Nepal Travel Guide From India | Destinations, Activities, Cuisine, And Every Unique Thing You Must Know
Nepal, the land of Mount Everest and Lord Buddha, is enjoying a massive surge in international tourism. The Nepal Tourism Board has confirmed that Nepal travel and tourism has recovered 99% of the figures during the pre-Covid-19 days.
Further, Nepal had around 1.15 million international visitors in 2024, and the foreign exchange worked as a massive boost to the country’s economy. However, despite the promising figures, there has been a sharp decline in Nepal travel from India.
Having said that, the Nepal government and authorities (like the Mithila Sagar Conservation Committee) are aiming to attract more travelers with enhanced amenities and recreational activities.
| Nepal Travel | In Focus – Pokhariya Lake Pokhariya Lake in Dalkebar, Dhanusha, has emerged as one of the top tourist attractions for Nepal travel. The lake in the Tarai region is a melting pot of cultural significance, natural beauty, and recreational activities. Further, this lake is close to the Indian border. So it can be accessed easily as a short getaway from India. Moreover, the surrounding lush green forests make it a place of intrigue. |
There are even endeavors to improve road conditions to boost transportation options and accessibility. So, this is the right time to plan a Nepal tour from India and other parts of the world.
To help you plan your trip to Nepal better, we have created a Dream and Travel guide. This travel guide focuses on the best time to visit, places to explore, things to do, delicacies to try, and everything unique you need to know as a tourist to Nepal.
Nepal Travel Guide From India | How To Visit Nepal
Nepal is a popular trekking and tourist destination for Indians for easy accessibility. You can travel by air, train or road to reach Nepal from India.
Here are the brief details about the different modes of transportation.
1. Nepal Travel From India By Air
You can fly to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and other international airports in India. The airfare will be roughly around INR 8k to 30k. There are, of course, higher ranges, but you don’t always need to make it super expensive.
Air India, IndiGo, Vistara, and Nepal Airlines are some of the authorities offering flight services from India to Nepal.
‣ Major International Airports In Nepal
Nepal has three operational international airports. The Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is the most popular among them.
The other two international airports in Nepal are Pokhara International Airport and Gautam Buddha International Airport.
Moreover, the Nijgadh International Airport is under development.
2. Nepal Travel From India By Train
If you want to enjoy the picturesque views and keep the travel budget reasonable, you must travel by train.
Since 3rd April 2022, the Jaynagar-Kurta-Bardibas Rail line has made Nepal more accessible to Indian tourists. This collaborative effort between the two countries has made traveling to Nepal super cheap.
This journey takes less than three hours, and for general compartments, the ticket price is only INR 90 per person. Furthermore, if you want to travel by AC coaches, you will have to pay INR 281.
From your boarding station, Jaynagar, the train starts at 8:15 AM and reaches Kurtha at 10:00 AM. With six halting stations, this is what the route looks like.
Jaynagar, Bihar
⬇️
Inarwa
⬇️
Khajuri
⬇️
Mahinathpur Halt
⬇️
Baidehi
⬇️
Parwaha
⬇️
Janakpur Dham
⬇️
Kurtha
In the near future, the rail line will be extended to Bardibas. So, the collaborative railway line is going to play a crucial role in touching the important travel points and cities.
Also, hopefully, the downfall in the number of Indian tourists will be recovered with the new railway line being more functional.
3. Nepal Travel From India By Road
If you are someone who wants to pace their own travel, Nepal travel by road is a great option. You can reach Nepal from India by road by taking a bus, reserved car, or self-drive.
India and Nepal share an open border and there are many entry points to Nepal. So, you can travel without a visa. Here are some of the most popular entry points in Nepal.
| Traveling From (Location In India) | Entry Point In Nepal |
| Delhi/Varanasi | Sunauli Border (Close to Bhairahawa) |
| Patna/Bihar | Raxaul Border Close to BirgunjJogbani Border Close to Biratnagar |
| Uttarakhand | Mahendranagar |
| Siliguri, West Bengal | Panitanki Border Near Kakarbhitta |
Though you don’t need a Visa, you will have to carry some documents to prove your Indian citizenship. Carry your Indian Passport or the voter ID card.
‣ Nepal Travel From India By Car Or Self-Drive
Traveling to Nepal by car is a good option, but it’s a little expensive. You must get a Nepali number plate and permit from the Nepal Customs Office.
Further, you will have to pay INR 100-500 every day based on your vehicle. Remember that you can stay a maximum of 30 days in Nepal within a year.
Nepal Car Booking is a reliable car service for traveling from India to Nepal. It offers Muktinath Tour Packages and Nepal Tour Packages.
You can reach out to them at +91-8377929897 for booking vehicles like Toyota Etios, Mahindra Scorpio Jeep, Toyota Hiace, Tata Manza, etc. The contact person is Shivendra Mishra.
The expense of car hire will be around INR 7500-20000.
| Muktinath in Mustang, Nepal, is a popular self-drive destination from India. My friend has just completed a self-drive trip to Muktinath from Kolkata. Buddhists consider Muktinath as a holy place as the abode of Avalokiteśvara. For Hindus, it is the residence of Lord Vishnu. So, it is one of the places celebrating religious harmony, ingrained in the DNA of Nepal. |
If you opt for self-drive, carry your driving license, Aadhar Card, RC, pollution, tax and insurance papers.
When my cousin visited Muktinath from Kolkata, he had to collect the customs permit at Bhansar. He had to pay 4800 Nepalese Rupees or NPR there. He also had to pay NPR 1000 for the extra road permit.
In addition, as a Mustang Permit, he had to pay NPR 1000 to the National Trust for Nature Conservation.
‣ Nepal Travel From India By Bus
You can visit Nepal from India by taking the Delhi-Kathmandu Bus Service operated by the Delhi Transport Corporation. The contact numbers for booking are 011-23318180 and 011-23712228.
The fare for this bus service is INR 2300 for 5 years and above. Up to two years, it is free of cost. However, no seat is entitled for a child up to 2 years.
What Is The Best Time For Nepal Travel | Book Your Tickets Wisely
Despite being a country of 147,181 Square Km, Nepal is diverse in its geology. It has Mount Everest and many high-altitude Himalayan mountains like Makalu (the fifth highest in the world), Kanchenjunga Main, etc.
Further, it has the Tibetan Plateau with a high altitude and the lush Terrai area made of lowlands and jungles.
So, this geological versatility makes the climatic situations in the country versatile. In other words, the best time to visit Nepal will depend on the places you want to explore and the activities you want to take part in.
The table below gives you a brief idea about the right time for Nepal travel based on areas of interest.
| Best Time To Visit Nepal | Average Temperature | Attractions |
| Late September to November | 13-25 Degree Celsius | Everest Base Camp TrekAnnapurna Base Camp TrekRating and Kayaking In The Rivers of NepalSightseeingDashain and Tihar Festivals |
| Winter (December to Early February) | 4-17 Degree Celsius (Himalayan regions record sub-zero temperatures.) | Low-altitude treks like Ghorepani Poon Hill TrekKopra Danda TrekMardi Himal Trek |
| Late Winter (January and February) | 6-18 Degree Celsius | A Visit to Chitwan and Bardia National Parks.Spotting Royal Bengal Tigers and one-horned rhinoceros.Wildlife Safari |
| Spring (Late February to April) | 6-30 Degree Celsius | Everest Base Camp TrekkingA Visit to the Pashupatinath TempleHoli Festival |
June to mid-September is the monsoon season in Nepal. Stuffy and gloomy weather conditions, high humidity, and risks of landslides make it the worst season to visit Nepal.
⁕⁕ Nepal Travel Packages From India ⁕⁕
Nepal tour packages will cost you around INR 20000-30000. 1 INR = 1.60 Nepalese Rupee. So, traveling to Nepal can be less expensive than visiting many places in India.
Nepal Travel Guide: Adventurous Activities To Try In The Land Of Mount Everest
‣ Trekking
The trekking and hiking trails in Nepal are as diverse as the country. Some trails will take you to the most enormous Himalayan mountains and foothills, and some are great for exploring the plateau, wildlife, and local culture.
Most hiking trails in Nepal pass through protected areas or national parks. However, you can easily access the trails by paying a token fee and collecting permits.
Further, during your trek in Nepal, you will find a lot of variety in the accommodation options. You can stay in teahouses, camps, or trekking lodges.
Do you want to know about the top trekking routes in Nepal? Here are the Dream and Travel favorites.
‣ Top Treks In Nepal | Plan Your Next Trekking Destination
Everyone seeks a different trekking experience, and the fitness level differs for all trekkers. The trekking trails in Nepal can accommodate all.
You may want to conquer the pinnacles or explore the beauty of the mountains and passes. Also, you may want to take a short trek of a few hours or a strenuous journey of a few weeks.
These are trekking trails awaiting you!
1. Everest Base Camp Trek
- Trek Route: Around 130 Kms
- Difficulty Level: Hard
- Trek Duration: 2 Weeks To 21 DAYS (Keep Buffer For Challenging Weather Conditions)
- Elevation: 5,364 Meters
- Starting Point: Lukla
The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal and the entire world. A trekker completing this 2-week journey will get to enjoy the magnificence of Sagarmatha or Mount Everest.
Further, this trek route passes through the Solukhumbu region and it is fascinating to know about the Sherpas there.
2. Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Trek Route: 170-230 Kms
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Trek Duration: 15+ Days
- Elevation: 4,130 Meters
- Starting Point: Nayapul
The Annapurna Base Camp or ABC trek is a challenging and vivid expedition. Annapurna I is the highest mountain you will see here, and Tharpu Chuli and Annapurna Dakshin also stand there as eternal witnesses.
Furthermore, villages like Ghandruk on the route teach you about different cultures and experiences at their best.
3. Langtang Valley Trek
- Trek Route: 80 Km
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Trek Duration: 1 Week
- Elevation: 4800 Meter
- Starting Point: Syabrubesi
The Langtang Valley Trek is very close to Kathmandu, and it is the best one-week trek in Nepal. Here, the views are magnificent, with green lands, glaciers, waterfalls, and bamboo groves.
Gosainkunda, a sacred lake, is the high point of this entire journey if you are a religious or spiritual seeker.
| Gosainkunda is believed to have been formed because of Samudra Manthan, a significant event in Hindu Mythology. The lake is also venerated as the abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati. |
4. Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Trek Route: Close to 200 Kms
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Trek Duration: More Than 2 Weeks
- Elevation: 5,160 Meters
- Starting Point: Soti Khola
Many call the Manaslu Circuit Trek the best alternative to the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Further, Manaslu is the eighth tallest mountain in the world, and the trekking route is full of drama.
Also, it is fascinating to cross the suspension bridge and gorges. Moreover, the tranquil villages and paddy fields on the route will soothe your mind and eyes.
‣ Peak Climbing
Peak climbing is one of the most challenging outdoor pursuits in Nepal. Popular peaks to be conquered here are Mera Peak, Dhampus, Bokta, Kusum Kanguru, etc.
However, the peaks to be conquered here are above 6000 Meters.
Nepal Guides Treks & Expedition Private Limited is a mountain climbing service with government-authorized tourism experts. They offer peak climbing expeditions of various grades and experiences.
You can contact them at +977 014512865, +977 014512764, and +977-9851 029 613.
‣ Wilderness Safari
Wilderness Safari is vital for tourism in Nepal, housing many national parks and protected areas. Companies like Wilderness Excursion (Direct Call Support: +977 9851042153) offer matchless safaris and wilderness tours in the country.
The table below further explains the places to visit in Nepal to encounter rhinos, elephants, and the best wildlife.
| Wilderness Safari Destinations | Hours Of Operation | Attractions/Highlights |
| Chitwan National Park, Subarnapur(Winner of Zero Poaching Year 2015 and 2016) | 8 AM – 6 PM | Rhinoceros conservationGharial crocodilesDeerElephants |
| Bardia National Park, Bardia, Bheri (Largest National Park in Nepal) | 9 AM to 8 PM | Asian elephants One-horned rhinosRoyal Bengal Tigers |
| Koshi Tappu Wildlife Park, Bairawa (Best for Bird Safari) | 9 AM to 3 PM | WildfowlHeronsRed-necked FalconStriated Marsh Warbler |
Along with these places, you can also explore wildlife at Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve, Sagarmatha National Park, and Makalu Barun National Park.
‣ Try Traditional Nepalese Cuisine
NewariKhaja, Sel Roti, momos, Maasko Bara, Gud Pak, and Chataamari are some traditional Nepalese delicacies you must try. Further, the cuisine here is tourist-friendly and reasonable.
If you are especially traveling from India or other parts of the Indian Subcontinent, Nepal is a haven for gastronomic delight.
Further, the Nepal Tourism Board acknowledges the importance of Nepalese cuisine in the country’s tourism. It highlights traditional marvels like Chukauni, Timmure Alu, Phulaura, Sekuwa, etc.
Along with traditional food items, you must also try local liquors like Tongba, Chhyang, or Aila.
| Nepali Chulo in Lazimpat, Kathmandu, serves the best traditional food. This place also hosts local music and dancing shows for the guests. Call them at +977 1-4002009 to reserve your table now. |
‣ Explore Popular Markets And Shopping Areas
Nepal is a great place to shop for warm clothes and handicrafts. You must already know about the famous Kukris and caps.
Thamel Bazar Kathmandu, Market Mall Kathmandu, and Mangal Bazar in Patan are popular tourist shopping destinations.
Nevertheless, if you are looking for woollens, S.K. Handicrafts Export. FAIR TRADE Cashmere Company in Amrit Marg, Kathmandu, is the best place to be. However, if you are unable to locate the store, you can call them at +977 1-5355372 for guidance.
‣ How About Trying Your Luck At Casinos?
It’s bad if you are in Nepal and have not tried your luck at casinos. You can play games like Blackjack, video poker, slot machines, and roulette games here.
Kathmandu has many hotels with casino facilities and the oldest one is the Casino Mahjong or Casino Nepal (Contact No: +977 1-5379060).
Top Destinations To Visit During Nepal Travel | Know The Best Attractions (13+)
These are the top destinations you cannot miss during Nepal travel. Further, we have tried to keep our list of places to visit eclectic so that you find a perfect match, irrespective of your interest.
- Kathmandu
- Bhaktapur
- Sagarmatha National Park
- Lumbini
- Chitwan National Park
- Nagarkot
- Patang
- Bandipur
- Mustang
- Dhulikhel
- Kirtipur
- Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
- Pokhariya Lake
- Muktinath
Types Of Accommodation In Nepal | A Nepal Travel Guide
From luxury hotels to tea houses, camps, and trekking lodges, Nepal offers diverse lodging options for its tourists. However, for me and the entire Dream and Travel team, homestay is the best option during a trip to Nepal.
It is an excellent choice if you want to try authentic Nepalese cuisine and know more about Nepalese culture. Further, it is a more suitable option if you are traveling on a budget. The expenditure will be around INR 1000 per night for a person.
Some popular homestays in Nepal are:
- Nice View Cottage, Pokhara
- Sunrise Point Homestay, Nagarkot
Some community homestays, like Panauti Community Homestay (+977 984-9318778) and Barauli Community Homestay (+977 980-1216111), offer more authentic experiences. However, in these places, the pocket pinch will be slightly higher.
Nepal Travel Guide | Cultural Insights (Major Festivals And Events, Language and Communication Tips
As I have been saying a couple of times now, exploring the local culture is an essential aspect of Nepal travel.
Further, a brief idea about festivals, events, regional language, and communication methods are critical factors for being acquainted with Nepalese culture.
‣ Festivals In Nepal
Dashain and Tihar are the biggest festivals in Nepal. Another major festival in the country is Buddha Jayanti.
Further, Gai Jatra, Teej, Fagun Purnima or Holi are the other popular celebrations and events in Nepal.
Moreover, Nepal celebrates its Independence Day on 21 December every year. It is a great day of pride and honor for the country.
‣ Language And Communication Tips During Nepal Travel
Nepali or Gorkhali is the native language of Nepal, and Maithili is the second-most popular language in the country. Furthermore, most Nepalese people speak fluent Hindi, and many of the population can converse in English.
So, communication is not a problem in Nepal if you speak any of these two languages.
Moreover, communication in Nepal involves a lot of non-verbal hints and sign language. So, that may be a little confusing for the first few days.
Overall, the way of communication is polite and a lot of active listening is encouraged.
Unique Aspects Of Nepal Travel | Things You Need To Know | A Dream And Travel Note
Nepal is for all types of travelers. You can be a trekking enthusiast, a foodie, or someone keen to learn about local culture. The things to do in Nepal are eclectic and vivid as the country.
- Within such a small geographical area, Nepal has four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Those sites are Kathmandu Valley, Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha, Chitwan National Park, and Sagarmatha National Park.
- Further, Nepal is the oldest South Asian country to maintain continuous sovereignty.
- Also, the stories of Himalayan Yeti or the Meh-Teh in the local language still create intrigue.
- Moreover, with Gurung, Khas, Nepali, Chhetri, Madheshi and other tribes, this country is a cultural melting pot.
- Above all, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Nepal, stands proud as the land of compassion and enlightenment. The unique national flag of the country is a tangible representation of the same.
So, with the slogan “Nepal: Back on Top of the World,” Nepal invites you to explore a lot beyond the things you can see. Wish you a happy journey or शुभ यात्रा!
| Kathmandu International Airport has a reduced hour of operation. This development from November 2024 will continue till March 2025. So, there will be a lot of irregularities in international and domestic flights. So, if you have a Nepal travel plan during this span, you must cross-check with your airline service or tour operator. |
