How to Reach Nepal: A Complete Travel Guide
Explore various ways to reach Nepal from India, including by air, train, and road from cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Gorakhpur for a smooth journey.
Nepal is a country known around the world for the stunning Himalayan landscapes, rich culture, and spirituality associated with it. It has evolved into a famous tourist destination from all the corners of the globe. Whether it's a trekking escapade, cultural exploration, or immersing yourself in the natural beauty it holds, it's very important to be aware of how to reach Nepal from multiple locations, especially from India since it shares a long border with Nepal.
This article will give a comprehensive guide on how to reach Nepal from different places in India, including major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Gorakhpur. The guide will assist you in planning your journey in whichever mode you prefer, be it by plane, train, bus, or car.
How to Reach Nepal: Overview
The southern, eastern, and western borders of Nepal are with India. Because it is close and accessible, Nepal is reached from India by many people, and one can reach Nepal from India in numerous ways. The principal means of travel between the two are by the following modes:
By Air (Flights), by Train, by Road (Bus or Private Vehicle)
Each of these modes is discussed elaborately below.
Reaching Nepal by Air
The fastest and most convenient way to reach Nepal is by air. Nepal’s only international airport is Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), located in the capital city of Kathmandu. Many major Indian cities have direct flights to Kathmandu, and the flight duration is generally short, ranging from 1.5 to 4 hours, depending on your departure city.
Popular Flights to Nepal from India:
From Delhi: Available flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Tribhuvan International Airport. Flight time is around 1.5 to 2 hours.
From Kolkata: Flights are available from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) to Kathmandu, with the flight taking almost 1.5 hours.
From Mumbai: It takes about 3 to 3.5 hours for the flight from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) to Kathmandu.
From Bangalore/Chennai/Hyderabad: Flights from these cities to Kathmandu also operate daily, with flight durations ranging from 3 to 4 hours.
Flights are generally affordable, and booking in advance can help you find reasonable fares.
How to Reach Nepal by Train
Nepal does not have a direct train connection to major cities of India, yet you can reach Nepal by train, cross through the borders, and then reach your destination by road. Indian Railways offers trains to numerous cities bordering Nepal, from which you can take a bus or taxi for your final destination in Nepal.
Steps to Reach Nepal by Train
Delhi to Gorakhpur
Catch a train from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) to Gorakhpur Junction (GKP). This is one of the most convenient and popular routes for travelers coming from northern India. The train journey takes about 12 to 14 hours.
From Gorakhpur to Sunauli Border (Nepal Border):
From Gorakhpur, you can board a bus or take a taxi to Sunauli Border, which is approximately 15-20 kilometers from there. The crossing is relatively simple, and once you've gone through all the immigration procedures, you're free to enter Nepal.
Sunauli to Kathmandu:
From Sunauli, buses or taxis are available to take you to Kathmandu. The road journey from the border to Kathmandu takes about 7 to 8 hours, depending on the road conditions.
While the train option may take longer compared to flying, it is a scenic and cost-effective way to travel to Nepal from India.
How to Reach Nepal from Delhi
Delhi is well connected to Nepal both by air and road. The following are the main ways of reaching Nepal from Delhi:
By Air:
The fastest way of reaching Nepal from Delhi is through air. Flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) take 1.5 to 2 hours directly.
Air India, Nepal Airlines, and others have daily flights between Delhi and Kathmandu.
By Road:
If you like to travel by road, it takes about 800 kilometers to reach the border of Nepal called Sunauli from Delhi, which is about 14-16 hours by bus or car.
The buses are available from Kashmere Gate and other terminals of the Delhi city to the border cities like Sunauli and Nepalganj. Once you are at the border, you can get a taxi that will take you to any place in Nepal.
How to Get to Nepal from Kolkata
Kolkata is one of the closest Indian cities to Nepal, ways to get to Nepal from Kolkata:
By Air:
There are direct flights from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), which take about 1.5 hours.
Several airlines fly this route, making it accessible for travelers.
By Train and Bus:
Alternatively, you may take the train from Kolkata to Gorakhpur (as discussed earlier) and go by road from there to the Sunauli border. The train journey takes about 12-14 hours and then a bus or taxi to the border and Kathmandu.
Reach Nepal from Mumbai
Mumbai is one of the major cities in India and is easily accessible to Nepal by air.
By Air:
There are direct flights from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to Tribhuvan International Airport, KTM, taking a time of almost 3-3.5 hours.
Regularity flights available are offered by Air India and Nepal Airlines on this route
By Train and Road
Alternatively, you can take the train to Gorakhpur and then travel by bus or taxi to the border. The train takes around 24 to 30 hours from Mumbai to Gorakhpur. Once you have reached Gorakhpur, follow the Sunauli route given above.
Getting to Nepal from Gorakhpur
Gorakhpur is one of the easiest access points to Nepal from India, since it is on the Sunauli border.
By Train:
It is possible to take trains from Gorakhpur Railway Station, which then lead to major Indian cities such as Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. The train station is well connected to other parts of India
By Road:
From Gorakhpur, you can take a bus or taxi to the Sunauli Border. This border crossing is about 15-20 kilometers from Gorakhpur.
After crossing into Nepal, you can take a bus or taxi to major Nepalese cities such as Lumbini, Pokhara, or Kathmandu.
The road journey from Gorakhpur to Kathmandu usually takes about 7-8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
How to Reach Nepal from India: General Tips
Visa Requirement: No visa is required to visit Nepal if you are a citizen of India. You'll need to present a valid passport or government-issued photo ID (such as an Aadhar card) at entry.
Customs and Immigration: For people flying in, it's an efficient process, at least when using Tribhuvan International Airport. People arriving by land should clear customs at the border crossing.
Road Travel Tips: If you plan to travel by road, ensure your vehicle is in good condition, especially if you're traveling from a far distance. Carry some Nepalese Rupees, as well as Indian currency, since some places near the border accept Indian currency.
Conclusion
It is quite easy and inexpensive to reach Nepal from India, if you take the right transport. This transport can be airbound, by train to the border, or by bus or car. You may travel to Nepal from most major cities in India, including Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Gorakhpur. Each route provides benefits, so pick one according to your preference, pocket, and time constraints.
