How to Get to Nepal: Airports and Land Entry Points for Travelers
Sherkha
March 24, 2025
Nepal is an amazing place with cool landscapes and lots of history. When you visit, you'll probably arrive and leave through special spots called entry and exit points. These are like doors that help you get into and out of the country.
It's super important to know about them so you can have a fun and easy time exploring Nepal. In this guide, we're going to talk about these points and what you need to know before you start your awesome adventure in the land of the Himalayas!
You can go to Nepal in two ways: by air or by land. Nepal is surrounded by land on all sides and doesn't have any sea or ocean nearby. So, you can't travel to Nepal by the sea.
By Air
You can enter Nepal by air through international flights. Nepal has three international airports located in different cities.
1. Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is Nepal's main airport, located in the capital city of Kathmandu. It is the main entry point for travelers flying into Nepal. While there aren't many direct flights from places like Europe, the Americas, or Australia, most people connect through the Middle East or Asia.
Why it's great:
✔ Gateway to Nepal: It’s the main airport for international flights to Nepal.
✔ Cultural Start: Kathmandu is full of culture, history, and fun, making it a great start to your trip.
Where it is:
Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city.
Travel time to other places:
✔ By Road: 6-8 hours to Pokhara.
✔ By Air: Flights to Pokhara and Lumbini are available.
2. Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA), Bhairahawa
Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) is near Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. It’s perfect for visitors who want to explore Lumbini’s spiritual history.
Why it's great:
✔ Near Lumbini: GBIA is close to Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Buddha.
✔ Religious Hub: It’s a great starting point for pilgrims and culture lovers.
Where it is:
Bhairahawa, near Lumbini in southwest Nepal.
Travel time to other places:
✔ By Road: 30-45 minutes to Lumbini.
✔ By Air: Flights to Kathmandu are available.
3. Pokhara International Airport (PIA), Pokhara
Pokhara International Airport (PIA) is in the beautiful city of Pokhara, known for its mountain views, lakes, and trekking spots. It’s perfect for travelers who want to explore Nepal’s nature.
Why it's great:
✔ Adventure Gateway: Pokhara is the starting point for treks like Annapurna Circuit.
✔ Scenic Beauty: Enjoy stunning views of Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain) and Phewa Lake.
Where it is:
Pokhara, a scenic city in central Nepal.
Travel time to other places:
✔ By Road: 6-8 hours to Kathmandu.
✔ By Air: Flights to Kathmandu are available.
By Land
China is up north, and India is all around Nepal - to the south, east, and west. So, more people come to Nepal from India, and there are more places to cross into Nepal from India than from China. You can come by land through 10 different spots - three from China, eight from India and one in Pokahra.
Via India
1. Immigration Office, Pashupatinagar, Ilam
The Immigration Office in Pashupatinagar, Ilam is an important entry point located in eastern Nepal. It's perfect for travelers exploring the landscapes and culture of Ilam.
Why it's great:
✔ Nature: Pashupatinagar is near the tea gardens and hills of Ilam.
✔ Cultural Diversity: The area has many different cultures and traditions.
Where it is:
Pashupatinagar, Ilam, eastern Nepal.
Travel time to other places:
✔ By Road: 16-18 hours to Kathmandu.
✔ By Air: Fly from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu.
2. Immigration Office Kakarvitta, Mechi
Kakarvitta, Mechi is an important border town in eastern Nepal. It's a great spot for those looking to experience the region's vibrant culture.
Why it's great:
✔ Easy Access to India: Kakarvitta connects with Panitanki, India, making it popular for Indian travelers.
✔ Nature & Culture: Explore tea gardens and national parks nearby.
Where it is:
Mechi zone, near the Nepal-India border.
Travel time to other places:
✔ By Road: 17-20 hours to Kathmandu.
✔ By Air: Fly from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu.
3. Immigration Office Biratnagar, Morang
Biratnagar, located in eastern Nepal, is a busy city with a blend of cultures. It’s great for those wanting to experience city life and natural beauty.
Why it's great:
✔ City Adventure: Explore the lively markets, food, and culture.
✔ Nature: Nearby places like Tinjure, Milke, and Jaljale are perfect for nature lovers.
Where it is:
Biratnagar, Morang district, eastern Nepal.
Travel time to other places:
✔ By Road: 13-15 hours to Kathmandu.
✔ By Air: Flights to Kathmandu are available.
4. Immigration Office Birgunj, Parsa
Birgunj is a busy town on Nepal’s southern border. It’s a good place to explore both culture and nature.
Why it's great:
✔ Business Center: Birgunj is a hub for trade.
✔ Mix of Cultures: You can experience the traditions from both Nepal and India.
✔ Close to Lumbini: It’s easy to visit Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.
Where it is:
Parsa district, southern Nepal.
Travel time to other places:
✔ By Road: 8-10 hours to Kathmandu.
✔ By Air: Flights from Simara to Kathmandu.
5. Immigration Office Belahia, Bhairawa
Belahia in Bhairawa is an entrance to western Nepal, near Lumbini. It’s a peaceful place full of history and culture.
Why it's great:
✔ Near Lumbini: Visit the UNESCO site where Buddha was born.
✔ Spiritual Vibes: The area is great for history and culture lovers.
Where it is:
Bhairawa, Rupandehi district.
Travel time to other places:
✔ By Road: 7-9 hours to Kathmandu.
✔ By Air: Fly from Gautam Buddha International Airport to Kathmandu.
6. Immigration Office Jamunaha, Banke
Jamunaha in Banke is the entry point to western Nepal, a place full of natural beauty and wildlife.
Why it's great:
✔ Near Bardia National Park: Great for nature lovers who want to see wildlife.
✔ Peaceful: Enjoy the calm countryside.
Where it is:
Banke district, western Nepal.
Travel time to other places:
✔ By Road: 14-16 hours to Kathmandu; 12-14 hours to Pokhara.
✔ By Air: Fly from Nepalgunj Airport to Kathmandu.
7. Immigration Office Mohana, Kailali
Mohana in Kailali is an entry point surrounded by nature and wildlife.
Why it's great:
✔ Near Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve: Home to endangered species like swamp deer.
✔ Rural Vibes: Enjoy the peaceful countryside.
Where it is:
Kailali district, western Nepal.
Travel time to other places:
✔ By Road: 17-20 hours to Kathmandu; 15-18 hours to Pokhara.
✔ By Air: Fly from Dhangadi Airport to Kathmandu.
8. Immigration Office Gaddhachauki, Kanchanpur
Gaddhachauki is an entry point in far-western Nepal, full of natural beauty and culture.
Why it's great:
✔ Near Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve: Spot Bengal tigers and other rare animals.
✔ Cultural Adventures: Discover the culture of far-western Nepal.
Where it is:
Kanchanpur district, far-western Nepal.
Travel time to other places:
✔ By Road: 17-20 hours to Kathmandu; 15-18 hours to Pokhara.
✔ By Air: Fly from Dhangadi Airport to Kathmandu.
Via China
1. Immigration Office Hilsa, Humla
Hilsa in Humla is a special entry point to Nepal, surrounded by the Himalayas and spiritual sites.
Why it's great:
✔ Gateway to Limi Valley: Discover this remote area with Tibetan culture.
✔ Spiritual Adventure: Visit monasteries and sacred places.
Where it is:
Humla district, close to Tibet.
Travel time to Kathmandu:
✔ By Road: Rough terrain makes the journey difficult.
✔ By Air: Fly from Simikot to Nepalgunj.
2. Immigration Office Rasuwagadhi, Rasuwa
Rasuwagadhi is a scenic entry to Nepal, perfect for exploring forests, mountains, and local culture.
Why it's great:
✔ Gateway to Rasuwa: Enjoy nature in forests and fields.
✔ Langtang National Park: A great spot for trekking.
Where it is:
Rasuwa district, near the Tibet border.
Travel time to Kathmandu:
✔ By Road: Rasuwagadhi is easy to reach by road from Kathmandu.
✔ By Air: No direct flights.
3. Immigration Office Kodari, Sindhupalchowk
Kodari is a key entry point with beautiful landscapes and cultures.
Why it's great:
✔ Scenic Views: Enjoy the beauty of mountains, valleys, and rivers.
✔ Diverse Cultures: Discover local traditions.
Where it is:
Sindhupalchowk district, near the Tibet border.
Travel time to Kathmandu:
✔ By Road: Scenic road journey to Kathmandu.
✔ By Air: No direct flights.
In Pokhara
1. Immigration Office, Pokhara, Kaski
Pokhara is a popular entry point to Nepal, known for its stunning natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
Why it's great:
✔ Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain) and Phewa Lake.
✔ Adventure Hub: It’s the starting point for famous treks like the Annapurna Circuit.
Where it is:
Kaski district, in central Nepal.
Travel time to Kathmandu:
✔ By Road: About 6-8 hours to Kathmandu.
✔ By Air: Direct flights available to Kathmandu.
***
Embarking on a trip to Nepal is like unlocking a box of amazing landscapes and cultures! Each Immigration Office is like a magical door to a different part of the country. These offices don't just help with entry stuff; they add extra fun to your journey.
For the most current information and updates, please visit the official website.
