Nepal is one of the most popular, affordable, and accessible international destinations for Indian travellers. With a shared cultural heritage, visa-free open borders, and stunning diversity — from ancient temples to Himalayan peaks — it's an ideal getaway. Because of its proximity to the Bihar border, Janakpur is an excellent and often-overlooked entry point into Nepal for an unforgettable itinerary.
Required Documents for Indian Citizens
Indian citizens do not need a visa to enter Nepal. However, you must carry valid identification to prove your nationality at immigration checkpoints. The accepted documents are:
- Valid Indian Passport (recommended, especially if flying)
- Voter ID Card with photograph, issued by the Election Commission of India
⚠️ Important: Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and Driving Licences are generally not accepted as valid travel documents at official immigration points. Border guards at smaller land crossings may sometimes be lenient with an Aadhaar card, but this is unreliable and we strongly advise against depending on it. Children under 18 can travel with a birth certificate or school ID when accompanied by a parent carrying valid ID.
Currency Rules You Must Know
The Nepali Rupee (NPR) is pegged to the Indian Rupee at a fixed exchange rate of 1 INR = 1.6 NPR.
- Indian currency notes of ₹100 and below are widely accepted across Nepal — in shops, restaurants, temples, and auto-rickshaws.
- ₹500 and ₹2000 notes are officially banned by the Nepal government. Do not bring them; you will not be able to exchange or spend them. Carry plenty of ₹50 and ₹100 notes.
- ATMs dispensing NPR are available in Janakpur city, but they can be unreliable. Carry enough cash for the first day or two.
- Digital payments: popular Indian UPI apps are increasingly accepted in Nepal through local payment networks, especially in urban areas and larger hotels.
How to Enter Nepal via Janakpur
Janakpur is located in the Terai, very close to the Indian border. The most common entry point from India is the Bhithamore border crossing in Sitamarhi district, Bihar.
- By Road: From Sitamarhi, taxis and shared autos are available to cross the border into Nepal. From Patna, you can take a bus or hire a car to Sitamarhi (approximately 4–5 hours). Indian-registered vehicles can cross the border by paying a daily vehicle permit fee (Bhansar) at customs.
- By Cross-Border Train: A unique experience — Nepal's only operational broad-gauge railway connects Jaynagar (India) to Kurtha/Janakpur. The scenic 29 km journey takes about one hour and costs just a few hundred rupees. It's an unforgettable way to enter Nepal.
- By Domestic Flight (within Nepal): If you're already in Kathmandu, several Nepali domestic carriers operate daily 30-minute flights to Janakpur Airport (JKR), which is just 1 km from the city centre.
Insider tip: if you're travelling with family or a larger group, the Jaynagar–Kurtha train is a memorable start to the trip, but keep road transport as a backup option — cross-border services can occasionally be rescheduled at short notice.
Suggested Itinerary: Starting in Janakpur
Here's a realistic 7–10 day Nepal itinerary starting from the Indian border:
- Days 1–2 (Janakpur): Cross the border and check into Hotel Ramayan. Visit the Janaki Mandir, attend the evening Aarti at Ganga Sagar, explore the sacred ponds, and savour local Maithili food — Dahi Chura, Litti Chokha, and Janakpur Peda.
- Days 3–4 (Chitwan National Park): Take a bus (5–6 hours) or book a tour package to Sauraha. Enjoy jungle safaris, canoe rides on the Rapti River, and spot one-horned rhinos and Bengal tigers.
- Days 5–6 (Pokhara): Travel to the Lake City. Boat on Phewa Lake, visit the World Peace Pagoda, and take in jaw-dropping views of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
- Days 7–8 (Kathmandu Valley): Explore Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and the medieval Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur.
- Days 9–10: Fly back to India from Tribhuvan International Airport, or return to Janakpur overland.
Want a hassle-free trip? Check out our curated Nepal Tour Packages that include hotel stays, transport, and guided excursions.