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Pokhara

Countries in the atlas · South Asia

Nepal

The land of eight-thousanders: treks to the foot of Everest and Annapurna, the lakes of Pokhara and the temples of the Kathmandu Valley.

Russian passport: visa on arrival · 90 daysprices 1.4 times lower than in Russia

Photo: Jmhullot · CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Pokhara
Photo: Jmhullot · CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Nepal

Pokhara

Access 1/5 · easyJFMAMJJASOND

Pokhara is a calm town on the shore of Phewa Lake; in clear weather the eight-thousanders of Annapurna and the sharp summit of Machapuchare rise above it.

Treks in the Annapurna region start here, and at dawn people climb Sarangkot hill for the view of the mountains. Paragliders fly over the lake.

Getting there
From Kathmandu, about 25 minutes by plane or 6–8 hours by bus.
Fees and tickets
For Annapurna treks: a TIMS card (2,000 rupees) and an ACAP conservation area permit through an agency, with a licensed guide.
Sources (2)
Kathmandu Valley
Photo: Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Nepal

Kathmandu Valley

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The Kathmandu Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of seven groups of monuments, from the Boudhanath stupa with the eyes of the Buddha to the Durbar Squares of Patan and Bhaktapur.

Swayambhunath, the Monkey Temple, looks out over the whole city from its hill. Some of the monuments are being restored after the 2015 earthquake.

Getting there
Fly to Kathmandu with a connection; get around the valley by taxi.
Fees and tickets
Tickets for foreigners: the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu and Patan 1,000 rupees each, Bhaktapur 1,800, Boudhanath 400, Swayambhu 200.
Sources (3)
Everest Base Camp Trek
Photo: Nepal Trek Adventures · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Khumbu, Nepal · World’s best

Everest Base Camp Trek

Access 4/5 · hardJFMAMJJASOND

The trek starts with a flight to Lukla and follows the Khumbu Valley through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery and Sherpa villages. All around rise Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Nuptse.

The high point is the Kala Patthar viewpoint (about 5,600 metres), facing Everest. Sagarmatha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Getting there
Fly from Kathmandu (or from Ramechhap in season) to Lukla, about 30 minutes, then 12–14 days on foot there and back.
Fees and tickets
Sagarmatha National Park 3,000 rupees, TIMS card 2,000; since 2023, only with a licensed guide through an agency.
Why it’s hard
Altitudes above 5,000 metres: you need acclimatisation days and good fitness. Flights to Lukla are often cancelled because of the weather, and permits and a guide are mandatory.
Sources (5)

Before you go

Nepal: entry, safety, money, flights, laws and budget — with sources.

Entry

Russian citizens: a tourist visa on arrival — 15 days $30, 30 days $50, 90 days $125, multiple entry. You can fill in the application online within 15 days before arrival and pay at the airport. Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity.

Rules for any passport

Checked 2 November 2026. These are the rules for a Russian citizen with an international passport on a tourist trip. For other passports and purposes, see the official website — the button above.

Sources (4)

Safety

No Russian Foreign Ministry advice to refrain from travel (as of 02.11.2026). There are temporary warnings about natural hazards in the high mountains, and protests and strikes can block roads.

Sources (4)

Money and cards

The Mir card does not work. Bring dollars in cash; there are almost no ATMs in the mountains.

Sources (2)

Flights

There are no direct flights from Russia. Connections are via Delhi, Dubai, Doha, Istanbul or Chinese cities.

Sources (1)

Laws and bans

  • Since 31.03.2023, foreigners on treks in national parks and conservation areas (Everest, Annapurna, Langtang and others) must have a licensed guide and a TIMS card arranged through an agency.
  • Restricted areas (Upper Mustang, Dolpo and others) only with a special permit; leaving the route is not allowed.
  • Drugs: even a little marijuana can mean more than 5 years.
  • In temples, no shorts or vests; non-Hindus are not allowed into some parts of Hindu temples.
Sources (3)

Budget

prices 1.4 times lower than in Russia · price level 0.25 (US = 1), 2025

Prices are almost a third lower than in Russia. The main trekking costs are the guide, a porter, permits and the flight to Lukla.

The price level is the ratio of purchasing power parity for household consumption to the market exchange rate (World Bank). These are national averages: resorts and capitals cost more, the countryside less. Flights are not included.

Sources (3)