The short answer
The return trip mirrors the arrival: take a bus from Kathmandu or Pokhara to a border town such as Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Kakarbhitta or Nepalgunj, cross into India and continue by train or bus. Allow a full day, start early and cross before dusk.
Confirm whether the bus goes all the way or ends at the border. If you have an onward train, leave a buffer of several hours.
Key facts
- Borders
- Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Kakarbhitta
- Time
- Allow a full day
- Start
- Early morning
- Buffer
- Several hours before train
How it works
- Pick a borderNearest to your onward train.
- Book a morning busEarly.
- Carry documentsPassport and papers.
- Cross in daylightBefore dusk.
- Continue by trainWith buffer.
Insider tip
Book your Indian train after you know your real border arrival time.
Avoid this
Do not book a tight same-day train connection.
Related questions
Are there night buses back?
Some exist; daytime is safer.
Can I fly instead?
Yes, from Kathmandu to many Indian cities.
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- Vehicle Types and Road TransportCars, vans, buses, jeeps, taxis and bikes for each route.
- All Nepal guidesBrowse every place and theme.
