In This Guide
Nepal — the land of the Himalayas, birthplace of Lord Buddha, and home to eight of the world's fourteen 8,000-metre peaks — is one of the most captivating travel destinations on earth. From the ancient temples of Kathmandu Valley to the serene lakeside town of Pokhara, from the jungles of Chitwan to the pilgrimage sites of Lumbini and Muktinath, Nepal offers an extraordinary diversity of experiences in a compact area.
For Indian travellers, Nepal is especially convenient — no visa required, easy flight and land connectivity, familiar cuisine, and affordable prices. Whether you seek adventure, spirituality, wildlife, or simply a relaxing holiday amidst stunning natural beauty, Nepal delivers. Nila Voyages offers complete Nepal tour packages including flights, hotels, sightseeing, trekking arrangements, and pilgrimage tours.
Best Time to Visit
March–May
The most popular season. Rhododendron forests bloom across the hills. Clear skies offer outstanding mountain views. Temperatures are pleasant (15°C–25°C in Kathmandu). Ideal for trekking and sightseeing.
September–November
Peak season with the clearest skies and best mountain views. Post-monsoon air is crisp and fresh. Perfect for trekking and photography. Book well in advance.
December–February
Cold but clear in Kathmandu and Pokhara (5°C–15°C). High-altitude treks are snowbound. Good for cultural tours and lowland destinations like Chitwan.
Our Recommendation
March–May and September–November for the best weather and mountain views. Avoid monsoon (June–August) unless visiting rain-shadow areas like Upper Mustang.
Top Destinations in Nepal
Kathmandu Valley
The capital city is a UNESCO World Heritage site cluster. Don't miss: Pashupatinath Temple (one of the holiest Shiva temples for Hindus), Boudhanath Stupa (one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world), Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple with panoramic city views), and the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur.
Pokhara
Nepal's second city is a stunning lakeside town with the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges reflected in Phewa Lake. Activities include boating, paragliding, zip-lining, and short treks to the World Peace Pagoda and Sarangkot for sunrise views. Pokhara is also the gateway to the Annapurna trekking region.
Chitwan National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chitwan is one of Asia's best wildlife reserves. Expect jeep safaris, canoe rides, elephant encounters, and bird watching. Spot one-horned rhinos, Royal Bengal tigers, crocodiles, and over 500 bird species. The best time is October–March.
Lumbini
The birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations in the world. The Maya Devi Temple marks the exact spot of Buddha's birth. The Sacred Garden and monastic zones built by Buddhist countries make it a serene destination.
Suggested Itineraries
5-Day Nepal Highlights Tour (Best for First-Timers)
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel. Evening visit to Boudhanath Stupa and Thamel market.
Day 2: Full-day Kathmandu sightseeing — Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Day 3: Drive or fly to Pokhara (6 hr drive / 25 min flight). Boating on Phewa Lake. Evening at Lakeside.
Day 4: Early morning Sarangkot sunrise. Visit Devi's Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, World Peace Pagoda.
Day 5: Return to Kathmandu. Depart.
9-Day Nepal Comprehensive Tour
Day 1–2: Kathmandu sightseeing.
Day 3: Drive to Pokhara (6 hrs).
Day 4: Pokhara — Sarangkot sunrise, full-day exploration.
Day 5: Drive to Chitwan (5 hrs). Evening Tharu cultural show.
Day 6: Chitwan — jeep safari, canoe ride, bird watching.
Day 7: Drive to Lumbini (4 hrs). Visit Maya Devi Temple and monasteries.
Day 8: Drive back to Kathmandu (8 hrs via Bharatpur).
Day 9: Depart from Kathmandu.
Trekking Options
- Everest Base Camp Trek (14 days): The classic Himalayan trek. Fly to Lukla and trek to EBC via Namche Bazaar. Best for experienced trekkers. View our EBC Package →
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek (7–10 days): A beautiful trek through diverse landscapes. Moderate difficulty. Suitable for first-time trekkers.
- Poon Hill Trek (4–5 days): A short, easy trek with spectacular sunrise views over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
- Upper Mustang Trek (14–16 days): A restricted-area trek through the arid Trans-Himalayan landscape. Requires a special permit.
Costs & Budget
Nepal is highly affordable for Indian travellers. Here are approximate per-person costs for a 5-night/6-day Nepal tour:
| Category | Budget | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights (Delhi–Kathmandu round trip) | ₹8,000–12,000 | ₹12,000–18,000 | ₹18,000–30,000 |
| Accommodation (5 nights) | ₹5,000–8,000 | ₹12,000–18,000 | ₹25,000–45,000 |
| Sightseeing & transfers | ₹4,000–6,000 | ₹8,000–12,000 | ₹15,000–25,000 |
| Total approx. | ₹20,000–31,000 | ₹38,000–58,000 | ₹70,000–1,20,000 |
Note
Prices vary by season and itinerary. Trekking packages cost extra. Contact Nila Voyages for a customised quote.
Visa & Permits for Indians
Indian citizens do not need a visa to enter Nepal. A valid Indian passport or Voter ID is sufficient. For trekking: TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card and national park entry fees are needed. For restricted areas like Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo, special permits are required. Nila Voyages handles all trekking permits as part of your package.
How to Reach Nepal from India
By Air: Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Lucknow, and Patna to Kathmandu. Flight time from Delhi is about 1 hour 45 minutes.
By Road: You can drive or take a bus to the Nepal border. The most popular road routes are: Delhi–Lucknow–Sunauli (to Bhairahawa) and Patna–Raxaul (to Birgunj).
By Train: Indian railways run trains to Raxaul (Bihar), from where the Nepal border is a short walk.
Travel Tips from Our Team
- No visa needed for Indians — but carry a valid passport or government-issued photo ID.
- Indian currency: ₹500 and ₹100 notes are widely accepted in Nepal. Carry some Nepali rupees for smaller purchases.
- SIM cards: Ncell and Nepal Telecom offer affordable tourist SIMs at the airport.
- Altitude awareness: If trekking above 3,000 m, build in acclimatisation days.
- Dress modestly at temples. Remove shoes before entering.
- Bargain at local markets in Thamel and Pokhara Lakeside — it is expected.
- Travel insurance is highly recommended, especially if trekking.
- Combine Nepal with Muktinath or Mustang for a pilgrimage-plus-adventure itinerary.