How to Reach Pashupatinath Temple

How to Reach Pashupatinath Temple by Train

Traveling by train to Pashupatinath Temple is a great option if you enjoy scenic journeys. While there is no direct train to Kathmandu from India, you can easily travel to the border stations and then take a road journey to reach Kathmandu.

First, you’ll need to take a train from your nearest city in India to one of the border towns. The most common and convenient options are:

1. Raxaul Junction (Bihar): This is the most popular route. You can take a train to Raxaul, which is very close to the India-Nepal border. From Raxaul, you can cross the border and head to Kathmandu via bus or taxi. It takes around 6-7 hours by road from Raxaul to Kathmandu.
2. Gorakhpur Junction (Uttar Pradesh): Another option is taking a train to Gorakhpur. From here, you can travel to the Sunauli border by road, which takes about 3 hours. After crossing the border, you can catch a bus or hire a taxi to Kathmandu, which will take about 7-8 hours.
3. Jaynagar (Bihar): You can also travel to Jaynagar and then cross over to Janakpur in Nepal. From Janakpur, you can reach Kathmandu by road, which takes around 6-7 hours.

Make sure to check train schedules in advance, as these routes can sometimes have limited options. Once you reach the border, you can find frequent buses and taxis heading to Kathmandu. This is a budget-friendly way to travel, especially for those who enjoy train journeys.

How to Reach Pashupatinath Temple by Flight

Flying to Pashupatinath Temple is the fastest and most convenient option, especially if you want to save time. The nearest airport to the temple is Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, which is just about 5 km from Pashupatinath.

Several major Indian cities have direct flights to Kathmandu, making it easy for you to plan your journey. Here are some key cities with direct flight connections to Kathmandu:

1. Delhi: Multiple airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, and Nepal Airlines, offer daily direct flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Tribhuvan International Airport. The flight duration is around 1.5 hours.
2. Mumbai: You can catch direct flights from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport to Kathmandu. Airlines like Vistara and IndiGo operate regular flights. The travel time is approximately 2.5 hours.
3. Kolkata: Direct flights are available from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport to Kathmandu. The flight takes around 1.5 hours.
4. Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad: While these cities don’t always have direct flights, you can easily find connecting flights to Kathmandu with a layover in Delhi or Kolkata.

Once you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, you can easily reach Pashupatinath Temple by taxi. It takes about 15-20 minutes to reach the temple, depending on traffic. Taxis are available right outside the airport, and you can expect to pay around ₹400-₹500 for the ride.

Flying is a hassle-free option and ideal for those who prefer quick and comfortable travel. Plus, you get to enjoy a stunning aerial view of the Himalayas as you approach Kathmandu!

How to Reach Pashupatinath Temple by Road

If you enjoy road trips, reaching Pashupatinath Temple by road can be an exciting adventure. You can easily travel from India to Kathmandu by crossing the India-Nepal border through various entry points and continuing by bus, taxi, or private vehicle.

Here are some of the most popular routes for reaching Pashupatinath Temple by road:

1. From Raxaul (Bihar) to Kathmandu

This is one of the most commonly used routes. You can drive or take a bus from Raxaul to Birgunj, a major town in Nepal just across the border. From Birgunj, you can either take a direct bus to Kathmandu or hire a taxi. The road journey from Birgunj to Kathmandu is about 6-7 hours, offering scenic views along the way.

2. From Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) to Kathmandu via Sunauli

Another popular route is from Gorakhpur to the Sunauli border. Once you cross the border into Nepal, you can find regular buses or hire a taxi to Kathmandu. The road trip from Sunauli to Kathmandu takes about 7-8 hours, passing through beautiful hills and valleys.

3. From Siliguri (West Bengal) to Kathmandu via Kakarbhitta

For those traveling from the eastern part of India, you can drive from Siliguri to the Kakarbhitta border. After crossing into Nepal, you can catch a bus or taxi to Kathmandu. The road journey from Kakarbhitta to Kathmandu takes around 12-14 hours.

4. From Jaynagar (Bihar) to Kathmandu via Janakpur

Another option is driving from Jaynagar to Janakpur. After crossing the border at Jaynagar, you can take a bus or taxi to Kathmandu. The drive takes about 6-7 hours from Janakpur.

Buses from Indian Cities

If you prefer public transport, there are direct bus services from cities like Delhi and Varanasi to Kathmandu. These buses are run by private operators as well as government-run services. The journey from Delhi to Kathmandu by bus takes about 30 hours, while from Varanasi, it takes around 12-14 hours.

Self-Drive Option

If you’re planning a self-drive trip, make sure to carry the necessary vehicle permits and documents, such as your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance papers. Driving through the scenic routes is an amazing experience, but the hilly terrain near Kathmandu requires careful driving.

The road journey to Pashupatinath Temple is not just about getting there—it’s about enjoying the scenic landscapes of Nepal along the way. Whether you’re taking a bus, taxi, or driving yourself, the adventure adds to the spiritual experience of visiting this holy site.

Different Passes Between India and Nepal

When traveling from India to Nepal, there are several border crossings (passes) that connect the two countries. These passes are vital for those traveling by road, whether by bus, taxi, or private vehicle. Nepal and India share an open border, so you don’t need a visa for entry if you’re an Indian citizen, but there are certain immigration check-posts you must cross.

Here are the main border passes between India and Nepal:

1. Raxaul-Birgunj Pass (Bihar)

This is one of the busiest and most popular border crossings between India and Nepal. Located in Bihar, the Raxaul-Birgunj pass connects the Indian town of Raxaul with Birgunj in Nepal. From Birgunj, it’s a direct route to Kathmandu, which takes around 6-7 hours by road. This pass is often preferred due to its well-connected transport options.

2. Sunauli-Bhairahawa Pass (Uttar Pradesh)

The Sunauli-Bhairahawa pass is another commonly used border crossing, especially for travelers coming from Gorakhpur. This pass links Sunauli in Uttar Pradesh with Bhairahawa in Nepal. Once you cross the border, you can catch a bus or taxi to Kathmandu, which takes around 7-8 hours. Sunauli is known for its frequent transport options and is one of the easiest points for Indian travelers to cross.

3. Jaynagar-Janakpur Pass (Bihar)

This pass connects Jaynagar in Bihar to Janakpur in Nepal, which is a significant religious city for Hindus. From Janakpur, you can travel to Kathmandu in 6-7 hours by road. This pass is ideal for those visiting Janakpur Dham before heading to Pashupatinath Temple.

4. Kakarbhitta-Panitanki Pass (West Bengal)

Travelers from the eastern part of India can cross through the Kakarbhitta-Panitanki pass. This pass connects Siliguri in West Bengal with Kakarbhitta in Nepal. After crossing into Nepal, you can take a bus or taxi to Kathmandu, although it is a longer journey (12-14 hours). This route is also popular for those traveling from Darjeeling and nearby areas.

5. Banbasa-Mahendranagar Pass (Uttarakhand)

Located in Uttarakhand, the Banbasa-Mahendranagar pass connects Banbasa in India to Mahendranagar in Nepal. This is a less busy route but offers a more scenic journey through the Terai region. From Mahendranagar, you can travel to Kathmandu by road, though it takes longer compared to other passes.

6. Rupaidiha-Nepalgunj Pass (Uttar Pradesh)

Another option is the Rupaidiha-Nepalgunj pass. This crossing links Rupaidiha in Uttar Pradesh with Nepalgunj, a bustling town in Nepal. From here, you can easily find transport to Kathmandu, which is around 10-12 hours by road. This pass is ideal for travelers coming from central India.

7. Dharchula-Pithoragarh Pass (Uttarakhand)

The Dharchula pass is more remote and connects the Indian town of Dharchula in Uttarakhand with its Nepal counterpart. While this pass is less frequently used by regular tourists, it’s an essential route for trekkers and those looking for a more adventurous trip. From Dharchula, you can travel deeper into Nepal.

Documents Required at the Passes

For Indian citizens, you need a government-issued ID like an Aadhar card or voter ID card to cross these passes. For vehicles, make sure to carry your driver’s license, registration papers, and other relevant documents.

Whether you’re planning a spiritual journey to Pashupatinath Temple or just exploring Nepal, these border passes make road travel easy and hassle-free. You can pick the pass that is most convenient based on your starting location in India. Most of these passes offer direct access to public transport that can take you straight to Kathmandu, ensuring a smooth travel experience.

Conclusion

Visiting Pashupatinath Temple is a spiritual journey that attracts devotees from across India and beyond. Whether you choose to travel by train, flight, or road, there are several convenient ways to reach this sacred site in Kathmandu. The open borders between India and Nepal make it easy for Indian travelers to cross through the various border passes and continue their journey by road.

Flying to Kathmandu is the fastest and most comfortable option, while traveling by train and road lets you enjoy the scenic landscapes and local experiences along the way. Each mode of travel has its charm, so you can choose based on your preference, time, and budget.

No matter how you decide to reach Pashupatinath Temple, the journey will undoubtedly enhance the overall experience of your pilgrimage. The majestic beauty of the Himalayas and the peaceful surroundings of Pashupatinath will leave you with cherished memories and a sense of fulfilment.