Mountain Museum was a geeky highlight for me—stories of climbers tackling Everest had me dreaming of my own summit someday.The best part? A boat ride on Phewa Lake to the tiny Tal Barahi Temple, sitting pretty on an island. Paddling across with mountains all around felt like a movie scene. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, Pokhara’s also got paragliding and zip-lining, which I’m saving for my next trip.
My Tip: Layer up for Sarangkot. It’s freezing at dawn! And bring a waterproof phone case for the boat ride; I got splashed a few times.
Day 7: Back to Kathmandu for Souvenirs
After one last lakeside breakfast, we headed back to Kathmandu. We initially were scheduled to fly but because of fog and rain, all flights were canceled for the day. And so our road trip has begun… Almost 10 hours of drive by the Himalayans (not good for motion sickness and faint of heart), we arrived in Kathmandu. We went to visit Thamel’s markets, haggling for souvenirs like a pro. We bought healing bowls, pashmina, beads, and other souvenirs to commemorate the trip.
My Tip: Bring small bills (Nepali rupees) for shopping becausevendors don’t always have change. But make sure you only have enough rupees. You can’t convert the money outside Nepal.
Day 8: Saying Goodbye (For Now)
Leaving Nepal felt like leaving a piece of myself behind. The Thamel Travel team got us to the airport, and as we boarded our flight, I was already flipping through photos on my phone—monkeys at Swayambhunath, that rhino in Chitwan, those mountains in Pokhara. Nepal had gotten under my skin, and I knew I’d be back to hike, explore, or just soak up more of its magic.
Why This Trip Was Perfect for Me
Thamel Travel handled everything. They took care of hotels, meals, transport, and guides who felt like old friends by the end. Nepal’s so different from home, but in the best way. The mix of ancient culture, wild jungles, and those jaw-dropping mountains made every day feel like an adventure. Plus, the 8-day itinerary fit perfectly into our vacation time, no stress required.
A Few Tips if you’re traveling from the USA:
When to Go: October to April is ideal with clear skies, cool weather, perfect for exploring. We went in March and it was perfect.
Visa Stuff: Grab a visa on arrival ($30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days). It’s quick and easy at the airport.
Getting There: Flights from the US (try Qatar, Emirates, or Turkish Airlines) usually go through Doha, Dubai, or Delhi. Book early for deals.
What to Pack: Layers for chilly mornings, comfy shoes, a universal power adapter (Type C/D), and a water bottle to stay hydrated.
Ready to Fall in Love with Nepal?
If you’re itching to explore Nepal, Thamel Travel’s 8-day tour is the way to go. Check it out at thameltravel.com and start packing. Nepal’s waiting to steal your heart, too.
Got questions about this trip? Drop a comment or share this with your travel crew. Here’s to chasing adventures!