# How to Prepare for a Trek in Nepal: A 12-Week Timeline

_Published 15 May 2026_

Most problems on a Himalayan trek start weeks before the trek itself: boots that were never worn in, insurance that doesn't cover altitude, or fitness left to the last fortnight. Here is the timeline we give our own trekkers.

**Quick answer:** Start about **12 weeks** before you fly. Book the trek and flights first, then build fitness steadily, buy and wear in boots, arrange **insurance that covers helicopter rescue to your maximum altitude**, check vaccinations, and pack in the final week. Many trekkers fly in 2–3 days early to rest and sort permits.

## 12 weeks out: book and plan

- Choose your trek and dates. Spring (March–May) and autumn (late September–November) are the main seasons. See [best time to trek](/blog/best-time-to-trek-in-nepal).
- Book international flights and your trek. Lodges and Lukla flights fill up in October and April.
- Start training: three or four sessions a week. See [how to train for a trek](/blog/how-to-train-for-everest-base-camp).

## 8–10 weeks out: health and paperwork

- See a travel clinic about vaccinations. See [vaccinations and health](/blog/vaccinations-and-health-for-nepal).
- Buy [travel insurance](/blog/travel-insurance-for-nepal-trekking) that names trekking and covers your highest altitude.
- Check your passport has at least six months' validity. Most nationalities get a [visa on arrival](/blog/nepal-visa-guide).

## 6–8 weeks out: boots and gear

- Buy boots now and wear them on every training walk. See our [boots guide](/blog/trekking-boots-guide-nepal).
- Decide what to buy at home and what to [rent in Kathmandu](/blog/trekking-gear-rent-or-buy-kathmandu).
- Start back-to-back long walks with a loaded daypack.

## 2–4 weeks out: test everything

- Do a full training day in your trek clothes, with the pack you'll carry.
- Pack a trial bag and weigh it. On Lukla flights the limit is 15 kg in total. See [baggage limits](/blog/trekking-baggage-weight-limits-nepal).
- Assemble your [first-aid kit](/blog/first-aid-kit-for-nepal-trekking).

## Final week

- Taper training. Rest, sleep and hydrate.
- Bring passport photos for permits and some US dollars or euros in cash.
- Read up on [altitude sickness](/blog/altitude-sickness-nepal-trekking) so you know the symptoms.

Still unsure? Read [common first-time mistakes](/blog/first-time-trekking-mistakes-nepal), or [ask us](/contact-us).

## Frequently asked questions
### How far ahead should I start preparing for a Nepal trek?
About three months, especially for fitness and boots.

### When should I book a trek in Nepal?
Two to four months ahead for October, November and April.

### Do I need to arrive early in Kathmandu?
We recommend one or two spare days for rest, permits and flight delays.

### What is the most important preparation?
Fitness, worn-in boots and insurance that covers helicopter rescue at altitude.


Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/blog/nepal-trek-preparation-timeline