Varanasi, located in Uttar Pradesh, India, is one of the oldest living cities in the world and a major spiritual hub. Pashupatinath Temple, a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated in Kathmandu, Nepal. Many pilgrims and tourists travel this route to experience the rich religious and cultural heritage of both places.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Varanasi to Pashupatinath Temple. You will learn about train, bus, car, and flight options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival in Kathmandu.

Getting from Varanasi to Pashupatinath Temple – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and affordable option for the first leg of the journey from Varanasi to the India-Nepal border. However, there is no direct train to Kathmandu, so you will need to combine train travel with other transport modes.

• The nearest major railway station to the Nepal border is Gorakhpur Junction, about 270 km from Varanasi, reachable by several daily trains taking 5 to 7 hours with fares between ₹150 to ₹500 in sleeper class.

• From Gorakhpur, you can take a bus or taxi to Sunauli border, approximately 110 km away, which takes around 3 to 4 hours; frequent buses operate but can be crowded during festivals.

• Train tickets can be booked via IRCTC online or at Varanasi Junction; booking in advance is recommended especially during peak seasons like Maha Shivratri or Dashain.

• Train travel offers comfort and scenic views but expect delays during monsoon due to track maintenance and fog in winter mornings.

Bus

Buses provide a direct and economical way to reach the Nepal border from Varanasi, with options to continue onward to Kathmandu by road.

• State-run and private buses depart from Varanasi’s main bus terminals like Cantt Bus Stand and take about 10 to 12 hours to reach Sunauli border, with fares ranging from ₹300 to ₹700 depending on bus type.

• From Sunauli, shared jeeps or tourist buses run regularly to Kathmandu, covering 140 km in 6 to 8 hours; tickets cost around NPR 500 to NPR 1000 (₹300 to ₹600).

• Buses can be crowded and less comfortable during peak travel times such as weekends and holidays; night buses are available but may be less safe.

• Road conditions vary; expect tolls on NH27 and checkpoints at the border, so carry valid ID and necessary documents for Nepal entry.

Car / Self-Drive

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

• The route covers approximately 520 km via NH27 and Mahendra Highway, taking 12 to 14 hours depending on traffic and border formalities.

• You must have valid vehicle permits and insurance for Nepal; Indian driving licenses are accepted but check with Nepal’s Department of Transport for updated rules.

• Popular rest stops include Gorakhpur, Bhairahawa, and Butwal, where you can find food and fuel; toll plazas are present on Indian highways.

• Crossing the Sunauli border requires customs clearance; expect delays during festivals and holidays, so plan your timing carefully to avoid long queues.

• Driving in Nepal requires caution due to narrow, winding roads and variable weather; hiring a local driver for the Nepal segment is advisable if unfamiliar with conditions.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach Kathmandu from Varanasi but involves a connecting flight via major Indian cities as there are no direct flights.

• Varanasi Airport (Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport) offers flights to Delhi, Kolkata, or Lucknow, from where you can catch direct flights to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

• Total travel time including layovers ranges from 5 to 8 hours; flight fares vary widely from ₹4,000 to ₹10,000 depending on booking time and airline.

• Flights are comfortable and avoid long road journeys but can be expensive compared to train or bus options.

• Tribhuvan International Airport is about 6 km from Pashupatinath Temple; taxis and app-based cabs like Pathao and Tootle are available at the airport for easy transfer.

• Book flights well in advance during peak pilgrimage seasons to secure seats and better prices.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

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

• Book your train or bus ticket from Varanasi to Gorakhpur or Sunauli border through IRCTC or authorized bus operators to secure your seat and avoid last-minute hassles.

• Carry valid identification such as Aadhaar card or passport, and ensure you have your Nepal visa or documents ready for border crossing to prevent delays.

• Upon reaching Sunauli border, complete customs and immigration formalities carefully; ask local officials or fellow travelers for guidance if unsure.

• Hire a shared jeep or tourist bus from Sunauli to Kathmandu; these are frequent and affordable, but confirm departure times in advance to avoid waiting.

• Once in Kathmandu, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs from Tribhuvan Airport or bus stations to reach Pashupatinath Temple safely and conveniently.

• Keep local currency (Nepalese Rupees) handy for small expenses like food, transport, and tolls; Indian currency is accepted in some places but at lower rates.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your belongings secure, especially at crowded bus stations and border crossings, as pickpocketing can occur in busy areas.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during your journey to avoid waterborne illnesses; carry snacks as food options may be limited on some routes.

• Book tickets online or through trusted agents to avoid scams; confirm bus timings a day before travel since schedules can change due to weather or road conditions.

• Use local transport apps like Ola or Uber in Varanasi and Kathmandu for safe and reliable last-mile connectivity instead of hailing street cabs.

• Pack light but include essentials like a power bank, raincoat during monsoon, and warm clothes for winter mornings, especially if traveling by road.

• Be prepared for seasonal delays at the border during festivals like Dashain and Tihar when traffic increases significantly.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Varanasi to Pashupatinath Temple is during the cooler months from October to March. This period offers pleasant weather and fewer travel disruptions.

Monsoon season from June to September can cause roadblocks and train delays due to heavy rains and landslides, especially near the Nepal border. Winter mornings may have dense fog affecting visibility and transport schedules.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals such as Maha Shivratri, Dashain, and Tihar when transport is overcrowded and prices surge.

• Plan departures early in the morning to avoid city traffic in Varanasi and border congestion at Sunauli.

• Check weather forecasts and road conditions before starting your journey, especially during monsoon and winter seasons.

Arrival at Pashupatinath Temple & What to Expect

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, Pashupatinath Temple is easily accessible by local transport. The temple is located on the banks of the Bagmati River and is a major pilgrimage site attracting thousands daily.

You can take prepaid taxis or app-based cabs from Tribhuvan International Airport or bus terminals to the temple area. Popular neighborhoods to stay nearby include Thamel and Lazimpat, offering a range of accommodations and eateries.

Expect a vibrant atmosphere with many devotees, priests, and tourists. Entry to the temple is free for Hindus, while foreigners pay a nominal fee. Dress modestly and be respectful of local customs.

Conclusion

Traveling from Varanasi to Pashupatinath Temple involves a mix of transport modes depending on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. Train and bus options are economical but take longer, while flights offer speed at a higher cost. Driving offers flexibility but requires permits and careful planning.

By following this guide’s step-by-step plan and practical tips, you can confidently plan your journey. Remember to book tickets in advance, carry proper documents, and prepare for seasonal travel conditions. With good preparation, your pilgrimage to Pashupatinath Temple from Varanasi will be a memorable and smooth experience.