Packing List and Logistics
From weather forecasts to Tony's notes to cultural etiquette & dress, here's everything you need to know.
Weather Forecast From Start to Finish

Check out this handy chart for all the deets

Date Location Daytime Temps (°F / °C) Nighttime Temps (°F / °C) Weather Conditions March 21-24 Kathmandu, Nepal 55-80°F (13-27°C) 40-55°F (5-13°C) Pleasant, dry air, cool mornings March 24-26 Chitwan National Park, Nepal 65-90°F (18-32°C) 55-70°F (13-21°C) Warm, humid, chance of light rain March 26-28 Pokhara, Nepal 60-85°F (16-29°C) 50-65°F (10-18°C) Pleasant, mild mornings March 28-29 Kathmandu, Nepal 55-80°F (13-27°C) 40-55°F (5-13°C) Similar to earlier stay, dry & comfortable March 29-30 Thimphu, Bhutan 45-70°F (7-21°C) 30-45°F (-1-7°C) Crisp, dry, cool at night March 30-31 Punakha, Bhutan 55-80°F (13-27°C) 40-60°F (5-16°C) Warmer than Thimphu, blooming spring flowers March 31-April 2 Paro, Bhutan 50-75°F (10-24°C) 30-50°F (-1-10°C) Crisp mornings, sunny afternoons April 2-3 Agra, India 70-95°F (21-35°C) 60-75°F (16-24°C) Hot, dry, intense sun April 3-6 Delhi, India 75-100°F (24-38°C) 65-80°F (18-27°C) Very warm, dusty, occasional rain showers

Master Travel Checklist:
Do you have everything? I've created a master list that includes all of Tony's notes.
Interested in being a digital nomad or what I do to pack super light on long trips? I included my nerdy travel nut packing list where everything is itemized and weighed to the gram.
View Master Packing Checklist
Altitude: Tony Says…
PLEASE discuss with your doctor if you need altitude medicine. It looks like we have 4 nights in Bhutan. My doctor will probably be giving me enough pills for 5 days plus two days to start ahead of time.
Nepal
The highest we will be is 4800 feet in Katmandu. It is about 2700 feet in Pokara and 1700 feet in Chitwin.
In Katmandu, figure about 75 in the daytime and 48 at night.
Bhutan
Thimphu is the highest altitude we will be going to at 8000 feet, except for the day at the Tigers Nest. That is 10,000 feet. Temperatures at 65 degrees for a high and 39 for a low at night.
India
They have two types of weather this time of year: 
Hot and humid and humid and hot. 
We will have both!
Cultural Etiquette & Dress Codes
General Cultural Norms
  • Modesty is important – Both men and women should avoid overly revealing clothing
  • Right-hand etiquette – Always accept/give with your right hand (left hand is considered unclean)
  • No public displays of affection – Hugging or kissing in public is frowned upon in Bhutan & Nepal
  • Avoid pointing with fingers – Use an open palm instead
Temples & Monasteries
  • Modest clothing, covered shoulders & knees
  • No hats and shoes in temples – Bring easy slip-on shoes and dark colored socks that cover the ankle for modesty
  • Disposable plastic bag if you want to carry your shoes instead of leaving them outside
  • Respect religious spaces – Never turn your back on Buddhist statues or take photos without permission
Chitwan National Park
  • Light, neutral-colored clothing (avoids attracting insects), long sleeves & pants.
  • Hat, sunscreen
  • Bug repellant
  • Water bottle
  • Backpack
Tiger's Nest Monastery
  • Athletic/hiking wear, sturdy boots
  • Layers for temperature changes
  • Camera for epic views
  • Trekking poles are suggested
  • Sturdy shoes or boots good for hiking that resist water
Additional Travel Tips
Local Currency
  • Bring cash for spending, $275 for tips, and $30 for the Nepal visa.
  • Buddy up and exchange at airport while the other person grabs bags.
  • It's easier to exchange $100 at a time.
Connectivity & SIM Cards
  • Nepal & India: SIM cards available at airports (Nepal Telecom, Airtel, Jio).
  • Bhutan: WiFi in hotels but SIM cards require local authorization.
  • Melissa has an international SIM with Google Fi and can share her hotspot fondly named "Viral Download"
Staying Healthy & Hydrated
  • Do not drink tap water – Always drink bottled or filtered water.
  • Avoid street food unless cooked fresh – Especially in India.
  • Carry light snacks – Energy bars or nuts for long travel days.