7-Day Nepal Trip from Chandigarh via New Delhi: A Cultural and Spiritual Journey

Embarking on a journey to explore the majestic and enchanting land of Nepal is an adventure that promises to leave an indelible impression. A Nepal trip from Chandigarh via New Delhi is a perfect way to immerse oneself in the vibrant culture, history, and natural beauty of this captivating country.

The journey begins in Chandigarh, a city of modernity, and takes us through the bustling streets of New Delhi before finally reaching the mystical and awe-inspiring land of Nepal. From the sacred Pashupatinath Temple and the serene Phewa Lake to the bustling streets of Thamel and the tranquil Garden of Dreams, this trip promises to be a remarkable journey of discovery and adventure.

This 7-day Nepal trip from Chandigarh via New Delhi, takes you on a journey through some of the most famous cultural and spiritual sites of Nepal, including Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lumbini, and Gorakhpur.

With local buses as our primary mode of transportation, we can experience the authentic sights, sounds, and flavors of Nepal and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. So come along and join us on this exciting Nepal trip from Chandigarh via New Delhi, and let us discover the wonders of this captivating country together.

Brief Itinerary of 7-Day Nepal Trip from Chandigarh via New Delhi

Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu and explore the vibrant Thamel market.

Day 2: Visit the sacred Guhyeshwari Shakti Peeth, Boudhanath Stupa, Budhanikantha Temple, and Pashupatinath Temple.

Day 3: Explore the historical Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Swayambhunath.

Day 4: Travel to Pokhara and enjoy the serene Fewa Lake, Barahi Temple, Mahendra Cave, Chamere Gufa, Seti River George, and Bindhyaybasini Temple.

Day 5: Visit Gupteshwar Mahadev, Devi’s Fall, and explore Gorakhpur’s local market and Gorakhnath temple.

Day 6: Experience the spiritual ambiance of Lumbini and its various temples.

Day 7: Cross the border to India and explore Gorakhpur before heading back to Delhi/ Chandigarh.

7-Day Nepal Trip from Chandigarh via New Delhi

Here’s a detailed itinerary for your 7-day Nepal trip to from Chandigarh via New Delhi:

Day 1: Chandigarh to Kathmandu via New Delhi

Take the Jan Shatabdi Train from Chandigarh to New Delhi. The train journey takes approximately 3-4 hours. Approximately INR 150-600 per person (depending on class)

From New Delhi Railway Station, take the Airport Link Metro to reach Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal 3 (T3). The journey takes approximately 20-25 minutes. (INR 60-100 per person)

Board your flight from New Delhi to Kathmandu. The flight takes approximately 1.5-2 hours. Approximately INR 8,000-12,000 per person (depending on airline and booking time)

Upon arrival at Kathmandu, check into your hotel in Thamel.

From airport to Thamel: Prepaid taxis and airport shuttle buses are available at the airport. A taxi/ cab would cost around NPR 400-600 via pathao app

In the evening, visit the local market in Thamel. Thamel is a popular tourist area known for its shops, restaurants, and street markets. You can explore the local shops, sample some local cuisine, and soak in the lively atmosphere.

Some tips for Day 01:

• Book the Jan Shatabdi train tickets from Chandigarh to New Delhi in advance.
• Make sure to arrive at the Chandigarh railway station well in advance to board the Jan Shatabdi Train.
• Reach the New Delhi Railway Station early to avoid last-minute hassles.
• Take the Airport Link Metro from New Delhi Railway Station to reach T3 airport.
• Book the flight tickets from New Delhi to Kathmandu in advance to avoid any inconvenience.
• Keep your travel documents handy, including your train tickets, flight tickets, and passport.
• Carry some cash in the local currency (Nepalese rupees) for your expenses in Thamel.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing for walking around the market.
• Book a hotel in Thamel, which is a popular tourist hub in Kathmandu, and is easily accessible from the airport.
• Thamel market is famous for its variety of local and international products, including handicrafts, souvenirs, and clothing. It’s a great place to shop and explore the local culture.

Day 2: Kathmandu city tour

Early in the morning, after breakfast, ask your hotel staff for directions to the nearest bus stop from where you can take a local bus to Guhyeshwari Shakti Peeth, a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kali. Alternatively, you can use a mobile app like Google Maps or Nepal Bus Routes to find the bus stops and routes. The bus fare is around NPR 20-30 per person.

After visiting the temple, take another local bus from Guhyeshwari Shakti Peeth to Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest stupas in the world. You can find the bus stop near the temple complex. The bus fare is around NPR 20-30 per person.

From Boudhanath Stupa, take a local bus to Budhanikantha Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. You can find the bus stop near the Stupa complex. The bus fare is around NPR 20-30 per person.

Return back to Pashupatinath Mandir by taking another local bus from Budhanikantha Temple. You can find the bus stop near the temple complex. The bus fare is around NPR 20-30 per person.

Have lunch at a nearby restaurant near Pashupatinath Temple. The cost of lunch can vary depending on your choice of restaurant and menu.

In the evening, attend the Aarti ceremony at Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred Hindu temple on the banks of the Bagmati River. The entry to the temple is free.

After the Aarti ceremony, take a local bus from Pashupatinath Temple to Thamel Market for shopping or dinner. You can find the bus stop near the temple complex. The bus fare is around NPR 20-30 per person.

Some tips for Day 02:

• Local buses are the most cost-effective way to travel around Kathmandu. You can find them at various bus stops throughout the city.
• Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll have to walk around a lot to visit different temples and squares.
• Look for the bus number and destination displayed on the front of the bus before boarding it.
• Keep small change in Nepalese currency handy for bus fares.
• The local buses can be crowded, so be prepared for that.
• Check the bus timings in advance and plan your itinerary accordingly.
• You can also hire a taxi or a private vehicle if you prefer a more comfortable mode of transportation. However, the cost would be higher compared to local buses.

Day 3: Bhaktapur, Patan and Swayambhunath tour

After breakfast at your hotel in Thamel, take a local bus from Ratna Park bus station to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its temples, palaces and traditional Newari architecture. You can find the bus station near Thamel area. The bus fare is around NPR 30-40 per person.

Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square and its famous monuments like 55 Window Palace, Golden Gate, Nyatapola Temple, and Bhairava Nath Temple. You can have breakfast at a nearby restaurant in Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The cost of breakfast can vary depending on your choice of restaurant and menu.

From Bhaktapur Durbar Square, take a local bus to Patan Durbar Square, another UNESCO World Heritage site and former royal palace complex. You can find the bus stop near Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The bus fare is around NPR 30-40 per person.

Visit Hiranya Varna Mahavir temple in Patan and explore Patan Durbar Square, which is known for its beautiful Newari architecture and ancient temples like Krishna Mandir and Bhimsen Temple. You can have lunch at a nearby restaurant in Patan. The cost of lunch can vary depending on your choice of restaurant and menu.

From Patan Durbar Square, take a local bus to Swayambhunath (also known as Monkey Temple), one of the oldest and most sacred Buddhist stupas in Nepal. You can find the bus stop near Patan Durbar Square. The bus fare is around NPR 30-40 per person.

Explore Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, a Buddhist stupa atop a hill overlooking the city and enjoy panoramic views of Kathmandu valley. You can also visit other temples and monasteries in the area.

In the evening, take a local bus back to Thamel and explore Nasal Chowk, Thamel Chowk, and Freak Street for shopping and dinner. You can find the bus stop near Swayambhunath. The bus fare is around NPR 30-40 per person.

Some tips for Day 03:

• Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Squares have an entry fee for foreigners. The fee is around NPR 1,500-2,000 per person for each square.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the temple complexes.
• Try to visit the temples and monuments early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and heat.
• Bargain with the vendors while shopping in Thamel area.
• Keep your belongings safe and secure while traveling in local buses.

Day 4: Guhyeshwari Shakti Peeth, Pashupatinath Temple and Kathmandu Durbar Square

After breakfast at your hotel in Thamel, take a local bus or taxi to Guhyeshwari Shakti Peeth. You can find the bus stop or taxi stand near your hotel. The cost of transportation can vary depending on your choice of mode and distance.

Visit the Guhyeshwari Shakti Peeth temple, which is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of Hinduism. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Guhyeshwari, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati.

From Guhyeshwari Shakti Peeth, take a local bus or taxi to Pashupatinath Temple. You can find the bus stop or taxi stand near the temple.

Visit Pashupatinath Temple for morning darshan and explore its beautiful architecture and religious significance. You can have breakfast at a nearby restaurant in Pashupatinath area.

From Pashupatinath Temple, take a local bus or taxi to Kathmandu Durbar Square, which is also known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square. You can find the bus stop or taxi stand near the temple.

Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to several ancient palaces, temples, and statues. You can also visit the nearby Kumari Ghar (Living Goddess House) and Taleju Temple.

After exploring Kathmandu Durbar Square, return to your hotel in Thamel for check-out and enjoy brunch. Ask your hotel to keep your luggage while you explore the nearby areas.

From your hotel in Thamel, take a local bus or taxi to Rani Pokhari, which is a historic pond and popular tourist spot in Kathmandu.

Visit the Garden of Dreams, a serene and beautiful garden located near Rani Pokhari. You can relax and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the garden.

Have dinner at a nearby restaurant and return to your hotel in Thamel.

In the night, take an AC Sleeper bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara. You can find several bus operators and ticket booking counters near Thamel. The cost of the bus ticket can vary depending on the operator and season.

Some tips for Day 04:

• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for temple visits and walking around the tourist spots.
• Respect the religious customs and traditions while visiting the temples.
• Keep your belongings safe and secure while traveling in local buses or taxis.
• Book your AC Sleeper bus ticket in advance to avoid any last-minute hassle.
• Keep some warm clothes handy for the bus journey as it can get cold at night.

Day 5: Pokhara Tour – Barahi Temple, Mahendra Cave, Chamere Gufa, Seti River Gorge, and Bindhyabasini Temple

Check-in to a hotel near Lakeside and freshen up.

Take a local bus or taxi from your hotel to Lakeside, which is the main tourist area in Pokhara.

From there, take a boat ride to Barahi Temple, which is located on a small island in the middle of Phewa Lake. The boat ride should cost around NPR 100 per person.

After visiting Barahi Temple, return to Lakeside and have breakfast at one of the many cafes or restaurants there.

Take a local bus or taxi to Mahendra Cave, which is a limestone cave located about 10 km north of Pokhara. The bus fare should be around NPR 20-30 per person.

Next, visit Chamere Gufa (also known as the Bat Cave), which is located near Mahendra Cave. The entrance fee for Chamere Gufa is around NPR 100 per person.

From there, head to Seti River Gorge, which is a narrow canyon that the Seti River has carved through the middle of Pokhara. You can take a short walk along the canyon and enjoy the views.

After visiting the gorge, take a local bus or taxi to Bindhyabasini Temple, which is a popular Hindu temple located on a hilltop overlooking Pokhara. The bus fare should be around NPR 20-30 per person.

Have lunch at one of the restaurants near Bindhyabasini Temple.

After lunch, visit the temple and take in the views of Pokhara from the hilltop.

Take a local bus or taxi back to Lakeside, and have dinner at one of the many restaurants there.

Enjoy the nightlife in Pokhara and return to your hotel for rest and sleep.

Some tips for Day 5:

• Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs at the various temples and caves.
• Carry a hat or a scarf to protect yourself from the sun.
• Keep a water bottle handy to stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Negotiate the boat ride price to Barahi Temple before getting on the boat.
• If you plan to go inside the caves, carry a torch or a flashlight as the caves may be dark inside.
• Keep some cash handy as most local shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards.
• Be respectful and follow the customs and traditions while visiting the temples and other religious sites.
• If you plan to enjoy the night life in Pokhara, be aware of your surroundings and avoid getting into any unsafe situations.
• Keep your belongings safe and close to you while travelling on local buses or in crowded areas.
• Always carry a copy of your ID and travel documents with you in case of any emergency.

Day 06: Fewa Lake, Gupteshwar Mahadev and Devi’s Fall

Early morning, enjoy the scenic beauty of Fewa Lake/Phewa Tal and indulge in some water activities. You can also take a boat ride on the lake.

Have breakfast near the lake.

Check-out from your hotel and ask them to keep your luggage.

Take a local bus from Fewa Lake/Phewa Tal to Gupteshwar Mahadev. The bus ride will cost around 20-30 NPR per person. You can find the local bus near the lake or ask your hotel staff for directions.

Visit the Gupteshwar Mahadev temple and spend some time there.

Have lunch near Gupteshwar Mahadev.

Take a local bus from Gupteshwar Mahadev to Devi’s Fall. The bus ride will cost around 20-30 NPR per person. You can find the local bus near the temple or ask locals for directions.

Visit Devi’s Fall and spend some time there.

Take a local bus from Devi’s Fall to your hotel to collect your luggage. The bus ride will cost around 20-30 NPR per person. You can find the local bus near Devi’s Fall or ask locals for directions.

Proceed towards Prithvi Chowk. Take a local bus from your hotel to Prithvi Chowk. The bus ride will cost around 20-30 NPR per person.

Have dinner near Prithvi Chowk.

Take an AC sleeper bus from Pokhara to Lumbini at night. The bus fare will cost around 1200 NPR per person.

Some tips for Day 06:

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothes as you will be doing a fair bit of walking and traveling.
• Carry enough water and snacks for the journey, especially if you are prone to motion sickness.
• Try to reach Gupteshwar Mahadev early in the morning as it can get crowded later in the day.
• Bargain with the local shops and vendors for souvenirs and other items you wish to buy.
• Carry a power bank or extra batteries for your camera or phone as there may not be charging facilities available on the go.
• Follow the local customs and traditions while visiting religious places such as Gupteshwar Mahadev.
• Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid flaunting valuables like cameras, phones, jewelry, etc.
• Double-check your bus timings and be at the bus stop well in advance to avoid missing your ride.

Day 07: Lumbini Tour, Nepal – India Border Crossing via Sonauli Border, Gorakhnath Temple Visit and back to New Delhi/ Chandigarh.

Early morning, we reach Siddharthanagar, Nepal. Take a local bus from Siddharthanagar to Lumbini. Cost of local bus: around 50-100 Nepali rupees per person. Buses can be found at the Siddharthanagar Bus Park.

Have breakfast at Lumbini and visit the temple. Entrance fee to Lumbini: around 200 Nepali rupees per person.

From Lumbini, take a local bus to the Sonauli Border. Cost of local bus: around 100 Nepali rupees per person. Buses can be found near the Lumbini Bus Station.

Cross the border formalities at Sonauli Border and then take a local bus to Gorakhpur. Cost of local bus: around 50-100 Indian rupees per person. Buses can be found near the border crossing area.

Have lunch at Gorakhpur. Cost of lunch: around 200-300 Indian rupees per person.

Visit Gorakhnath temple and explore the local market. Entry to the temple is free.

Have dinner at Gorakhpur. Cost of dinner: around 200-300 Indian rupees per person.

Take the Delhi Humsafar Express train back to Delhi. Cost of train ticket: around 1000-2000 Indian rupees per person, depending on the class of travel.

Some tips for Day 07:

• Be prepared for a long day of travel as it involves crossing a border and taking multiple local buses.
• Keep your passport, visa, and other travel documents ready for border formalities.
• It’s a good idea to carry some snacks and water for the journey, as there may not be many options for food and drinks during the bus rides.
• Try to book your train tickets in advance to avoid last-minute rush and ensure availability.
• If you’re not comfortable with taking local buses, you can consider hiring a private taxi or car to cover the distance between Lumbini and Gorakhpur. However, this will significantly increase the cost of travel.
• Be respectful when visiting the temples and other religious sites, and dress modestly.
• When exploring local markets, be prepared to bargain for the prices and watch out for pickpockets.
• Finally, always stay alert and aware of your surroundings, and keep your valuables safe.

Conclusion – Nepal Trip from Chandigarh via New Delhi

The 7-day Nepal trip from Chandigarh via New Delhi is an excellent way to explore the beautiful country of Nepal. From the bustling city of Kathmandu to the serene lakeside town of Pokhara, and the birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini, this trip has something for everyone.

By taking local buses, the trip is not only cost-effective, but it also allows for an immersive experience of the local culture and lifestyle. From the bustling streets of Thamel to the serene temples and monuments of Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Squares, the trip provides a glimpse of the rich history and culture of Nepal.

Visiting the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, Guhyeshwari Shakti Peeth, and other religious sites is an opportunity to experience the spirituality and traditions of Nepal. And the natural beauty of Swayambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, and the Garden of Dreams in Kathmandu and the tranquil Phewa Lake and World Peace Pagoda in Pokhara are breathtaking sights to behold.

Overall, this trip (Nepal trip from Chandigarh via New Delhi) is an excellent way to explore Nepal’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty, and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.