Plan at least one full day in Kathmandu before your trek. Confirm your airport pickup, settle into a hotel near your guide's briefing point, check your gear, hand over permit documents, meet your guide and keep a spare day for delays. Use the rest of the time for gentle sightseeing and rest.
Step 1: Airport pickup and first evening
Before you fly, send us your flight details so a driver can meet you. At Kathmandu airport you clear immigration, collect your bag and look for a person holding your name. Arrivals can be busy and flights often land together, so allow time. Indian citizens should keep valid photo ID such as a passport or voter ID ready.
The drive to the hotel can be slow in traffic. Once you check in, eat something simple, drink water and rest. The city is busy and the air can be dusty, so many people feel tired on the first day. Do not plan anything heavy for the evening. Check your phone is charged, and send your family a message with your hotel name.
Step 2: Choose the hotel area
Most trekkers stay in the tourist district near Thamel, where outfitters, cafes, money exchanges and agencies are within walking distance. It is lively and sometimes noisy, so ask for an upper room away from the street if you want to sleep well. Quieter neighbourhoods are a short taxi ride away and suit people who prefer calm.
The best choice is the one that makes your briefing and shopping easy. We book a hotel that works with your trek plan, and we can suggest alternatives if you want a different area. Keep your luggage plan simple: leave the bag with items you will not need on the trek at the hotel, and take only your trek kit.
Step 3: Gear check and shopping
Lay out your gear on the bed and check it against the packing list your guide has shared. Kathmandu has many shops that sell or rent trekking items, so you can fill small gaps such as a warm hat, gloves, a sleeping bag or poles. Quality varies, so try things on and check zips and seams. Keep your purchases to what you need.
Break in new boots before the trek, not in the trail's first week. Pack a rain layer, a warm layer, sun protection and a refillable bottle. Weigh your bag, because flights to mountain airstrips and porters both have limits. Leave valuables in the hotel safe, and take photos of your gear list for insurance purposes.
Step 4: Briefing, permits and money
Your guide or our team will meet you for a briefing. They go through the route, daily distances, altitude gain, safety rules and how to report symptoms. Ask questions, and be honest about any health issues. This general information is not medical advice, but it is the right time to mention any medicine you take.
Hand over your passport copy, photographs and any form we have asked for, so the permit paperwork can be finished. Check that your insurance papers are with you. Exchange or withdraw your trail cash now, mostly in small notes, as machines are unreliable on the trail. Rules change, so confirm before you travel if you are unsure about currency or documents.
Step 5: Spare days and sightseeing
Mountain flights and roads can be delayed by weather, so keep a spare day in your plan, either before the trek or at the end. If your schedule allows it, we can add one. Having that buffer makes your return to India or your onward flight far less stressful.
For sightseeing, choose gentle half day visits rather than long tiring days. The old squares of Kathmandu, the stupas at Boudhanath and Swayambhunath, and the temple area at Pashupatinath are popular and easy to reach by taxi. Dress modestly at religious sites, carry small change for entry, and drink bottled or filtered water. Go to bed early before your trek begins.
Common questions
How many days should I spend in Kathmandu before a trek?
At least one full day is sensible, so you can rest, meet your guide, finish paperwork and check gear. A second day gives you a buffer for flight delays or shopping.
Can I buy trekking gear in Kathmandu?
Yes. Many shops sell and rent trekking gear, especially in the tourist area. Quality varies, so check zips, seams and fit, and break in boots before the trek starts.
What should I bring to the trek briefing?
Bring your passport or ID, passport-size photographs if asked, your insurance papers, and a list of any medicines or health concerns. Also bring questions about the route.
Is it worth adding a spare day at the end of the trek?
Yes. Weather can delay mountain flights, and a spare day keeps your onward travel safe. Tell us when you book and we can add a day if your schedule allows.
