Is 3 days enough to see Nepal properly?

Three days gives you a solid taste of Kathmandu Valley's cultural highlights and one mountain viewpoint. It's not enough for trekking or seeing other regions, but perfect for a cultural overview with Himalayan views.

Can I see Everest in 3 days?

You can see Everest from Nagarkot on clear days - it appears as a distant peak on the horizon. For close-up Everest views, you need the Everest Base Camp trek which takes 12-16 days.

How do I avoid getting sick from food and water?

Stick to bottled water, avoid raw vegetables and fruits you can't peel yourself, and eat at busy restaurants with high turnover. Tourist areas in Thamel have the safest food options.

What if the weather is cloudy for mountain views?

October through November and March through April have the clearest days. If it's cloudy, spend more time exploring Kathmandu's back streets and artisan workshops instead of the mountain trip.

How to see Nepal highlights in 3 days

Focus on Kathmandu Valley's UNESCO sites and one mountain viewpoint. Spend 2 days exploring Kathmandu's temples, palaces, and markets, then take a day trip to Nagarkot or Dhulikhel for Himalayan views. Skip trekking and stick to cultural highlights and easy mountain vistas.

Plan your base in Kathmandu. Book accommodation in Thamel or near Durbar Square. These areas put you within walking distance of major sites and have the best restaurant options. Kathmandu is your hub for all 3 days.
Secure permits and transport. Get your tourist visa on arrival (15 days costs $30). Book a private driver for day 3's mountain trip - expect to pay $80-100 for Nagarkot or Dhulikhel round trip. Public buses are possible but eat into your limited time.
Hit the UNESCO trinity on day 1. Start at Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) at sunrise for city views. Move to Kathmandu Durbar Square by 9am before crowds arrive. End at Pashupatinath Temple for evening aarti ceremony. Each site costs 1000 rupees ($7.50) for foreigners.
Explore Patan and Bhaktapur on day 2. Take a taxi to Patan Durbar Square in the morning (20 minutes, $3). Explore the museum and metalwork shops. After lunch, taxi to Bhaktapur (45 minutes, $8). The pottery square and Nyatapola Temple are the highlights. Return to Kathmandu by evening.
Get mountain views on day 3. Leave Kathmandu at 6am for Nagarkot (2 hours drive). Clear mornings offer views of Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang ranges. Have breakfast with a view, walk the short trails, then return to Kathmandu by 3pm for your departure or flight.

Is 3 days enough to see Nepal properly?: Three days gives you a solid taste of Kathmandu Valley's cultural highlights and one mountain viewpoint. It's not enough for trekking or seeing other regions, but perfect for a cultural overview with Himalayan views.
Can I see Everest in 3 days?: You can see Everest from Nagarkot on clear days - it appears as a distant peak on the horizon. For close-up Everest views, you need the Everest Base Camp trek which takes 12-16 days.
How do I avoid getting sick from food and water?: Stick to bottled water, avoid raw vegetables and fruits you can't peel yourself, and eat at busy restaurants with high turnover. Tourist areas in Thamel have the safest food options.
What if the weather is cloudy for mountain views?: October through November and March through April have the clearest days. If it's cloudy, spend more time exploring Kathmandu's back streets and artisan workshops instead of the mountain trip.