Pashupatinath Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Kathmandu, Nepal. Hyderabad, a major city in southern India, serves as a common starting point for many travelers heading to this spiritual destination. This route is popular among pilgrims and tourists seeking to explore Nepal's rich culture and religious heritage.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Hyderabad to Pashupatinath Temple. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival. Whether you prefer trains, buses, flights, or driving, this article covers everything you need for a smooth journey.

Getting from Hyderabad to Pashupatinath Temple – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a budget-friendly and scenic option to reach the India-Nepal border before continuing to Pashupatinath Temple. However, there is no direct train to Kathmandu, so you must combine train travel with bus or taxi.

• Take a train from Hyderabad Deccan Railway Station to Gorakhpur Junction, a major railhead near the Nepal border, covering around 1,600 km in approximately 30-35 hours with fares between ₹700-₹1,500 depending on class.

• Trains like the Hyderabad-Gorakhpur Express run daily or several times a week, offering sleeper and AC coaches; book tickets via IRCTC well in advance to avoid last-minute unavailability.

• From Gorakhpur, you can take a bus or taxi to Sunauli border, about 100 km away, which takes 3-4 hours; buses are frequent but can be crowded during festivals.

• After crossing the Sunauli border into Nepal, local buses or taxis connect to Kathmandu, approximately 140 km further, taking 5-6 hours on hilly roads; fares vary ₹500-₹1,200.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and economical way to reach the Nepal border from Hyderabad, but the journey is long and can be tiring. This mode suits travelers comfortable with road travel and flexible schedules.

• MSRTC and private operators run buses from Hyderabad to Gorakhpur or directly to the India-Nepal border at Sunauli, covering about 1,600 km in 30-40 hours; fares range from ₹800-₹1,200.

• Overnight sleeper buses with reclining seats provide more comfort; book tickets early during peak seasons like Dashain and Tihar festivals to avoid full occupancy.

• From Sunauli border, Nepalese buses and shared taxis operate frequently to Kathmandu, taking 5-6 hours on hilly terrain; expect variable road conditions during monsoon season.

• Rest stops along NH44 and NH27 offer basic food and sanitation facilities; carry snacks and water for long stretches with fewer amenities.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Hyderabad to Pashupatinath Temple is an adventurous option for those who prefer flexibility and want to explore en route. It requires careful planning and awareness of border crossing rules.

• The route covers approximately 1,700 km via NH44 and NH27, passing through Nagpur, Raipur, and Gorakhpur before reaching the Sunauli border; expect 30-35 hours of driving time excluding breaks.

• Ensure your vehicle has valid permits for international travel into Nepal; Indian citizens need a valid passport and visa for Nepal, though some border crossings allow visa on arrival.

• Toll plazas are present on major highways; budget around ₹1,000-₹1,500 for toll fees one way; fuel stations are frequent but plan refueling in major towns.

• Monsoon season can cause slippery roads and occasional landslides, especially after crossing into Nepal; drive cautiously and avoid night driving in hilly areas.

• Parking near Pashupatinath Temple is limited; use local paid parking lots or hotel parking facilities; local taxis and rickshaws are available for last-mile travel.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Kathmandu from Hyderabad, especially for travelers with limited time. From Kathmandu airport, you can take local transport to Pashupatinath Temple.

• Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) in Hyderabad offers connecting flights to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu via airlines like Air India, IndiGo, and Nepal Airlines; total flight time including layovers ranges from 4 to 8 hours.

• Direct flights are rare; most routes have a stopover in Delhi or Kolkata; book tickets 2-3 months in advance to get better fares, which range from ₹7,000 to ₹15,000 one way.

• From Kathmandu airport, Pashupatinath Temple is about 6 km away; you can hire prepaid taxis or use app-based cabs like Pathao and Tootle for a 20-30 minute ride costing around NPR 300-500 (₹200-₹350).

• Flight delays can occur during monsoon months due to fog and rain; check weather updates and flight status before departure to avoid inconvenience.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Hyderabad to Pashupatinath Temple, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.

• Book your preferred mode of transport early, especially train or flight tickets via IRCTC or airline websites, to secure seats and avoid last-minute price hikes.

• If traveling by train or bus, plan your arrival at Gorakhpur or Sunauli border during daylight hours for easier border crossing and safer road travel into Nepal.

• Carry all necessary documents, including passport, visa (if required), and COVID-19 vaccination certificates, as Nepal border officials may check these before entry.

• Arrange local transport in Kathmandu in advance using reliable taxi services or hotel pickups to reach Pashupatinath Temple without hassle.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a power bank, as some road stretches have limited facilities and phone charging points.

• Inform family or friends about your travel itinerary and keep emergency contacts handy, especially when traveling by road through remote areas.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs in Kathmandu to avoid overcharging; negotiate fares beforehand if using local rickshaws or taxis outside apps.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during your journey to prevent stomach infections; carry a reusable water bottle with a purifier if possible.

• Book train and bus tickets through official portals like IRCTC and MSRTC to ensure safety and avoid scams common in unverified agents.

• Keep your luggage secure and avoid carrying large sums of cash; use hotel safes or lockable bags during transit.

• During monsoon months, check weather and road conditions regularly; landslides and flooding can cause delays or route changes, especially near the Nepal border.

• Carry light snacks and medicines for motion sickness or minor ailments, as food options on long road routes can be limited and sometimes unhygienic.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Hyderabad to Pashupatinath Temple is during the cooler months from October to March. This period offers pleasant weather and clearer roads for a comfortable journey.

Avoid traveling during the heavy monsoon season (June to September) due to frequent rains causing roadblocks and flight delays. Festivals like Dashain and Tihar in Nepal see a surge in travelers, so plan accordingly.

• Peak traffic occurs during Nepalese festivals such as Dashain (September-October) and Tihar (October-November), leading to crowded transport and higher fares.

• Winter fog in northern India and Nepal can delay early morning flights and trains, so schedule departures later in the day if possible.

• Monsoon rains can cause slippery roads and landslides, especially on hilly stretches after the India-Nepal border; avoid night travel during this season.

• Early morning departures from Hyderabad help avoid city traffic and ensure timely connections for onward travel to Nepal.

Arrival at Pashupatinath Temple & What to Expect

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, reaching Pashupatinath Temple is straightforward. The temple is located on the banks of the Bagmati River, about 6 km east of the city center.

You can take prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Pathao and Tootle from Tribhuvan International Airport or Kathmandu bus stations. The temple area is well connected by local buses, but these may be crowded and less comfortable for tourists.

Accommodation options near Pashupatinath include guesthouses and budget hotels in areas like Thamel and Lazimpat, which are also tourist hubs with easy access to the temple. Expect some crowd during mornings and evenings when devotees gather for prayers.

Conclusion

Among all options, flying from Hyderabad to Kathmandu is the most efficient and comfortable way to reach Pashupatinath Temple quickly. However, train and bus journeys offer budget-friendly alternatives with scenic views and cultural experiences en route.

Careful planning, early bookings, and awareness of seasonal conditions will help you avoid common travel hassles. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable pilgrimage to this sacred temple in Nepal. Trust this guide to plan your trip confidently and make the most of your journey from Hyderabad to Pashupatinath Temple.