Nepal Tour from India 2026: Kathmandu, Pokhara and Everest Trek

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Tips for Making the Most of Every Day

1. Book your Lukla flight early. Seats on Kathmandu-Lukla flights are limited, weather-sensitive, and fill up fast in peak season (March-May and September-November). This is the single most important logistics decision on this trip.

2. Get your gear right, not expensive. You don't need to buy high-end mountaineering equipment. Good warm layers, a waterproof outer shell, broken-in trail shoes or trekking boots, and thermal underlayers are what matter. You can rent sleeping bags and trekking poles in Kathmandu's Thamel market very affordably.

3. Acclimatisation is not optional. If you feel a serious headache, vomiting, or confusion at altitude, descend immediately and tell your guide. Never try to push through acute mountain sickness (AMS). This is the one rule that has no exceptions.

4. Carry cash in Nepali rupees and Indian rupees. ATMs in Namche work, but don't rely on them. Take enough cash from Kathmandu for the trek, including tips and any extras.

5. Travel insurance must specifically cover high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation. Standard travel insurance does not cover this. Check your policy carefully or ask Safari Sutra's team to recommend a suitable policy.

6. The best trekking months are October-November and March-May. October gives you the clearest skies. March brings rhododendron blooms at lower elevations. December-February is cold but doable. July-August is monsoon season and not recommended for this route. For more information on planning a Nepal Himalaya Trekking and Cultural Tour, check out the full destination guide.

7. Charge your phone and camera batteries at every opportunity. Above Namche, charging facilities exist but cost extra, and power cuts are common. A small power bank is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do Indian citizens need a visa for Nepal?

Yes, Indian passport holders do need a visa for Nepal, but it's straightforward and issued on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. It costs USD 30 for a 15-day stay, USD 50 for 30 days, and is paid in cash in US dollars (crisp, post-2006 notes work best). You'll fill out a simple form, submit a passport photo, and you're done in under 30 minutes. No prior application needed.

Q: Is this trek suitable for first-time trekkers?

The Everest Base Camp section of this itinerary reaches Dingboche at 4,410 metres, which is a solid high-altitude trek requiring reasonable fitness. You don't need mountaineering experience, but you should be able to walk 5-7 hours a day on uneven terrain. If you've done Triund, Kedarkantha, or any Himalayan day hike in India, you have a base to build on. A 4-6 week fitness preparation plan involving daily walks, stair climbing, and some cardio will make a real difference to your enjoyment.

Q: Can I pay for hotels and services in Indian rupees in Nepal?

Many places in Kathmandu and Pokhara, especially near tourist areas, accept Indian rupees at a rough 1:1.6 exchange rate. However, Nepali rupees will always give you better value and are essential for smaller shops, transport, and anywhere outside the main tourist corridors. Change money at the airport or in Thamel, and always carry some local currency.

Q: What if bad weather cancels my Lukla flight?

This is the most common disruption on this itinerary, and it's important to plan for it. Lukla flights are frequently delayed or cancelled due to cloud cover, wind, or poor visibility, especially in the afternoon. Always fly in the morning. Build in a buffer day at the end of your trek before your international departure. Travel insurance covering trip delays is also worth having. Your Safari Sutra guide will manage rebooking and logistics on the ground so you don't have to stress about it.

Q: How physically demanding is the altitude on Indian travellers specifically?

People coming from high-altitude cities like Leh, Manali, or Shimla will adapt faster than those coming from Mumbai, Chennai, or Bengaluru. Most Indian travellers do fine with proper acclimatisation protocol: gradual ascent, rest days, hydration, and not rushing. The risk isn't specific to Indian travellers, it applies to anyone. What matters is listening to your body and having an experienced guide who knows the signs of AMS.

Q: What's the best way to combine this with a wildlife trip in Nepal?

Chitwan National Park in the Terai lowlands is a natural add-on for this itinerary. You can tack on 2-3 nights at the beginning or end of your Kathmandu stay. Chitwan offers one-horned rhino, Bengal tiger, gharial crocodile, and elephant safaris in a very different landscape from the mountains. It's a contrast that works beautifully and makes the overall Nepal trip feel genuinely complete.

Q: What should I pack that most people forget?

Lip balm with SPF, a good buff or neck gaiter, a small personal first aid kit with altitude medication like Diamox (consult your doctor before taking it), and more pairs of socks than you think you need. A refillable water bottle with a built-in filter saves money and reduces plastic waste on the trail. And take a proper paperback book. Above Namche, the WiFi gets unreliable and the evenings get long.

Book This Itinerary with Safari Sutra

This is a trip that rewards proper planning. The flight logistics, permit timings, guide selection, and lodge quality all make a significant difference to how the trek actually feels on the ground. Safari Sutra Holidays has put thousands of Indian travellers through the Himalayas, and the team knows exactly what works and what doesn't.

Whether you want this exact 10-day route or a modified version that goes shorter, longer, or adds Chitwan or Bhutan, the conversation starts with a simple enquiry. There's no pressure and no generic quote sheet; just a real discussion about what you want from the trip.

This exact itinerary is bookable. [Contact Safari Sutra Holidays](https://thesafarisutra.com