Indian citizens pay significantly less for Nepal trekking than Western tourists. No visa required. SAARC permit rates are 50 to 75 percent cheaper. Domestic flights can be booked at Nepali rates. And the proximity — a two-hour flight from Delhi, a bus from the border — means transport costs are a fraction of what Europeans or Americans pay. Here is what a Nepal trek actually costs in Indian rupees.
What Permits Do Indian Citizens Need?
Indian citizens do not need a visa for Nepal. You enter with a valid passport or Voter ID card. This saves USD 50 (about INR 4,200) that other nationalities must pay.
Trekking permits for SAARC nationals (India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bhutan, Maldives, Afghanistan) are significantly cheaper:
| Permit | SAARC Rate | Non-SAARC Rate | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| TIMS Card | NPR 600 (INR 375) | NPR 2,000 (INR 1,250) | 70% |
| Sagarmatha NP (Everest) | NPR 1,500 (INR 940) | NPR 3,000 (INR 1,875) | 50% |
| Annapurna ACAP | NPR 1,000 (INR 625) | NPR 3,000 (INR 1,875) | 67% |
| Langtang NP | NPR 1,500 (INR 940) | NPR 3,000 (INR 1,875) | 50% |
| Manaslu Restricted | USD 50/week | USD 100/week | 50% |
| Upper Mustang | USD 25/day | USD 50/day | 50% |
For the standard EBC trek, an Indian citizen pays NPR 2,100 (INR 1,315) in permits. A British citizen pays NPR 5,000 (INR 3,125). The saving is INR 1,810 — enough for two nights in a Kathmandu hotel.
How Much Does an EBC Trek Cost for Indian Citizens?
| Item | Budget (INR) | Standard (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Kathmandu flight (return) | 8,000-15,000 | 12,000-20,000 |
| Trek package (12 days) | 90,000 | 105,000 |
| Kathmandu hotel (2 nights) | 2,000 | 5,000 |
| Daily extras on trail (12 days) | 10,000 | 15,000 |
| Tips (guide + porter) | 15,000 | 20,000 |
| Travel insurance | 3,000 | 5,000 |
| Gear (if renting in Thamel) | 3,000 | 0 (included) |
| Total | INR 1,31,000-1,48,000 | INR 1,62,000-1,70,000 |
Compare this to a British trekker who pays INR 2,00,000+ for the same trek including visa and higher permit fees. The SAARC advantage saves Indian citizens INR 30,000 to 50,000 on a standard EBC trek.
What About Cheaper Treks?
Not everyone wants EBC. Here are the most popular treks for Indian visitors with budgets in INR:
| Trek | Days | Package (Budget INR) | Total Trip (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poon Hill | 5 | 25,600 | 55,000-75,000 |
| Mardi Himal | 7 | 29,800 | 60,000-85,000 |
| Langtang Valley | 8 | 30,600 | 55,000-80,000 |
| Annapurna BC | 10 | 35,700 | 65,000-95,000 |
| Everest BC | 12 | 90,000 | 1,31,000-1,48,000 |
| Annapurna Circuit | 14 | 55,800 | 85,000-1,10,000 |
The Langtang Valley trek is the best value for Indian trekkers who want a serious Himalayan experience. It starts from Kathmandu (no Pokhara transit), takes only a week, and the total trip cost under INR 80,000 is achievable. Poon Hill is the cheapest option for those who just want to see the mountains.
How Do Indian Citizens Get to Nepal?
By air: Delhi to Kathmandu takes 1 hour 45 minutes. Budget airlines (IndiGo, SpiceJet) offer return fares from INR 8,000 to 15,000. Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Varanasi also have direct flights. Book two to three months ahead for the best fares.
By land: Multiple border crossings are open to Indian citizens. The most popular are Sunauli/Bhairahawa (from Gorakhpur/Varanasi), Raxaul/Birgunj (from Patna), and Kakarbhitta (from Siliguri/Darjeeling). Cross the border on foot, take a bus or hire a car to Kathmandu. Total cost from Delhi by train + bus: INR 2,000 to 4,000. Time: 18 to 24 hours.
The land route is cheap but exhausting. For most trekkers, the flight is worth the extra money because it saves a full day each way and leaves you fresher for the trek.
Can Indian Citizens Use INR in Nepal?
Indian rupees (INR 100 notes and below) are accepted everywhere in Nepal. INR 200, 500, and 2,000 notes are NOT accepted — Nepal Rastra Bank prohibits high-denomination Indian notes. Bring INR 100 notes or exchange for Nepali rupees at the border or in Kathmandu.
The exchange rate fluctuates around NPR 1.60 per INR 1. ATMs in Kathmandu dispense NPR and accept Indian debit cards (Visa/Mastercard). On the trekking trail, only cash works — no cards, no UPI, no digital payments above Namche Bazaar.
Carry enough NPR cash for the entire trek plus a reserve. For a 12-day EBC trek, NPR 15,000 to 25,000 (INR 9,000 to 15,000) covers daily extras, hot drinks, charging, and snacks. Withdraw in Kathmandu before departure.
What Is Different for Indian Trekkers vs Western Trekkers?
Altitude acclimatisation: Indian trekkers from plains cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai) are no more acclimatised than European or American trekkers. Coming from India does not give you an altitude advantage unless you live above 2,000 metres already. The same acclimatisation rules apply.
Food: Nepal food is familiar to Indian palates. Dal bhat is essentially dal chawal with Nepali vegetables. Vegetarian options are available at every teahouse. The food on trek will feel more like home than it does for Western trekkers.
Mandatory guide rule: Since 2025, all trekkers including Indian citizens must hire a licensed guide. Solo trekking without a guide is no longer permitted in national parks and conservation areas. This applies equally to SAARC and non-SAARC nationals.
See our complete India to Nepal trekking guide for visa-free entry details, or browse our trekking packages with prices in USD (multiply by 84 for approximate INR).
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Email:info@theeverestholiday.com
Written by Shreejan Simkhada, CEO of The Everest Holiday and third-generation Himalayan guide. TAAN Member #1586.
