Mysore International Travels logo
📞 +91 96119 57301 Get a Quote
Destination Guide

Nepal Tour Packages & Travel Guide

Plan a Nepal trip with MIT — Kathmandu temples, Pokhara lakes, Everest mountain flight, Chitwan safari and Pashupatinath. Get a quote.

Get a Free Quote WhatsApp Us
Nepal — travel guide by Mysore International Travels

Nepal holds eight of the world's fourteen peaks above 8,000 metres, including Everest, and that fact shapes everything about how people travel there. But the country is far more than a trekking destination — Kathmandu valley alone contains seven UNESCO World Heritage monument zones, Pashupatinath is one of the most significant Shiva temples anywhere, Lumbini is the birthplace of the Buddha, and Chitwan in the lowland Terai has rhinos and tigers.

A non-trekking trip typically covers Kathmandu's durbar squares, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath stupas, and Pashupatinath; then Pokhara, on a lake beneath the Annapurna range, which is the country's most relaxed town and the gateway to most treks. A mountain flight along the Everest range is the standard way to see the high Himalaya without walking. Chitwan or Bardia add wildlife.

For Indian travellers Nepal is unusually accessible: no visa or passport is required for Indian nationals, flights are short, the rupee is widely accepted, and Hindu pilgrimage to Pashupatinath and Muktinath is a major reason many people go. MIT arranges Nepal itineraries covering the cultural and pilgrimage circuit, Pokhara, mountain flights, and Chitwan, as well as trek arrangements for those who want them.

Best Time to Visit

October to November is the best window overall — clear post-monsoon skies, the sharpest mountain views, comfortable temperatures, and the Dashain and Tihar festivals. March to May is the second season, warmer with rhododendron bloom, though haze increasingly obscures the mountains by late spring. December to February is cold, particularly at altitude, but clear and quiet. June to September is the monsoon: heavy rain, obscured mountains, landslides affecting road travel, and leeches on trails.

Weather

Nepal's climate varies enormously with altitude, across a range from around 60 metres in the Terai to 8,849 at Everest. Kathmandu and Pokhara, at roughly 800-1,400 metres, have mild winters of 5-20°C and warm summers of 20-30°C. The Terai lowlands including Chitwan are hot and humid, often above 35°C in summer. High-altitude trekking regions are cold year-round with sub-zero nights. The monsoon (June-September) affects the whole country, heaviest in the east.

Ideal Duration

6 to 8 days covers Kathmandu, Pokhara, and either a mountain flight or Chitwan comfortably. Four to five days works for Kathmandu and a pilgrimage focus. Trekking changes the calculation entirely — the Annapurna Base Camp trek needs around 7 to 12 days on the trail alone, and Everest Base Camp 12 to 16 days, plus buffer for weather-affected flights.

Budget

Nepal is one of the most affordable destinations available from India. Accommodation ranges from very cheap guesthouses in Thamel and Lakeside through comfortable mid-range hotels to a few genuine luxury properties and heritage conversions. Food, transport, and guides are all inexpensive. The main costs are flights, the Everest mountain flight, national park fees and safari at Chitwan, and — for trekkers — permits, guides, and porters. MIT quotes the full trip including flights, hotels, transfers, and any trek arrangements.

Must-see

Top attractions in Nepal

Pashupatinath Temple

One of the most significant Shiva temples in the world, on the Bagmati river in Kathmandu, and a major destination for Hindu pilgrims from India — non-Hindus may view the complex from outside the inner sanctum.

Boudhanath & Swayambhunath Stupas

One of the world's largest stupas and a centre of Tibetan Buddhism in exile, and the hilltop 'monkey temple' overlooking Kathmandu — both UNESCO-listed.

Kathmandu, Patan & Bhaktapur Durbar Squares

Three royal squares of Newari palaces, temples, and courtyards, all UNESCO-listed, with Bhaktapur the best preserved.

Pokhara & Phewa Lake

A lakeside town beneath the Annapurna range, with boating, the World Peace Pagoda, paragliding, and the Sarangkot sunrise viewpoint.

Everest Mountain Flight

A roughly one-hour scenic flight along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu, giving close views of Everest without any trekking.

Chitwan National Park

A UNESCO-listed lowland park with one-horned rhinos, tigers, gharial crocodiles, and elephants, explored by jeep, canoe, and on foot.

Lumbini

The birthplace of the Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Terai, with the Maya Devi temple and monasteries built by many Buddhist nations.

Annapurna & Everest Treks

The world's best-known trekking regions, from short Poon Hill routes of a few days to Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Base Camp expeditions.

Getting there

How to reach Nepal

By Air
Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is the main gateway, with direct flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, Bangalore, and other Indian cities. Flight time from Bangalore is roughly 3.5 hours direct or via Delhi. Pokhara also has an international airport with limited services.
Entry Requirements
Indian nationals do not require a visa or passport for Nepal — a valid photo identity document such as a voter ID or Aadhaar-linked identification is generally accepted, though a passport is simplest and is required if flying. Rules for specific documents change, so we confirm what will be accepted before you travel.
By Road
Nepal is reachable overland from India through several border crossings including Sunauli, Raxaul-Birgunj, and Kakarbhitta. This suits travellers already in North India but involves long journeys on slow mountain roads. Within Nepal, domestic flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara take about 25 minutes versus 6-8 hours by road.
Make the most of it

Things to do

  • Take an Everest mountain flight from Kathmandu for close Himalayan views without trekking
  • Visit Pashupatinath, one of the most significant Shiva temples anywhere, and see the evening aarti
  • Walk the kora around Boudhanath stupa at dusk with the Tibetan community
  • Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the best preserved of the three royal squares
  • Watch sunrise over the Annapurnas from Sarangkot above Pokhara
  • Boat on Phewa Lake and walk up to the World Peace Pagoda
  • Take a jeep safari and canoe trip at Chitwan for one-horned rhinos
  • Trek Poon Hill in a few days, or Annapurna Base Camp if you have longer
  • Paraglide over Pokhara, one of the world's better-regarded sites for it
  • Visit Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, in the southern Terai
Where to stay

Hotels in Nepal

Kathmandu's Thamel district is the traveller hub — convenient, busy, and full of budget and mid-range options — while Lazimpat and Boudha are quieter, and a few heritage properties occupy restored Newari buildings. Pokhara's Lakeside strip has lake-facing hotels at every price point and is markedly calmer than Kathmandu. Chitwan has jungle lodges inside and around the buffer zone. On treks, accommodation is teahouses — simple, warm-enough lodges run by local families, which are part of the experience rather than a compromise.

Where to eat

Restaurants & local food

Nepali food is dal bhat — rice, lentils, vegetables, and pickle, usually with unlimited refills, which is the everyday meal and genuinely good — along with momos, thukpa, and Newari specialities in Kathmandu valley. Because of decades of trekking tourism, Thamel and Lakeside have an unusually broad international restaurant scene for a country this size. Indian food is everywhere and familiar, and vegetarian options are abundant given the Hindu majority. Note that beef is not eaten by most Nepalis and is restricted, so menus differ from what you might expect.

Before you go

Travel tips

  • Indian nationals need no visa, but carry proper photo identification — a passport is simplest and is required if you fly in
  • October-November gives the clearest mountain views; by late spring haze increasingly obscures them
  • Domestic flights, including to Lukla for Everest treks, are frequently delayed or cancelled by weather — build buffer days into any trek itinerary
  • For trekking, use a registered agency with insured guides and porters, and obtain the required TIMS card and conservation area permits
  • Altitude sickness is a genuine risk on high treks — ascend gradually, follow acclimatisation schedules, and descend if symptoms worsen
  • Nepal sits in a seismically active zone; familiarise yourself with your hotel's exits, as you would anywhere with that risk
  • Non-Hindus cannot enter the inner sanctum at Pashupatinath, though the wider complex is open to all
  • Carry cash — cards work in Thamel and Lakeside hotels but poorly elsewhere, and Indian rupees are widely accepted in smaller denominations
  • Kathmandu's air quality is poor in the dry months; a mask helps if you are sensitive
Nearby

Nearby attractions

  • Pokhara – the lakeside town beneath the Annapurnas and the main trekking gateway
  • Chitwan & Bardia – lowland national parks for rhino and tiger
  • Lumbini – the Buddha's birthplace, in the southern Terai
  • Nagarkot & Dhulikhel – hill viewpoints near Kathmandu for Himalayan sunrises
  • Bhutan & Tibet – both commonly combined with Nepal into a longer Himalayan trip
FAQs

Nepal — Frequently Asked Questions

Do Indians need a visa for Nepal?
No. Indian nationals do not require a visa for Nepal, and travel is permitted on a valid photo identity document. A passport is simplest and is required if you are flying in. Because accepted document rules change, we confirm what will be accepted before you travel.
What is the best time to visit Nepal?
October to November is best overall — clear post-monsoon skies, the sharpest mountain views, and the Dashain and Tihar festivals. March to May is the second season with rhododendron bloom, though haze builds by late spring. Avoid the June-September monsoon for mountain views and road travel.
How many days do I need for Nepal?
Six to eight days for Kathmandu, Pokhara, and either a mountain flight or Chitwan. Four to five days for Kathmandu and a pilgrimage focus. Trekking changes this entirely — Annapurna Base Camp needs 7 to 12 days on the trail, Everest Base Camp 12 to 16, plus weather buffer.
Can I see Everest without trekking?
Yes. The Everest mountain flight from Kathmandu is a roughly one-hour scenic flight along the Himalayan range with close views of Everest, and every passenger gets a window seat. It is the standard option for travellers who want the mountain without the walk, weather permitting.
How do I reach Nepal from Bangalore or Mysore?
There are direct flights from Bangalore to Kathmandu of roughly 3.5 hours, and connections via Delhi. From Mysore or Coimbatore, travellers generally route through Bangalore. Overland entry from North India is possible but involves long journeys on slow roads.
Is Nepal cheap for Indian travellers?
It is one of the most affordable destinations available. Guesthouses, food, transport, and guides are all inexpensive, and Indian rupees are widely accepted. The main costs are flights, the Everest mountain flight, Chitwan park fees, and trekking permits and staff if you trek.
Is Pashupatinath open to non-Hindus?
The wider temple complex is open to all visitors, but only Hindus may enter the inner sanctum. The riverside ghats, the surrounding shrines, and the evening aarti can be observed by everyone. It is a working cremation site as well as a temple, so visit with appropriate respect.
What treks are available in Nepal?
Everything from short routes like Poon Hill, which takes a few days and suits reasonably fit walkers, to Annapurna Base Camp at 7 to 12 days and Everest Base Camp at 12 to 16. Use a registered agency with insured guides and porters, and obtain the required TIMS card and conservation permits.
Is trekking in Nepal dangerous?
It carries real risks that are manageable with planning: altitude sickness on high routes, weather, and unpredictable domestic flights to trailheads like Lukla. Ascend gradually, follow acclimatisation schedules, use a registered agency, and carry travel insurance that explicitly covers high-altitude trekking and evacuation.
What is Chitwan National Park?
A UNESCO-listed lowland park in the Terai known for one-horned rhinos, with tigers, gharial crocodiles, elephants, and strong birdlife. It is explored by jeep safari, canoe on the Rapti river, and guided walks. It is a full day's drive or a short flight from Kathmandu.
Is Nepal good for pilgrimage from India?
Very — Pashupatinath is one of the most significant Shiva temples anywhere and draws large numbers of Indian pilgrims, and Muktinath in the Mustang region is an important site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Lumbini, the Buddha's birthplace, is also in Nepal. We build pilgrimage-focused itineraries regularly.
What is dal bhat?
Nepal's everyday meal — rice, lentil soup, vegetable curry, and pickle, usually served with unlimited refills. It is genuinely good, extremely good value, and what trekkers live on. Every teahouse and local restaurant serves it, and it varies pleasantly from region to region.
Is Nepal safe after the earthquakes?
Nepal sits in a seismically active zone and experienced a major earthquake in 2015. Reconstruction of heritage sites has progressed substantially and tourism operates normally. Standard preparedness applies — know your hotel's exits — but it should not deter travel.
Is Nepal suitable for families and elderly travellers?
Yes for the cultural and Pokhara circuit, which involves sightseeing and drives rather than exertion. The mountain flight, Chitwan safari, and Phewa Lake all work well for mixed groups. High-altitude trekking is a different matter and should be assessed individually.
How do I get from Kathmandu to Pokhara?
By air in about 25 minutes, or by road in 6 to 8 hours depending on conditions. The flight is inexpensive and, on a clear day, gives Himalayan views. The road journey is long and can be affected by landslides in the monsoon.
Can I use Indian rupees in Nepal?
Yes, Indian rupees are widely accepted, though larger denominations have historically caused difficulty in some places, so carry smaller notes. The Nepali rupee is pegged to the Indian rupee. Cards work in Thamel and Lakeside hotels but poorly elsewhere, so carry cash.
What is Thamel?
Kathmandu's traveller district — a dense grid of guesthouses, trekking-gear shops, restaurants, and bars. It is convenient and has everything you need for a trek, but it is busy and touristy. Lazimpat and the Boudha area are quieter alternatives for staying.
Can I combine Nepal with Bhutan or Tibet?
Yes. Kathmandu has direct flights to Paro, making a Nepal-Bhutan combination straightforward, and it is also a common departure point for Tibet, though Tibet requires separate permits with more restrictive rules. Either combination needs twelve to fourteen days.
What should I buy in Nepal?
Pashmina — buy from established shops, as imitation is widespread — along with thangka paintings, singing bowls, Khukuri knives, handmade lokta paper, and Tibetan handicrafts around Boudha. Bargaining is expected in Thamel. Trekking gear is cheap but quality varies, so inspect carefully.
How much does a Nepal tour package cost?
Nepal is affordable, and the main variables are flights, hotel category, whether you include the Everest mountain flight and Chitwan, and whether you trek. MIT quotes the full trip including flights, hotels, transfers, park fees, and any trek arrangements.
Does MIT arrange Nepal tour packages?
Yes. MIT arranges Nepal itineraries including flights from South India, hotels, transfers, Everest mountain flights, Chitwan safaris, pilgrimage-focused circuits to Pashupatinath and Muktinath, and trek arrangements through registered agencies. Call or WhatsApp +91 96119 57301.
Plan your trip

Get a custom Nepal itinerary

Tell us your dates and group size — we'll build a Nepal plan around you.

Fill in your details once, then choose how you'd like to reach us — either way we'll call you back. Prefer to talk now? Call +91 96119 57301 (Primary) or +91 96119 57201 (Alternative).