Nepal

Tour Guide

Nepal's prime seasons are October-November (post-monsoon) and March-April (spring). October-November offers crystal-clear skies, superb mountain views, and major festivals like Dashain and Tihar, making it ideal for trekking and sightseeing. March-April brings blooming rhododendrons, pleasant weather, and fewer crowds. Winter (December-February) is cooler with snow at higher elevations, perfect for budget travelers seeking discounts. Monsoon season (June-September) brings lush landscapes but frequent rains, landslides, and leeches on trails. For snow experiences, visit December-February at hill stations like Kalinchowk or Upper Mustang. Spring and autumn are best for trekking, while winter offers clear mountain views with crisp air.Read also Best time to visit in Nepal

Indians can reach Nepal by air, road, or rail. By air, fly to Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu), Gautam Buddha Airport (Bhairahawa), or Pokhara International Airport from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Varanasi, and Bengaluru. By road, major border crossings include Sunauli-Bhairahawa (for Lumbini/Pokhara), Raxaul-Birgunj (fastest to Kathmandu), Panitanki-Kakarbhitta (eastern Nepal), and Banbasa-Mahendranagar (far-west). Good highways connect borders to major cities. By rail, take Indian Railways to Jayanagar-Janakpur-Kurtha line or reach border towns like Gorakhpur, Raxaul, then cross by road. Road travel offers scenic views but expect monsoon delays due to landslides.

No, Indian citizens do not need a visa to visit Nepal. However, you must carry valid identification - either an Indian passport or Voter ID with photograph. Aadhaar cards are generally not accepted for air travel, so check current requirements before departure. Children should carry valid photo ID as required by airlines and immigration authorities. This visa-free access makes Nepal one of the most convenient international destinations for Indians. You can stay for extended periods, but if planning to work or study, additional permits may be required. Always verify the latest entry requirements before travel, as policies can change.

Nepal offers various transportation options. In cities, use metered taxis or ride-hailing apps like Pathao and Tootle (available in Kathmandu/Pokhara). City buses and microbuses are the cheapest option, with Sajha Yatayat operating key routes in Kathmandu Valley. For intercity travel, choose tourist buses or private cars for comfort to destinations like Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini. Domestic flights save time to Pokhara, Bharatpur (Chitwan), Lukla, and other destinations. Motorbikes and bicycles are popular in Pokhara and Thamel for short distances. For mountain areas, jeeps and local buses connect remote regions, though roads can be challenging during monsoon season.

Kathmandu's Thamel district is perfect for budget travelers and trekkers, offering guesthouses, hostels, and mid-range hotels. Durbarmarg and Lazimpat provide upscale options. In Pokhara, stay in Lakeside for lake views, restaurants, and easy access to activities. Luxury options include Dwarika's Hotel and Hyatt Regency (Kathmandu), Temple Tree Resort and Fish Tail Lodge (Pokhara). For wildlife, choose jungle lodges in Chitwan like Meghauli Serai or Barahi Jungle Lodge. Hill stations like Nagarkot and Bandipur offer mountain view resorts. Budget travelers can find Zostel hostels, homestays, and guesthouses starting from $5-15/night. Mid-range hotels cost $25-60, while luxury resorts range $100-300+ per night.

Nepal's top attractions include Kathmandu Valley's UNESCO sites: Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. Pokhara offers Phewa Lake, World Peace Pagoda, and Sarangkot for sunrise views. Chitwan National Park provides jungle safaris for rhinos and tigers. Lumbini, Buddha's birthplace, features sacred gardens and international monasteries. For trekking, visit Everest region (fly to Lukla) or Annapurna region for Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp treks. Nagarkot and Dhulikhel offer Himalayan sunrise views near Kathmandu. Adventure seekers should try Everest mountain flights, paragliding in Pokhara, and white-water rafting on various rivers.Read also Top places to visit in Nepal

Nepal's staple dish is Dal Bhat - lentils, rice, vegetable curries, and pickles, offering unlimited refills. Try momos (dumplings) with spicy chutney, available in vegetarian, chicken, or buffalo varieties. Thukpa and thenthuk are hearty Tibetan-style noodle soups. Sample Newari cuisine including bara (lentil pancakes), choila (spiced meat), chatamari (Nepali pizza), and yomari (sweet dumplings). Other specialties include sel roti (festival rice doughnut), gundruk (fermented greens curry), aloo tama (bamboo shoot curry), and sekuwa (grilled meat). Drink masala chai, tongba (warm millet brew), or local raksi spirit. Popular restaurants include Bhojan Griha and Thamel House (Kathmandu), and Moondance and Rosemary Kitchen (Pokhara).