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Pre-Trip Checklist

Pre-Trip Checklist

Kathmandu To Pokhara, Nepal

Essential Preparations

Follow a chronological planning timeline for a well-organized trip.

Three Months Prior to Travel

Initial steps for a smooth journey foundation.

Passport & Visa

Passport Validity

Confirm six months validity beyond Nepal departure. Renew if needed.

Visa Requirements

Determine Visa On Arrival eligibility or apply in advance via embassy.

Start Application

Begin the visa application process if an advance visa is required.

Health & Insurance

Medical Consultation

Schedule a travel clinic visit for vaccinations and health advice.

Travel Insurance

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medicals, evacuation, and luggage.

Flight Bookings

Secure international flights to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM).

Financial Readiness

Bank Notification

Notify your bank of travel dates to avoid card flags.

Document Copies

Create physical and digital copies of important documents; store separately.

Packing List Start

Begin compiling a comprehensive packing list.

One Month Before

Focus on securing major bookings and setting your travel framework.

Bookings

  • Book major accommodation in Bandipur, Kathmandu, and Pokhara.
  • Arrange domestic flights or tourist bus tickets for inter-city travel.
  • Include your journey to/from Dumre (the junction for Bandipur).
  • Finalize any tour reservations.

One Week Before

Refine your preparations for immediate departure.

Final Checks

  • Confirm all reservations: flights, hotels, tours.
  • Pack bags using your comprehensive packing list.
  • Charge electronics, download offline maps and apps.
  • Exchange some local currency or have USD/EUR for initial expenses.

Home Preparation Before Departure

Ensure your home is secured and affairs are in order while you're away.

Household Logistics

  • Arrange pet or house-sitting if applicable.
  • Stop mail or newspaper delivery.
  • Pay bills due during your travel period.
  • Secure your home: lock doors, unplug electronics, set thermostats.

Digital Security & Access

  • Share essential access codes with a trusted person.
  • Ensure smart home devices are set to vacation mode.
  • Back up important computer files.
  • Set up an out-of-office email reply.

Emergency Information

  • Finalize a written list of emergency contacts.
  • Include local police, ambulance, fire, and your embassy/consulate.
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary with a reliable contact.
  • Share any medical considerations with a trusted person.

Insight

Using Packing cubes can make packing more efficient and organized.

Arrival Checklist

The first steps upon arrival for orientation and settling in.

Initial Steps Upon Arrival KTM

  • Visa On Arrival

    Follow airport signs for Visa On Arrival. Have passport, photo, and fee ready.

  • Immigration & Customs

    Proceed through immigration and collect your luggage.

  • Currency Exchange

    Exchange some money at airport booths for immediate needs.

Orientation & Connectivity

  • Local SIM Card

    Purchase a local SIM card (Ncell or NTC) at the arrivals hall.

  • Airport Transfer

    Arrange airport transfer to your initial accommodation or bus park.

  • Area Familiarization

    Locate nearby restaurants, ATMs, and stores around your accommodation.

Transportation from Entry Point

Kathmandu Airport

From KTM, proceed to your hotel or a major bus park (Kalanki/Gongabu).

Look for buses heading towards Dumre (Bandipur junction).

Pokhara Airport

From Pokhara Airport (PKR), go to Prithvi Chowk for onward transport.

This is your connection point for buses or shared jeeps to Dumre.

Private Transfers

Consider pre-arranged private transfers for convenience.

Discuss with your accommodation provider.

Tip

Ask hotel staff for local tips, directions, and transportation advice.

Departure Preparation

Plan your departure for a smooth exit from Bandipur and Nepal.

Souvenirs & Timing

  • Purchase any remaining souvenirs a day or two before departure.
  • If shipping items, allow ample time for customs and postal services.
  • VAT refunds are generally not applicable for tourists departing from Nepal.
  • Arrive at Kathmandu airport (KTM) at least 3 hours before international departure.

Return Journey Logistics

  • For domestic flights from Pokhara (PKR), arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure.
  • If traveling by road from Bandipur to an airport, allow extra time for traffic delays on Prithvi Highway.
  • Confirm your return flight details with your airline.
  • Pack liquids in checked luggage following airline regulations.

Emergency Contacts List

Ensure you have quick access to essential numbers.

Phone Numbers

  • Police:100
  • Fire:101
  • Ambulance:102
  • Tourist Police (Kathmandu):+977-1-4247041

Important Document Copies

  • Make physical copies of your passport and visa.
  • Keep copies of flight tickets and insurance policy.
  • Retain copies of all hotel reservations.
  • Store digital copies on a cloud service or email to yourself.

Final Recommendation

Ensure your home is locked, unnecessary electronics unplugged, and thermostats set appropriately before leaving.

An organized departure makes for a tranquil return.