The short answer
All three cities connect to Gorakhpur by train or road, and from Gorakhpur you continue to the Sunauli border for Lumbini, Pokhara or Kathmandu. Varanasi to Gorakhpur is a long day by road or an easier train leg, Lucknow is closer by rail, and Ayodhya is commonly paired with Janakpur on the Ramayan circuit.
Choose your Nepal start by destination: Lumbini and Pokhara via Sunauli, Janakpur via Jaynagar or Sitamarhi side, Kathmandu via Raxaul.
Key facts
- Hub
- Gorakhpur
- Border
- Sunauli for Lumbini and Pokhara
- Ayodhya
- Pairs with Janakpur
- Mode
- Train plus road
How it works
- Pick your Nepal startLumbini, Pokhara, Kathmandu or Janakpur.
- Book railTo Gorakhpur or Raxaul.
- Arrange transferRoad to border.
- Cross in daylightSee border hours.
- ContinueBy private vehicle.
Insider tip
Book rail to Gorakhpur first and arrange a road transfer from there.
Avoid this
Do not cross the border late in the day.
Related questions
Is it faster to fly?
Often from Delhi or Lucknow to Kathmandu; see air or road.
Which border?
See which border.
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More guides to explore
- Nepal from South and West IndiaBangalore, Chennai, Kerala, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad and more.
- Flights from India and the UAEBuddha Air from Kolkata and Varanasi; UAE to Pokhara.
- Bus and Train from IndiaDelhi, Siliguri, Patna, Lucknow and Varanasi to Kathmandu.
- Pickup Points in IndiaGorakhpur, Raxaul, Jaynagar, Nepalgunj, Lucknow and more.
- All Nepal guidesBrowse every place and theme.
