Trekking in Nepal from the UK
From London, most flights to Kathmandu have one stop in Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, Abu Dhabi or Delhi, and take around 14 to 20 hours. You get a visa on arrival, $50 for 30 days. The best months are October to November and March to May.
A two-week holiday suits shorter treks like Poon Hill or Mardi Himal. Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit are more comfortable with around 18 to 20 days away, including flights and a little flexibility for delays.
- Flights: no direct flights, usually one stop, around 14 to 20 hours from London
- Visa: on arrival, $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, $125 for 90 days
- FCDO advice: no advice against travel to Nepal, but check the latest flood and flight warnings
- Time difference: Nepal is 4 hours 45 minutes ahead of the UK in summer (BST) and 5 hours 45 minutes ahead in winter (GMT)
- GHIC: not valid in Nepal, so you need travel insurance
- Plugs: Type C, D and M at 230V, so bring an adapter for UK plugs
Last updated: November 2026
Getting to Nepal from the UK
There are no direct flights from the UK to Kathmandu. From London Heathrow, common one-stop connections include Qatar Airways via Doha, Emirates via Dubai, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, Etihad via Abu Dhabi and Air India via Delhi.
You do not have to fly from London. Travellers from Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh can connect to Kathmandu through the same hubs, although routes and journey times vary. Compare the full journey time and connection, not just the ticket price.
Allow around 14 to 20 hours with a reasonable connection, and longer with an extended layover. For October and November, book early. Check the latest FCDO advice for your transit country as well as Nepal, especially when connecting through the Middle East, where regional disruption can affect flights to Kathmandu.
Arriving at Kathmandu Airport
We meet all our trekking guests at the airport and take them to the hotel. Day 1 of every itinerary is your arrival in Kathmandu, so you have time to rest before the trek starts. At the end of the trip we take you back to the airport too.
Visa and Entry
UK citizens get a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. Most trekkers choose the 30-day visa for $50. You can complete Nepal’s online visa application up to 15 days before arrival to save time at the airport, or use the kiosks at Kathmandu airport. Keep your submission receipt and bring US dollars or another accepted payment for the fee. Your passport needs at least six months of validity. See Nepal visa for trekkers.
Is Nepal Safe? What the FCDO Says
The FCDO does not advise against travel to Nepal. Its current warning covers the August 2026 flood in Rasuwa District and the Nepal-China border area, which badly damaged roads and other infrastructure, with damage also in Gorkha, Nuwakot and Dhading. It also warns of further landslides and flooding.
The Rasuwa area includes the usual start of the Langtang Valley trek, so check current conditions before planning a trip there. For any route, plan around current conditions rather than assuming nothing has changed. Sign up for FCDO email alerts for Nepal before you go. See also Is Nepal safe to travel?
Travel Insurance
Your GHIC does not cover you in Nepal, so travel insurance is essential. Many standard UK policies exclude trekking above a set altitude, often well below Everest Base Camp. Check four things:
- Emergency medical costs abroad
- Helicopter evacuation and mountain rescue
- The maximum altitude covered. For Everest Base Camp with Kala Patthar you need at least 5,545m, and for Thorong La 5,416m.
- Trip cancellation and interruption, including Lukla flight delays
Many people need a specialist trekking policy or an adventure add-on. See travel insurance for trekking in Nepal.
When to Go Around UK Holidays
- October half term: late October is peak trekking season, with clear skies. It is popular with families, so book early.
- Christmas and New Year: quiet trails, clear skies and cold nights. See trekking in Nepal in December.
- Easter holidays: spring trekking, with rhododendrons in bloom and warmer days.
- Summer holidays, July and August: monsoon season, with rain, cloud and leeches. See trekking in Nepal in monsoon.
When to Book
- October and November: book several months ahead, especially for half term.
- Easter: flights fill quickly, so book early.
- Your own dates: join a guaranteed group date or take the trek privately on dates that suit you, subject to guide and lodge availability.
Which Trek Fits Your Leave?
Most full-time UK workers are entitled to at least 28 days of paid leave a year, although this can include bank holidays. Many people plan their Nepal trip around Easter or October half term to make the most of it.
The days below are itinerary days in Nepal, from arrival in Kathmandu to departure. The time away adds about two days for flights. That is an estimate, because connections and overnight flights change the total.
| Trek | Itinerary | Approx. time away |
|---|---|---|
| Ghorepani Poon Hill | 9 days | 11 days |
| Mardi Himal | 10 days | 12 days |
| Annapurna Base Camp | 14 days | 16 days |
| Everest Base Camp | 14 days | 16 days |
| Annapurna Circuit | 16 days | 18 days |
| Tilicho Lake and Thorong La | 18 days | 20 days |
| Everest Three Passes | 20 days | 22 days |
A two-week holiday suits Poon Hill or Mardi Himal. Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit are more comfortable with around 18 to 20 days away, which leaves a little room for delays.
Money and Cash
Our trip prices are shown in US dollars. You can pay by card, and your bank or card provider converts from pounds. Any foreign transaction fee depends on your card provider.
On the trail, everything is paid in Nepali rupees in cash: snacks, hot showers, charging and tips. You can change pounds into rupees at authorised exchange counters in Kathmandu. Do not rely on ATMs or cards in mountain villages. See money in Nepal for trekkers and how much to tip guides and porters.
Plan Your Trek With Us
Our team in Kathmandu can help you choose a trek, plan dates around your leave and answer questions before you book. Email info@mountainkick.com, message us on WhatsApp at +977 985 118 2718, or send us an enquiry.
What British Trekkers Say
Daniel Harper, United Kingdom, Annapurna Base Camp Trek (July 2026). “Great experience from beginning to end.” Daniel trekked with a group of friends, praised their easygoing and knowledgeable guide Gopal, and found reaching Annapurna Base Camp special.
Oliver Hughes, United Kingdom, Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass Trek (June 2026). “Two incredible highlights in one trek.” Oliver found it demanding, with spectacular views at Tilicho Lake and Thorong La, and a guide who kept checking on the group.
Emily Watson, United Kingdom, Manaslu Circuit Trek (June 2026). “A truly memorable Himalayan trek.” Emily valued the quiet Manaslu region and the challenging Larkya La crossing, and praised guide Kumar. See the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Read all our reviews on the MountainKick reviews page.
FAQs: Trekking in Nepal from the UK
How long is the flight from London to Kathmandu?
Usually around 14 to 20 hours with one stop, and longer with an extended layover.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Nepal?
Yes, but you can get it on arrival. The 30-day visa costs $50. Apply online up to 15 days before arrival or use the airport kiosks.
Does the FCDO advise against travel to Nepal?
No. Check its latest warnings before you travel, including the Rasuwa flood area and any flight disruption on Middle East routes.
Does my GHIC cover me in Nepal?
No. You need travel insurance that covers your trekking altitude and helicopter evacuation.
What is the best time to trek from the UK?
October and November, or the Easter holidays in spring. Summer school holidays fall in the monsoon.
