Nepal has a way of getting under your skin. The mountains are bigger than anything you imagined, the temples older than most countries, and the people warm in a way that feels entirely unhurried. But if this is your first trip, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are ten things worth knowing before you land in Kathmandu.
1. Indians Do Not Need a Passport — Just Your ID
If you hold an Indian passport, great. But you do not actually need one. Indian nationals can enter Nepal with a valid voter ID card or Aadhaar card. The border at Sunauli, Raxaul, or any of the official crossing points will accept these documents. This makes Nepal uniquely accessible — you can decide to go and be there within hours if you live in north India.
Citizens of any other country will need a valid passport and a tourist visa, which is available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. The 15-day single-entry visa costs USD 30, and the 30-day costs USD 50.
2. The Currency Is Nepali Rupees — But Carry Some Cash
The official currency is the Nepali Rupee (NPR). The exchange rate hovers around 1 Indian Rupee = 1.6 NPR, so your money goes a decent distance. ATMs are widely available in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but once you head toward trek routes or rural areas, cash becomes essential. Withdraw enough before leaving a major city.
Indian currency (INR) in denominations of ₹100 and below is widely accepted in Kathmandu markets and border towns. Notes of ₹500 and ₹2,000 are not accepted. Carry smaller denominations if you plan to use INR directly.
3. The Best Time to Visit Is Autumn — But Every Season Has Something
October and November are widely considered the prime months for Nepal travel. The monsoon has cleared, visibility is sharp, and the trekking trails are in excellent shape. Mountain views are crisp and the weather is comfortable — cool in the evenings, warm during the day.
Spring (March to May) is the second-best window. Rhododendrons bloom across the hills, temperatures are pleasant, and both trekking and sightseeing work well. The Everest and Annapurna regions see heavy foot traffic in both seasons, so book accommodation in advance if you are heading to popular base camps.
The monsoon (June to August) brings lush green landscapes and far fewer tourists, but trekking becomes difficult on many routes. Winter (December to February) is cold at altitude but perfect for Chitwan safaris, Lumbini, and cultural tours of the Kathmandu Valley.
4. Altitude Sickness Is Real — Take It Seriously
Kathmandu sits at roughly 1,400 metres above sea level. Pokhara is similar. But popular trekking destinations like Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) take you significantly higher. Altitude sickness — headache, nausea, breathlessness, dizziness — can affect anyone regardless of fitness level.
The golden rule is to ascend slowly and never gain more than 300-500 metres of sleeping altitude per day once you are above 3,000 metres. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol in the first couple of days, and if symptoms worsen, descend immediately. Talk to your doctor about acetazolamide (Diamox) before your trip if you are planning a high-altitude trek.
5. Pack Layers — The Weather Changes Quickly
Nepal’s climate varies dramatically by altitude and season. In Kathmandu in October, you might start the morning in a light jacket and feel warm by noon. On a trek at 4,000 metres in November, evenings can drop well below freezing. Layering is the practical answer.
Essentials include a good waterproof jacket, thermal base layers for trekking, comfortable walking shoes for the city, and solid trekking boots if you plan any serious trails. Sunscreen and UV sunglasses are important at altitude. Do not pack too heavily — Thamel in Kathmandu has gear shops everywhere if you need anything.
6. Respect Local Customs and Temple Etiquette
Nepal is a deeply religious country. Both Hindu and Buddhist traditions are woven into daily life, and the temples and monasteries you visit are active places of worship, not merely tourist sites. A few things to keep in mind:
- Remove shoes before entering temples and monasteries.
- Dress modestly, particularly around religious sites. Cover your shoulders and knees.
- Walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels — this is the traditional direction of circumambulation.
- Ask before photographing people, especially monks, sadhus, or religious ceremonies.
- Non-Hindus are restricted from entering the inner sanctum of some temples, including Pashupatinath. Respect these rules.
7. The Food Is Simple, Satisfying, and Safe
Dal bhat — lentil soup, rice, vegetable curry, and a side of pickle — is the national dish and it is eaten twice a day by most Nepalis. In the mountains, it doubles as trekkers’ fuel because most lodges offer unlimited refills. It is cheap, filling, and consistently safe to eat.
Kathmandu and Pokhara have excellent restaurant scenes with everything from Tibetan momos (dumplings) to Indian curries to wood-fired pizza. For Indian travelers, the spice levels and flavours will feel familiar. Newari food — the cuisine of the Kathmandu Valley’s indigenous population — is worth trying: dishes like choila, bara, and yomari are unique and delicious.
Stick to bottled or boiled water and avoid raw salads in small roadside stalls. This basic precaution will keep your stomach trouble-free.
8. Getting Around Requires Patience
Nepal’s road infrastructure is improving but remains challenging in many areas. The Kathmandu Valley has a mix of taxis, electric three-wheelers, and city buses. Taxis are metered but drivers often prefer to negotiate — agree on a price before getting in or insist on the meter. Ride-hailing apps like Pathao and InDrive operate in Kathmandu and work well.
For longer distances, domestic flights are often the best option. Yeti Airlines and Shree Airlines connect Kathmandu to Pokhara (25 minutes), Lukla (35 minutes for Everest treks), and other regional airports. Mountain flights can be delayed or cancelled due to weather, so build flexibility into your itinerary.
9. SIM Cards Are Easy to Get
Pick up a local SIM at Tribhuvan Airport or any mobile shop in Thamel. Nepal Telecom and Ncell are the two main providers. A tourist SIM with a data pack costs around NPR 500-700 (roughly ₹300-450) and gives you adequate data for a week or two. Coverage is good in cities and most trekking hubs, though you should expect limited connectivity in remote areas.
Download offline maps on Google Maps or Maps.me before heading out. They are invaluable when you lose signal on a trail or in a mountain village.
10. Travel Insurance Is Non-Negotiable for Trekking
For cultural tours around Kathmandu or Pokhara, standard travel insurance covering medical emergencies and trip cancellation is sufficient. But if you are planning any trekking, make sure your policy explicitly covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter rescue.
Helicopter evacuations from the mountains are expensive — easily USD 3,000 to USD 5,000 or more — and they are sometimes the only option in a medical emergency. Many trekkers have been hit with large bills because their standard insurance excluded activities above a certain altitude. Verify before you travel.
Ready to Plan Your Nepal Trip?
Nepal rewards travelers who come prepared. Knowing these basics before you arrive means you spend less time figuring things out and more time exploring. Whether you are drawn to the Himalayas for trekking, the ancient temples of Kathmandu, the jungles of Chitwan, or the spiritual pull of Lumbini, Nepal has a version of itself that will stay with you long after you leave.
If you are an Indian traveler planning your first Nepal trip, we can help you put together an itinerary that fits your interests, budget, and timeline — with everything handled so you arrive ready to enjoy it.
