Gorakhpur is a major city in Uttar Pradesh, India, located near the India-Nepal border. Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, lies about 170 kilometers north of Gorakhpur. This route is popular among travelers for tourism, business, and pilgrimage.

This guide explains the main ways to travel from Gorakhpur to Kathmandu, including train, bus, car, and flight options. You will also find practical tips on border crossing, travel times, and local transport to help you plan your journey smoothly.

Getting from Gorakhpur to Kathmandu – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train from Gorakhpur is a comfortable and affordable option for reaching the India-Nepal border. However, trains do not go directly to Kathmandu, so you must combine train travel with road transport.

• Gorakhpur Junction is a major railway station with frequent trains connecting to Nautanwa, the closest Indian station to the Nepal border, about 90 km away.

• The train journey from Gorakhpur to Nautanwa takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, with fares ranging from ₹50 to ₹150 depending on class and train type.

• From Nautanwa, you can take shared jeeps or buses to the Sunauli border, which is about 6 km away, with frequent services throughout the day.

• Train services can be crowded during festivals like Diwali and Dashain, so booking tickets early via IRCTC is advisable.

• Facilities at Gorakhpur station include waiting rooms and food stalls, but Nautanwa station is smaller with limited amenities, so plan accordingly.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and popular way to travel from Gorakhpur to Kathmandu, especially for budget travelers. Several private and government buses operate on this route daily.

• Direct buses depart from Gorakhpur’s main bus stands, such as the Gorakhpur Bus Terminal and nearby private bus points, heading towards Sunauli border and onward to Kathmandu.

• The total bus journey covers about 170 km and takes around 7 to 9 hours, including border formalities and road conditions.

• Bus fares range between ₹400 and ₹700, depending on the type of bus (ordinary, deluxe, or Volvo) and season.

• During monsoon months, road conditions can worsen, causing delays; early morning departures are recommended to avoid traffic and border queues.

• There are rest stops with food options along National Highway 27 and near the border, but carrying water and snacks is advisable for comfort.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Gorakhpur to Kathmandu offers flexibility and comfort, ideal for families or groups. The route is scenic but requires attention to border procedures and road conditions.

• The drive covers approximately 170 km via NH27 and the Sunauli border crossing, typically taking 5 to 7 hours depending on traffic and border wait times.

• Ensure your vehicle has valid Indian registration and you have obtained a Nepalese vehicle permit or plan to park and use local transport after crossing.

• There are multiple toll plazas on NH27; toll charges vary but expect to pay around ₹100 to ₹200 in total.

• Fuel stations and eateries are available along the highway, with popular stops near Deoria and the border area.

• Border crossing at Sunauli requires passport and visa checks; Indian nationals do not need a visa but must carry valid ID and documents.

Flight

While Gorakhpur has an airport, there are no direct flights to Kathmandu. However, you can combine flights with road travel for faster transit.

• Gorakhpur Airport offers flights to Delhi and other major cities; from Delhi, you can take direct flights to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

• Flight time from Delhi to Kathmandu is about 1 hour 15 minutes, with fares ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Kathmandu airport, local taxis and buses are available to reach the city center, about 6 km away.

• This option is suitable for travelers who prefer faster travel and can afford higher costs compared to road or train options.

• Booking flights in advance during peak tourist seasons like autumn and spring is recommended to secure better fares and availability.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers moving from Gorakhpur to Kathmandu, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey.

• Step 1:

  Book your train or bus tickets in advance via IRCTC or trusted travel agents to avoid last-minute rush, especially during festivals or holidays.

• Step 2:

  Arrive at Gorakhpur station or bus stand at least 30 minutes before departure to find your platform or bus easily and manage luggage comfortably.

• Step 3:

  If traveling by train, disembark at Nautanwa and take a shared jeep or local bus to Sunauli border; confirm vehicle timings beforehand to avoid long waits.

• Step 4:

  Complete immigration and customs formalities at the Sunauli border; carry original passport and necessary documents for smooth processing.

• Step 5:

  After crossing into Nepal, use local buses or taxis from Sunauli to Kathmandu; pre-booked taxis or app-based cabs like Pathao are convenient for city travel.

• Step 6:

  Upon arrival in Kathmandu, confirm your accommodation and local transport options; popular areas to stay include Thamel and Lazimpat for easy access to amenities.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry multiple copies of your passport and ID, as checkpoints and hotels may require verification during your journey.

• Drink bottled water and avoid street food near border areas to prevent stomach issues, especially if you are not used to local cuisine.

• Book tickets online for trains and buses to secure confirmed seats and avoid overcrowding at stations and depots.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola, Uber, or Pathao in Gorakhpur and Kathmandu for safer and transparent fares.

• Pack light but include essentials like a power bank, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit, as some stretches between towns have limited facilities.

• During monsoon, check weather and road conditions before starting your journey to avoid landslides or flooding delays on NH27.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Gorakhpur to Kathmandu is during the dry seasons from October to March. Weather is pleasant, and roads are generally clear.

Monsoon season from June to September can cause delays due to heavy rains and occasional landslides, especially near the border and hilly areas of Nepal.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Dashain and Tihar when border traffic and transport services are heavily crowded.

• Winter mornings can have fog in Gorakhpur and border areas, so plan departures after sunrise for safer travel.

• Early morning departures help avoid afternoon traffic jams and long queues at the Sunauli border crossing.

• Summer months can be hot and humid; carry adequate water and wear light clothing for comfort during road travel.

Arrival at Kathmandu & What to Expect

Arriving in Kathmandu, you will find a bustling city with various transport options. The Tribhuvan International Airport is well connected to the city center by taxis and buses.

Local commute includes taxis, microbuses, and app-based services like Pathao and Tootle. Prepaid taxi counters at the airport and bus stands help avoid overcharging. Popular areas to stay are Thamel, Lazimpat, and New Road, offering easy access to shops, restaurants, and tourist sites.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Kathmandu from Gorakhpur depends on your budget and time. For budget travelers, buses offer direct and affordable service, while train plus road travel provides comfort and flexibility. Driving is best for groups wanting control over their schedule, and flights via Delhi suit those prioritizing speed.

Plan your journey by booking tickets early, preparing documents for border crossing, and choosing travel times that avoid peak traffic and weather challenges. With proper planning, you can travel confidently and enjoy the scenic route from Gorakhpur to Kathmandu.