Trekking in Nepal from the USA
Most Americans fly to Kathmandu with one or two connections, which takes around 20 to 26 hours or more. You get a visa on arrival, $50 for 30 days. The best months are October to November and March to May.
With about two weeks of vacation, a shorter trek like Poon Hill or Mardi Himal fits well. With two and a half to three weeks, you can do Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit. Our US representative, Guy Crims, can help you plan before you fly.
- Flights: no direct flights, around 20 to 26+ hours with connections
- Visa: on arrival, $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, $125 for 90 days
- US travel advisory: Level 2, exercise increased caution (updated 4 September 2026)
- Time difference: Nepal is 9 hours 45 minutes ahead of New York during US daylight saving time and 10 hours 45 minutes ahead during standard time
- Best seasons: October to November and March to May
- Plugs: Type C, D and M at 230V, so bring an adapter
Last updated: November 2026
Getting to Nepal from the USA
There are no direct flights from the US to Nepal. Common routes are:
- New York: usually through Doha, Istanbul or Dubai
- Chicago: usually through Doha or Istanbul
- Los Angeles and San Francisco: through Doha or Dubai, or through Asian hubs
Not every US city has an easy one-stop connection. From major US airports the journey commonly takes around 20 to 26 hours or more, depending on your route and layover. For October and November, book your flights early, because fares rise as the season fills.
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. Send us your flight details once they are booked.
Visa and Entry
US citizens get a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. Most trekkers choose the 30-day visa for $50. You can fill in the form online before you fly to save time at the airport. Your passport needs at least six months of validity. See Nepal visa for trekkers.
Is Nepal Safe for Americans?
The US State Department rates Nepal at Level 2, “exercise increased caution”. It lowered the advisory from Level 3 in March 2026 after the 2025 protests ended.
The September 2026 advisory specifically warns against travel to the Rasuwagadhi, Timure and Syabrubesi area in Rasuwa District, after severe flooding and landslides. That area includes the usual starting point for the Langtang Valley trek. Check current road conditions and trekking arrangements before planning a trip there. For any route, plan around current conditions rather than assuming nothing has changed.
Sign up for the State Department’s free STEP program before you travel. See also Is Nepal safe to travel?
Travel Insurance
Most standard US health plans do not give adequate cover for treatment abroad or mountain rescue. Before you buy a travel policy, check four things:
- Emergency medical costs outside the US
- Helicopter evacuation and mountain rescue
- The maximum altitude covered. For Everest Base Camp with Kala Patthar you need at least 5,545m.
- Trip interruption and cancellation, including delays such as Lukla flight cancellations
Buying a policy is not enough on its own. Check that it actually covers your trek and its highest point. See travel insurance for trekking in Nepal.
When to Go Around US Holidays
- October to November: the best weather and clearest views. Thanksgiving week is still a good time to trek, just colder up high.
- Christmas and New Year: quiet trails and clear skies, but cold nights. See trekking in Nepal in December.
- Spring break, March to April: warmer, with rhododendrons in bloom.
- Summer, June to August: this is when many Americans are free, but it is monsoon season, with rain and cloud. See trekking in Nepal in monsoon.
When to Book
- October and November: book several months ahead, especially around Thanksgiving.
- March and April: popular spring dates, so arrange flights early.
- Christmas and New Year: book around the holidays and pack for cold.
- 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 Vacation?
The days below are itinerary days in Nepal, counted from your arrival in Kathmandu to your departure. Add about two days for flights.
| Trek | Itinerary | Time away from the USA |
|---|---|---|
| Ghorepani Poon Hill | 9 days | About 11 days, fits two weeks |
| Gurung Heritage Homestay | 9 days | About 11 days, fits two weeks |
| Mardi Himal | 10 days | About 12 days, fits two weeks |
| Everest Base Camp | 14 days | About 16 to 17 days |
| Annapurna Circuit | 16 days | About 18 to 19 days |
| Everest Three Passes | 20 days | About 22 to 23 days |
If you have about 14 days of vacation in total, choose a 9 or 10 day trek. With 18 to 21 days, Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit work well. Most of our American clients choose Everest Base Camp, the Annapurna treks or the Gurung homestay trek, and some take longer routes like the Three Passes.
Money and Cash
You pay for your MountainKick trip in US dollars, by card through our payment gateway. On the trail, everything is paid in Nepali rupees in cash: snacks, hot showers, charging and tips. Change US dollars into rupees in Kathmandu, and do not rely on ATMs or cards in mountain villages. See money in Nepal for trekkers and how much to tip guides and porters.
Talk to Our US Representative
Guy Crims is MountainKick’s representative in the USA. He can help you choose a trek, answer itinerary questions and talk through preparation, all in your own time zone. Your trek itself is run by our team in Kathmandu.
Phone: +1 650 255 2865
Email: guy@mountainkick.com
What American Trekkers Say
Jamey Curtis, USA, Everest Base Camp Trek (October 2026). “An Amazing Everest Base Camp Trek with Jiban.” Jamey trekked in a group of three and praised guide Jiban as friendly, patient and helpful. The trek was challenging at times but well managed, and the views at base camp were unforgettable.
Lauren Mitchell, United States, Gurung Heritage Homestay Trek (August 2026). “More than just a trek.” Lauren enjoyed the mix of village culture and mountain views, especially the homestay, and found the whole trip easy to organise.
Alex Morgan, United States, Everest Base Camp Trek (August 2026). “Trekking to Everest Base Camp with MountainKick was one of the best decisions I made this year.” Alex found the trip well organised and valued the guide’s patience and trail knowledge on the harder days.
Read all our reviews on the MountainKick reviews page.
FAQs: Trekking in Nepal from the USA
How long is the flight from the USA to Nepal?
Usually around 20 to 26 hours or more with connections, depending on your departure city and route.
Do Americans need a visa for Nepal?
Yes, but you get it on arrival at Kathmandu airport. The 30-day visa costs $50.
Is Nepal safe for Americans?
The State Department rates Nepal at Level 2, exercise increased caution. Check the latest advisory and sign up for STEP before you go.
Is two weeks enough for a Nepal trek?
Yes, for a shorter trek like Poon Hill, Mardi Himal or the Gurung homestay trek. Everest Base Camp needs about two and a half weeks away from home.
Does US health insurance cover trekking in Nepal?
Usually not well enough. Buy travel insurance that covers your trekking altitude and helicopter evacuation.
