A trip to Nepal from India may be one of the most budget-friendly international holidays you can take. Whether you're heading for the Himalayas or soaking in Kathmandu’s culture, it’s smart to know what to expect for the cost to visit Nepal.
This guide breaks down the full cost of a Nepal trip from India—flights, stay, food, activities, visa, and more. This could help you estimate and manage your Nepal tour cost effectively.
The cost of your trip to Nepal from India depends on how you travel, where you stay, what you plan to do, and how long you stay. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple, or with family, you can plan a trip under ₹15,000 for budget travel or go upwards of ₹60,000 for a more luxurious experience.
Let’s look at the breakdown.
Flights are optional when travelling to Nepal. Many Indians prefer travelling by road or train to the border towns like Raxaul (Bihar) or Panitanki (West Bengal) and then entering Nepal by land.
However, if you prefer flying:
A one-way economy flight from Delhi to Kathmandu costs ₹6,000 to ₹12,000.
Return flights usually come to ₹12,000 to ₹20,000 depending on the season.
Budget airlines might offer daily flights.
If you’re from East India (e.g., Bihar or West Bengal), land travel to Nepal could cost under ₹1,000 by bus or train.
Nepal has something for every type of budget:
Budget stays: ₹800–₹1,500 per night (guesthouses, hostels)
Mid-range hotels: ₹2,000–₹4,000 per night (3-star hotels in Kathmandu, Pokhara)
Luxury hotels/resorts: ₹6,000–₹12,000+ per night (4-star and 5-star)
Kathmandu and Pokhara are the best bases for tourists and have many stay options. During peak trekking season (October–November, March–April), rates are slightly higher.
Food in Nepal is very affordable, especially for Indians since the cuisine is quite similar.
Local meals (dal bhat, momos): ₹100–₹250
Mid-range restaurants: ₹300–₹600 per meal
Daily food budget: ₹500–₹1,200 per person
You’ll find many Indian restaurants, especially in Kathmandu. Vegetarian travellers also won’t have any issues when travelling Nepal.
Travelling around Nepal is affordable but basic. Transport options include buses, taxis, rickshaws, and private cars.
Local buses: ₹30–₹100 per ride
Tourist buses (e.g. Kathmandu to Pokhara): ₹600–₹1,000
Taxis in cities: ₹300–₹600 for short rides
Scooter rental in Pokhara: ₹500–₹800 per day
Private cab for a day: ₹2,500–₹4,000
For budget travel, local buses and shared jeeps are ideal.
Nepal offers many free or low-cost activities along with some adventure options:
Cultural sites (Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath): ₹100–₹500 entry fee
Day hikes (Nagarkot, Sarangkot): Free or minimal cost
Trekking permits (Annapurna, Everest): ₹1,000–₹4,000 depending on region
Adventure sports (paragliding, bungee): ₹4,000–₹8,000 per activity
Guided tours: ₹500–₹2,000 depending on the place
Some UNESCO sites in Kathmandu charge entry for foreigners but offer discounts to SAARC nationals (including Indians).
Indians do not need a visa to visit Nepal. You can enter with:
Passport (recommended), or
Voter ID card issued by the Election Commission of India
This saves you money and provides a hassle free travel experience.
Travel insurance is highly recommended, especially if you’re planning to trek or do adventure sports.
Cost: ₹300–₹700 for a 7-day trip
Coverage: Medical emergencies, baggage loss, cancellations, etc.
For trekking above 3,000 metres, ensure your insurance covers high-altitude trekking.
Apart from the main categories, here are some extra costs to account for:
Shopping (handicrafts, pashmina, silverware): ₹1,000–₹5,000
Local SIM card: ₹300–₹500
Entry fees for monasteries or museums: ₹100–₹300
Tips and donations: Optional but polite to tip/donate around ₹50–₹200
Nepal is quite affordable, but if you prefer flexibility or want to splurge, you can explore other financing options to make your trip to Nepal cost less:
Travel-friendly credit cards typically offer perks such as flight and hotel discounts, free airport lounge access, and waived foreign transaction fees. These benefits can help make international trips more affordable and hassle-free.
Rewards on travel bookings
Free airport lounge access
EMI conversions on large spends
Many Indian credit cards also offer forex fee waivers and discounts on hotel and flight bookings.
Consider exploring personal loan options available on financial marketplaces such as Bajaj Markets. These platforms offer access to multiple lenders, helping individuals compare interest rates, eligibility criteria, and repayment terms to find a financing solution that suits their specific needs. The details include:
Loan amount: Up to ₹50 Lakhs
Interest rate: Starting from 9.99% p.a.
Tenure: Up to 96 months
A small loan can make your trip costs more comfortable without burdening your monthly expenses.
Here’s an estimated breakdown for a one-week Nepal trip from India:
Expense |
7-Day Cost (in ₹) |
Travel (return) |
₹1,000–₹15,000 |
Accommodation |
₹6,000–₹12,000 |
Food |
₹3,500–₹6,000 |
Local Transport |
₹1,000–₹2,000 |
Activities/Sightseeing |
₹2,000–₹5,000 |
Insurance |
₹500 |
Miscellaneous |
₹1,000–₹2,000 |
Total Estimate |
₹15,000–₹40,000 |
This budget varies by travel style. Budget travellers can keep their Nepal travel cost under ₹20,000, while mid-range travellers may spend around ₹30,000–₹40,000.
Nepal offers a mix of cultural, natural, and spiritual experiences. Some must-visit places are:
Kathmandu – Capital city with temples, markets, and Durbar Square.
Pokhara – Lakeside town known for adventure sports and stunning views.
Lumbini – Birthplace of Lord Buddha.
Chitwan National Park – Jungle safaris and wildlife spotting.
Nagarkot – Famous for Himalayan sunrise views.
Bhaktapur and Patan – Ancient cities with Newari architecture and history.
Here’s a list of activities to add to your Nepal itinerary:
Try paragliding over Phewa Lake
Watch sunrise at Sarangkot or Nagarkot
Go for a jungle safari in Chitwan
Take a boat ride in Pokhara
Visit Pashupatinath Temple
Trek to Annapurna Base Camp or Everest Base Camp
Explore Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur
Shop for pashmina shawls and handicrafts
The best time to visit depends on your travel goal:
October to November (Autumn)
Best weather for trekking
Clear skies and pleasant temperatures
Peak season – higher hotel prices
March to April (Spring)
Blooming rhododendrons in the hills
Great for treks and sightseeing
December to February (Winter)
Ideal for cultural tours (Kathmandu, Pokhara)
Cold in the mountains, ideally avoid high-altitude treks
May to September (Monsoon)
Fewer tourists, lower prices
Not ideal for trekking, but good for city tours
Travel by road instead of flying to cut costs.
Book guest houses or homestays for budget stays.
Eat at local restaurants or thakalis.
Share transport costs with other travellers.
Visit free attractions like temples and lakes.
Travel off-season (June–September) for lower rates.
Use local SIMs instead of international roaming
Fake guides: Book licensed guides through hotels or agencies.
Taxi overcharging: Use prepaid taxis or confirm the fare beforehand.
Currency exchange frauds: Always count cash and use authorised money changers.
Trekking permit scams: Get permits only from official counters or your trekking agency.
Overpriced souvenirs: Bargain politely in local markets.
Category |
Budget |
Mid-range |
Luxury |
Flight/Travel |
₹1,000–₹8,000 |
₹12,000 |
₹20,000+ |
Stay (per night) |
₹800–₹1,500 |
₹2,500–₹4,000 |
₹6,000+ |
Food (daily) |
₹400–₹800 |
₹1,200–₹2,000 |
₹3,000+ |
Activities |
₹1,000–₹2,000 |
₹3,000–₹5,000 |
₹6,000+ |
Daily Budget |
₹2,000–₹3,000 |
₹4,000–₹6,000 |
₹10,000+ |
Total (7 Days) |
₹15,000–₹20,000 |
₹30,000–₹45,000 |
₹70,000+ |
For a budget trip, you can plan around ₹15,000–₹20,000 per person for 5–7 days. Mid-range trips cost around ₹30,000–₹40,000.
No. Indians do not require a visa to enter Nepal. But they are generally expected to carry a valid passport or voter ID card.
Yes, road travel to Nepal is common and economical. You can enter through border towns in Bihar, UP, or West Bengal.
Yes. ₹30,000 is more than enough for a week-long comfortable Nepal trip, including travel, stay, food, and activities.
Yes. Overall, Nepal is budget-friendly and could boast lower prices compared to other popular tourist destinations, especially for stays and food.