The short version
How to experience the best of Nepal in two weeks on a budget — Kathmandu heritage, a teahouse trek, Pokhara, and Chitwan wildlife — with a realistic day-by-day plan and cost breakdown under $1,500.
- Two weeks is the sweet spot for a first Nepal trip — culture, trekking and wildlife without rushing.
- This plan combines Kathmandu heritage + a Poon Hill trek + Pokhara + Chitwan safari for roughly $950–1,400 per person, excluding international flights.
- Take tourist buses, treat your own water, eat dal bhat, and trek in a small group to keep costs down.
- Book the trek and Chitwan through one local operator to bundle logistics and skip reseller markups.
The best of Nepal in 14 days, on a budget
Two weeks is enough for culture, trekking and wildlife without rushing. Here is a realistic, budget-conscious itinerary that keeps the total (excluding international flights) under roughly $1,500 per person.
The itinerary
Days 1–2: Kathmandu. Recover from jet lag; Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, Thamel. Sort permits and gear.
Day 3: Drive to Pokhara (tourist bus, ~$12, 7 hrs). Evening on Phewa Lakeside.
Days 4–8: Ghorepani Poon Hill trek (5 days) — the budget-friendly classic with the famous sunrise.
Day 9: Pokhara. Rest, Sarangkot, World Peace Pagoda, lakeside.
Day 10: Drive to Chitwan (~5–6 hrs).
Days 11–12: Chitwan National Park — jungle safari, rhinos, Tharu culture.
Day 13: Drive back to Kathmandu.
Day 14: Kathmandu — Bhaktapur day trip, shopping, departure.
Budget breakdown (per person, excl. international flights)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| City accommodation (~7 nights) | $100–175 |
| 5-day Poon Hill trek (guide, permits, teahouses) | $350–450 |
| Chitwan 2-day safari package | $150–250 |
| Transport (tourist buses, transfers) | $60–100 |
| Food in cities + extras | $150–250 |
| Nepal visa (15-day) | ~$30 |
| Tips, SIM, misc | ~$100 |
| Estimated total | ~$950–1,400 |
Take tourist buses instead of flights; treat your own water; eat dal bhat; trek in a small group to split guide costs; rent gear rather than buy; travel in shoulder season. Bundle the trek and Chitwan through one local operator to avoid reseller markups.
Swap a bus for a $100–120 Pokhara flight to save time, and upgrade hotels — each pushes the budget up but the core itinerary stays the same.
See the full Nepal trekking cost guide, the Pokhara travel guide, and the beginner's trekking guide to refine your plan.
Is two weeks enough for Nepal?
Yes — two weeks is the ideal first-trip length. It comfortably fits Kathmandu culture, a 4–5 day trek like Poon Hill, time in Pokhara, and a Chitwan wildlife safari without rushing.
How much does two weeks in Nepal cost?
On a budget, roughly $950–1,400 per person excluding international flights — covering accommodation, a guided Poon Hill trek, a Chitwan safari, transport, food, visa and tips.
Written by
Travel Himalaya Nepal
Pokhara-based, NMA-certified trekking guides. We’ve led 5,000+ treks across the Annapurna and Everest regions since 1998 — every word here comes from the trail. Meet the team →
Share this article
Ready to Trek?
From reading about it to standing on it
Our Pokhara-based guides have been doing this since 1998. Tell us your dates and fitness level — we'll build your perfect itinerary. Free, no obligation.
Popular treks to consider
View all 79 toursFree Trekker's Insider Guide
Permits, packing lists, cost breakdowns — no fluff.
We send one useful email. You can unsubscribe anytime.