India-Nepal Border Crossing
Crossing into Nepal by road from India. Detailed guide to Sunauli, Raxaul and Kakarbhitta borders for Muktinath-bound pilgrims.
Sunauli Border (Best for Muktinath)
The Sunauli-Bhairahawa border crossing in Uttar Pradesh is the best and most popular border for Muktinath-bound pilgrims from North, Central, and West India. Sunauli is 90km from Gorakhpur (approximately 3 hours), 280km from Varanasi (6 hours), and 310km from Lucknow (7 hours). Gorakhpur Junction railway station is the main rail hub for reaching Sunauli. Regular trains connect Gorakhpur to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and all major Indian cities. We offer dedicated pickup service from Gorakhpur station for pilgrims on our packages.
The border is technically open 24 hours, but immigration counters are best serviced between 6 AM and 10 PM. Cross-border movement is smooth for Indian citizens. Show your ID at the Indian exit counter (BSF checkpoint), walk across the short pedestrian bridge or road, then present your ID at the Nepal immigration counter on the Bhairahawa side. The whole process takes 15-30 minutes during normal hours. From Bhairahawa, the Siddhartha Highway winds 190km to Pokhara in 6-7 hours through spectacular Gandaki zone terrain. A scenic mountain drive that begins the Himalayan experience immediately.
Raxaul Border (Bihar/East India)
The Raxaul-Birgunj border in Bihar is the recommended crossing for pilgrims from Patna, Kolkata, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. Raxaul is 250km from Patna (approximately 5-6 hours), 600km from Kolkata (12-14 hours), and 120km from Muzaffarpur. Raxaul railway station is connected directly to Patna Junction and has train links to Kolkata's Howrah station. The border crossing here is also straightforward for Indian citizens. The same document requirements apply (passport or voter ID).
From Birgunj (Nepal side of Raxaul border), the route to Pokhara is longer than from Bhairahawa: approximately 280km via Narayanghat and Dumre, taking 7-8 hours. This is the Prithvi Highway route. A well-maintained highway but with more traffic and longer drive time. Many pilgrims using the Raxaul border prefer to fly Kathmandu-Pokhara rather than driving all the way, adding a Kathmandu city stopover to their itinerary. Alternatively, we can arrange the full overland drive from Birgunj to Muktinath via Pokhara with an overnight at Pokhara en route.
Kakarbhitta Border (Northeast India)
The Kakarbhitta-Birtamod border in West Bengal is the entry point for pilgrims from Siliguri, Darjeeling, Sikkim, Assam, and the entire Northeast India region. Kakarbhitta is just 4km from Siliguri. One of the most accessible Nepal borders from the east. New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station near Siliguri is a major rail hub connecting Northeast India to the rest of the country. Kakarbhitta crossing is smooth and quick, with heavy pedestrian traffic throughout the day.
However, Kakarbhitta is the farthest of the three borders from Muktinath. From Birtamod, the route to Pokhara covers approximately 500km via Kathmandu or via Butwal. A full day of driving plus an overnight stop. Most pilgrims from Northeast India who use Kakarbhitta therefore plan a 2-3 day overland journey through Nepal, treating it as an extended yatra with sightseeing at Pashupatinath (Kathmandu), Lumbini (birthplace of Buddha), or Pokhara's lakeside before reaching Muktinath. We design custom Northeast India itineraries that make this extended overland journey a holistic experience.
Documents, Process & Timings
Indian citizens do not need a visa for Nepal. It is one of the world's most open bilateral travel arrangements. Required documents at any land border: Indian passport OR Voter ID card (Aadhar card is NOT currently accepted at Nepal borders. Carry passport or voter ID). Carry 2-3 passport-size photographs. These are needed later for the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) at Jomsom or Pokhara, which costs approximately INR 1,875 per person. Currency: Indian Rupees (INR) are widely accepted in Nepal. Important: INR 500 and INR 2,000 denomination Indian notes are not accepted in Nepal. Carry INR 100 notes for small transactions or use USD for larger amounts.
The crossing process at all three borders follows the same steps: present ID at the Indian BSF/exit checkpoint, cross the border (on foot. Vehicles are processed separately), present ID at Nepal immigration counter, receive an entry stamp in your passport (or entry recorded for voter ID holders). The whole process takes 15-45 minutes depending on queue length. Peak congestion occurs during Hindu festival periods. Early morning crossing (6-8 AM) avoids queues. Keep your ID accessible throughout the crossing. Nepal immigration officers at major borders are accustomed to Indian pilgrims and the process is friendly and efficient.
Onward Transport to Pokhara from Each Border
From Sunauli-Bhairahawa: the Siddhartha Highway (190km, 6-7 hours) is the direct route to Pokhara. Buses depart Bhairahawa bus park regularly from 6 AM to 2 PM. Our packages use private vehicles (car or Hiace van) for this journey, which is more comfortable and faster than the public bus. The Siddhartha Highway is scenic and well-maintained. Passing through the Palpa hills and Syangja district with mountain views on clear days. From Raxaul-Birgunj: shared taxi or bus to Narayanghat (2 hours), then Prithvi Highway to Pokhara (4-5 hours more). Total: 7-8 hours to Pokhara.
From Kakarbhitta-Birtamod: the most practical approach is taking the tourist bus or private vehicle to Kathmandu (approximately 10-12 hours via Mahendra Highway) and then flying Kathmandu-Pokhara (25 minutes) or taking the Prithvi Highway bus Kathmandu-Pokhara (6-7 hours). Many Northeastern pilgrims actually fly into Kathmandu from their home city (Kolkata, Guwahati, or Bagdogra airports) rather than using the Kakarbhitta land border, as this saves significant travel time. Consult with us to plan the optimal route from your specific origin city in India.
Sunauli (UP) is the best. Closest to Pokhara via Siddhartha Highway. From Gorakhpur, you can reach the border in 3 hours and Pokhara in another 6-7 hours.
For land borders, Indian Voter ID is sufficient. For air travel to Kathmandu, a passport is recommended. We always recommend carrying a passport for smoothest experience.
Yes, we offer pickup services from Gorakhpur, Lucknow, and Varanasi railway stations. Our driver meets you at the station and drives directly to the Nepal border.
No. Indian currency notes of INR 500 and INR 2,000 denomination are officially not accepted in Nepal. Carry INR 100 notes for small transactions, exchange INR at the border money exchange, or use USD for larger purchases. ATMs in Pokhara and Kathmandu dispense local currency directly from your Indian debit or credit card.
Typically 15-30 minutes during normal hours at Sunauli or Raxaul. Early morning (6-8 AM) is fastest with shortest queues. During Diwali, Dussehra, or other major Hindu festivals, queues can extend to 1-2 hours as traffic surges. Our packages time border crossings during optimal hours to minimise waiting.
More in How to Reach Muktinath
Ready to Start Your Sacred Journey?
Our pilgrimage experts are available 24/7 to answer your questions and help plan your perfect Muktinath tour.