How to get from Delhi to Kathmandu overland?
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I am going to Nepal and probably, same as everyone, through Delhi. I was considering going overland from Delhi to Kathmandu, however I have found many posts that advise against it in favor of a flight. The following concerns are the key to the proper decision, I think.
Does the overland route offer a good scenery and cultural experience or is it better to spend that time in Nepal?
What is the rough cost of an overland journey and how does it compare with a flight?
In case of a flight, is the Indian visa necessary?
india overland nepal new-delhi kathmandu
edited Nov 27 '14 at 22:05
Vince
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asked May 31 '12 at 11:48
crenate
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up vote
14
down vote
favorite
I am going to Nepal and probably, same as everyone, through Delhi. I was considering going overland from Delhi to Kathmandu, however I have found many posts that advise against it in favor of a flight. The following concerns are the key to the proper decision, I think.
Does the overland route offer a good scenery and cultural experience or is it better to spend that time in Nepal?
What is the rough cost of an overland journey and how does it compare with a flight?
In case of a flight, is the Indian visa necessary?
india overland nepal new-delhi kathmandu
edited Nov 27 '14 at 22:05
Vince
16k667123
asked May 31 '12 at 11:48
crenate
3,13632352
add a comment |Â
up vote
14
down vote
favorite
up vote
14
down vote
favorite
I am going to Nepal and probably, same as everyone, through Delhi. I was considering going overland from Delhi to Kathmandu, however I have found many posts that advise against it in favor of a flight. The following concerns are the key to the proper decision, I think.
Does the overland route offer a good scenery and cultural experience or is it better to spend that time in Nepal?
What is the rough cost of an overland journey and how does it compare with a flight?
In case of a flight, is the Indian visa necessary?
india overland nepal new-delhi kathmandu
edited Nov 27 '14 at 22:05
Vince
16k667123
asked May 31 '12 at 11:48
crenate
3,13632352
I am going to Nepal and probably, same as everyone, through Delhi. I was considering going overland from Delhi to Kathmandu, however I have found many posts that advise against it in favor of a flight. The following concerns are the key to the proper decision, I think.
Does the overland route offer a good scenery and cultural experience or is it better to spend that time in Nepal?
What is the rough cost of an overland journey and how does it compare with a flight?
In case of a flight, is the Indian visa necessary?
india overland nepal new-delhi kathmandu
edited Nov 27 '14 at 22:05
Vince
16k667123
asked May 31 '12 at 11:48
crenate
3,13632352
edited Nov 27 '14 at 22:05
Vince
16k667123
edited Nov 27 '14 at 22:05
Vince
16k667123
edited Nov 27 '14 at 22:05
Vince
16k667123
16k667123
asked May 31 '12 at 11:48
crenate
3,13632352
asked May 31 '12 at 11:48
crenate
3,13632352
asked May 31 '12 at 11:48
crenate
3,13632352
3,13632352
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
3 Answers
3
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up vote
17
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accepted
This is a well-trod trail on the backpacker circuit, and Seat 61 has the full scoop, but here's the outline:
Train from Delhi to the end of the line at Gorakhpur, overnight, US$10-50 depending on class of sleeper- Bus to border at Sunauli, one and half hours, ~$2
- Cross border on foot
- Bus to Kathmandu, 9-12 hours (overnight buses available), ~$6
So it's certainly the cheaper option, as you can do the whole trip for $20, or even less if you're the kind of masochist who enjoys overnight travel in the train's general section.
As for "good scenery and cultural experience", though, I've yet to meet anybody who actually enjoyed the trip. Since there are so many goras traipsing through, the scammers are out in full force, the border towns are absolute shitholes, and the Nepali roads and buses are pretty awful with this kind of thing an all too regular occurrence.
And yes, DEL allows transit without visa if you can connect directly to your flight to Kathmandu and check your bags through.
edited Jun 25 '12 at 11:01
rlesko
3,8781842
answered May 31 '12 at 12:38
jpatokal
108k17323478
4
To be fair, Gorakhpur and a lot of stops on the overland route to Nepal are some of the shittier bits of India. You probably won't enjoy it but as far as an experience if you really want to get out of your comfort zone, go for it.
– Ankur Banerjee♦
May 31 '12 at 15:15
Additionally, the bus to Kathmandu goes through Mugling - a noted truck stop, but not the nicest place to visit. All in all, you'll see the Terai, a bunch of mountains, and a whole lot of what you'd expect. Go trekking in Jomsom and visit Chitawan, and you'll see all of these things in more manageable doses.
– Affable Geek
Jun 6 '12 at 1:24
I somewhat don't like the term shithole. Kinda dramatically lowers the quality of your eloquence.
– JoErNanO♦
Nov 28 '14 at 21:42
@JoErNanO A turd by any other name is a still a turd...
– jpatokal
Nov 28 '14 at 23:16
True. But in no way does that justify being vulgar.
– JoErNanO♦
Nov 28 '14 at 23:37
add a comment |Â
up vote
7
down vote
You can take a direct bus from New Delhi to Kathmandu from Ambedkar stadium bus terminus and goes up to Swaymbhu bus terminal at Kathmandu. It is a 30 hour journey and is a daily bus service both ways.
Ticket from New Delhi to Kathmandu costs INR 2300.
This has only started 2-3 days ago.
answered Nov 27 '14 at 21:42
PSC775
2,7711120
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up vote
2
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You can now take an overnight bus from Varanasi to Kathmandu. It leaves every second day at 10pm and arrives at about 1pm the next day. It can be booked online here or through RedBus.
An alternative itinerary for Delhi to Kathmandu overland would be:
- Train from Delhi to Varanasi. (There are multiple trains you could get. The quickest is the SWATANTRTA S EXP which takes 11 hours 50 minutes from New Delhi railway station to Varanasi Junction)
- Bus from Varanasi to Kathmandu (15 hours)
answered Feb 4 '17 at 21:28
Craig Curtis
726512
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protected by Ankur Banerjee♦ Feb 8 '13 at 7:49
Thank you for your interest in this question.
Because it has attracted low-quality or spam answers that had to be removed, posting an answer now requires 10 reputation on this site (the association bonus does not count).
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3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
17
down vote
accepted
This is a well-trod trail on the backpacker circuit, and Seat 61 has the full scoop, but here's the outline:
Train from Delhi to the end of the line at Gorakhpur, overnight, US$10-50 depending on class of sleeper- Bus to border at Sunauli, one and half hours, ~$2
- Cross border on foot
- Bus to Kathmandu, 9-12 hours (overnight buses available), ~$6
So it's certainly the cheaper option, as you can do the whole trip for $20, or even less if you're the kind of masochist who enjoys overnight travel in the train's general section.
As for "good scenery and cultural experience", though, I've yet to meet anybody who actually enjoyed the trip. Since there are so many goras traipsing through, the scammers are out in full force, the border towns are absolute shitholes, and the Nepali roads and buses are pretty awful with this kind of thing an all too regular occurrence.
And yes, DEL allows transit without visa if you can connect directly to your flight to Kathmandu and check your bags through.
edited Jun 25 '12 at 11:01
rlesko
3,8781842
answered May 31 '12 at 12:38
jpatokal
108k17323478
4
To be fair, Gorakhpur and a lot of stops on the overland route to Nepal are some of the shittier bits of India. You probably won't enjoy it but as far as an experience if you really want to get out of your comfort zone, go for it.
– Ankur Banerjee♦
May 31 '12 at 15:15
Additionally, the bus to Kathmandu goes through Mugling - a noted truck stop, but not the nicest place to visit. All in all, you'll see the Terai, a bunch of mountains, and a whole lot of what you'd expect. Go trekking in Jomsom and visit Chitawan, and you'll see all of these things in more manageable doses.
– Affable Geek
Jun 6 '12 at 1:24
I somewhat don't like the term shithole. Kinda dramatically lowers the quality of your eloquence.
– JoErNanO♦
Nov 28 '14 at 21:42
@JoErNanO A turd by any other name is a still a turd...
– jpatokal
Nov 28 '14 at 23:16
True. But in no way does that justify being vulgar.
– JoErNanO♦
Nov 28 '14 at 23:37
add a comment |Â
up vote
17
down vote
accepted
This is a well-trod trail on the backpacker circuit, and Seat 61 has the full scoop, but here's the outline:
Train from Delhi to the end of the line at Gorakhpur, overnight, US$10-50 depending on class of sleeper- Bus to border at Sunauli, one and half hours, ~$2
- Cross border on foot
- Bus to Kathmandu, 9-12 hours (overnight buses available), ~$6
So it's certainly the cheaper option, as you can do the whole trip for $20, or even less if you're the kind of masochist who enjoys overnight travel in the train's general section.
As for "good scenery and cultural experience", though, I've yet to meet anybody who actually enjoyed the trip. Since there are so many goras traipsing through, the scammers are out in full force, the border towns are absolute shitholes, and the Nepali roads and buses are pretty awful with this kind of thing an all too regular occurrence.
And yes, DEL allows transit without visa if you can connect directly to your flight to Kathmandu and check your bags through.
edited Jun 25 '12 at 11:01
rlesko
3,8781842
answered May 31 '12 at 12:38
jpatokal
108k17323478
4
To be fair, Gorakhpur and a lot of stops on the overland route to Nepal are some of the shittier bits of India. You probably won't enjoy it but as far as an experience if you really want to get out of your comfort zone, go for it.
– Ankur Banerjee♦
May 31 '12 at 15:15
Additionally, the bus to Kathmandu goes through Mugling - a noted truck stop, but not the nicest place to visit. All in all, you'll see the Terai, a bunch of mountains, and a whole lot of what you'd expect. Go trekking in Jomsom and visit Chitawan, and you'll see all of these things in more manageable doses.
– Affable Geek
Jun 6 '12 at 1:24
I somewhat don't like the term shithole. Kinda dramatically lowers the quality of your eloquence.
– JoErNanO♦
Nov 28 '14 at 21:42
@JoErNanO A turd by any other name is a still a turd...
– jpatokal
Nov 28 '14 at 23:16
True. But in no way does that justify being vulgar.
– JoErNanO♦
Nov 28 '14 at 23:37
add a comment |Â
up vote
17
down vote
accepted
up vote
17
down vote
accepted
This is a well-trod trail on the backpacker circuit, and Seat 61 has the full scoop, but here's the outline:
Train from Delhi to the end of the line at Gorakhpur, overnight, US$10-50 depending on class of sleeper- Bus to border at Sunauli, one and half hours, ~$2
- Cross border on foot
- Bus to Kathmandu, 9-12 hours (overnight buses available), ~$6
So it's certainly the cheaper option, as you can do the whole trip for $20, or even less if you're the kind of masochist who enjoys overnight travel in the train's general section.
As for "good scenery and cultural experience", though, I've yet to meet anybody who actually enjoyed the trip. Since there are so many goras traipsing through, the scammers are out in full force, the border towns are absolute shitholes, and the Nepali roads and buses are pretty awful with this kind of thing an all too regular occurrence.
And yes, DEL allows transit without visa if you can connect directly to your flight to Kathmandu and check your bags through.
edited Jun 25 '12 at 11:01
rlesko
3,8781842
answered May 31 '12 at 12:38
jpatokal
108k17323478
This is a well-trod trail on the backpacker circuit, and Seat 61 has the full scoop, but here's the outline:
Train from Delhi to the end of the line at Gorakhpur, overnight, US$10-50 depending on class of sleeper- Bus to border at Sunauli, one and half hours, ~$2
- Cross border on foot
- Bus to Kathmandu, 9-12 hours (overnight buses available), ~$6
So it's certainly the cheaper option, as you can do the whole trip for $20, or even less if you're the kind of masochist who enjoys overnight travel in the train's general section.
As for "good scenery and cultural experience", though, I've yet to meet anybody who actually enjoyed the trip. Since there are so many goras traipsing through, the scammers are out in full force, the border towns are absolute shitholes, and the Nepali roads and buses are pretty awful with this kind of thing an all too regular occurrence.
And yes, DEL allows transit without visa if you can connect directly to your flight to Kathmandu and check your bags through.
edited Jun 25 '12 at 11:01
rlesko
3,8781842
answered May 31 '12 at 12:38
jpatokal
108k17323478
edited Jun 25 '12 at 11:01
rlesko
3,8781842
edited Jun 25 '12 at 11:01
rlesko
3,8781842
edited Jun 25 '12 at 11:01
rlesko
3,8781842
3,8781842
answered May 31 '12 at 12:38
jpatokal
108k17323478
answered May 31 '12 at 12:38
jpatokal
108k17323478
answered May 31 '12 at 12:38
jpatokal
108k17323478
108k17323478
4
To be fair, Gorakhpur and a lot of stops on the overland route to Nepal are some of the shittier bits of India. You probably won't enjoy it but as far as an experience if you really want to get out of your comfort zone, go for it.
– Ankur Banerjee♦
May 31 '12 at 15:15
Additionally, the bus to Kathmandu goes through Mugling - a noted truck stop, but not the nicest place to visit. All in all, you'll see the Terai, a bunch of mountains, and a whole lot of what you'd expect. Go trekking in Jomsom and visit Chitawan, and you'll see all of these things in more manageable doses.
– Affable Geek
Jun 6 '12 at 1:24
I somewhat don't like the term shithole. Kinda dramatically lowers the quality of your eloquence.
– JoErNanO♦
Nov 28 '14 at 21:42
@JoErNanO A turd by any other name is a still a turd...
– jpatokal
Nov 28 '14 at 23:16
True. But in no way does that justify being vulgar.
– JoErNanO♦
Nov 28 '14 at 23:37
add a comment |Â
4
To be fair, Gorakhpur and a lot of stops on the overland route to Nepal are some of the shittier bits of India. You probably won't enjoy it but as far as an experience if you really want to get out of your comfort zone, go for it.
– Ankur Banerjee♦
May 31 '12 at 15:15
Additionally, the bus to Kathmandu goes through Mugling - a noted truck stop, but not the nicest place to visit. All in all, you'll see the Terai, a bunch of mountains, and a whole lot of what you'd expect. Go trekking in Jomsom and visit Chitawan, and you'll see all of these things in more manageable doses.
– Affable Geek
Jun 6 '12 at 1:24
I somewhat don't like the term shithole. Kinda dramatically lowers the quality of your eloquence.
– JoErNanO♦
Nov 28 '14 at 21:42
@JoErNanO A turd by any other name is a still a turd...
– jpatokal
Nov 28 '14 at 23:16
True. But in no way does that justify being vulgar.
– JoErNanO♦
Nov 28 '14 at 23:37
4
4
To be fair, Gorakhpur and a lot of stops on the overland route to Nepal are some of the shittier bits of India. You probably won't enjoy it but as far as an experience if you really want to get out of your comfort zone, go for it.
– Ankur Banerjee♦
May 31 '12 at 15:15
To be fair, Gorakhpur and a lot of stops on the overland route to Nepal are some of the shittier bits of India. You probably won't enjoy it but as far as an experience if you really want to get out of your comfort zone, go for it.
– Ankur Banerjee♦
May 31 '12 at 15:15
Additionally, the bus to Kathmandu goes through Mugling - a noted truck stop, but not the nicest place to visit. All in all, you'll see the Terai, a bunch of mountains, and a whole lot of what you'd expect. Go trekking in Jomsom and visit Chitawan, and you'll see all of these things in more manageable doses.
– Affable Geek
Jun 6 '12 at 1:24
Additionally, the bus to Kathmandu goes through Mugling - a noted truck stop, but not the nicest place to visit. All in all, you'll see the Terai, a bunch of mountains, and a whole lot of what you'd expect. Go trekking in Jomsom and visit Chitawan, and you'll see all of these things in more manageable doses.
– Affable Geek
Jun 6 '12 at 1:24
I somewhat don't like the term shithole. Kinda dramatically lowers the quality of your eloquence.
– JoErNanO♦
Nov 28 '14 at 21:42
I somewhat don't like the term shithole. Kinda dramatically lowers the quality of your eloquence.
– JoErNanO♦
Nov 28 '14 at 21:42
@JoErNanO A turd by any other name is a still a turd...
– jpatokal
Nov 28 '14 at 23:16
@JoErNanO A turd by any other name is a still a turd...
– jpatokal
Nov 28 '14 at 23:16
True. But in no way does that justify being vulgar.
– JoErNanO♦
Nov 28 '14 at 23:37
True. But in no way does that justify being vulgar.
– JoErNanO♦
Nov 28 '14 at 23:37
add a comment |Â
up vote
7
down vote
You can take a direct bus from New Delhi to Kathmandu from Ambedkar stadium bus terminus and goes up to Swaymbhu bus terminal at Kathmandu. It is a 30 hour journey and is a daily bus service both ways.
Ticket from New Delhi to Kathmandu costs INR 2300.
This has only started 2-3 days ago.
answered Nov 27 '14 at 21:42
PSC775
2,7711120
add a comment |Â
up vote
7
down vote
You can take a direct bus from New Delhi to Kathmandu from Ambedkar stadium bus terminus and goes up to Swaymbhu bus terminal at Kathmandu. It is a 30 hour journey and is a daily bus service both ways.
Ticket from New Delhi to Kathmandu costs INR 2300.
This has only started 2-3 days ago.
answered Nov 27 '14 at 21:42
PSC775
2,7711120
add a comment |Â
up vote
7
down vote
up vote
7
down vote
You can take a direct bus from New Delhi to Kathmandu from Ambedkar stadium bus terminus and goes up to Swaymbhu bus terminal at Kathmandu. It is a 30 hour journey and is a daily bus service both ways.
Ticket from New Delhi to Kathmandu costs INR 2300.
This has only started 2-3 days ago.
answered Nov 27 '14 at 21:42
PSC775
2,7711120
You can take a direct bus from New Delhi to Kathmandu from Ambedkar stadium bus terminus and goes up to Swaymbhu bus terminal at Kathmandu. It is a 30 hour journey and is a daily bus service both ways.
Ticket from New Delhi to Kathmandu costs INR 2300.
This has only started 2-3 days ago.
answered Nov 27 '14 at 21:42
PSC775
2,7711120
edited Apr 8 '15 at 17:12
answered Nov 27 '14 at 21:42
PSC775
2,7711120
answered Nov 27 '14 at 21:42
PSC775
2,7711120
answered Nov 27 '14 at 21:42
PSC775
2,7711120
2,7711120
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
You can now take an overnight bus from Varanasi to Kathmandu. It leaves every second day at 10pm and arrives at about 1pm the next day. It can be booked online here or through RedBus.
An alternative itinerary for Delhi to Kathmandu overland would be:
- Train from Delhi to Varanasi. (There are multiple trains you could get. The quickest is the SWATANTRTA S EXP which takes 11 hours 50 minutes from New Delhi railway station to Varanasi Junction)
- Bus from Varanasi to Kathmandu (15 hours)
answered Feb 4 '17 at 21:28
Craig Curtis
726512
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
You can now take an overnight bus from Varanasi to Kathmandu. It leaves every second day at 10pm and arrives at about 1pm the next day. It can be booked online here or through RedBus.
An alternative itinerary for Delhi to Kathmandu overland would be:
- Train from Delhi to Varanasi. (There are multiple trains you could get. The quickest is the SWATANTRTA S EXP which takes 11 hours 50 minutes from New Delhi railway station to Varanasi Junction)
- Bus from Varanasi to Kathmandu (15 hours)
answered Feb 4 '17 at 21:28
Craig Curtis
726512
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
You can now take an overnight bus from Varanasi to Kathmandu. It leaves every second day at 10pm and arrives at about 1pm the next day. It can be booked online here or through RedBus.
An alternative itinerary for Delhi to Kathmandu overland would be:
- Train from Delhi to Varanasi. (There are multiple trains you could get. The quickest is the SWATANTRTA S EXP which takes 11 hours 50 minutes from New Delhi railway station to Varanasi Junction)
- Bus from Varanasi to Kathmandu (15 hours)
answered Feb 4 '17 at 21:28
Craig Curtis
726512
You can now take an overnight bus from Varanasi to Kathmandu. It leaves every second day at 10pm and arrives at about 1pm the next day. It can be booked online here or through RedBus.
An alternative itinerary for Delhi to Kathmandu overland would be:
- Train from Delhi to Varanasi. (There are multiple trains you could get. The quickest is the SWATANTRTA S EXP which takes 11 hours 50 minutes from New Delhi railway station to Varanasi Junction)
- Bus from Varanasi to Kathmandu (15 hours)
answered Feb 4 '17 at 21:28
Craig Curtis
726512
answered Feb 4 '17 at 21:28
Craig Curtis
726512
answered Feb 4 '17 at 21:28
Craig Curtis
726512
answered Feb 4 '17 at 21:28
Craig Curtis
726512
726512
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
protected by Ankur Banerjee♦ Feb 8 '13 at 7:49
Thank you for your interest in this question.
Because it has attracted low-quality or spam answers that had to be removed, posting an answer now requires 10 reputation on this site (the association bonus does not count).
Would you like to answer one of these unanswered questions instead?
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