A clear checklist for entering Nepal and moving around confidently: passport basics, permits for popular trekking regions, and practical “first day” items that prevent delays and confusion.
Keep all essentials in your carry-on and also saved offline on your phone (PDF + screenshots). Nepal travel becomes dramatically easier when you can show documents quickly at hotels, domestic airports, and permit checkpoints.
Connectivity can drop in hills and during long transfers. Build a simple offline kit: one folder on your phone plus one printed page in your daypack.
Permit requirements depend on the exact region and route. Your guide/agency typically helps handle this, but independent trekkers should plan early so they don’t waste a full day in Kathmandu.
| Travel style | What usually happens | Best practice |
|---|---|---|
| With agency/guide | They coordinate permits + route logistics | Confirm what’s included before paying |
| Independent trekking | You arrange paperwork yourself | Keep extra time in Kathmandu for admin |
| Short hikes | Often simpler logistics | Still verify rules for your exact trail |
Permits are mainly about trail management, conservation, and safety monitoring. You may be checked at entry points, checkpoints, or in protected areas.
Your first day should be calm and practical: get connectivity, cash, and a reliable way to reach your hotel. This reduces stress and prevents “tourist mistakes” when you’re tired after flying.
Plan for the first 24 hours: you need small cash for taxis, water, snacks, and tips. Then you can organize bigger transfers.