Pashupatinath Temple is located in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. It is one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year. Many travelers from India and around the world visit this spiritual site to experience its religious significance and cultural heritage.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Pashupatinath Temple from major Indian cities and nearby regions. You will learn about different transport options including train, bus, car, and flight, along with practical travel tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from India to Pashupatinath – Main Options

Train

Train travel is suitable if you want to reach the Nepal border by rail and then continue by road to Kathmandu. Indian Railways connects to border towns like Raxaul and Jogbani, which are gateways to Nepal.

• Take a train to Raxaul Junction in Bihar, which is the nearest major railway station to the Nepal border, about 100 km from Kathmandu. Trains run frequently from cities like Patna, Delhi, and Kolkata.

• From Raxaul, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to cross the border at Birgunj and then travel by road to Kathmandu, which is approximately 135 km and takes 5–6 hours by bus or car.

• Train fares vary depending on the class, generally ranging from ₹150 to ₹800 for sleeper and AC classes. Booking through IRCTC is recommended to secure seats during peak travel seasons.

• Be prepared for border formalities at Birgunj, including customs and immigration checks. Carry valid travel documents such as a passport and visa if required.

• Road conditions from the border to Kathmandu can be affected by monsoon rains causing delays, so plan extra travel time during June to September.

Bus

Bus travel is a popular and economical way to reach Kathmandu from Indian border towns. Several private and government buses operate on this route daily.

• Direct buses run from cities like Delhi, Varanasi, and Gorakhpur to Kathmandu via border points such as Sunauli and Raxaul. The journey can take 24 to 30 hours depending on the starting point and road conditions.

• Buses depart from major bus terminals like Anand Vihar ISBT in Delhi and Gorakhpur Bus Stand. Booking tickets in advance during festivals is advisable due to high demand.

• Bus fares range from ₹800 to ₹1500 depending on the type of bus (ordinary, deluxe, or Volvo) and route. Deluxe buses offer more comfort but may be less frequent.

• Expect stops at border checkpoints for immigration and customs. Carry snacks and water as food options on the route can be limited, especially at night.

• Roads can be crowded during peak holiday seasons and monsoon months, so traveling early in the morning can help avoid traffic jams and delays.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Pashupatinath Temple is an option for those who prefer flexibility and want to explore the region at their own pace. The route involves crossing the India-Nepal border by road.

• From Indian cities like Delhi or Lucknow, you can drive to the Nepal border at Sunauli or Raxaul, then continue on the Tribhuvan Highway (NH 1) to Kathmandu, covering about 135 km from the border.

• The total driving distance from Delhi to Kathmandu is approximately 1200 km and can take 24 to 30 hours depending on traffic and border crossing time.

• Ensure your vehicle has valid permits for cross-border travel, and carry all necessary documents including vehicle registration, insurance, and a valid driver’s license recognized in Nepal.

• There are several toll plazas on Indian highways and Nepalese roads; keep cash handy for toll payments and fuel stops along the way.

• Road conditions vary; the highway is mostly paved but can be narrow and winding near the hills. Drive cautiously, especially during monsoon when landslides are possible.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Kathmandu and then proceed to Pashupatinath Temple. Tribhuvan International Airport serves Kathmandu with many domestic and international flights.

• Direct flights to Kathmandu are available from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Varanasi. Flight duration ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the city.

• Airfares typically range from ₹4000 to ₹9000 one way, with budget airlines offering competitive prices when booked in advance.

• From Kathmandu airport, Pashupatinath Temple is about 6 km away. You can take a prepaid taxi or use app-based cabs like Pathao or Tootle for a quick 20-minute ride.

• Flight schedules may be affected by weather conditions such as fog in winter or heavy rains during monsoon, so check for updates before booking.

• Booking tickets online through airline websites or travel portals is recommended to get the best fares and confirm seat availability during festivals and holidays.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers heading to Pashupatinath Temple from India. It will help you organize your journey efficiently and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight ticket well in advance, especially during festival seasons like Maha Shivaratri when the temple sees heavy crowds. Early booking ensures availability and better prices.

• If traveling by train, reach the railway station at least 30 minutes before departure to avoid last-minute rush and confirm platform details on the IRCTC app or station boards.

• Upon arrival at the Nepal border, complete immigration and customs formalities carefully. Keep your passport, visa, and other documents handy to avoid delays.

• Choose reliable bus or taxi services from the border to Kathmandu. Ask locals or check online reviews to avoid overpriced or unsafe transport options.

• Once in Kathmandu, use prepaid taxi counters at the airport or bus station to get to Pashupatinath Temple safely. Avoid unmetered taxis to prevent fare disputes.

• Carry small change in Nepalese rupees for local transport and temple donations. It is helpful to have some Indian rupees as well, but Nepalese currency is preferred for daily expenses.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a copy of your passport and visa while traveling in Nepal. Keep the originals safe in your accommodation to avoid loss or theft during transit.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water to prevent stomach infections. Avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach, especially during long bus or car journeys.

• Book tickets through official websites like IRCTC for trains and airline portals for flights. Avoid agents who may charge extra or provide fake tickets.

• Use local transport apps like Pathao or Tootle in Kathmandu for affordable and safe rides. Avoid hailing random taxis on the street, especially at night.

• Pack light but include essentials like rain gear during monsoon and warm clothes in winter as Kathmandu can get chilly in the evenings.

• Be cautious when crossing roads in Kathmandu; traffic can be chaotic and pedestrian crossings are not always respected by drivers.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Pashupatinath Temple is during the autumn and spring months when the weather is pleasant and clear. These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and less rainfall, making travel easier.

Monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rains that can cause roadblocks and landslides on the route to Kathmandu. Winter months from December to February can be cold and foggy, affecting flight schedules.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Dashain and Tihar when roads and accommodations are crowded and prices surge.

• Early morning departures help avoid traffic jams in Kathmandu and provide smoother border crossing experiences.

• Check weather forecasts before traveling, especially during monsoon and winter, to plan for possible delays or cancellations.

• Traveling mid-week is preferable to weekends to avoid peak traffic and crowded buses or trains.

Arrival at Pashupatinath & What to Expect

When you arrive in Kathmandu, you will find several transport options to reach Pashupatinath Temple. The temple is located on the banks of the Bagmati River, about 6 km east of the city center.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are the safest and most convenient ways to reach the temple from the airport or bus station. The temple area has designated parking and is well signposted. You can also use local buses that stop near the temple, but they may be crowded and less comfortable.

Conclusion

Traveling to Pashupatinath Temple is a spiritually rewarding experience that is accessible by multiple transport modes from India. Flights offer the quickest route, while trains and buses provide economical options for budget travelers. Driving gives flexibility but requires preparation for border formalities and road conditions.

Planning your trip with attention to booking tickets early, understanding border procedures, and choosing reliable local transport will ensure a smooth journey. With these practical tips and detailed travel options, you can confidently plan your visit to Pashupatinath Temple and enjoy its serene and sacred atmosphere.