Indian citizens can travel to Nepal by land or air without a visa, which makes Annapurna treks easy to reach from Pokhara. There are still a few documents and payments to organise before you walk.
Identity documents
Carry a valid passport or voter ID card, which are the documents generally accepted for Indian citizens entering Nepal. Check current border and airline rules before you travel, because requirements for identity proof and for travellers under a certain age can change. Bring photocopies and a few passport-size photos.
Trekking permits at SAARC rates
Because Indian citizens are SAARC nationals, they pay the lower fees. Based on the figures supplied to us:
- TIMS: NPR 1,000, issued through a registered trekking agency.
- Annapurna Conservation Area entry: NPR 1,000 per entry.
That comes to about NPR 2,000 in official fees on the main Annapurna routes. Children below ten are exempt from entry fees. Rates can change, so confirm them before you book.
Guide requirement
On the Annapurna Circuit, Poon Hill to Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Khopra and other listed routes, a licensed guide must accompany you. We arrange both the guide and the TIMS registration.
Money
Indian currency is widely accepted in many places in Nepal, but rules and denominations can vary, and it is not always accepted by every lodge. Carrying some Nepali rupees is the safest option. Withdraw enough in Pokhara or Kathmandu, because machines are scarce or unreliable on the trail. Keep cash in a waterproof pouch.
Other tips
- Buy travel and medical insurance that covers trekking at altitude.
- Tell your mobile provider about international roaming, or buy a local SIM in Pokhara.
- Carry a copy of your itinerary for family.
Preparing your documents at home
Before you leave, scan your identity documents and email them to yourself and to the operator. Take printed copies of your itinerary, insurance and emergency contacts. If you are travelling with children or older relatives, carry any relevant medical letters. Keep documents in a waterproof pouch that you can reach easily, and carry a pen for forms at checkpoints.
Cash, cards and digital payments
Cash is the main means of payment on the trail, and machines are scarce beyond the larger towns. Carry Nepali rupees in small notes, and ask the operator how much to carry for your route. Cards and digital payment apps may not work in remote villages, and signals can fail. If you plan to buy gear in Kathmandu or Pokhara, check whether shops accept cards or charge extra.
Phones, SIM cards and staying in touch
Coverage is patchy in the mountains. A local SIM can be cheaper than roaming, but you need identification and time for registration. Let your family know about the likely gaps in communication and share the contact details of your operator. Carry a power bank and keep devices warm.
Practical suggestions
- Ask your operator which documents they need from you and by when.
- Check your travel insurance covers trekking at the planned altitude.
- Keep emergency numbers written on paper in your daypack.
What our guests say
Excerpts from guest reviews of Himalayan Wonders, our parent company, on Tripadvisor.
“They took utmost care of our group of 5 friends from Kathmandu airport upto the completion of the trek”
