Getting to Pokhara from India: A Complete Guide

Pokhara is one of the most popular destinations for Indian travellers in Nepal, and there are several practical ways to get there from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and beyond. Whether you prefer to fly, drive across a land border, or combine the two, this guide lays out the main routes and what to expect along the way.

Do you need a visa?

Indian citizens do not need a visa to enter Nepal and can travel freely across the land borders. You should carry a valid photo ID accepted for Nepal travel — a passport or, for Indian nationals, a Voter ID card is commonly accepted (check the latest rules before you travel). Travellers of other nationalities living in India will need a Nepali visa, available on arrival at the airports and main land borders.

Getting to Pokhara from India quick facts

• Main land border: Sunauli/Belahiya (from Gorakhpur, UP) — the most-used route
• Other borders: Raxaul–Birgunj (Bihar), Rupaidiha–Nepalgunj (for the west)
• By air: fly to Kathmandu or Bhairahawa, then continue to Pokhara
• Sunauli to Pokhara: ~190–200 km, about 6–7 hours by car
• Currency: Nepalese Rupee; large Indian notes are not always accepted, so carry small change or exchange at the border
• Private car pickup: from NPR — ask for a quote (we can meet you at the border)

Option 1: Via the Sunauli / Belahiya border (from Gorakhpur)

This is the classic overland route for travellers from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. You reach Gorakhpur by train or road, continue to the Sunauli border, cross into Belahiya/Bhairahawa, and drive north to Pokhara on the scenic Siddhartha Highway. We have a full walkthrough in our Sunauli border to Pokhara guide.

Option 2: Via Raxaul–Birgunj (from Bihar)

Travellers from Bihar and eastern India often cross at Raxaul–Birgunj. From Birgunj you can drive to Pokhara via the Terai and the Prithvi Highway, or route through Chitwan to break the journey. Pilgrims frequently combine this with a visit to Janakpur and its famous Janaki Mandir, deeply tied to the Ramayana.

Option 3: Fly

The fastest and least tiring option is to fly into Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International) or Bhairahawa (Gautam Buddha International), then take a short domestic flight or a private car to Pokhara. This is ideal if your time is limited — see our Kathmandu to Pokhara guide for that final leg.

Which route is best for you?

From Delhi and UP, the Gorakhpur–Sunauli route is the natural overland choice, or fly for speed. From Bihar, Raxaul–Birgunj is closest. If comfort and time matter most, flying to Kathmandu or Bhairahawa and driving the last stretch is hard to beat. Many pilgrims also fold in Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, which sits right by the Bhairahawa border — see our Lumbini guide.

Practical tips for Indian travellers

• Carry accepted ID and keep a few photocopies handy.
• Exchange money at the border for small Nepalese notes; not every shop takes large Indian denominations.
• Cross earlier in the day so the mountain drive to Pokhara is in daylight.
• Book your Nepal-side car ahead so a driver meets you rather than haggling after a long trip.

Whichever border or airport you use, we can meet you on the Nepal side and drive you comfortably to Pokhara — then help plan your sightseeing, a pilgrimage circuit or a mountain tour. Just tell us your route and dates.

Book This Trip with Pokhara Vehicles

We are a family-run car, jeep and taxi service based in Lakeside, Pokhara, driving guests safely around Nepal since 2008. Tell us your dates and group size and we will recommend the right vehicle and give you an honest, all-in quote — no surprises at the end of the day. Book your India-to-Pokhara journey online, or message us any time on WhatsApp (or call +977 984-6737781) for a quick, no-obligation quote.