Nepal Trip from India 2026: Visa Free & Complete Travel Guide

Nepal — home of the Himalayas, ancient temples, and the world's highest peaks — is completely visa-free for Indian nationals. You can even cross the India-Nepal border by road without a passport (just a government ID).

Entry for Indians — No Visa Required

Indian citizens can enter Nepal without a visa, indefinitely:

• By air: Valid passport or government-issued photo ID (Voter ID, Aadhaar)
• By road (land border): Same — passport or Voter ID accepted
• No prior application, no fees, no limit on duration

Getting to Nepal

By air:

• Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Varanasi, Lucknow, Patna to Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport)
• IndiGo, Air India, Nepal Airlines: ~2 hours from Delhi
• Fares: ₹8,000–20,000 return (book early for best prices)

By road (popular routes):

• Delhi → Kathmandu (25–30 hours by bus, overnight — budget option)
• Gorakhpur → Sunauli border → Pokhara/Kathmandu (common India-Nepal crossing)
• Siliguri/Darjeeling → Kakarbhitta border → East Nepal

Top Destinations in Nepal

Kathmandu (2–3 Days)

Nepal's vibrant capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site cluster:

• Boudhanath Stupa: The largest stupa in Nepal — 36m dome, 108 images of Buddha. Walk the kora (circumambulation path) with monks at dawn or dusk.
• Pashupatinath Temple: One of Hinduism's most sacred Shiva temples on the banks of the Bagmati river. Ghats with cremations visible (sobering but important). Entry for non-Hindus: restricted to outer areas.
• Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): Hilltop stupa with the watching eyes of Buddha; resident monkeys; views over Kathmandu valley.
• Patan Durbar Square: Medieval royal palace with the most intact Newari architecture in the valley.
• Thamel: The tourist hub — restaurants, gear shops, thangka galleries, bookshops.

Pokhara (2–3 Days)

Nepal's adventure capital, on the banks of Phewa Lake:

• Sarangkot sunrise view: Drive or hike before dawn for views of the Annapurna range and Machapuchare (Fishtail Peak) in the morning light.
• Phewa Lake boating: Row to the Tal Barahi Temple on the lake island.
• Paragliding: Pokhara is one of the world's top paragliding destinations (~₹7,000–9,000 for 20-30 min tandem flight)
• Davis Falls + Gupteshwor Cave: 15-minute walk from town
• International Mountain Museum: Fascinating museum on Himalayan expeditions

Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek

The bucket-list adventure for Indian trekkers:

• Duration: 12–14 days round trip (Lukla to EBC and back)
• Best season: October–November (crystal clear skies) and March–May (warmer)
• Altitude: 5,364m at EBC — acclimatisation is critical
• Cost: ₹70,000–1,50,000 all-in (flights, teahouse accommodation, guide, permits)
• Permits needed: TIMS card (₹1,500) + Sagarmatha National Park permit (~₹4,000)

Annapurna Circuit / Poon Hill Trek

• Poon Hill: 3-4 day trek with stunning Annapurna range sunrise views; less demanding than EBC, suitable for beginners
• Annapurna Circuit: 14–21 days, classic Nepal trek

Chitwan National Park (2 Days)

• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• One-horned rhinoceros (650+ in the park), Bengal tiger, gharial crocodile, elephants
• Jungle safari (jeep or elephant back), canoe ride, bird watching
• From Pokhara: 5 hours by tourist bus

Budget Guide for Indians

Category	Daily Cost
Budget (teahouses, dal bhat)	₹800–1,500
Mid-range	₹2,000–4,000
Comfortable	₹5,000–8,000

Dal Bhat (lentil soup + rice + vegetable curry) is the local staple — typically NPR 300–500 (~₹190–315). Trekking teahouses serve it unlimited, and trekkers say "dal bhat power, 24 hour."

Currency

Nepali Rupee (NPR): 1 INR = ~1.6 NPR. You can use Indian currency (INR 500 and below) in Nepal — ₹2,000 notes are NOT accepted.

Best Time to Visit

• October–November: Peak trekking season — clear skies, stable weather, mountain views
• March–May: Spring — rhododendrons bloom, good trekking weather
• December–February: Cold in mountains, but Kathmandu/Pokhara are fine; fewer tourists
• Monsoon (June–September): Lush but trails can be slippery; leeches in forests

Plan your Nepal adventure with Unfold Maps — trek bookings, hotel, and Kathmandu city tours arranged.