Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, lies nestled in the Kathmandu Valley surrounded by the Himalayan foothills. It is a popular destination for travelers interested in culture, history, and mountain scenery. Many Indian travelers visit Kathmandu for pilgrimage, tourism, and adventure.

This guide explains how to reach Kathmandu from India using different transport modes. You will learn about train, bus, car, and flight options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect on arrival.

Getting from India to Kathmandu – Main Options

Train

Train travel to Kathmandu is indirect but popular among budget travelers. You take a train to the nearest Indian railway station near the Nepal border, then continue by road to Kathmandu.

• The closest major Indian railway stations to Kathmandu are Raxaul (Bihar) and Jogbani (Bihar), about 100–120 km from Kathmandu by road. Trains from Delhi, Kolkata, and Patna connect to these stations daily.

• From Raxaul or Jogbani, you can take shared jeeps or buses to Kathmandu, which takes about 6–8 hours depending on traffic and border formalities. The road distance is roughly 130 km.

• Train fares to Raxaul or Jogbani range from ₹200 to ₹800 depending on class and train type, with sleeper and AC coaches available. Trains are frequent but can be crowded during festivals and holidays.

• Monsoon season may cause delays due to track maintenance near the border. It is advisable to book tickets early via IRCTC and check train running status before travel.

• Rest stops on the road to Kathmandu include towns like Birgunj and Hetauda where you can find local food and refreshments. Toll plazas are present on the Tribhuvan Highway connecting the border to Kathmandu.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and affordable way to reach Kathmandu from several Indian cities. They are widely used by pilgrims and tourists due to good connectivity and low cost.

• Direct bus services run from cities like Delhi, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and Siliguri to Kathmandu, often operated by private companies and Nepal Tourism Board.

• The bus journey from Gorakhpur to Kathmandu takes about 10–12 hours covering approximately 270 km, while from Delhi it can take 24 hours or more with stops and border checks.

• Bus fares range from ₹800 to ₹1500 depending on the city of origin, bus type (AC or non-AC), and operator. Buses usually depart early morning to avoid border congestion.

• During peak festival seasons like Dashain and Tihar, buses get crowded and tickets sell out quickly. Booking in advance at bus depots or online is recommended.

• The route passes through the Sunauli border crossing, which can have long queues during holidays. Carry valid travel documents and allow extra time for customs and immigration.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Kathmandu offers flexibility and comfort, especially for groups or families. The road journey is scenic but requires careful planning due to border formalities and road conditions.

• The main road route is via the Sunauli border crossing on National Highway 27 from India, connecting to Tribhuvan Highway (NH 1) in Nepal leading to Kathmandu. The total distance from Gorakhpur to Kathmandu is about 270 km.

• Travel time by car is approximately 8–10 hours depending on traffic, border wait times, and road conditions. Roads can be narrow and winding after the border.

• Indian nationals need valid passports and visas for Nepal. Vehicle permits and insurance for Nepal are required. Check with Nepalese authorities before travel.

• There are toll plazas on the Tribhuvan Highway, and fuel stations are available en route. Plan rest stops at towns like Bhairahawa and Hetauda where you can find food and refreshments.

• Monsoon rains can cause landslides and roadblocks, so avoid driving during heavy rain periods. Early morning departures help avoid border and city traffic.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Kathmandu from major Indian cities. Several airlines operate direct flights to Tribhuvan International Airport.

• Direct flights to Kathmandu are available from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Varanasi, and Guwahati with airlines like Air India, IndiGo, and Nepal Airlines.

• Flight duration from Delhi to Kathmandu is about 1.5 hours, with fares typically ranging from ₹3500 to ₹7000 depending on booking time and season.

• Flights are frequent, with multiple departures daily, making it easy to find convenient timings. Airport facilities in Kathmandu include prepaid taxi counters and car rentals.

• During peak tourist seasons like autumn and spring, flights can be fully booked. Booking tickets 2–3 weeks in advance is advisable.

• Weather conditions like fog in winter or monsoon showers can cause delays or cancellations, so check flight status before departure.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan helps first-time travelers from India reach Kathmandu smoothly, covering key actions and tips for each stage.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to secure seats and get better prices. This avoids last-minute rush and sold-out situations.

• If traveling by train, reach the station at least 30 minutes before departure. Carry valid ID and print your ticket or have the digital copy ready for inspection.

• At the India-Nepal border, keep your passport, visa, and customs documents handy. Follow immigration procedures carefully to avoid delays or issues.

• For bus or car travel, start early in the morning to avoid border traffic jams and reach Kathmandu before dark. Carry snacks and water for the journey.

• On arrival in Kathmandu, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and fixed-rate transport to your accommodation.

• Keep local currency (Nepalese Rupees) ready for tolls, food stops, and small purchases. Currency exchange is available at border points and in Kathmandu city.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a photocopy of your passport and visa when crossing the border, as checkpoints may request identification multiple times during the journey.

• Drink bottled water and avoid street food during travel to prevent stomach issues. Many rest stops along the route offer clean packaged water and hygienic snacks.

• Book bus or flight tickets in advance during festival seasons like Dashain, when travel demand surges and seats become scarce quickly.

• Use local transport apps or prepaid taxi booths at Kathmandu airport and bus stations to avoid overcharging and ensure safe rides.

• Pack light but include a raincoat or umbrella during monsoon months (June to September) as sudden showers can disrupt travel plans.

• Keep your luggage secure and avoid leaving valuables unattended on buses or trains, especially during crowded travel periods.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel to Kathmandu depends on weather and traffic conditions. Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) offer pleasant weather and clear skies.

Monsoon season brings heavy rains and possible landslides on road routes, causing delays. Winter mornings can have fog affecting flights and road visibility.

• Avoid traveling during major Nepalese festivals like Dashain and Tihar, as transport is crowded and accommodation prices rise sharply.

• Monsoon rains between June and September can cause road blockages and slippery conditions, so plan accordingly or choose flights instead.

• Early morning departures help avoid border congestion and city traffic in Kathmandu, making your journey smoother and faster.

• Winter fog from December to February may delay flights and reduce visibility on roads, so allow extra travel time during these months.

Arrival at Kathmandu & What to Expect

On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or bus stations in Kathmandu, you will find several transport options to reach your hotel or city center. Prepaid taxi counters and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are reliable and safe.

Popular areas to stay include Thamel, Lazimpat, and Durbar Marg, which are well connected and have many hotels, restaurants, and shops. The airport is about 6 km from Thamel, usually a 20–30 minute drive depending on traffic.

Conclusion

Traveling to Kathmandu from India is easy with multiple options to suit different budgets and preferences. Flights offer the quickest and most comfortable journey, while trains and buses provide affordable and scenic routes for adventurous travelers.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, preparing travel documents, and choosing the right time to travel will ensure a smooth experience. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip to Kathmandu and enjoy the rich culture and natural beauty awaiting you.