How To Reach Nepal

The South Asian country of Nepal is one of the most mystical states, set against the backdrop of rocky exquisiteness. And this is the reason why tourism in Nepal has been on the rise for years now as more and more people discover it to be among the most budget-friendly travel destinations in the world. One of the most scenic countries for you to discover, Nepal is surrounded by India on three sides, which makes journeying to Nepal via land alone one of the most exploratory ways to get there. The undulating landscapes of this picturesque land make it a hiker’s heaven, but if you are someone who leans a little more towards admiring the cultures and traditions of this spiritual state, rest assured that there is enough to make you come back for more every time. Here is a quick travel guide on the best ways to get to Nepal.

Tribhuvan International Airport located in the capital city of Kathmandu is the only international airport in the country, and if you are looking for the easiest and quickest way to get there, flying might be the best choice for you. There are over five different airlines operating between India and Nepal on a daily basis, connecting almost every major city to Kathmandu. A second international airport located in Lumbini, the Gautam Buddha International Airport, has recently been constructed and is all set to launch in 2019.

For overland travel, using a bus service is the most convenient way to get to Nepal. A number of direct buses run between Delhi and Kathmandu, an initiative by the Delhi Transport Corporation. The only downside is the tedious length of the ride that can last anywhere from 27-30 hours. Since the India-Nepal border sees a lot of traffic, there are a number of border crossings between the two countries for easier access.

• The busiest border crossing is the Sunauli border that connects Delhi, Varanasi and Gorakhpur to towns of Bhairawa, Lumbini and Pokhara in Nepal, from where regular buses can be taken to Kathmandu and other cities.
• The Raxaul crossing that provides access to people traveling from Patna, Kolkata and Bodh Gaya to Birganj, Nepal. 
• The Panitanki crossing accessible to people journeying from Darjeeling, Kolkata and Sikkim to Kakarbhitta, from where both day and night buses can be taken to Kathmandu.
• The Banbasa crossing that connects Uttarakhand and Bhimdatta (Mahendranagar), which also has regular bus services to Kathmandu.

If you are looking for a little more adventure, hiring a cab or even driving all the way from your city to Nepal might just be the thing for you. Bringing your own vehicle to Nepal is an easy task for Indian nationals and only requires a Vehicle Permit valid for the duration of your stay. 

Nepal authorities have recently announced the launch of a direct passenger train between the two countries that connects Jayanagar in Bihar to Kurtha in the Dhanusa district of Nepal. You will likely cross an immigration check post at the Jayanagar station; however, no visa is required for either Indian or Nepalese nationals.

The railway line is yet to begin operations, so currently the best way to travel by train is to book a ticket from your city to one of the cities mentioned above and then move forward through one of the adjoining border crossings.

The best way to travel within the country if you are on a budget is to make use of the humble bus ride. However, if you are looking for convenience, hiring a private car or a two-wheeler might be more appropriate. For trekking enthusiasts, renting a four wheel drive vehicle is common practice for both locals and tourists. If you choose to go down the route of reserving a motorcycle or driving your own rented vehicle, make sure you have a driving license for it.

Nepal also boasts of a wide range of domestic flights for easy and expedited means of travel between major cities.  Architectural landmarks are best seen on foot, and it is the best way to go about if you are looking to discover the nooks and crannies of the numerous spots.