Sunauli–Bhairahawa Border Crossing

The Sunauli–Bhairahawa border crossing connects Maharajganj District in Uttar Pradesh (India) with Rupandehi District in Lumbini Province (Nepal). It is the premier gateway for pilgrims visiting Lumbini (Buddha’s birthplace, just 22 km away) and travelers heading to Pokhara.

India Side

Sunauli, Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh

Nearest rail hub: Gorakhpur Junction (GKP, 90 km, 2–2.5 hrs by bus/taxi) and Varanasi (230 km).

Nepal Side

Bhairahawa (Siddharthanagar), Rupandehi District, Lumbini Province

Transit hub: Bhairahawa Bus Park / Gautam Buddha International Airport.

Essential Crossing Information

Border Timings & Distance

Timings: Open 24 hours daily for pedestrian and vehicular crossing.

Distance: Approx. 4 km between Sunauli Border and Bhairahawa Bus Park (10–15 min by auto-rickshaw).

ID & Documents Needed

•Valid Indian Passport
•Voter ID Card (Election Commission of India)
•No visa required for Indian citizens

Vehicle & Customs Rules

Indian private cars and motorbikes can enter after paying the Bhansar vehicle permit fee at the Bhairahawa customs checkpost.

Currency & Cash in Nepal

INR notes (₹100, ₹200, ₹500) accepted at 1 INR = 1.60 NPR. ₹2,000 notes prohibited.

How to Cross from Sunauli, Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh into Nepal

Arrive at Gorakhpur / Sunauli

Take a bus or shared taxi from Gorakhpur Railway Station to Sunauli (90 km, 2 hrs).

Cross the Checkpost

Walk across the Nepal gate into Bhairahawa (Siddharthanagar). Complete vehicle permit at customs if driving.

Continue to Lumbini or Pokhara

Take a 30-minute auto-rickshaw directly to Lumbini (22 km) or catch a morning tourist bus to Pokhara (4–5 hrs).

Onward Travel from Bhairahawa (Siddharthanagar), Rupandehi District, Lumbini Province

Direct road connections, typical travel durations, and transport options across Nepal.

Bhairahawa (Siddharthanagar), Rupandehi District, Lumbini Province → Lumbini

22 km·30–40 minutes

Auto-Rickshaw, Taxi, or Local Bus (NPR 200–400)

View Lumbini guide

Bhairahawa (Siddharthanagar), Rupandehi District, Lumbini Province → Pokhara

165 km·4.5–5 hours

Tourist Bus or Private Car via Siddhartha Highway (NPR 800–1,200)

View Pokhara guide

Bhairahawa (Siddharthanagar), Rupandehi District, Lumbini Province → Kathmandu

280 km·7–8 hours (or 30-min flight from Bhairahawa BWA)

Deluxe Bus or Domestic Flight (NPR 1,000–1,500 (Bus) / NPR 5,000+ (Flight))

View Kathmandu guide

Border Guidance & Operational Notes

Operating Hours: Open 24 hours. Required Documents: Valid Indian passport or Voter ID card. Indian nationals do not require a Nepal visa. Connections from Bhairahawa: Lumbini (22 km, 30 min by auto-rickshaw). Pokhara (165 km, 4–5 hrs by tourist bus). Kathmandu (280 km, 7–8 hrs by tourist bus). From India: Regular buses from Gorakhpur to Sunauli border (90 km, 2 hrs). Also accessible from Varanasi (230 km). Note: The town of Bhairahawa (also called Siddharthanagar or Nautanwa on the Indian side) has a domestic airport with flights to Kathmandu.

Frequently Asked Questions (Sunauli–Bhairahawa)

How far is Lumbini from the Sunauli border?

Lumbini is just 22 km from the Sunauli–Bhairahawa border. Auto-rickshaws and local taxis take 30 to 40 minutes and cost approximately NPR 300–500.

How do I reach Sunauli from Gorakhpur?

Regular buses and shared taxis run from Gorakhpur Railway Station directly to the Sunauli border gate (90 km, 2–2.5 hours, fare ₹120–250 INR).

Can I get a direct bus to Pokhara from Sunauli/Bhairahawa?

Yes, regular tourist and standard buses depart from the Bhairahawa bus terminal to Pokhara throughout the morning. The journey takes 4.5–5 hours via the scenic Siddhartha Highway (fare NPR 800–1,200).

Helpful Nepal Travel Guides

Essential reading before crossing the border:

Indian Citizen Entry Requirements →

Documents accepted, border steps, and currency rules.

Nepal Trip Cost & Budget Guide (INR) →

Daily expenses, hotel rates, and transport fares.