How to travel a long distance over land in Nepal?

The spell-binding Himalayan nation of Nepal is a land-lock country surrounded by the two economic giants of the modern world i.e. India and China. Geographically, India surrounds Nepal from three sides and the shared borders consist of mainly plain terrain (East, west, and south); while Nepal shares its Northern border with China alongside the mighty Himalayas. There are numerous ways travel a long distance over land in Nepal. Most travelers (or Travelers typically) choose the overland route into Nepal via India because it’s the most commonly crossed border with many options available. As Nepal and India share an open-border, you’ll not require applying for a visa but it is necessary to carry a passport and passport-sized photographs while travelling in-between these two south Asian countries.

New Delhi to Kathmandu/Pokhara by Bus: A Budget Option with Mixed Reviews

Various travel and tour companies offer their bus services from the capital city of India, New Delhi to the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu or Pokhara and vice-versa; this is an easy and affordable trip via fully air-conditioned and well-facilitated bus that takes about 36 hours. However, this trip evoked mixed feelings and views from participants. Some consider it is a wonderful trip with all kind of promised facilities; whereas, others have rated it as a miserable trip with lost luggage and no facilities. Most of these buses seem to be a regular client of Indian nationals. Personally, I don’t favour the method of travel as getting a ticket is tricky with no guarantee of the pledged services. If you wanna try, then you are welcome!!

As you can freely cross through borders even if you are a foreigner; therefore, find your own way to Kathmandu or Pokhara. So, stay on the main routes unless you’re confident about a specific border crossing point. (This is the most concise option)

Southern Nepal: Sunauli border (most celebrated route) from Gorakhpur (India)

Eastern Nepal: Kakarvitta border from Panitanki (India)

West Nepal: Birganj border from Raxaul (India)

Border Crossings into Nepal: Safety Precautions & Transportation Options

As you cross the border, be aware of recent violence that has erupted in the Terai region. Also, beware of thieves, con-man and other people involved in criminal activities. You can travel throughout India via railways and up to the Indian side of the border. From there, you need to take a private or shared vehicle that will take you to Nepali side. From here, you can take the long haul buses to Kathmandu that utilizes approx. 8-12 hours depending on traffic conditions and the border you choose to cross from India to Nepal.

Furthermore, from Tibet, there is only one official border-crossing to Nepal. We strongly recommend using this border crossing and avoiding any other local routes. The border-crossing from Tibet will lead you to Tatopani: the Nepalese side of the border. From this point onwards, you can take buses to the Kathmandu Valley that utilizes 7-8 hours drive (depending on traffic conditions) via Arniko Highway: the only commercial road link between China and Nepal.

Also Read: Everest View Trekking – Shortest Trip in the Everest Region