Beyond India

Nepal and Bhutan, the Indian way

No visa for either country. What you do need is the right ID, a guide on most routes and a few permits. Here are the rules for Indian citizens, each linked to the official page.

Nepal

Everest, Annapurna, Langtang and Manaslu, plus Gosainkunda, Muktinath and Pathibhara Devi for pilgrims. No visa for Indians.

Rules for Indian citizens

Entry documents

No visa. Carry a valid Indian passport or an Election Commission voter ID.
Over 65: a PAN card, driving licence or ration card with photo also works. Under 18: an ID card from the school principal.
Aadhaar is not accepted.

Source: Nepal Tourism Board

Guide and TIMS card

Since 31 March 2023, the main protected-area routes (Everest, Langtang and Gosainkunda, Annapurna, Manaslu, Mustang, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Dolpo and others) need a licensed guide and a TIMS card issued by a trekking agency.
TIMS fee for SAARC citizens, including Indians: NPR 1,000.
No official page exempts Indians from the guide rule. Plan on a guide and confirm with your agency.

Source: Nepal Tourism Board: TIMS

Park entry fees (Indian rate)

Sagarmatha (Everest), Langtang, Makalu-Barun, Shey-Phoksundo and Rara national parks: NPR 1,500.
Annapurna, Manaslu and Gaurishankar conservation areas: NPR 1,000. Kanchenjunga: NPR 500. Children under 10 free.
The Everest region also charges a local municipality fee. Ask your agency for the current amount.

Source: Nepal Tourism Board: park fees

Restricted areas

Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Tsum, Nar Phu, Dolpo, Kanchenjunga and Humla need a restricted-area permit, issued only through a registered trekking agency and priced in US dollars.
Upper Mustang: USD 50 per person per day. Manaslu: USD 100 a week in Sep–Nov, USD 75 a week in Dec–Aug.

Source: Department of Immigration, Nepal

Emergency Tourist Police 1144 (toll-free) · Police 100

Coming soon

Everest Base CampAnnapurna Base CampAnnapurna CircuitGhorepani Poon HillLangtang ValleyGosainkundaMuktinathManaslu CircuitGokyo LakesMardi HimalPathibhara DeviUpper Mustang

Pages for these treks are being researched. Each starts as “not yet fact-checked”, like every new page here.

Bhutan

Guided treks past dzongs and yak pastures, and the climb to Taktsang. No visa for Indians, but a permit and a daily fee.

Rules for Indian citizens

Entry permit

No visa, but you need an entry permit. Carry an Indian passport or voter ID. Under 18: a passport or birth certificate, travelling with a guardian.
Apply online at immi.gov.bt before you go, or at the border (expect a queue).

Source: Bhutan Department of Tourism

Daily fee (SDF)

Indians pay a Sustainable Development Fee of ₹1,200 per person per night. Children 6 to 11: ₹600. Under 6: free.
Until August 2027, the first 24 hours inside the Phuentsholing, Gelephu, Samtse and Samdrup Jongkhar border zones are free of SDF.

Source: Bhutan Department of Tourism: FAQs

Guide and park permits

Every trek must be done with an accredited tour operator or guide. A guide is mandatory at all times beyond the border towns.
Route permits are no longer needed with a certified guide, but national-park entry permits are (issued online).
Some high northern treks may be closed to Indian citizens. Confirm with your operator before you book.

Source: Bhutan Department of Tourism: FAQs

Emergency Police 113 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 110

Coming soon

Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)Druk PathDagala Thousand LakesTrans Bhutan TrailBumthang OwlMerak SaktengNabji Korphu

Pages for these treks are being researched. Each starts as “not yet fact-checked”, like every new page here.

Checked on official pages, 18 October 2026. Rules change; confirm with your agency before you travel.