9-Day Southern Asia Scenic Mountain Route: India & Nepal in January
Embark on an unforgettable cross-border journey through the heart of the Himalayas, where the rugged beauty of Northern India meets the spiritual serenity of Nepal. This 9-day route is specifically designed for families seeking a balance of accessibility and awe-inspiring nature, taking advantage of the crisp, clear skies that January brings to this high-altitude region.
As part of our Family Travel Guides series, this itinerary focuses on comfortable transitions between major hubs like New Delhi, Kathmandu, and Pokhara. While the air is chilly, the lack of monsoon clouds offers the best possible mountain visibility for children and adults alike, making it the premier season for scenic photography and gentle exploration of ancient heritage sites.
The Itinerary
Day 1: New Delhi, India - Arrival & Heritage Introduction
Arrival at IGI Airport
Touch down at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Collect your luggage and meet your pre-booked driver for a smooth transfer to your family-friendly hotel in South Delhi.
Lunch at Lodi - The Garden Restaurant
Enjoy an alfresco lunch in a quiet, green setting that allows kids to move around while parents enjoy Mediterranean-influenced Indian cuisine.
Humayun’s Tomb Exploration
Wander through the massive gardens of this UNESCO site. The symmetrical architecture and wide-open spaces are perfect for a family stroll without the bustle of the city center.
Rest & Acclimatization
Enjoy a quiet dinner at the hotel to rest after your flight and prepare for the adventures ahead.
Day 2: New Delhi, India - Culture and Colors
Old Delhi Cycle Rickshaw Ride
Experience the vibrant energy of Chandni Chowk from the safety and comfort of a rickshaw, a thrilling experience for children that avoids the heavy foot traffic.
National Rail Museum
A favorite for families, this museum features outdoor exhibits of vintage locomotives and a toy train ride that tours the entire grounds.
Qutub Minar
Visit the world's tallest brick minaret. The surrounding complex offers plenty of space for kids to explore while learning about the region's 12th-century history.
Bengali Market Dinner
Sample famous Delhi street food in a clean, seated environment. Try the Chole Bhature and sweet Jalebis.
Day 3: New Delhi to Kathmandu (India/Nepal) - Crossing Borders
Morning Flight to Nepal
Head back to IGI Airport for your flight over the mountains to Kathmandu. Keep a window seat on the right side for early Himalayan views.
Arrival in Kathmandu
Complete the visa-on-arrival process and transfer to your hotel in the Boudha district, a quieter alternative to Thamel.
Boudhanath Stupa Circle
Walk clockwise around the massive white dome of the Stupa alongside monks and locals. The rooftop cafes here offer a peaceful view of the sunset.
Traditional Newari Dinner
Taste authentic Nepalese flavors like Dal Bhat and Momos (dumplings) at a local family-run kitchen.
Day 4: Kathmandu, Nepal - Ancient Kingdoms
Patan Durbar Square
Visit the city of fine arts. The museum here is world-class and kids often enjoy the intricate bronze and wood carvings.
Pottery Square in Bhaktapur
Take a short drive to Bhaktapur where children can try their hand at traditional pottery wheel making with local artisans.
Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
Climb the stairs to watch the monkeys play and see the panoramic view of the Kathmandu valley as the city lights begin to flicker on.
Thamel Night Walk
Explore the colorful shops of Thamel for high-quality pashminas and trekking gear.
Day 5: Kathmandu to Pokhara, Nepal - Into the Mountains
Scenic Mountain Flight
While buses are available, a 25-minute flight to Pokhara is recommended for families to avoid the 7-hour winding mountain roads.
Lakeside Check-in
Check into your resort overlooking Phewa Lake and enjoy the significantly fresher mountain air.
Boating on Phewa Lake
Hire a colorful wooden boat (Doonga) with a rower and visit the Tal Barahi Temple situated on an island in the middle of the lake.
Pokhara Lakeside Stroll
The lakeside area is pedestrian-friendly, making it the safest place for kids to walk and browse souvenirs.
Day 6: Pokhara, Nepal - Annapurna Vistas
Sarangkot Sunrise
A short drive leads to the Sarangkot viewpoint. On a clear January morning, you will see the sun turn the peaks of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre into gold.
International Mountain Museum
Learn about the history of Himalayan climbing. The large grounds and outdoor climbing wall are great for energetic kids.
Lunch with a View
Eat at a cafe overlooking the Pame valley, watching paragliders land in the distance.
Davis Falls & Gupteshwor Cave
Witness the waterfall that disappears into an underground tunnel and explore the sacred cave temple located just across the street.
Day 7: Pokhara, Nepal - Peaceful Retreats
World Peace Pagoda Hike
Take a boat across the lake and do a light 45-minute hike up to the pagoda. It's an easy trail for children and offers the best views of the lake below.
Tibetan Refugee Settlement
Visit the Tashiling camp to watch traditional carpet weaving and learn about the local Tibetan community.
Tibetan Mini-Market
Shop for hand-crafted beads and singing bowls while supporting the local settlement artisans.
Farewell Pokhara Dinner
Enjoy a final lakeside dinner featuring fresh trout or wood-fired pizza.
Day 8: Pokhara to Kathmandu, Nepal - Return Journey
Return Flight to Kathmandu
Take your return flight to the capital. Use this afternoon to catch any sights you missed or for last-minute shopping.
Garden of Dreams
Relax in this neoclassical historical garden in Thamel. It is a quiet oasis where kids can run on the grass away from city traffic.
Patan Museum Café Tea
Have a relaxing afternoon tea in the courtyard of the Patan Museum, one of the most beautiful courtyards in South Asia.
Celebratory Nepalese Feast
Join a cultural show dinner with traditional masks and dances to celebrate the end of your journey.
Day 9: Kathmandu, Nepal - Departure
Morning Prayer at Pashupatinath
Observe the morning rituals at Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple complex from across the Bagmati River.
Final Souvenir Hunt
Pick up local tea, spices, or handmade paper products at the local markets.
Lunch in Boudha
Have a final lunch overlooking the Boudhanath Stupa before heading to the airport.
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport
Ensure you arrive 3 hours early for your international flight home, carrying memories of the high Himalayas.
Best Time to Visit Asia
For the Northern Scenic routes of Southern Asia, January is a hidden gem. While it is peak winter, the air is the clearest of the entire year, providing unobstructed views of the world's highest peaks. In Northern India, expect misty mornings and cool days (10°C–20°C), while Nepal offers bright, sunny days perfect for light trekking, though nights can drop to near freezing. This "low season" for general tourism is actually the high season for mountain visibility, making it ideal for photography and avoiding the crowds found in spring.
Visas & Border Crossings
Traveling between India and Nepal is relatively straightforward for international tourists. Most nationalities require a visa for India, which can be obtained as an e-Visa online. For Nepal, a Visa-on-Arrival is available at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport for most Western travelers. Always ensure your passport has at least six months of validity. The flight between Delhi and Kathmandu is the most efficient border crossing for families, taking approximately 90 minutes and bypassing the long, arduous land borders.
Getting Around Asia
In Southern Asia, the combination of regional flights and private car hires is the best way to maintain comfort and safety for families. Budget airlines like IndiGo and Buddha Air offer frequent, affordable connections between major cities. Within cities like Delhi, using ride-hailing apps like Uber or Ola is highly recommended for transparent pricing and air-conditioned vehicles. In Nepal, pre-arranging private transfers through your hotel or a reputable agency ensures that you have a driver familiar with mountain terrain and vehicle safety standards.
