Before You Go
A practical Nepal pre-trip checklist covering documents, money, connectivity, trekking preparation and buffer time.
Nepal rewards a little preparation. Before you go, check your passport validity and tourist-visa route, choose the right season, confirm trekking permits and guide rules for any mountain route, and arrange travel insurance that matches the activities and altitude you plan to reach.
Most international travelers arrive through Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport. Keep at least one buffer day around weather-sensitive domestic flights, and consider more if your itinerary depends on Lukla, Jomsom or another mountain airstrip.
Carry a mix of payment options. Nepalese rupees are essential outside the main tourist centers, while cards and ATMs are easier to use in Kathmandu, Pokhara and larger towns. Keep an emergency cash reserve and avoid relying on a single card.
Sort connectivity before you need it. A local Nepal SIM or travel eSIM can cover city travel, but mountain coverage varies. Download offline maps, reservation details, insurance documents, passport copies and emergency contacts before leaving reliable data coverage.
If you are trekking, confirm your exact route against current permit and licensed-guide requirements. Keep digital and paper copies of permits, insurance details and identification, and share your itinerary with someone you trust.
Finally, leave room for Nepal's weather and transport realities. Road journeys can take longer than expected and mountain flights can move or cancel. A flexible itinerary is usually more useful than an over-packed schedule.
Common questions
What should I arrange before traveling to Nepal?
Check your passport and visa route, choose your travel season, arrange insurance, plan money and connectivity, and confirm any trekking permits or licensed-guide requirements for your exact route.
How much buffer time should I keep in a Nepal itinerary?
Keep at least one spare day around weather-sensitive domestic flights and consider additional flexibility when your trip depends on mountain airstrips, long road journeys or a fixed international departure.
Should I carry cash in Nepal?
Yes. Cards and ATMs are common in major cities, but cash remains important in rural areas and on trekking routes. Carry Nepalese rupees plus a backup payment method.
What documents should I keep offline?
Keep copies of your passport, visa or application details, insurance policy, permits, reservations, emergency contacts and important itinerary information available without internet access.