Bengaluru has a large trekking community, and Poon Hill, Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Base Camp are natural next steps for weekend hikers used to the Western Ghats. October–November and April–May give the best trekking weather. For non-trekkers, the Kathmandu–Pokhara–Chitwan loop over six or seven nights covers temples, lakes and wildlife, and adding a Pokhara paragliding flight or the Everest mountain flight is common. Kathmandu's cafes and Pokhara's lakeside make easy bases for remote workers adding a few days to a holiday.
Because the journey from South India takes most of a day, short trips are hard to justify; plan at least six nights for a tour or two weeks for a trek. Many Bengaluru travellers fly to Kathmandu, spend two nights in the valley, then fly to Pokhara as a base for Poon Hill or Annapurna. South Indian Vaishnava pilgrims often add Muktinath, counted among the 108 Divya Desams, to a Pokhara stay. Book October trips three months ahead, as Dashain and Diwali fill flights.
Flying from Bengaluru
Direct flights between Bengaluru and Kathmandu have operated at times, taking about 3 hours, but they are not always on the schedule. The dependable option is one stop via Delhi or Kolkata, with a total journey of about 5–7 hours, landing at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). Air India and IndiGo connect through Delhi, and IndiGo also through Kolkata. For Pokhara, change in Kathmandu to a 25-minute domestic flight. Schedules and airlines change, so check current status before you travel.
By road from Bengaluru
Road travel from Bengaluru to Nepal is impractical for most holidays: the Sonauli border is roughly 2,100–2,300 km away, about 40 hours of driving. If you want an overland element, fly to Lucknow, Varanasi or Gorakhpur, then drive to Sonauli (95 km from Gorakhpur, about 2–2.5 hours) and continue to Lumbini, 30 km beyond the border, and Pokhara, 185 km beyond it. Return by air from Kathmandu to save time.
By train to the border
Long-distance trains run from Bengaluru to Gorakhpur in roughly 40–45 hours, and Gorakhpur is 95 km by road from the Sonauli border. The journey suits pilgrim groups with plenty of time, but most travellers from Bengaluru fly at least as far as north India.
Documents for Indian travellers
Indian citizens need no visa for Nepal. Adults flying from Bengaluru must carry a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card; Aadhaar, PAN and driving licences are not accepted as travel documents. For children, a passport is simplest; otherwise carry a photo ID showing age, and a school principal's certificate for 15–18 year olds. For treks into restricted areas such as Manaslu, bring your passport. Check current status before you travel.
Tips for travellers from Bengaluru
- Book a connection with at least two hours in Delhi or Kolkata, as bags may need re-checking on separate tickets.
- Break in your trekking boots on Nandi Hills or Savandurga before an Annapurna or Everest trek.
- Pack warm layers, as Kathmandu winter mornings drop to around 2–3 °C, far colder than Bengaluru.
- Use Pokhara as your base for Poon Hill or Annapurna Base Camp, the best-value treks in a 10–12 day trip.
- Carry ₹100 notes and smaller, as larger Indian notes are not always accepted in Nepal.
