Indian citizens can trek to Gokyo without a visa, with valid ID, the Sagarmatha National Park permit and local fees. The main planning issue is the Lukla flight, which is busiest around Dussehra and Diwali.
Entry and documents
Indian citizens do not need a visa to enter Nepal and may arrive by air or by land. Carry a valid passport or voter ID card, which are the documents normally accepted, and check the current rules shortly before you travel because requirements can change. Keep photocopies and a digital copy in a separate bag. The Gokyo route is inside Sagarmatha National Park, so you pay a park fee and a local municipality fee. Your operator can arrange both. Carry the printed receipts, since they are checked at posts along the way.
Money
Nepali rupees are the currency on the trail. Small Indian notes are accepted in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but villages prefer Nepali cash and higher Indian denominations are not allowed in Nepal, so withdraw or exchange before you start walking. Namche has ATMs but they sometimes run out, so withdraw in Kathmandu. Small notes are useful for tea, charging and tips. Indian rupees are not generally accepted in Khumbu villages.
Food and diet
Lodges serve vegetarian dal bhat, noodles, fried rice, soups and omelettes. Vegetarian options are easy, and Jain food is possible with notice. Prices rise with altitude because supplies come by porter and yak, so a dal bhat at Gokyo costs far more than in Pokhara. Carry some of your own snacks.
Flights and holidays
Flights to Lukla are most crowded in October and April. Book early and keep a spare day at both ends. If your holiday is short, resist the temptation to shorten acclimatisation. See how many days to allow before you finalise leave.
Getting from India
Fly to Kathmandu from major cities, or cross by road to Birgunj or Bhairahawa and continue by bus. Travellers from Nagpur usually connect through Delhi or Mumbai. Plan a night in Kathmandu before the Lukla flight so that jet-lag or delays do not cost you the first morning.
