Nepal is the rare international trip that's both a short flight from most Indian metros and a genuine mountain trekking destination — you don't need mountaineering experience for most of its popular beginner treks, just reasonable fitness and the right preparation.
Picking a first trek
Poon Hill (Ghorepani-Poon Hill) is the standard beginner recommendation: 4-5 days, well-marked teahouse trails, and a sunrise Annapurna range view from the pass that rivals much longer treks. Ghandruk and the lower Annapurna foothills are similarly accessible if you want something shorter. Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit are the next tier up, needing 10-14 days and more fitness and altitude preparation.
Altitude, taken seriously
Even 'easy' Nepal treks can climb past 3,000 metres. Altitude sickness doesn't care about fitness level — build in acclimatisation days on anything above 2,500 metres, drink more water than feels necessary, and know the early symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness) well enough to turn back if they don't improve with rest.
What to book in advance vs on arrival
Trekking permits (TIMS card and area-specific permits) are usually arranged through a local trekking agency once you land in Kathmandu — booking a reputable agency ahead of time is worth it
Teahouse stays along popular routes like Poon Hill don't need advance booking outside peak season (October-November, March-April)
A guide or porter isn't legally required for most independent treks but is genuinely useful for first-timers navigating trail junctions and altitude pacing
Getting there from India
Kathmandu has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and several other Indian cities, and Indian passport holders don't need a visa for Nepal — just a valid passport or voter ID for land crossings. It's one of the most frictionless international trips available from India, which makes it a good choice for a first trek abroad.