Indian citizens do not need a visa for Nepal but should carry valid photo ID such as a passport or voter ID. Take Nepali rupees for the trail, check the current rules on Indian notes before you leave, buy insurance that covers trekking at altitude, and expect patchy phone signal. Plan around Indian holiday dates, because flights and lodges fill early.
Documents to carry
Carry a valid passport or voter ID for the journey, and keep the passport as your main document for the trail, since checkposts and permit counters may ask for ID. Acceptance of other documents has varied and airlines can have their own rules, so check with your airline shortly before departure.
Pack a few passport-size photographs, printed copies of your insurance and bookings, and emergency contact numbers on paper. Photograph each document and email the images to yourself. If you are travelling with children or older relatives, carry any medical letters and proof of relationship. Keep everything in one waterproof pouch inside your daypack, not in the bag a porter carries.
Entering by air or by land
Flying to Kathmandu from major Indian cities is the fastest option and the one most of our guests choose. Overland entry is possible through several border crossings and suits people who want a slower trip, but road conditions, border queues and bus schedules vary, so allow spare days.
At either entry point, immigration officers may ask for your ID, the purpose of your trip and where you will stay. Answer plainly and keep your booking confirmation handy. If you are driving your own vehicle across, vehicle papers and permits are a separate matter that needs checking well in advance. Rules change, so confirm before you travel, especially for land crossings.
Money and Indian rupee notes
Indian rupees are accepted in many places in Nepal, but the rules about which denominations are allowed, and how much can be carried, have changed more than once. Acceptance can also depend on the shop and the day. Check the current rules before you leave and ask us if you are unsure.
The safe approach is to exchange money for Nepali rupees in Kathmandu or Pokhara and carry enough for the trail in small notes. Cash machines become unreliable as you climb, and cards and digital payment apps stop working in the upper villages. On the Everest route, plan to have all your trail cash before you leave Namche. Prices for tea, meals and charging rise with altitude.
SIM cards, roaming and phone use
Your Indian number may roam in Nepal, but charges can be high, so ask your operator about a plan before you leave. A local SIM bought in Kathmandu often gives better data in the villages. Buying one usually requires your passport, a photograph and a little time for registration.
Coverage is patchy in the mountains and disappears in some valleys altogether. Tell your family to expect gaps of a day or more, and share your guide's number. Wifi in teahouses is usually slow and sometimes costs extra. Carry a power bank, and keep your phone warm at night, because cold drains the battery quickly. Never rely on a single phone as your only way to reach help.
Insurance for Indian travellers
Many Indian travel policies cap the altitude at which trekking is covered or exclude adventure activities, so read the wording rather than the brochure. Look for cover that names the maximum height of your route and includes helicopter evacuation and medical treatment. Ask the insurer to confirm the cover in writing.
Buy the policy when you book, so cancellation cover applies if plans change. Carry the policy number and the assistance phone number on paper, and give your guide a copy. We can help you check that a policy matches your itinerary. General information only, not financial or medical advice.
Timing around Indian holidays
Long weekends and festival breaks, including Diwali, Dussehra, the summer school holidays and the end of year, are the busiest times for Indian trekkers. Flights from Indian cities and the mountain flights to places like Lukla fill early, and lodges on popular routes get crowded.
Book as soon as your leave dates are confirmed. Add at least one spare day at the end of the trek, because weather can delay flights and your return to India may be fixed. We can add a spare day if your schedule allows. Autumn and spring offer the clearest conditions, while the monsoon brings rain and leeches in many hill areas.
Common questions
Do Indian citizens need a visa for Nepal?
No. Indian citizens can enter without a visa but should carry valid photo ID such as a passport or voter ID. Rules change, so confirm the current requirement with your airline before you travel.
Can I use Indian rupees on a Nepal trek?
Indian notes are accepted in many places, but rules about denominations and amounts have changed. Check the current rules before you leave and carry Nepali rupees in small notes for the trail.
Will my Indian SIM work in the mountains?
It may roam in towns, but coverage is patchy on the trail and charges can be high. A local SIM often works better. Expect gaps in signal and plan for it.
Does my Indian travel insurance cover trekking?
Not always. Many policies cap altitude or exclude adventure activities. Read the wording, confirm in writing that your route height and helicopter evacuation are covered, and keep the assistance number with you.
