Border Towns and Gateways · The crossings

Is Sunauli the best border for Lumbini and Pokhara?

By Base Camp Tours, licensed Nepal travel agency (Tourism License 3121/080) · Updated · 1 min read

The short answer

Yes. Sunauli (in Uttar Pradesh) leads straight to Bhairahawa, and Lumbini is a short drive of about half an hour to an hour from there. From Bhairahawa you can continue to Pokhara by road in most of a day.

Key facts

From Gorakhpur
About 3 hours to the border
To Lumbini
Around 30 to 60 minutes
To Pokhara
Most of a day by road
Airport
Gautam Buddha Airport, Bhairahawa

Insider tip

The new international airport at Bhairahawa can reduce the border-road combination, but flight availability varies; check current schedules.

Avoid this

Do not cross late in the evening. Transport gets scarce and you will pay more.

Related questions

Is Sunauli suitable for families?

Yes, with a pre-booked vehicle.

Can I do Lumbini as a day trip?

Yes, though it feels rushed.

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