How many days do you need in Nepal?
5, 10, 14, and 21 day shapes — city only, city plus Pokhara, a short trek, or a classic trek.
Nepal rewards time more than rushing. Jet lag from Europe or the Americas usually costs you the first day. Domestic flights to the mountains can slide another day. Build slack before you commit to a trek start. Five days is a city trip: Kathmandu’s old towns, one valley day, and rest. Ten days can add Pokhara — fly or take the road — without pretending you finished a Himalayan trek. Two weeks is the first length where a short trek (or a long tour plus a day hike) fits without punishing your sleep. Three weeks is the classic trek window: Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit variants, or a mixed trip with Chitwan. Do not book Lukla the morning after a long-haul landing. If the trek is the point of the trip, arrive at least one full day early in Kathmandu.
5 days — cities only
Kathmandu and the valley. Temples, food, and one easy outing. This is not a trek.
10 days — Kathmandu and Pokhara
Heritage plus lakeside. Optional paragliding or a day hike. Still hotel beds, not teahouses.
14 days — short trek or mixed
A Poon Hill–style walk, or cities plus Chitwan. Enough time to recover if a flight moves.
21 days — classic trek
The length most first-timers actually need for Everest Base Camp or a longer Annapurna route, including buffer days.