Pune's trekking culture, built on Sahyadri forts and monsoon hikes, makes Nepal a natural next step. Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) in 10–12 days and Everest Base Camp with Kala Patthar (5,644 m) in 12–14 days are the usual first Himalayan treks, best in October–November or March–May. Trekkers should train on long Sahyadri climbs with a loaded pack for six to eight weeks before departure. Shorter options include Poon Hill in 4–5 days and Mardi Himal in 5–6 days, both from Pokhara.
For non-trekkers, the Kathmandu–Pokhara–Chitwan loop over 6–7 nights covers temples, lakes and wildlife at an easy pace, with optional paragliding at Sarangkot and rafting on the Trishuli. Diwali and the May–June school holidays are the busiest times from Pune; Diwali falls at the same time as Tihar in Nepal, when houses are lit with oil lamps. December–February is quieter and clear but cold. As the journey takes most of a day each way, we suggest at least six nights.
Flying from Pune
There are no regular direct flights from Pune to Kathmandu. Most travellers connect via Delhi, where Air India, IndiGo and Nepal Airlines fly to Kathmandu, or via Mumbai, for a total journey of about 4.5–6 hours. Some prefer driving 3–4 hours to Mumbai for more flight options. All flights land at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). For Lukla or Pokhara, connect on domestic flights in Kathmandu. Schedules and airlines change, so check current status before you travel.
By road from Pune
Driving from Pune to Nepal means roughly 1,700 km to the Sonauli border through Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, about 30 hours of driving spread over three days. From Sonauli, Lumbini is 30 km and Pokhara 185 km. It suits road-trip groups with time. Most Pune travellers fly, or take a train to Gorakhpur and use the Sonauli crossing for a Lumbini and Pokhara circuit.
By train to the border
Direct trains run from Pune to Gorakhpur in roughly 30–34 hours, and Gorakhpur is 95 km by road from the Sonauli border. Local trains also run from Gorakhpur to Nautanwa, about 8 km from the crossing. Rail suits budget groups combining Nepal with Varanasi or Ayodhya.
Documents for Indian travellers
Indian citizens need no visa for Nepal. Adults must carry a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card for the flight; Aadhaar and PAN cards are not accepted as travel documents. Trekkers heading into restricted areas such as Manaslu or Upper Mustang should carry a passport. Children travel most easily on a passport, or with a photo ID showing age. Check current status before you travel.
Tips for travellers from Pune
- Train on Sinhagad or Rajgad with a loaded pack for six to eight weeks before a Himalayan trek.
- Keep a buffer day after an Everest trek, as Lukla flights are often delayed by weather.
- Book Diwali trips early, as flights from Pune via Delhi or Mumbai fill fast.
- Buy a Nepali SIM at Kathmandu airport with your passport or Voter ID for cheaper data on treks.
- Carry ₹100 notes and smaller, as larger Indian notes are not always accepted in Nepal.
