Arriving in Nepal: visa, airport, and the first twenty-four hours
What happens between the plane door and your hotel, and the four things worth sorting before you do anything else.
By Sabina Adhikari · 5 min read · Updated 1 August 2026
Most people's first hour in Nepal is a queue they were not expecting, followed by a taxi negotiation in the dark. It is all very manageable and slightly chaotic, and knowing the shape of it removes most of the friction.
I book arrivals for a living. This is the order things happen in and what to have ready.
One thing before anything else: bring cash for the visa, in a currency an immigration desk will recognise.
The visa
Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport and at the land borders, in 15, 30 or 90 day durations. A handful of countries must apply in advance, and Indian citizens do not need one at all.
Check your own passport's status before you fly. It is the one piece of paperwork we cannot fix for you from Pokhara, and arriving without an entitlement you assumed you had is a very bad evening.
Pay in cash. US dollars are the safest bet and other major currencies are usually accepted; card facilities exist and are not something to rely on after a long flight. Bring a passport photo — the kiosks can capture one but a spare in your wallet saves time.
Your passport needs at least six months of validity. Check that now rather than at the airport at home.
The airport
Kathmandu's international terminal is small and gets congested when several long-haul flights land together. Expect a queue and a warm room.
The order is: arrival form or kiosk, pay the visa fee at the bank counter, immigration, baggage, customs. Keep your payment receipt — immigration wants it.
There are ATMs and money changers in the arrivals hall. Change or withdraw a modest amount here for the taxi and the first day, and do the rest in town at better rates.
Prepaid taxi desks operate outside arrivals. They cost slightly more than negotiating and remove the negotiation, which after twenty hours of flying is worth it.
The first twenty-four hours
Get a local SIM. Ncell or Nepal Telecom, at the airport or in Thamel, with your passport and a photo. Data is inexpensive and NTC generally has better mountain coverage.
Change money properly. Licensed changers in Thamel or Lakeside beat airport rates. Ask for a mix of denominations and specifically for small notes — this single request saves you friction for the whole trip.
Sleep. Kathmandu is at 1,400 m, which is not high, but a long flight plus a new time zone plus altitude adds up. Do not book anything demanding for the first morning.
Then move west. Kathmandu to Pokhara is six to eight hours by tourist bus or 25 minutes by air, and we book either.
Coming straight to Pokhara
There are international flights into Pokhara but the connections are limited, so most visitors still route through Kathmandu.
If your trek starts here, flying Kathmandu to Pokhara on arrival day is possible but tight — a delayed international flight can take the connection with it. We usually suggest a night in Kathmandu and a morning flight.
Tell us your flight number and we will have someone at Pokhara airport or the bus park with a sign, which is included with any trek we run.
Walk it with us
Private departures on your dates, guided by the people who wrote this page.
Questions we get asked
Can I really get the visa on arrival?
Most nationalities, yes. A small number of countries must apply at an embassy in advance, and that list changes — check your own passport before booking flights.
How much cash should I bring for arrival?
Enough for the visa fee in USD plus a taxi and a first day. A couple of hundred dollars covers it comfortably.
Is Kathmandu airport difficult?
Small, busy and slower than you would like. It is not difficult, just not quick. Allow an hour and a half from wheels-down to a taxi.
Should I book a hotel for the first night?
Yes. Arriving without one after a long flight is the one bit of improvisation nobody enjoys.
Do you arrange airport pickup?
In Pokhara, included with any trek. In Kathmandu we can arrange it as an extra — send us the flight number.
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Still deciding?
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