Nepal’s eastern border is an hour from Siliguri, which makes Kathmandu and Pokhara a natural extension of a trip to Sikkim or Darjeeling.
Documents
Indian nationals need no visa for Nepal. Carry a valid passport or Voter ID card; children should carry a passport or birth certificate. Keep photocopies.
Crossing at Kakarbhitta
The Panitanki–Kakarbhitta crossing over the Mechi river is about an hour from NJP or Bagdogra. Indian private vehicles need a customs permit to enter Nepal, so we usually change vehicles at the border, with a Nepal vehicle waiting on the other side.
Bhadrapur to Kathmandu
From the border, Bhadrapur airport is a short drive away, with flights to Kathmandu that take under an hour. Driving all the way to Kathmandu is possible but takes most of two days.
Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan
- Kathmandu valley: two or three days for Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur.
- Pokhara: about 6 to 7 hours by road or a short flight; two nights for Sarangkot and Phewa lake.
- Chitwan: about 4 to 5 hours from Pokhara; one or two nights for a safari and canoe ride.
- Nagarkot: an hour and a half from Kathmandu for a Himalayan sunrise.
