India – Nepal – India Road Trip

Road Trip from India to Nepal: Detailed Guide via Sunauli-Bhairawa, Siliguri-Kakarbhitta, and Banbasa-Mahendranagar Border Crossings

Nepal is well connected to India by road, and travelers can choose from several routes to reach Nepal’s most popular destinations. This guide details three key routes for road trips from India to Nepal, covering the border crossings at Sunauli-Bhairawa, Siliguri-Kakarbhitta, and Banbasa-Mahendranagar. You’ll find information on the cities you’ll pass through, the border immigration process, and travel tips for a smooth journey.

Route 1: Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) – Sunauli (India) to Bhairawa (Nepal)

This is one of the most popular road routes for travelers heading from North India to Nepal, especially for those visiting Lumbini, Pokhara, or Kathmandu. The border town of Sunauli is located in Uttar Pradesh, and Bhairawa (Belahiya) is the corresponding town on the Nepal side.

Route Overview:

• Starting Point: Gorakhpur
• Key Cities on the Way: Gorakhpur → Sonauli (India) → Bhairawa (Nepal)
• Distance: ~110 km from Gorakhpur to Bhairawa
• Best for: Travelers from North India heading to Lumbini, Pokhara, and Kathmandu.

Detailed Route:

1. Gorakhpur to Sunauli:
   • Distance: ~95 km
   • Travel Time: ~2 hours
   • From Gorakhpur, follow NH 24 or NH 29 to Sunauli. The road is generally smooth, with numerous buses, taxis, and private cars available for the journey.
2. Sunauli Border Crossing (India):
   • Indian Immigration Office: The Sunauli Check Post is the last stop before you cross into Nepal. Indian citizens do not need a visa, but you’ll need to show valid identification, such as a passport or voter ID.
   • Customs: Vehicle checks may be conducted, especially for private vehicles. Ensure you have all necessary vehicle documents, including the registration, pollution certificate, and valid insurance.
3. Bhairawa (Belahiya) Border Crossing (Nepal):
   • Nepal Immigration Office: Once you cross into Bhairawa, visit the immigration office for entry formalities. Indian citizens can enter with valid ID and don’t require a visa. Foreign nationals can obtain a visa-on-arrival here.
   • Temporary Vehicle Permit: If driving, you’ll need to secure a temporary vehicle permit from the customs office, allowing you to drive in Nepal.
4. From Bhairawa to Key Destinations:
   • Lumbini (the birthplace of Buddha) is just 25 km from Bhairawa, easily reachable by car or bus.
   • Pokhara is 200 km, and Kathmandu is around 280 km from the Sunauli border, accessible via the Siddhartha Highway.

Route 2: Siliguri (West Bengal) – Kakarbhitta (Nepal)

The Siliguri-Kakarbhitta border is an essential gateway for travelers coming from East India, including Kolkata, Bihar, and Assam. This route is ideal for visiting Eastern Nepal and the Terai regions, including places like Ilam, Dharan, and Kathmandu.

Route Overview:

• Starting Point: Siliguri (West Bengal)
• Key Cities on the Way: Siliguri → Naxalbari → Kakarbhitta (Nepal)
• Distance: ~35 km from Siliguri to Kakarbhitta
• Best for: Travelers from Eastern India heading to Eastern Nepal, Ilam, Dharan, or Kathmandu.

Detailed Route:

1. Siliguri to Kakarbhitta:
   • Distance: ~35 km
   • Travel Time: ~1 hour
   • Drive via NH 327 or use local buses and shared taxis that frequently ply between Siliguri and the border. This journey is short and convenient.
2. Kakarbhitta Border Crossing:
   • Indian Immigration Office: On the Indian side, the Naxalbari Immigration Checkpoint handles exit formalities. Indian citizens can cross with valid ID, while foreign nationals must ensure they have proper documentation.
   • Nepal Immigration Office: Upon entering Kakarbhitta, visit the immigration office to complete the necessary paperwork. Indian citizens can cross without a visa, but foreign tourists can obtain visas here.
   • Vehicle Permit: If you are driving, you must obtain a vehicle permit for temporary use in Nepal from the customs office.
3. From Kakarbhitta to Key Destinations:
   • Ilam, famous for its tea gardens, is about 95 km from Kakarbhitta.
   • Dharan is a key city about 80 km from Kakarbhitta.
   • Kathmandu is around 450 km, which takes about 11-12 hours by bus or car, making it a longer but scenic journey.

Route 3: Delhi – Bareilly – Banbasa (Uttarakhand) – Mahendranagar (Nepal)

This is a lesser-known but scenic route connecting Delhi and Uttarakhand to Western Nepal. The Banbasa-Mahendranagar border crossing is ideal for those traveling to Western Nepal or Bardia National Park.

Route Overview:

• Starting Point: Delhi
• Key Cities on the Way: Bareilly → Tanakpur → Banbasa (India) → Mahendranagar (Nepal)
• Distance: ~370 km from Delhi to Mahendranagar
• Best for: Travelers from North India heading to Western Nepal and Bardia National Park.

Detailed Route:

1. Delhi to Banbasa:
   • Distance: ~320 km
   • Travel Time: ~6-7 hours
   • From Delhi, follow NH 9 towards Bareilly, and then continue through Tanakpur to Banbasa. The drive offers scenic views of the foothills of the Himalayas.
2. Banbasa Border Crossing (India):
   • Indian Immigration Office: Visit the Banbasa Immigration Check Post to complete exit formalities. Indian citizens can show their passport or voter ID. Vehicle checks are conducted here for those driving across.
   • Banbasa Barrage: You’ll cross the Banbasa Barrage (a dam across the river Sharda) to enter Nepal, a scenic route in itself.
3. Mahendranagar Border Crossing (Nepal):
   • Nepal Immigration Office: After crossing the barrage, visit the immigration office at Mahendranagar for entry registration. Indians do not need a visa, while foreign nationals can get a visa-on-arrival here.
   • Temporary Vehicle Permit: If driving, obtain a temporary vehicle permit to drive in Nepal from the customs office at Mahendranagar.
4. From Mahendranagar to Key Destinations:
   • Bardia National Park, known for its wildlife and nature safaris, is about 60 km from Mahendranagar.
   • Kathmandu is further east, about 610 km away, and it will take you around 14 hours of travel time by road to reach the capital.

Immigration Requirements for India-Nepal Border Crossings:

• For Indian Citizens:
  • ID Proof: Indian citizens can enter Nepal without a visa but must carry either a passport or voter ID as identification. No visa is required.
  • For Minors: Children under 18 must have a birth certificate or school ID as proof of identity.
• For Foreign Nationals:
  • Foreign nationals must carry a valid passport and apply for a visa-on-arrival at any of the Nepal immigration offices on the border. Visa fees are usually paid in USD and vary depending on the length of stay.
• For Vehicles:
  • Registration Papers: Ensure your vehicle’s registration, pollution certificate, and insurance are up to date.
  • Vehicle Permit: A temporary vehicle permit is required to drive in Nepal. You can obtain this from the Nepal border customs office.

Travel Tips:

• Currency: Indian Rupees (INR) are widely accepted in Nepal, but denominations above ₹100 may not be accepted in some places. It’s a good idea to carry smaller bills or exchange currency at the border.
• Time Zone: Nepal is 15 minutes ahead of India Standard Time (IST + 5:45).
• Road Conditions: Roads in Nepal, especially in mountainous regions, can be challenging during the monsoon (June to September) due to landslides, so plan accordingly.
• Safety: Always follow local laws and be respectful of the culture. Both Indian and Nepali authorities are friendly and cooperative at border crossings.

This tour guide provides a detailed road map for reaching Nepal from India through three popular routes, ensuring a smooth and scenic journey, whether you’re visiting Lumbini, Kathmandu, or exploring Western Nepal’s wildlife.