Nepal is a beautiful country nestled in the lap of the Himalayas and is a popular travel destination for Indian tourists. With its majestic mountains, rich culture and historical significance, it draws a lot of attention from travelers in India. However, the question that most travelers ask is how to reach to Nepal from India. Fortunately, Nepal is easily accessible from various parts of India, making it convenient to plan your first international trip without much hassle. In this detailed guide, we will talk about all the ways you can reach Nepal from India so that you can choose the best option for your journey.
How to Reach Nepal by Air
If you are also wondering about reaching from Delhi to Nepal, then by air is the fast and convenient option, especially when multiple airlines offer their flights on a daily basis from Delhi. The main international airport in Nepal is Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, which is well-connected to several cities in India. If you want to fly and enjoy some incredible Himalayan views from the top, then the Delhi to Kathmandu flight is one of the quickest journeys.
The Delhi to Nepal Kathmandu distance is around 813 km, and a non-stop flight takes approximately 1 hour 35 minutes. Air India, Vistara, Nepal Airlines, IndiGo, and many more are the airlines that serve this route. Similarly, a non-stop flight from Mumbai to Kathmandu takes 2 hours 30 minutes with an aerial distance of 1598 km. The airlines that you can choose from are IndiGo and Nepal Airlines. At the same time, the direct Air India flight from Kolkata to Kathmandu takes 1 hour and 35 minutes to reach Nepal. Flights from other cities in India, like Varanasi Bengaluru, usually have stops at Delhi or Kolkata airports. So, if you are planning to travel to Nepal from India, then book your flight tickets in advance, especially during the peak season from October to November.
Airfare To Nepal
Airfare from India to Nepal can vary depending on the season, booking time, and other factors. On average, a one-way direct flight ticket from Delhi to Nepal starts at around 5,000 INR in the peak season, depending on your chosen airline. Meanwhile, in the off-season, you can get a direct one-way flight ticket as low as 4,000 INR.
Visa Requirements For Indians
Indians do not need a visa to visit Nepal. Yes, that’s true! Indian citizens can travel freely to Nepal without the need for a visa but need to carry some documents for the verification and immigration process. Effective from 1st October 200, an Indian citizen over 18 years traveling between India and Nepal by air would have to keep in his/her possession any of the following documents to establish his/her identity as an Indian citizen.
| For Adults | For Children (Below 18 years old) |
| Valid Indian Passport or | Valid Indian Passport or |
| Original Voter ID card with a photograph issued by the Election Commission of India | Birth certificate issued by the Government of India |
One thing you need to remember is that a downloaded or online print Voter ID card containing details is not acceptable as a travel document. Other documents like Aadhaar, PAN card, Driving License, Indian Embassy and Registration are also not accepted for travel to Nepal from India.
How to Reach Nepal by Road
If you are looking for a more affordable option on how to go to Nepal then by road is a great option. India shares an open border with Nepal, allowing easy road access without needing a visa. Several entry points along the Indo-Nepal border make the journey relatively smoother. If you travel to Nepal from Delhi or Varanasi, the most convenient crossing point is Sunauli Border near Bhairahawa, Nepal. Similarly, if you are traveling from Patna or Bihar, the closest crossing point for you is the Raxaul Border near Birgunj and the Jogbani Border near Biratnagar in Nepal. From the Raxaul border, the approximate distance to Kathmandu is around 120 km, whereas from the Jogbani border, the distance is around 300 km to Kathmandu.
Other crossings are the Banbasa Border if you are coming from Uttarakhand near Mahendranagar in Nepal and the Panitanki border if you are coming from Siliguri near Kakarbhitta in Nepal. Indian citizens can enter Nepal via road without any visa. Still, you must carry one of the documents for identification, like either your Valid Indian passport or Original Indian Voter ID card issued by the Election Commission of India.
If you are driving your car or motorcycle, you will need additional documents such as a valid driving license, vehicle registration papers (RC), vehicle insurance papers, and a ‘Nepal Pass,’ which you can obtain at the border by paying a fee varying from 100 INR to 500 INR depending on the type of vehicle. Indian registered vehicles are required to stay for only 30 days maximum in a calendar year and cannot stay in Nepal for more than 30 days.
Moreover, if you don’t want to self-drive, you can also take a bus to Nepal. There are many private and government buses operating between Indian cities and Nepal. The Delhi to Kathmandu bus service fare is around 2,300 INR for 5 years and above and free for up to 2 years old kids. You need to book your seat 60 days before the journey date after producing the original and photocopies of the documents.
Read about best places to visit in Nepal.
How to Reach Nepal by Train
Traveling to Nepal by train from India is another convenient way to explore this neighboring country. The primary route between India and Nepal is the Jaynagar-Kurta-Bardibas Rail line, which started on 2nd April 2022. It was introduced in collaboration between India and Nepal. This service offers a smooth travel experience and connects important cities. The service starts from Jaynagar in Bihar, India, and travels to Kurtha in Nepal, with places to extend further to Bardibas in the near future. This rail service is popular as it provides an affordable and hassle-free alternative to buses and flights, making it easier for travelers to reach Nepal by train from India.
You can book tickets offline from Jaynagar Railway station or the enroute halts and stations. The ticket price for general coaches is 90 INR, and for AC coaches, 281 INR. Ticket prices vary depending on the distance between arrival and destination point. The train to Nepal from India takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes, covering approximately 35 km. The train departs at 8:15 AM, and tickets are available from 07:00 AM. The train reaches its final destination, Kurtha, around 10:00 AM. There are six halting stations between Jayanagar and Kurtha rail lines – Inarwa, Khajuri, Mahinathpur Halt, Baidehi, Parwaha, Janakpur Dham and Kurtha.
Documents Required For Verification
Since this railway connection is between two countries, you must carry some documents for verification. You must have proof of photo identification issued by the Indian government/state government or the Union Territories administration. Travelers over 65 or under five should carry a photographic document for confirmation of age and identification proof like a PAN card, Ration Card, or Driving license, etc. For Indians, visiting Nepal by train does not require a passport or Visa.
Read more about best time to visit Nepal.
FAQs
Is there any train to Nepal from India?
There are trains from India to Nepal, but the routes are limited. One of the notable services is from Jayanagar in Bihar to Janakpur in Nepal, operated by Indian Railways in collaboration with Nepal Railways. The Jaynagar-Janakpur-Kurtha railway line is a popular route connecting both countries. However, these train services are not widespread, so travelers often combine train journeys within India with other modes of transport to reach Nepal, such as buses, taxis, or flights.
Do Indians need a passport for Nepal?
Yes, Indian citizens need a valid Indian passport to enter Nepal. Thanks to the open-border agreement between India and Nepal, Indian nationals can travel freely between the two countries without a visa. However, you do not need a visa to enter Nepal.
Can we use Indian Rupees in Nepal?
Indian Rupees (INR) are widely accepted in Nepal, especially in cities and tourist areas. However, denominations of ₹500 or above are not accepted due to restrictions. Lower denominations like ₹100, ₹50, and smaller notes can be used for transactions. It’s always advisable to carry some Nepalese Rupees (NPR) for local markets and smaller towns where Indian currency may not be accepted.
How to go to Nepal from India by bus?
Buses to Nepal are easily available from major cities in India like Delhi and Varanasi. The most popular route is the Delhi-Kathmandu bus service, which the Delhi Transport Corporation operates. Private buses are also available to connect Indian cities to Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal. Most buses cross the border at Sunauli in Uttar Pradesh.
Which border is best to enter Nepal from India?
The Sunauli border in Uttar Pradesh is considered the most convenient and popular entry point for travelers heading to Nepal from India. Other important border crossings include Raxaul-Birgunj and Banbasa-Mahendranagar, but Sunauli is widely preferred due to its accessibility and well-connected transport options.
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