Nepal Trip from India: Documents, Routes, Cost and Itinerary

Nepal is the easiest international trip for Indians – no visa, rupee-friendly prices and familiar food – yet it feels wonderfully different, with Himalayan views, ancient temples and jungle safaris.

Documents for Indian Citizens

Indians do not need a visa for Nepal. Carry one of these valid IDs:

• Indian passport (recommended), or
• Voter ID card (EPIC) issued by the Election Commission of India

Aadhaar and PAN cards are not accepted as travel documents for adults. Children under certain ages can use other documents – check the Embassy of India, Kathmandu for current rules.

Getting There

• By air: direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Varanasi to Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International).
• By road: popular crossings are Sonauli–Bhairahawa (from Gorakhpur) and Raxaul–Birgunj (from Bihar). Buses and taxis continue to Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Money

Indian ₹100 notes are widely accepted; carrying higher-denomination Indian notes has historically been restricted, so check the latest rules before taking ₹200 and ₹500 notes. ATMs and many shops accept cards; UPI works at several merchants.

Best Time

• October–November: clearest mountain views, festival season (Dashain, Tihar).
• March–May: rhododendrons bloom; warm and pleasant.
• June–September: monsoon – lush but cloudy, with landslide risk on mountain roads.
• December–February: cold but clear.

6-Day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Kathmandu – Thamel, Swayambhunath at sunset.
2. Day 2: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Patan.
3. Day 3: Drive to Chitwan National Park – jungle walk, Tharu cultural show.
4. Day 4: Jeep safari for rhinos; drive to Pokhara.
5. Day 5: Sarangkot sunrise over the Annapurnas, boating on Phewa Lake, Davis Falls.
6. Day 6: Fly or drive back to Kathmandu and home.

Extend with Nagarkot for sunrise, a Muktinath pilgrimage or the Annapurna Base Camp trek.

Cost (per couple, 6 days, excluding flights)

₹45,000–₹75,000 with comfortable hotels, private car and Chitwan safari.

Nepal Packages

• Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek with Kathmandu & Pokhara – 8 Nights / 9 Days
• Nepal Discovery – Kathmandu, Chitwan & Pokhara, 5 Nights / 6 Days
• Kathmandu & Nagarkot Short Break – 3 Nights / 4 Days
• Muktinath Pilgrimage via Pokhara – 5 Nights / 6 Days

See all Nepal tours.

Related reading: Altitude sickness guide · Best winter destinations

Tourism information: Nepal Tourism Board.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Indians travel to Nepal with Aadhaar?

No. Adults need a valid passport or voter ID card.

Is Nepal cheap for Indians?

Yes – hotels, food and transport are good value, and the Nepali rupee is pegged to the Indian rupee.

How many days are enough for Nepal?

Five to seven days for Kathmandu, Chitwan and Pokhara.

Can I drive my own car to Nepal?

Yes, with a temporary vehicle permit obtained at the border.