Annapurna Base Camp is a popular choice for Indian trekkers because it is close, affordable and can fit into a ten-day holiday. The preparations are simple if you know what Nepal expects at the border and on the trail.
Documents
Indian citizens do not need a visa for Nepal, but they must carry a valid identity document accepted for entry, such as a passport or a voter ID card, and the list of accepted documents can change, so confirm it before you fly. Many operators advise carrying a passport to avoid any trouble at checkpoints. Children under a certain age have separate document rules, so check before you travel.
Getting there
Common routes are by air from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru or Kolkata to Kathmandu, followed by a flight or bus to Pokhara. By road, travellers cross at Sunauli, Raxaul or Kakarbhitta, then continue by bus to Pokhara. Land crossings are cheaper but longer, so allow extra days if your leave is limited.
Money and payments
- Indian rupees are widely accepted in cities, but rules on which Indian notes are legal in Nepal have changed before, so check the current position and carry smaller denominations.
- Nepali rupees are needed on the trail, where card payments and ATMs are rare.
- Exchange some money in Pokhara before you start walking.
Permits and rules
Indian nationals pay the SAARC-category rate for the conservation area permit, which is lower than the rate for other foreigners. Your operator normally arranges it. Keep a copy of your identity document at all times.
Food and lodging
Vegetarian meals are easy to find, and dal bhat is the staple. Jain and strict vegetarian travellers should tell their guide and lodge owner in advance. Egg and meat are common but often optional. Hot tea, soup and fresh vegetables are the best choices at altitude.
Seasons that suit Indian travellers
School holidays and festivals such as Diwali and Dussehra fall in autumn and bring crowds. April and May, when many Indian travellers take leave, are warm but hazy. Winter is cold and quiet. Book early for festival periods.
What to prepare
Start training two months before, take a doctor's advice if you have any health condition, buy travel insurance that includes helicopter evacuation and carry a printed list of emergency numbers. A reliable local operator who arranges guides, permits and transfers makes the trek smoother, especially on a first visit.
Planning leave and long weekends
Many Indian trekkers combine ABC with public holidays. A common plan is to travel overnight, trek for nine days and return with a buffer. Check flight availability, since holiday seasons book out early. Land travellers should plan extra days for buses and border crossings, and avoid tight connections.
Mobile and communication
Indian SIM cards usually do not work in Nepal without roaming. A local SIM from Pokhara works in parts of the trail, and some lodges offer wifi. Tell family that coverage is patchy, and agree a check-in plan with your guide rather than expecting daily calls.
Insurance and health
Indian travellers should buy insurance that covers trekking at altitude and helicopter evacuation. Carry a small kit of medicines and basic prescriptions with their original names. If you have a chronic condition, consult a doctor before the trip and carry a doctor's note.
Respecting local customs
- Remove shoes before entering a home or temple.
- Dress modestly in villages and religious sites.
- Ask permission before photographing people or ceremonies.
- Be patient and polite with lodge staff.
