Scenic
Koshi
Ilam
Nepal's tea garden region in the far east — lush rolling hills covered with Darjeeling-style tea estates, mist, and views of Kanchenjunga.
1,200 m altitude
Panitanki–Kakarbhitta
The main crossing for travelers arriving from Darjeeling, Sikkim, or West Bengal. Kakarbhitta is connected to all major Nepal cities by overnight bus and is the starting point for the eastern tea trail to Ilam.
India side
Panitanki, Darjeeling, West Bengal
Nepal side
Kakarbhitta, Jhapa District, Koshi Province
Good to know
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours, though peak crossing hours are 6 AM to 6 PM. Required Documents: Valid Indian passport or Voter ID card. No visa required for Indian nationals. Connections from Kakarbhitta: Ilam (35 km, 1.5 hrs by bus or shared taxi). Biratnagar (2 hrs). Kathmandu (12–14 hrs by overnight tourist bus). Pokhara (14–16 hrs direct overnight bus). From India: Siliguri (40 km) is the main hub — regular shared taxis and buses. Darjeeling is 75 km via Siliguri.
Where this border leads
Destinations closest to Kakarbhitta, Jhapa District, Koshi Province, by distance.
Religious
Madhesh
Janakpur
The holy city of Sita, birthplace of the goddess in Hindu mythology, and home to the magnificent Janaki Mandir — a major pilgrimage site for Indian devotees.
70 m altitude
Scenic
Bagmati
Dhulikhel
A preserved Newari hill town with panoramic Himalayan views, tranquil mountain lodges, and a convenient day-trip distance from Kathmandu.
1,550 m altitude
Scenic
Bagmati
Nagarkot
A hilltop escape east of Kathmandu offering the widest panorama of the Himalayan range from Dhaulagiri in the west to Kanchenjunga in the east.
2,175 m altitude
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