How to Reach Nepal: A Comprehensive Guide for Travelers

Nepal, a stunning country nestled in the Himalayas, attracts travelers from all over the world for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure tourism. Whether you’re planning to trek the Everest Base Camp or simply explore the bustling streets of Kathmandu, one of the first questions you’ll need to answer is how to reach Nepal.

Thanks to its proximity to India and its well-established transportation routes, reaching Nepal is relatively easy. In this article, we’ll cover various ways to travel to Nepal from India, including options by air, train, bus, and even private vehicles. We will also discuss specific routes from cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Gorakhpur to give you a complete guide on how to make your journey to this beautiful Himalayan nation.

The most convenient and fastest way to reach Nepal is by air. Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is the primary international gateway to Nepal, handling flights from several countries, including India. Numerous airlines operate direct flights between major Indian cities and Kathmandu, making air travel the most popular choice for tourists.

Delhi is one of the most common departure points for travelers heading to Nepal. The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi offers direct flights to Kathmandu, with flight durations of around 1.5 to 2 hours. Multiple airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Nepal Airlines operate daily flights between Delhi and Kathmandu, making it easy to find a convenient schedule.

Mumbai, being a major international hub, also offers direct flights to Kathmandu. Flights from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) to Kathmandu take approximately 2 hours. Airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, and Himalaya Airlines operate direct flights to Nepal from Mumbai.

Kolkata, located close to the Nepalese border, is another city with good air connections to Nepal. Flights from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata to Kathmandu take roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. You can find daily flights operated by Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet from Kolkata to Kathmandu.

While there is no direct rail route from India to Nepal, traveling by train to the border followed by a bus or taxi into Nepal is a popular and affordable option for those who prefer not to fly.

The nearest train station to Nepal is Gorakhpur Junction in Uttar Pradesh, India, which is well-connected to several Indian cities. Gorakhpur is about 100 kilometers from the Nepalese border, making it an ideal departure point for travelers heading to Nepal.

• Step 1: Board a train from major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, or Varanasi to Gorakhpur. Gorakhpur is well-connected to the Indian Railways network, so you can easily find trains from cities across India. The travel time to Gorakhpur from Delhi, for example, is about 12 to 14 hours.
• Step 2: After reaching Gorakhpur, head to the Sunauli border (the nearest border post) located about 8 km from Gorakhpur. You can travel by taxi or private vehicle.
• Step 3: Once you arrive at Sunauli, you will need to cross into Nepal at the Bhairahawa border (Rupandehi district). After crossing the border, you can take a bus or taxi to Lumbini (for those visiting Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha), Pokhara, or Kathmandu.

The total journey from Gorakhpur to Kathmandu by train and road may take 15-18 hours, depending on the waiting time at the border.

While Delhi does not have a direct train to Nepal, you can travel to Gorakhpur by train, as mentioned above. From Gorakhpur, follow the same procedure of crossing into Nepal via the Sunauli border. You can also take a bus from Gorakhpur to Kathmandu, but be prepared for a long and sometimes uncomfortable ride.

There are many bus services that operate between Indian cities and Nepal, especially from areas close to the border like Gorakhpur, Varanasi, and Lucknow.

From Gorakhpur, you can easily find direct buses to Kathmandu and other cities in Nepal. These buses are generally run by private travel companies, and the journey from Gorakhpur to Kathmandu can take around 10 to 12 hours. You will cross into Nepal via the Sunauli border, and once across, you will be transported further by bus. Alternatively, you could take a private taxi or rent a vehicle for a more comfortable, personalized journey.

If you prefer to travel by bus, you can take a bus from Delhi to Kathmandu, though this journey can be quite long. The distance between Delhi and Kathmandu is around 1,150 kilometers, and the bus journey takes approximately 30 to 35 hours. Buses usually travel via Sunauli and cross the border at Bhairahawa, where passengers are required to clear immigration before entering Nepal.

While bus travel is an affordable option, it’s important to keep in mind that the long journey can be exhausting, and the road conditions, particularly on the Nepalese side, may not always be ideal.

Kolkata is one of the closest major Indian cities to Nepal, with several transportation options available for travel.

• By Air: The quickest way to reach Nepal from Kolkata is by flight, with a travel time of just 1.5 to 2 hours to Kathmandu.
• By Train and Bus: As mentioned earlier, you can take a train from Kolkata to Gorakhpur, and then continue your journey by bus or taxi to Nepal. The total journey may take approximately 12-15 hours depending on the waiting time at the border.

Traveling to Nepal from Mumbai is straightforward via air travel, as Mumbai has direct flights to Kathmandu. These flights take approximately 2 hours.

• By Air: Direct flights from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu are available with airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, and Himalaya Airlines.
• By Train and Bus: You can also take a train to Gorakhpur from Mumbai and follow the same procedure of taking a bus from Gorakhpur to the border, then continuing to Kathmandu or your destination in Nepal.

Delhi is a major hub for travelers heading to Nepal. As mentioned earlier, the most convenient way to reach Nepal from Delhi is by air, with direct flights to Kathmandu taking 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train to Gorakhpur, and then travel by road to the Sunauli border to cross into Nepal.

• Visas: Indian nationals do not require a visa to enter Nepal for tourism purposes, but you will need to carry a valid passport, Aadhaar card, or Voter ID.
• Travel Documents: Ensure your documents are in order before crossing into Nepal, especially if you're traveling by train or bus.
• Health and Safety: Always check for any health advisories, especially during the monsoon season, as there can be travel disruptions due to weather conditions.

Nepal is easily accessible from India via multiple travel routes. Whether you prefer flying directly to Kathmandu, taking a train to Gorakhpur and then traveling by bus, or embarking on a road journey from cities like Delhi or Mumbai, there are plenty of options to suit your travel preferences and budget.

The journey to Nepal is just the beginning of your adventure, and with so many convenient travel options, you can easily start your exploration of this beautiful Himalayan country.