Pashupatinath Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for devotees of Lord Shiva. Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, India, is a common starting point for travelers planning a spiritual trip to this temple.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Lucknow to Pashupatinath Temple. You will learn about different transport options, travel times, and useful tips to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Lucknow to Pashupatinath Temple – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical option for reaching the India-Nepal border from Lucknow. However, there is no direct train to Kathmandu, so you must combine train travel with road transport.

• Take a train from Lucknow Charbagh Railway Station to Gorakhpur Junction, which is about 270 km away and takes around 5 to 6 hours. Trains run frequently with fares between ₹200 and ₹600 depending on class.

• From Gorakhpur, you can take a bus or taxi to Sunauli border, approximately 100 km and 3 hours away. This route is well-traveled by pilgrims and tourists heading to Nepal.

• After crossing the Sunauli border, you can hire a local taxi or bus to Kathmandu, which is about 130 km and takes 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Train travel is comfortable and affordable but requires multiple transfers and some planning for border crossing formalities.

Bus

Direct bus services from Lucknow to Nepal are limited, but you can travel by bus to the border and then continue onward to Kathmandu by bus or taxi.

• State-run and private buses run from Lucknow to Gorakhpur, taking around 6 to 7 hours with fares ranging from ₹300 to ₹700 depending on the bus type.

• From Gorakhpur, frequent buses and shared taxis operate to Sunauli border; the journey takes about 3 hours and costs ₹100 to ₹200.

• After crossing into Nepal, tourist buses run from Sunauli to Kathmandu, taking 6 to 7 hours with fares around NPR 700 to NPR 1000 (₹400 to ₹600).

• Buses are economical but can be crowded and less comfortable, especially during peak seasons or festivals.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Lucknow to Pashupatinath Temple offers flexibility and comfort but requires careful planning for border crossing and road conditions.

• The total distance from Lucknow to Kathmandu via Sunauli border is approximately 500 km, which takes around 12 to 14 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• The route follows NH27 from Lucknow to Gorakhpur, then NH730 to Sunauli border. After crossing, you continue on Nepal’s highways to Kathmandu.

• Ensure you have valid vehicle permits and insurance for Nepal, as Indian driving licenses are not valid there. Border formalities can take 1 to 2 hours.

• Plan rest stops at Gorakhpur and border towns; food options include dhabas and local restaurants serving Indian and Nepali cuisine.

• Driving during monsoon season may be challenging due to slippery roads and occasional landslides in Nepal.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Kathmandu from Lucknow, especially for travelers with limited time.

• Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport has direct flights to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, taking about 1 hour 15 minutes.

• Airlines such as Nepal Airlines and IndiGo operate direct flights multiple times a week, with fares ranging from ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 one way.

• From Kathmandu airport, Pashupatinath Temple is about 6 km away and can be reached by taxi in 20 to 30 minutes. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Pathao and Tootle are available.

• Flights can be affected by weather conditions like fog in winter or monsoon rains, so check schedules in advance.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Lucknow to Pashupatinath Temple, ensuring a smooth and well-organized journey.

• Book your tickets early:

  Whether by train, bus, or flight, book tickets online through IRCTC for trains or airline websites to avoid last-minute hassles, especially during festivals.

• Reach Lucknow station or airport early:

  Arrive at least 1 hour before departure to manage security checks and boarding, as Indian transport hubs can be crowded.

• Prepare for border crossing:

  Carry your valid passport and visa for Nepal. Indian citizens do not need a visa but must carry ID proof. Be ready for customs checks at Sunauli.

• Arrange local transport in Kathmandu:

  Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs from the airport or bus station to reach Pashupatinath Temple safely and comfortably.

• Pack essentials for the journey:

  Include water, snacks, and light clothing. Carry some Nepali rupees or Indian currency for tolls, food, and local transport.

• Stay connected:

  Purchase a local SIM card or ensure roaming is active for easy navigation and communication during your trip.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your passport and ID handy during the journey, especially at the India-Nepal border, to avoid delays or issues with immigration officials.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during the trip to prevent stomach illnesses, especially when traveling by road through rural areas.

• Book train and flight tickets well in advance through official portals like IRCTC and airline websites to secure seats and get better prices.

• Use local transport options like Ola, Uber, or Nepali app-based cabs for safe and affordable travel within Kathmandu and near the temple.

• Pack light but include a raincoat or umbrella during monsoon season, as sudden showers are common on the route.

• Be cautious with your luggage at crowded stations and bus stops; keep valuables close and avoid displaying expensive items openly.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Lucknow to Pashupatinath Temple is during the cooler months from October to March. Weather is pleasant and roads are generally clear.

Avoid traveling during the monsoon season from June to September due to heavy rains causing roadblocks and delays, especially in Nepal’s hilly areas.

• Avoid peak festival periods like Dashain and Tihar in Nepal, when transport is crowded and accommodation prices rise sharply.

• Winter mornings can have dense fog in northern India, causing train and flight delays, so plan departures later in the day if possible.

• Early morning departures from Lucknow help avoid city traffic and ensure timely arrival at stations or airports.

• Summer months (April-May) can be hot and humid, so carry adequate water and dress comfortably for road travel.

Arrival at Pashupatinath Temple & What to Expect

Upon reaching Kathmandu, you will find several transport options to reach Pashupatinath Temple, which is located about 6 km east of the city center. The temple area is well-signposted and popular with both locals and tourists.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Pathao and Tootle are the safest and most convenient ways to reach the temple from the airport or bus stations. The temple complex is large, with separate areas for pilgrims and tourists. Nearby areas like Thamel and Lazimpat offer good accommodation and food options.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Pashupatinath Temple from Lucknow depends on your budget and time. Flights offer the quickest and most comfortable journey, while train and bus options provide economical alternatives with scenic routes and cultural experiences.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, preparing for border formalities, and choosing local transport wisely. With proper planning and these practical tips, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable pilgrimage to one of Nepal’s most revered temples.