Nepal had been on my travel bucket list for a long time. Surrounded by the majestic Himalayas, ancient temples, peaceful lakes, and warm-hearted people, Nepal offers the perfect combination of spirituality and adventure.
This was my first journey to Nepal, and I chose to travel by road to experience every moment of the journey. From the sacred Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu to the breathtaking beauty of Pokhara, every day gave me memories that I’ll cherish forever.
If you’re planning your own Nepal trip from India, here’s my complete travel experience along with useful travel tips and budget advice.
Delhi to Kathmandu by Bharat Nepal Maitri Bus
I started my journey from Delhi by the DTC Bharat Nepal Maitri Bus.
- Ticket Price: ₹2,800
- Journey Duration: Approximately 26–30 hours
- Bus Departure: 10:00 AM
- Arrival in Kathmandu: Around 3:00 PM the following day
Although the journey was long, it was comfortable enough for budget travellers. Watching the landscapes change from India into Nepal made the road trip exciting.
Reaching Kathmandu
After arriving in Kathmandu, my first priority was finding a hotel and freshening up.
Since my Indian mobile network stopped working after entering Nepal, I purchased a local Nepal SIM card from the nearby market.
Nepal SIM Card
- Cost: Around NPR 500
- Validity: 7 Days
- Unlimited Internet
The process was simple and the internet speed was good enough for navigation, bookings, and social media.
Evening Visit to Pashupatinath Temple
After checking into my hotel, I immediately visited the famous Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The temple closes around 7:30 PM, so I recommend visiting before evening.
The spiritual atmosphere, temple bells, chanting of mantras, and the sacred Bagmati River create an unforgettable experience.
I spent some peaceful time walking around the temple complex before exploring the nearby local market filled with handicrafts, prayer items, souvenirs, and local food.
Later, I returned to my hotel to rest.
Exploring Kathmandu
The next morning, I again visited Pashupatinath Temple to experience the peaceful morning atmosphere.
After completing my darshan, I hired a taxi for local sightseeing around Kathmandu.
The driver showed me several popular attractions before dropping me at the bus station for my next destination—Pokhara.
Kathmandu to Pokhara
From Kathmandu, I boarded a tourist bus to Pokhara.
The road journey itself was beautiful, passing through mountains, rivers, villages, and lush green landscapes.
Pokhara is one of Nepal’s most beautiful cities and is famous for its peaceful environment and adventure tourism.
Exploring Pokhara
I spent two wonderful days exploring Pokhara.
Some of the places I visited include:
- Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave
- Mahendra Cave
- Davis Falls
- Phewa Lake
- World Peace Pagoda
- Local markets
- Mountain viewpoints
- Other beautiful sightseeing locations
Every destination had its own charm, making Pokhara a paradise for nature lovers.
The fresh mountain air, peaceful atmosphere, and scenic beauty made this one of my favourite destinations in Nepal.
Useful Travel Tips for Nepal
Carry Cash
One important lesson I learned is that you should carry sufficient cash while travelling in Nepal.
Small denomination notes like:
- NPR 50
- NPR 100
are extremely useful, especially for local shops, buses, temples, and street vendors.
Although digital payments are accepted at many places, cash is still preferred in many local markets.
Download inDrive
For affordable taxis in Nepal, I highly recommend downloading the inDrive app.
It is convenient, budget-friendly, and allows you to negotiate fares directly with drivers.
My Nepal Travel Budget (Approximate)
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Bharat Nepal Maitri Bus | ₹2,800 |
| Nepal SIM | NPR 500 |
| Hotel | Depends on category |
| Local Taxi | Budget-friendly |
| Kathmandu to Pokhara Bus | Varies |
| Food | Affordable |
| Sightseeing | Depends on attractions |
Nepal is one of the most budget-friendly international destinations for Indian travellers.
Why You Should Visit Nepal
Nepal offers everything a traveller could ask for:
- Ancient temples
- Spiritual experiences
- Himalayan mountain views
- Beautiful lakes
- Adventure activities
- Friendly locals
- Delicious food
- Affordable travel
- Peaceful environment
Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or with family, Nepal has something special for everyone.
Final Thoughts
My Nepal journey was more than just a vacation—it was an experience filled with spirituality, adventure, learning, and unforgettable memories.
From travelling nearly 30 hours by bus to seeking blessings at Pashupatinath Temple and witnessing the natural beauty of Pokhara, every moment made the journey worthwhile.
If you’re looking for an affordable international trip from India, Nepal should definitely be on your list.
I hope my experience helps you plan your own Nepal adventure. Happy travelling!
Nepal Travel Itinerary (Based on My Journey)
Day 1 – Delhi to Kathmandu
- Board the Bharat Nepal Maitri Bus from Delhi at 10:00 AM.
- Enjoy the scenic road journey through northern India into Nepal.
- Overnight travel by bus.
Day 2 – Arrival in Kathmandu
- Reach Kathmandu around 3:00 PM.
- Check in to your hotel.
- Purchase a local Nepal SIM card.
- Visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple.
- Explore the temple complex and nearby local market.
- Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 3 – Kathmandu Sightseeing & Travel to Pokhara
- Revisit Pashupatinath Temple for morning darshan.
- Hire a taxi for local sightseeing in Kathmandu.
- Head to the bus station.
- Board a tourist bus to Pokhara.
- Check in to your hotel upon arrival.
Day 4 – Explore Pokhara
- Visit Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave.
- Explore Mahendra Cave.
- See Davis Falls.
- Spend time at Phewa Lake.
- Enjoy local cafés and markets.
- Overnight stay in Pokhara.
Day 5 – More Pokhara Sightseeing
- Visit the World Peace Pagoda.
- Explore nearby viewpoints and local attractions.
- Shop for souvenirs and enjoy Nepali cuisine.
- Prepare for your onward journey or return to Kathmandu.
Travel Tips
- Carry cash, especially NPR 50 and NPR 100 notes.
- Download the inDrive app for affordable taxi rides.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Keep a valid government-issued ID while travelling.
- Start temple visits early to avoid crowds.
- Carry a reusable water bottle and basic medicines.
- Book hotels in advance during peak tourist seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do Indian citizens need a visa to travel to miNepal?
No. Indian citizens do not need a visa to enter Nepal. A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or voter ID card, is generally accepted for entry. Always check the latest travel guidelines before your trip.
2. What is the cheapest way to travel from Delhi to Kathmandu?
One of the most budget-friendly options is the Bharat Nepal Maitri Bus. It takes approximately 26–30 hours and costs around ₹2,800, making it a great choice for budget travellers.
3. Is Nepal safe for solo travellers?
Yes. Nepal is generally considered safe for solo travellers. However, as with any destination, stay aware of your surroundings, avoid isolated areas late at night, and keep your valuables secure.
4. Can I use my Indian SIM card in Nepal?
Some Indian SIM cards work on international roaming, but many travellers prefer buying a local Nepal SIM for better connectivity and lower costs. I purchased a Nepal SIM for around NPR 500 with unlimited data for seven days.
5. How much cash should I carry in Nepal?
It is advisable to carry sufficient cash, especially small denominations like NPR 50 and NPR 100, as many local shops, taxis, and small eateries prefer cash payments.
6. Which taxi app works in Nepal?
The inDrive app is one of the most popular and affordable taxi-booking apps in Nepal. It allows passengers to negotiate fares directly with drivers.
7. How many days are enough for Kathmandu and Pokhara?
A 4–6 day trip is ideal. Spend 2 days exploring Kathmandu, including Pashupatinath Temple and nearby attractions, and 2–3 days in Pokhara to enjoy caves, waterfalls, lakes, and mountain views.
8. Which are the must-visit places in Pokhara?
Some of the top attractions include:
- Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave
- Mahendra Cave
- Davis Falls
- Phewa Lake
- World Peace Pagoda
- Sarangkot (for sunrise views)
9. What is the best time to visit Nepal?
The best months are March to May and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and mountain views are usually clear.
10. Is Nepal an affordable international destination for Indians?
Yes. Nepal is one of the most budget-friendly international destinations for Indian travellers, offering affordable accommodation, food, transportation, and sightseeing.