Nepal Trek 7 Days Itinerary from India (Budget Guide 2026)

Nepal remains one of the most accessible and rewarding international destinations for Indian travelers, offering stunning Himalayan treks, spiritual experiences, and incredible value for money. For groups planning a week-long adventure, the Poon Hill trek combined with Kathmandu and Pokhara exploration provides the perfect introduction to Nepal's natural beauty without requiring extensive mountaineering experience or a hefty budget.

This 7-day Nepal trek itinerary from India is designed specifically for budget-conscious groups of Indian travelers, with all costs in INR, visa requirements clearly explained, and practical tips for making the most of your week in the Himalayas. Whether you're college friends, office colleagues, or a family group, this itinerary balances trekking adventure with cultural exploration while keeping costs manageable.

The beauty of Nepal for Indian passport holders lies in its proximity, visa-on-arrival facility, and the absence of language barriers in most tourist areas. With direct flights taking just 1-2 hours from major Indian cities and a budget of approximately ₹25,000-30,000 per person for the entire week (including flights), this makes for an ideal international getaway.

Visa Requirements for Indian Passport Holders

Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal. You can stay for up to 90 days without any visa formalities. Simply carry your passport (valid for at least 6 months) and you'll receive a free entry stamp at immigration. This is one of the biggest advantages for Indian travelers and significantly reduces trip planning hassle and costs.

Day-by-Day Nepal Trek 7 Days Itinerary from India

Day 1: Delhi/Mumbai/Bangalore to Kathmandu

Morning: Catch your flight to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Flight costs vary by city: Delhi to Kathmandu (₹8,000-12,000 return), Mumbai to Kathmandu (₹12,000-18,000 return), Bangalore to Kathmandu (₹15,000-22,000 return). IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India offer direct flights. Flight time is approximately 1.5 hours from Delhi, 2.5 hours from Mumbai, and 3 hours from Bangalore.

Afternoon: Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to Thamel, the tourist hub (taxi costs ₹600-800, prepaid taxi recommended). Check into your budget hotel and freshen up. Have lunch at OR2K Restaurant in Thamel (₹400-600 per person for Mediterranean and Israeli dishes, hugely popular with travelers).

Evening: Explore Thamel's bustling streets, shop for trekking essentials if needed, and visit the nearby Garden of Dreams (entry ₹200 for foreigners). Dinner at Yangling Tibetan Restaurant (momos and thukpa for ₹300-500 per person). Rest early as you have an early start tomorrow. Accommodation: Hotel Thamel Park or similar (₹800-1,200 per person in shared rooms)

Day 2: Kathmandu to Pokhara, Prepare for Trek

Morning: Take the tourist bus to Pokhara departing around 7 AM (book through your hotel, costs ₹700-1,000 per person, 6-7 hours journey). Greenline and Golden Travels operate comfortable coaches with AC and breakfast included. The scenic drive passes through terraced farmlands and follows the Trishuli River.

Afternoon: Arrive in Pokhara by 1-2 PM and check into your lakeside hotel. Have lunch at Moondance Restaurant overlooking Phewa Lake (₹500-700 per person, continental and Nepali cuisine). Visit the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) office and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) office to obtain permits: TIMS card ₹1,000 and ACAP permit ₹1,500 per person (Indian nationals pay SAARC rates which are significantly cheaper than other foreigners).

Evening: Stroll along Lakeside Road, watch the sunset over Phewa Lake with the Annapurna range in the background. Dinner at Busy Bee Cafe (₹400-600 per person). Buy any last-minute trekking snacks. Early night as the trek begins tomorrow. Accommodation: Hotel Karuna or Hotel Middle Path (₹1,000-1,500 per person in shared rooms)

Day 3: Pokhara to Tikhedhunga, Trek to Ghorepani

Morning: Private jeep/taxi to Nayapul (1.5 hours, ₹3,000-4,000 for the group to split, or ₹500-600 per person in shared jeep). Begin your trek from Nayapul (1,070m) through Birethanti village. The trail follows the Modi Khola river, passing through beautiful rhododendron forests and Gurung villages. Stop at Tikhedhunga for tea (₹50-100).

Afternoon: Continue the steep climb via the famous stone staircase (around 3,300 steps) to Ulleri village. Lunch at a teahouse in Ulleri (dal bhat costs ₹400-500, the best value trekking meal with unlimited refills). Resume trekking through forest trails with occasional mountain views.

Evening: Reach Ghorepani (2,874m) by late afternoon, check into a teahouse lodge. Most lodges offer basic rooms for ₹300-500 per person (or free if you eat all meals there). Dinner at your lodge (₹500-700 per person). The evening is cold, so wear layers. Trekking duration: 5-6 hours, Distance: ~10 km, Accommodation: Sunny Hill Guest House or similar

Day 4: Poon Hill Sunrise, Trek to Tadapani

Early Morning: Wake up at 4:30 AM and hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) for sunrise (45 minutes, easy climb). Poon Hill entry fee is ₹200. Watch the spectacular sunrise over Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and dozens of other peaks turning golden. Hot tea available at the top (₹100-150). Return to Ghorepani for breakfast (₹400-500 per person).

Morning-Afternoon: Trek to Tadapani through dense rhododendron forests (if trekking in March-April, you'll see spectacular blooms). The trail undulates through beautiful forest with occasional mountain glimpses. Pack lunch or stop at Deurali for lunch (₹500-600 per person).

Evening: Arrive at Tadapani (2,630m) by mid-afternoon. Spectacular views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre from the village. Rest, hot shower available for ₹200-300. Dinner at your teahouse (₹600-800 per person as supplies need to be carried uphill). Trekking duration: 6-7 hours, Distance: ~10 km, Accommodation: Tadapani Eco Lodge or similar (₹300-500 per person)

Day 5: Tadapani to Ghandruk, Return to Pokhara

Morning: After breakfast (₹400-500), trek down to the beautiful Gurung village of Ghandruk (1,940m), one of the largest and most prosperous villages in the region. The 3-hour descent offers excellent mountain views. Visit the Old Gurung Museum in Ghandruk (entry ₹200) to learn about Gurung culture and Gurkha history.

Afternoon: Lunch in Ghandruk at a local lodge (₹500-600 per person). Continue trekking down to Nayapul via Syauli Bazaar or take a jeep from Ghandruk if the group is tired (₹300-400 per person). From Nayapul, jeep back to Pokhara (₹500-600 per person in shared jeep, arrives by evening).

Evening: Check back into your Pokhara hotel. Celebrate completing the trek with dinner at The Harbor Restaurant overlooking the lake (₹800-1,000 per person for continental cuisine and beer). Trekking duration: 4-5 hours, Accommodation: Hotel Karuna or similar (₹1,000-1,500 per person)

Day 6: Pokhara Sightseeing, Return to Kathmandu

Morning: Early morning boat ride on Phewa Lake (₹500 per boat for 1 hour, split among group). Visit Tal Barahi Temple on the island. After returning, visit Davis Falls (entry ₹100) and Gupteshwor Cave (entry ₹100). Breakfast at German Bakery Pokhara (₹300-500 per person).

Afternoon: Take the afternoon tourist bus back to Kathmandu (₹700-1,000 per person, departing 12-1 PM, or take the flight if budget allows – ₹4,000-6,000, 25 minutes). Alternatively, consider flying back to save time; Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines operate frequent flights.

Evening: Arrive in Kathmandu, check into your Thamel hotel. Dinner at traditional Nepali restaurant Bhojan Griha (₹1,200-1,500 per person including cultural dance show) or budget option Fire & Ice Pizzeria (₹600-800 per person). Accommodation: Hotel Thamel Park or similar (₹800-1,200 per person)

Day 7: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Departure

Morning: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples (entry for SAARC nationals ₹250). Observe cremation ceremonies on the banks of Bagmati River. Taxi to Boudhanath Stupa (₹300-400 from Pashupatinath, or ₹500 from Thamel), entry ₹400. Walk around the massive stupa, visit Tibetan monasteries and shops.

Afternoon: Return to Thamel for lunch at Roadhouse Cafe (₹500-700 per person for wood-fired pizza). Last-minute shopping for pashmina shawls, prayer flags, singing bowls, and tea. Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square if time permits (entry ₹1,000 for SAARC nationals), though much was damaged in the 2015 earthquake.

Evening: Depending on your flight time, head to the airport (taxi ₹600-800 from Thamel, allow 45 minutes). Depart for your home city with incredible memories of Himalayan trekking.

Where to Stay: Budget Accommodation for Groups

Kathmandu (Thamel area): Hotel Thamel Park (₹800-1,200 per person in triple/quad rooms), Hotel Courtyard (₹1,000-1,500), or Zostel Kathmandu hostel (₹600-800 in dorms, great for groups). Thamel offers the best value with hundreds of restaurants, shops, and tour operators within walking distance.

Pokhara (Lakeside): Hotel Karuna (₹1,000-1,500 per person), Hotel Middle Path (₹800-1,200), Kiwi Backpackers Hostel (₹600-900 in shared rooms). Lakeside area provides easy access to restaurants, boats, and tour operators.

Trekking Teahouses: On the Poon Hill circuit, teahouses offer basic accommodation for ₹300-500 per person or free if you eat all meals there (which you will, as there are no alternatives). Rooms are simple with two beds, shared bathrooms, and no heating. Popular teahouses include Sunny Hill in Ghorepani, Tadapani Eco Lodge, and various family-run lodges in Ghandruk.

Getting There from India

By Air: Flying is the most convenient option. From Delhi: IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India fly direct (₹8,000-12,000 return, 1.5 hours). From Mumbai: IndiGo, Air India with direct or connecting flights (₹12,000-18,000 return, 2.5-4 hours). From Bangalore: Usually one connection via Delhi (₹15,000-22,000 return, 4-6 hours total). Book 2-3 months in advance for best prices. Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines also operate from some Indian cities.

By Road: For a real budget option, buses run from border towns. Sunauli (Bihar border) to Kathmandu takes 8-10 hours (₹500-800), or from Raxaul. Many budget travelers take a train to Gorakhpur and then cross at Sunauli. This saves flight costs but adds 24-48 hours to travel time. Only recommended if you have extra time and want the overland adventure.

Getting Around Nepal

Tourist Buses: Between Kathmandu and Pokhara, tourist buses are comfortable and affordable (₹700-1,000). Book through hotels or agencies in Thamel. Greenline and Golden Travels are premium options (₹1,500-2,000) with reclining seats and included meals.

Domestic Flights: Pokhara to Kathmandu by air costs ₹4,000-6,000 and saves 6-7 hours. Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines operate multiple daily flights with spectacular mountain views.

Local Transport: Taxis in Kathmandu and Pokhara cost ₹300-800 for short trips. Use metered taxis or negotiate price beforehand. Pathao (ride-sharing app) works in Kathmandu with better rates. Local buses are very cheap (₹20-50) but crowded and confusing for tourists.

Trekking Transport: Jeeps from Pokhara to Nayapul cost ₹3,000-4,000 for a private vehicle (split among group) or ₹500-600 per person in shared jeeps. Book through your hotel or trekking agency.

Money-Saving Tips for Group Travel

1. Share Accommodation: Booking triple or quad rooms reduces per-person costs by 30-40%. Most budget hotels in Nepal offer these options. On treks, teahouses have 2-4 bed rooms perfect for groups.

2. Eat Dal Bhat: The traditional Nepali meal of lentils, rice, and vegetables costs ₹400-500 with unlimited refills at teahouses. It's nutritious, filling, and the most economical option while trekking. One serving easily covers two meals' worth of calories.

3. Split Transport Costs: Taxis and private jeeps become affordable when split 4-6 ways. A ₹4,000 jeep to Nayapul costs just ₹650 per person for six people.

4. SAARC Benefits: Indian passport holders pay SAARC rates at monuments and permits, saving 40-60% compared to other foreign nationals. Always carry your passport and mention you're Indian.

5. Book Flights Early: Flight prices from India increase closer to departure. Booking 2-3 months ahead can save ₹3,000-5,000 per person.

6. Carry Cash: ATMs charge ₹500-700 per transaction in Nepal. Withdraw maximum amounts (usually NPR 35,000) to minimize fees. Many places don't accept cards, especially on treks.

7. Trek Without Guide: The Poon Hill circuit is well-marked and safe for independent groups. Hiring a guide costs ₹2,500-3,000 per day plus their expenses. Only consider if your group lacks confidence in navigation.

8. Buy Snacks in Pokhara: Stock up on chocolate, nuts, and energy bars before trekking. Prices triple at higher elevations. Bring water purification tablets instead of buying bottled water.

Best Time for Nepal Trek from India

October to November (Post-Monsoon): Peak trekking season with crystal clear skies, excellent mountain views, and pleasant temperatures (10-20°C at lower elevations). Flights and accommodations are more expensive and may need advance booking. Perfect weather but crowded trails.

March to April (Pre-Monsoon): Second-best season with warmer temperatures and blooming rhododendrons. Mountains are less clear than October but still spectacular. Good compromise between weather and crowds. This is ideal for groups with flexible schedules.

December to February (Winter): Budget season with cheapest flights and accommodation. Clear skies but cold temperatures, especially at night (can go below freezing at Ghorepani). Lower elevations remain pleasant. Good for hardcore budget travelers willing to carry warm sleeping bags.

Avoid: June to September is monsoon season. Heavy rains make trails slippery, leeches are abundant, and mountain views are obscured by clouds. Not recommended unless you have no other option.

What to Pack for Your Budget Nepal Trek

For a week-long Poon Hill trek, pack light: comfortable hiking shoes (not new ones, break them in), 2-3 quick-dry t-shirts, thermal innerwear, fleece jacket, down jacket (can rent in Pokhara for ₹300-500/day), rain jacket, trekking pants, sun hat, warm beanie, sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 50+), basic first aid kit, water bottle, headlamp, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer. Keep total backpack under 8kg. Porters cost ₹1,500-2,000 per day if needed, but Poon Hill is manageable with your own daypack.