Kathmandu Travel Guide for Indian Lions Members: Visa, Flights & What to Expect in December 2026

If you're an Indian Lions Club member planning to attend the 54th ISAME Forum in Kathmandu this December, the good news is that Nepal is one of the easiest international trips available to Indian travellers. Here's what to actually plan for before you book your stay.

Visa and documents

Indian citizens do not need a visa to enter Nepal. A valid government photo ID — passport, voter ID, or Aadhaar card — is sufficient for entry by air or land. If you're travelling by air, carrying your passport is still the smoothest option, since it's accepted everywhere without question. Children under a certain age may need additional documentation; if you're travelling with family, reach out to our team to confirm the exact requirements for your situation before you book.

Getting to Kathmandu

Direct flights connect Kathmandu to several major Indian cities — Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Varanasi, and others — on a mix of Indian and Nepali carriers. Flight time from Delhi is around 1 hour 40 minutes; from Mumbai or Bengaluru, expect closer to 3 hours including the route. For most delegates, this is a shorter and simpler journey than a domestic trip to some parts of India.

Currency: the Indian Rupee is widely accepted in Nepal alongside the Nepali Rupee, and ATMs in Kathmandu are easy to find. You don't need to arrange currency exchange in advance, though carrying some cash for small purchases (Lions Market, local shops) is useful.

Weather in December

Mid-December is peak dry season in the Kathmandu Valley — clear skies, low humidity, and no monsoon haze. Daytime temperatures typically sit in the mild-to-cool range (roughly 15–20°C), dropping noticeably after sunset (down to 3–8°C), so:

• Daytime: light layers are enough for sightseeing and conference sessions
• Evenings: bring a proper jacket — Kathmandu evenings in December are genuinely cold, especially outdoors at the Nepal Night Celebration or banquet
• Extensions: if you're adding Nagarkot, Pokhara, or a mountain flight, pack for colder conditions again — higher elevation means colder mornings

What to pack

• A warm jacket or fleece for evenings (non-negotiable in December)
• Comfortable walking shoes — Kathmandu's old streets and temple areas involve a fair amount of walking on uneven stone
• Formal wear for the plenary sessions and Presidential banquet
• A universal power adapter (Nepal uses Type C/D/M sockets, 230V)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses — December daytime sun at altitude is stronger than it looks

What to expect culturally

Kathmandu is a working, living city built around centuries-old temple squares — expect a mix of modern hotels and conference venues alongside Durbar Squares, monasteries, and daily religious life happening around you, not staged for visitors. Dress modestly when visiting temple areas, remove shoes where indicated, and ask before photographing people directly, especially at religious sites.

Nepali hospitality is warm and direct — you'll likely be offered tea often, and a genuine "thank you" (dhanyabad) goes a long way.

Travelling with family, seniors, or first-time flyers? Our team can walk you through document requirements and pacing before you book. Contact us — we'd rather answer questions upfront than have you find out something at the airport.

Getting help once you land

Sustainable Journeys runs a dedicated desk for ISAME Forum delegates, with contacts in both India and Nepal so you're never stuck without local support:

• Nepal (WhatsApp & direct call): +977-9849005616
• India (WhatsApp & direct call): +91-9560479579

For the full forum program, accommodation booking, and optional post-forum extensions across Nepal, see the 54th ISAME Forum 2026 page.

Plan Your Trip with Sustainable Journeys Nepal

A trip this size goes smoothly with the right prep — visa, weather, and packing sorted before you land. Book your ISAME Forum stay, explore Nepal treks and tours for after the forum, or contact us with any questions.