Every year, over 200,000 Indian travellers cross the border into Nepal — making Indians the single largest group of foreign visitors to this Himalayan nation. If you’re searching for how to reach Nepal from India, the good news is you have more options than almost any other international destination: direct flights from 8+ Indian cities, overland bus routes from multiple border crossings, and even train connections that get you close to the frontier.
This guide covers every route, every border crossing, and every transport option with current prices, travel times, and practical tips. Whether you’re flying from Delhi or taking a bus from Gorakhpur, you’ll find exactly what you need to plan your journey.
At a Glance — How to Reach Nepal from India
| Route | From | To | Time | Cost (INR) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Flight | Delhi | Kathmandu | 1.5 hours | ₹5,000–15,000 | Speed, convenience |
| Direct Flight | Mumbai | Kathmandu | 2.5 hours | ₹7,000–18,000 | South/West India travellers |
| Direct Flight | Kolkata | Kathmandu | 1 hour | ₹4,000–12,000 | East India travellers |
| Direct Flight | Varanasi | Kathmandu | 45 min | ₹4,000–10,000 | Combining pilgrimage + Nepal |
| Bus + Border | Gorakhpur | Kathmandu | 12–14 hours | ₹800–1,500 | Budget travellers |
| Bus + Border | Gorakhpur | Pokhara | 10–12 hours | ₹800–1,400 | Direct to trekking base |
| Bus + Border | Delhi | Kathmandu | 24–30 hours | ₹1,500–2,500 | Ultra-budget, overland adventure |
| Train + Bus | Delhi | Gorakhpur + bus | 16–18 hours total | ₹600–2,000 | Train lovers, budget route |
By Flight — The Fastest Way to Reach Nepal
Flying is the most convenient way to reach Nepal from India, with Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu receiving direct flights from multiple Indian cities. Flight times are short — Kolkata to Kathmandu is just 55 minutes.
Direct Flights to Kathmandu
| From | Airlines | Flight Time | Price Range (one-way) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi (DEL) | IndiGo, Air India, Nepal Airlines, Himalaya Airlines | 1h 30min | ₹5,000–15,000 | 5–8 daily |
| Mumbai (BOM) | IndiGo, Air India | 2h 30min | ₹7,000–18,000 | 1–3 daily |
| Kolkata (CCU) | IndiGo, Nepal Airlines, Himalaya Airlines | 55min | ₹4,000–12,000 | 2–4 daily |
| Varanasi (VNS) | Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines | 45min | ₹4,000–10,000 | 1–2 daily |
| Bangalore (BLR) | IndiGo (via Delhi) | 4–5h | ₹8,000–20,000 | 1–2 daily (connecting) |
| Chennai (MAA) | IndiGo (via Delhi) | 4–5h | ₹8,000–20,000 | 1–2 daily (connecting) |
| Hyderabad (HYD) | IndiGo (via Delhi) | 4–5h | ₹7,000–18,000 | 1–2 daily (connecting) |
Booking tips:
- Book 4–6 weeks in advance for the best fares. Peak season (October–November, March–April) sees prices spike
- IndiGo offers the most frequent and affordable connections from Indian cities
- Baggage allowances vary — budget airlines allow 15 kg check-in by default. Add extra luggage if you’re carrying trekking gear
- Tribhuvan Airport has a single runway and is prone to delays during poor weather, especially during monsoon. Build buffer time
Flights to Other Nepal Cities
Bhairahawa (Gautam Buddha International Airport): Nepal’s newest international airport near Lumbini. Direct flights from Delhi and Kolkata. Useful if you’re visiting Lumbini (Buddha’s birthplace) or heading to Pokhara via road (5–6 hours by bus).
Biratnagar: Flights from Kolkata. Useful for eastern Nepal destinations or as an alternative entry point to avoid Kathmandu.
By Road — Overland Routes from India to Nepal
Overland travel is the budget-friendly option and gives you a ground-level experience of the transition from the Indian plains to the Nepali hills. India and Nepal share an open border — Indian citizens don’t even need a passport (Voter ID works), though we strongly recommend carrying your passport.
The Main Border Crossings
| Indian Side | Nepal Side | Nearest Indian City | Goes To | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunauli | Bhairahawa (Belahiya) | Gorakhpur (3–4 hrs) | Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lumbini | Most popular crossing |
| Raxaul | Birgunj | Patna (5–6 hrs) | Kathmandu via Hetauda | Bihar/East India travellers |
| Panitanki | Kakarbhitta | Siliguri (1 hr) | Eastern Nepal, Biratnagar, Ilam | Darjeeling/NE India travellers |
| Banbasa | Mahendranagar | Delhi (10 hrs to Banbasa) | Far-western Nepal | Rarely used by tourists |
| Rupaidiha | Nepalgunj | Lucknow (5–6 hrs) | Western Nepal, Bardia NP | Bardia wildlife visitors |
Route 1: Delhi → Gorakhpur → Sunauli Border → Kathmandu (Most Popular)
This is the classic overland route and the one most Indian travellers use.
Step 1: Delhi to Gorakhpur by train
- Several daily trains (Gorakhdham Express, Rapti Sagar Express, Humsafar Express)
- Travel time: 10–14 hours depending on the train
- Cost: ₹350 (Sleeper) to ₹1,200 (AC 3-tier) to ₹1,800 (AC 2-tier)
- Book on IRCTC at least 2 weeks ahead — trains to Gorakhpur fill up fast
Step 2: Gorakhpur to Sunauli border by bus
- Frequent UP Roadways and private buses from Gorakhpur bus stand
- Travel time: 3–4 hours
- Cost: ₹150–250
- Alternatively, shared jeeps (₹200–300, faster) or private taxi (₹2,000–3,000)
Step 3: Cross the Sunauli–Bhairahawa border
- Walk across — the border is a road crossing with immigration posts on both sides
- Indian citizens: Show passport or Voter ID. No visa required. Free entry
- Non-Indian foreigners: Get Nepal visa on arrival at the border ($25 for 15 days, $40 for 30 days, $100 for 90 days)
- Border open 24 hours but immigration offices close at 10 PM. Cross during daytime for hassle-free experience
- Money exchange available on both sides — rates are fair. Nepali Rupee = 1.6 × Indian Rupee (approximately)
Step 4: Bhairahawa to Kathmandu by bus
- Tourist buses and local buses depart from Bhairahawa’s bus park
- Tourist bus (day): 8–9 hours, NPR 1,000–1,500 (₹630–945). Comfortable seats, fewer stops
- Night bus: 8–10 hours, NPR 800–1,200. Leaves around 7–8 PM, arrives early morning
- The road climbs from the flat Terai plains into winding mountain highways — motion sickness tablets recommended
Total cost Delhi to Kathmandu (overland): ₹1,500–3,000 per person
Total time: 24–30 hours (usually done as overnight train + daytime bus)
Route 2: Gorakhpur → Sunauli → Pokhara (For Trekkers)
If your goal is trekking in the Annapurna region, skip Kathmandu entirely and head straight to Pokhara from the Sunauli border.
- Gorakhpur to Sunauli: 3–4 hours by bus (₹150–250)
- Cross border at Sunauli–Bhairahawa
- Bhairahawa to Pokhara: 5–6 hours by tourist bus (NPR 800–1,200) or 4–5 hours by private vehicle
- The road to Pokhara is scenic, passing through the Terai and climbing into the Annapurna foothills
Total from Gorakhpur: ₹800–1,500, 10–12 hours
Route 3: Patna → Raxaul → Birgunj → Kathmandu
The best route for travellers from Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern UP.
- Patna to Raxaul: 5–6 hours by bus or 4 hours by taxi
- Cross border at Raxaul–Birgunj
- Birgunj to Kathmandu: 6–8 hours via the Tribhuvan Highway (older, windier route) or the newer Narayanghat highway (faster)
- Night buses from Birgunj reach Kathmandu by early morning
Route 4: Siliguri → Kakarbhitta → Eastern Nepal
For travellers coming from Darjeeling, Sikkim, or Northeast India.
- Siliguri/New Jalpaiguri to Panitanki border: 1 hour by shared jeep (₹100)
- Cross border at Panitanki–Kakarbhitta
- Kakarbhitta to Kathmandu: 14–16 hours by bus (long journey). Or fly from Biratnagar (2 hours by bus from Kakarbhitta) to Kathmandu (45 min flight, ₹3,000–5,000)
- This crossing is best for visiting eastern Nepal’s tea country (Ilam), or Kanchenjunga region
Documents Required for Indian Citizens
India and Nepal have a special relationship — the open border means Indian citizens can enter Nepal freely without a visa. Here’s what you need:
For Air Travel
- Valid passport — required for all flights to Nepal. Must have at least 6 months validity
- No visa required. Immigration is processed on arrival at Kathmandu airport
- Carry 2 passport-size photos (needed for trekking permits like TIMS)
For Overland Travel
- Valid passport (strongly recommended) OR
- Voter ID card — officially accepted at land borders, but passport is smoother
- Aadhaar card is NOT accepted as a travel document for Nepal entry
- Children under 15: carry birth certificate
Money and Currency Tips
The Nepali Rupee (NPR) is pegged to the Indian Rupee at approximately NPR 1.6 = INR 1. This makes mental math easy: divide Nepal prices by 1.6 to get the INR equivalent (or multiply by 0.625).
Key Money Tips
- Indian currency up to ₹100 notes is accepted in many shops and restaurants near the border areas and some tourist zones. ₹200, ₹500, and ₹2,000 notes are generally NOT accepted in Nepal
- ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara dispense NPR. Most accept Indian debit/credit cards (Visa/Mastercard). Withdrawal limits are typically NPR 10,000–35,000 per transaction
- Exchange rates are best at official money changers in Kathmandu’s Thamel or New Road area. Banks offer slightly lower rates but are more secure. Airport exchange is the worst rate — change only a small amount on arrival
- UPI does NOT work in Nepal. Carry cash (NPR or small-denomination INR) and cards as backup
- Budget reference: A daal bhaat meal costs NPR 300–500 (₹190–315), a tea house room NPR 200–500 (₹125–315), local bus NPR 500–1,500 (₹315–945) for long distances
SIM Card and Connectivity
Get a Nepali SIM card on arrival — it’s cheap and essential for navigation, ride-hailing, and staying in touch.
- Ncell (Nepal’s largest private operator): Available at the airport arrivals hall and shops throughout Kathmandu. A tourist SIM with 10 GB data costs approximately NPR 500–800 (₹315–500). Bring your passport for registration
- Nepal Telecom (NTC): Government operator with better coverage in remote trekking areas but slower data speeds in cities
- Coverage: 4G available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and major towns. On trekking trails, signal is spotty above 3,000m — some tea houses offer Wi-Fi (NPR 200–400)
- Indian SIMs: Work on international roaming but at very high data rates (₹10–50/MB). Turn off roaming and use a local SIM instead
Best Time to Travel to Nepal from India
For a complete seasonal breakdown, read our best time to visit Nepal guide. Here’s the quick version:
October–November: The best time for everything — trekking, sightseeing, wildlife safaris. Clear skies, comfortable temperatures, dry trails. This is peak tourist season, so book flights and hotels early.
March–May: Warming weather, rhododendron blooms in the hills. Good for trekking and sightseeing. Late May gets hot in the Terai and Kathmandu Valley.
December–February: Cold but clear in the mountains. Good for Chitwan safaris and lower-altitude treks. Kathmandu mornings are foggy and cold (5–10°C). Flights can be delayed by fog.
June–September: Monsoon season. Heavy rain, landslides can block roads, leeches on trekking trails, and frequent flight delays. The upside: lush green landscapes, lowest prices, and no crowds. Upper Mustang is actually best visited during monsoon.
City-Specific Departure Guides
From Delhi
By air: 5–8 daily flights on IndiGo, Air India, Nepal Airlines, Himalaya Airlines. 1.5 hours. ₹5,000–15,000.
By road: Take an overnight train to Gorakhpur (10–14 hours, ₹350–1,800), then bus to Sunauli border (3 hours), then bus to Kathmandu (8–9 hours). Total: ~24 hours, ₹1,500–3,000. Direct Delhi-Kathmandu buses also available (24–30 hours, ₹1,500–2,500).
From Mumbai
By air: Direct flights on IndiGo and Air India. 2.5 hours. ₹7,000–18,000. Connecting via Delhi adds 3–4 hours but may be cheaper.
By road: Not practical directly — the overland route from Mumbai involves a train to Delhi or Gorakhpur first. Total: 30+ hours.
From Kolkata
By air: Shortest and cheapest flight to Kathmandu from any Indian city — 55 minutes, ₹4,000–12,000. IndiGo and Nepal Airlines operate daily flights.
By road: Train to Siliguri/NJP (8–10 hours), then Panitanki–Kakarbhitta border, then bus to Kathmandu. Long but scenic route through eastern Nepal.
From Varanasi
By air: Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines fly Varanasi–Kathmandu in 45 minutes. ₹4,000–10,000. Perfect for combining a Varanasi pilgrimage with a Nepal trip.
By road: Bus to Gorakhpur (4–5 hours), then Sunauli border, then Kathmandu. Total: 16–20 hours.
From Patna
By air: No direct flights. Fly via Delhi or Kolkata.
By road: Bus/taxi to Raxaul border (5–6 hours), cross to Birgunj, then bus to Kathmandu (6–8 hours). Total: 12–16 hours, ₹1,000–2,000. The most direct overland route from Bihar.
From Lucknow
By air: No direct flights. Fly via Delhi (cheapest connection).
By road: Bus to Gorakhpur (5–6 hours), then standard Sunauli route. Or train to Gorakhpur and continue by bus. Total: 18–22 hours.
Overland Travel Tips — What Veterans Know
- Cross the border before noon: Immigration on both sides is smoother and faster in the morning. The Sunauli border area gets chaotic by late afternoon with trucks and buses queuing.
- Carry small denomination INR notes: ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, and ₹100 notes. You’ll need them for tips, cycle-rickshaws at the border, and small purchases on the Nepal side before you exchange currency.
- The “no-man’s-land” walk: Between Indian and Nepal immigration posts at Sunauli, there’s a 200-metre stretch that’s technically neither country. Walk straight through — ignore touts offering “help” with immigration (it’s free and simple).
- Motion sickness is real: Nepal’s mountain roads are winding and rough. The Bhairahawa-Kathmandu highway has hundreds of sharp turns. Carry Avomine or Dramamine and sit near the front of the bus.
- Tourist buses > local buses: The ₹200–300 premium for a tourist bus is absolutely worth it — better seats, fewer stops, and they don’t pick up passengers mid-route until the bus is stuffed.
- Night buses save time but lose sleep: If you’re tough on sleep comfort, take the night bus from Bhairahawa to Kathmandu and arrive by 6 AM. If you value rest, overnight in Bhairahawa or Lumbini (40 min from the border) and take a morning tourist bus.
Combining Nepal with Indian Pilgrimage Routes
Many Indian travellers combine Nepal with religious destinations in UP and Bihar. Here are the most popular combined routes:
- Varanasi → Kathmandu: 45-minute flight or 16-hour overland via Gorakhpur. Perfect for combining Kashi darshan with a Nepal trip
- Varanasi → Lumbini → Kathmandu: Visit Buddha’s birthplace in Lumbini (3 hours from Sunauli border) before continuing to Kathmandu
- Ayodhya → Gorakhpur → Nepal: After Ram Mandir darshan, Gorakhpur is just 3 hours east. Continue to Sunauli border the same day
- Bodh Gaya → Patna → Nepal: Via Raxaul-Birgunj border. Combine Buddhist pilgrimage (Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Lumbini) with Nepal sightseeing
For a Lumbini-focused itinerary, read our Lumbini travel guide.
Arriving at Kathmandu Airport — What to Expect
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is Nepal’s only international airport in the Kathmandu Valley. It’s small, busy, and can feel chaotic during peak hours — but knowing what to expect makes the process smooth.
Immigration for Indian Citizens
Indian passport holders queue in the “SAARC Nationals” line, which is typically faster than the general queue. You’ll fill out an arrival card (available at counters before immigration), present your passport, and get stamped through. No visa fee, no forms beyond the arrival card. The process takes 10–30 minutes depending on how many flights have landed simultaneously.
Baggage and Customs
Baggage claim is a single belt in a small hall. Luggage takes 15–30 minutes to appear. After collecting bags, walk through customs — Indian tourists are rarely stopped unless carrying large quantities of goods. Prohibited items include more than 100ml of alcohol, narcotics, and weapons.
Getting from the Airport to Your Hotel
Prepaid taxis are available in the arrivals hall — NPR 700–1,000 (₹440–630) to Thamel, the main tourist district. Outside the terminal, metered taxis and ride-hailing apps (Pathao, inDrive) are cheaper at NPR 400–600. The airport is only 6 km from Thamel, but Kathmandu traffic can stretch the drive to 30–60 minutes during peak hours.
Many hotels offer free airport pickup if booked in advance. Ask when you make your reservation — this saves negotiating with taxi drivers on arrival.
Getting Around Nepal After You Arrive
Once you’re in Nepal, the internal transport network connects all major destinations:
Domestic Flights
Nepal has several domestic airlines (Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Saurya Airlines) connecting Kathmandu to Pokhara (25 min, $80–120), Lukla (30 min, $165–180 for the Everest trek), Bhairahawa (25 min), and other regional airports. Flights are cheap but weather-dependent — always build buffer days into your itinerary.
Tourist Buses
Comfortable tourist buses run daily between Kathmandu and Pokhara (6–7 hours, NPR 800–1,200), Kathmandu and Chitwan (5–6 hours, NPR 700–1,000), and Pokhara and Chitwan (5 hours, NPR 600–900). Buses depart from designated tourist bus parks and are significantly more comfortable than local buses.
Private Vehicles and Taxis
Private cars can be hired with drivers for inter-city travel. Kathmandu to Pokhara costs NPR 12,000–15,000 (₹7,500–9,400) for the vehicle. Within cities, use the Pathao app (Nepal’s ride-hailing equivalent of Ola/Uber) for metered, fair-priced rides.
Local Buses
The cheapest option but also the most crowded and slowest. Local buses stop frequently, pick up passengers until standing room runs out, and play loud Nepali music. They’re an authentic experience but not recommended for long distances with luggage. Kathmandu to Pokhara by local bus costs just NPR 500–700 but takes 8–10 hours compared to 6–7 on a tourist bus.
Sample Itineraries — India to Nepal and Back
The Budget Backpacker (14 days, under ₹30,000 total)
- Day 1: Train Delhi → Gorakhpur (overnight)
- Day 2: Bus Gorakhpur → Sunauli → Bhairahawa. Visit Lumbini (40 min from border)
- Day 3: Bus Bhairahawa → Pokhara
- Days 4–8: Poon Hill trek from Pokhara (4–5 days)
- Days 9–10: Pokhara (paragliding, lakeside rest)
- Day 11: Bus Pokhara → Kathmandu
- Days 12–13: Kathmandu sightseeing (Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath)
- Day 14: Fly Kathmandu → Delhi (or reverse overland)
The 7-Day Express (by air, ₹50,000–80,000)
- Day 1: Fly Delhi/Mumbai/Kolkata → Kathmandu. Afternoon: explore Thamel and Durbar Square
- Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing — Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, Patan
- Day 3: Fly or bus to Pokhara. Evening: lakeside
- Day 4: Paragliding + Pokhara sightseeing (Peace Pagoda, Phewa Lake)
- Day 5: Drive to Chitwan. Evening: Tharu cultural show
- Day 6: Chitwan jungle safari — jeep ride, canoe, walking safari
- Day 7: Drive Chitwan → Kathmandu. Evening flight home
Reaching Nepal from India is easier and more affordable than most people expect. Whether you choose the convenience of a 90-minute flight from Delhi or the adventure of an overland bus journey through the Terai, the transition from India to Nepal is smooth and rewarding. The open border, shared culture, and excellent transport links make Nepal the most accessible Himalayan destination for Indian travellers.
For what to do once you arrive, start with our comprehensive Nepal travel guide. If you’re planning a trek, check our trekking in Nepal guide. And for a complete cost breakdown including flights, accommodation, food, and activities, read our Nepal trip cost from India guide.
