Introduction – Why Nepal?
Nepal is a beautiful country where nature, culture, and spirituality come together. Known for the Himalayan mountains, peaceful lakes, ancient temples, and warm hospitality, Nepal offers a unique travel experience for every kind of traveler. From vibrant cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara to scenic hill roads and traditional markets, the country feels both adventurous and soulful.
This blog is based on my road trip from India to Nepal in January 2025, covering border crossings, road conditions, sightseeing, food, nightlife, and real travel experiences to help anyone planning a similar journey.
Nepal has always been on my travel bucket list, and finally, on 28 January 2025, I completed an unforgettable trip to this beautiful Himalayan nation. From peaceful temples and vibrant streets to breathtaking mountain views, Nepal offered a perfect mix of spirituality, culture, nature, and adventure. In this blog, I’ll share my complete Nepal travel experience, itinerary, costs, food, tips, and why Nepal should be on your must-visit list.
Why I Chose Nepal
Nepal is one of the most budget-friendly international destinations for Indian travelers. No visa hassles, rich culture, friendly locals, and stunning landscapes make it ideal for both first-time international travelers and seasoned explorers.
Key reasons to visit Nepal:
- Visa-free entry for Indians
- Affordable food, hotels, and transport
- Home to the Himalayas & Mount Everest
- Rich Hindu & Buddhist heritage
- Peaceful and safe for solo travelers
Nepal Trip Overview
- Destination: Nepal
- Travel Month: January 2025
- Trip Started On: 28 January 2025
- Trip Type: Road Trip & Exploration
- Starting Point: Delhi (India)
Day 1 - Journey Begins – Delhi to Lucknow by Road
Our Nepal trip began on 28 January 2025, starting from Delhi at exactly 12:00 midnight. I was traveling with my friend, and we decided to make this journey special by going on a road trip by car.
Before leaving Delhi, we filled the petrol tank completely to avoid unnecessary stops later. We also carried homemade food, which turned out to be a great decision—it saved money and kept us energized during the long drive.
Route We Followed
We chose a smooth and fast expressway route:
- Delhi → DND Flyway
- Yamuna Expressway (towards Agra, Uttar Pradesh)
- Agra–Lucknow Expressway
This route is one of the best options for long-distance road travel, with wide roads, good lighting, and well-maintained facilities.
Toll Charges & Road Facilities (Important for Travelers)
If you’re planning a road trip on this route, here’s useful information about toll fees and facilities:
- DND Flyway: Approx. ₹40–₹50
- Yamuna Expressway: Approx. ₹415 for cars (one-way)
- Agra–Lucknow Expressway: Approx. ₹700–₹750 for cars
💡 Note: Toll charges may vary slightly depending on FASTag and updates by authorities.
Along the expressways, you’ll find:
- Clean public convenience toilets
- Fuel stations
- Food courts & restaurants
During our drive, we stopped only twice—once for public convenience and once at a restaurant. The roads were smooth, traffic was minimal at night, and driving felt safe and comfortable.
Day 2 – Reaching Lucknow
After an overnight drive, we reached Lucknow around 11:00 AM. Despite the long journey, we felt fresh thanks to planned breaks, homemade food, and well-maintained expressways. Lucknow marked an important stop before continuing our journey toward Nepal.
Lunch Stop in Lucknow – Idris Biryani Experience
After arriving in Lucknow, we had heard a lot about the famous Idris Biryani, so we decided to give it a try. The shop was located around 2–3 km away from the highway, inside the city.
Unfortunately, our experience didn’t match the hype. The biryani was quite disappointing for us—it mainly consisted of plain boiled rice with very minimal masala, which was not what we were expecting after hearing so much praise. We tasted a small portion and decided not to continue eating there.
Sometimes, popular food places don’t suit everyone’s taste, and this was one such moment on our journey.
Road Closure Near Barabanki – Change of Route
After leaving Lucknow, we resumed our journey toward Gorakhpur. We crossed Barabanki, but after driving around 5 km, we encountered a road closure.
Due to Kumbh Mela arrangements, the road was blocked, and there was heavy security deployment. Police officers and security guards stopped us and informed us that vehicles were not allowed to proceed further on this route.
They advised us to return to Lucknow and take an alternative route via the Purvanchal Expressway, which was the safest and fastest option at that time.
Lucknow to Gorakhpur via Purvanchal Expressway (Recommended Route)
For travelers planning a similar journey, here is the complete and best route we followed after the diversion:
- Lucknow → Entry to Purvanchal Expressway (near Sultanpur side)
- Drive straight on Purvanchal Expressway till the eastern exit
- Exit near Ghazipur
- From Ghazipur, continue toward Gorakhpur via National Highway 27 (NH-27)
Purvanchal Expressway Toll Charges (Car)
For private cars, the one-way toll on Purvanchal Expressway is approximately:
- ₹560 – ₹650 (via FASTag)
💡 Note: Toll charges may vary slightly depending on entry/exit points and government revisions, so always keep sufficient FASTag balance.
Driving Experience on Purvanchal Expressway
The Purvanchal Expressway is a silent, smooth, and 6-lane wide expressway, making long-distance driving comfortable and stress-free. Traffic was minimal, and the road quality was excellent while driving on the expressway.
However, after exiting the expressway at Ghazipur, the driving experience changed. The route connected to a single-lane National Highway, which in many stretches felt more like a village road. Due to narrow roads and local traffic, we had to drive slowly.
This stretch of approximately 91 km took more time than expected, so travelers should plan accordingly and keep patience during this part of the journey.
Cities & Towns Between Ghazipur and Gorakhpur (NH-27)
While driving on NH-27, we passed through or near the following major cities and towns:
- Ghazipur
- Mau
- Ballia (nearby region)
- Deoria
- Gorakhpur
This stretch of NH-27 is well-maintained and connects eastern Uttar Pradesh smoothly. Traffic was moderate, and road conditions were decent, making the drive comfortable despite the long distance.
💡 Travel Tip: NH-27 is one of the longest national highways in India and is a reliable option for long road journeys across Uttar Pradesh.
Reaching Gorakhpur & Night Halt
We reached Gorakhpur around 9:00 PM on 30 January 2025. After a long drive, we stopped at a local restaurant for dinner, relaxed for about one hour, and then decided to continue our journey toward the India–Nepal border.
Night Drive – Gorakhpur to Raxaul Border
To reach Nepal via the Motihari–Raxaul border, we followed this route:
- Gorakhpur → Kushinagar → Gopalganj → Motihari → Raxaul
- Main highways used: NH-27 / NH-28
The night drive was calm with very little traffic, which helped us cover distance smoothly.
Reaching Raxaul at Night
We arrived in Raxaul around 2:00 AM on 30 January 2025. At that time, the entire market was completely closed. Raxaul is the last major Indian town before entering Nepal.
We went near Raxaul Railway Station, the last railway station on the Indian side. Only one tea shop was open, so we had a cup of tea there and spoke with local people.
Locals informed us that the Nepal border usually opens around 6:00 AM. With no hotels or shops open, we decided to rest inside the car.
Day 3 – Reaching Border India–Nepal
After resting for a few hours, we drove toward the border and reached the India–Nepal border at around 6:00 AM. This moment marked the most exciting part of our journey—finally entering Nepal after a long and memorable road trip from Delhi.
Border Crossing Experience & Car Permit
As the border opened, the process was simple and smooth. We showed our Indian Aadhaar Card as a valid ID proof at the checkpoint.
Since we were traveling by car, we had to obtain a vehicle entry permit for Nepal. We purchased a car permit worth NPR 4,200 (Nepali Rupees), which allowed us to drive inside Nepal for 5 days.
The officials were cooperative, and the overall procedure did not take much time. Once the formalities were completed, we officially entered Nepal, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter of our journey.
First Impressions after Entering Nepal
Immediately after entering Nepal, the border area was lively with a small market for food, currency exchange, and local SIM cards. Everything a traveler could need was available in one place.
One interesting sight was ghoda baggi (horse carts) running across the border, which reminded me of a typical village area. The atmosphere gave a very local, rural vibe, different from the city roads we had been driving on earlier.
Traveling here made me feel like I had truly entered a new country, where life moves at a slower, peaceful pace.
Drive from Nepal Border to Kathmandu
The distance from Raxaul (India) / Birgunj (Nepal border) to Kathmandu is approximately:
- 🚗 135–140 km by road
- ⏱️ 6–8 hours driving time (varies due to hilly roads, traffic, and checkpoints)
Route Usually Followed
Birgunj → Narayanghat → Mugling → Kathmandu
⚠️ Even though the distance looks short, the mountain roads, sharp curves, and traffic make the journey slow but extremely scenic. If you are an experienced driver, you can attempt this drive comfortably; for beginners, it can be a bit challenging.
We reached Kathmandu around 2–3 PM.
Stay in Kathmandu – Thamel Market
For our stay, we booked Hotel Phonix, a Chinese property located in the heart of Thamel Market.
We booked a suite room, which was very spacious and comfortable. The room had two king-size beds, ample space, and all modern amenities. The cost of the room was NPR 6,500 per night, which felt reasonable considering the location and room size.
Evening Exploration – Thamel Market
Thamel Market is the tourist hub of Kathmandu and one of the most happening areas in the city. It is known for its narrow streets, colorful lights, and energetic nightlife.
The market is a perfect mix of local culture and international vibes. You’ll find everything here—restaurants from around the world, cafes, travel agencies, souvenir shops, trekking gear stores, money exchange counters, and SIM card shops.
In the evening, Thamel comes alive with music, lights, and people from different countries, making it one of the best places to experience the spirit of Kathmandu.
After enjoying the lively atmosphere, we continued exploring the area before heading for dinner.
The streets were beautifully lit, and the market was full of energy. We found:
- Restaurants offering Israeli, European, Indian, Bangladeshi, and Chinese cuisine
- Cafes and bakeries
- Spa centers, pubs, and night clubs
- Souvenir and travel shops
After walking around and enjoying the lively atmosphere, we went for dinner at Al Madina Halal Foods in Thamel.
They had a full halal menu, and the food tasted really good after a long day of travel. It was a satisfying end to our first day in Kathmandu.
Day 4 – Kathmandu Sightseeing & Nightlife
We started Day 2 with breakfast at Hotel Phonix and then headed out for local sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Pashupatinath Temple
Our first stop was Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located on the banks of the Bagmati River, the temple has a deeply spiritual atmosphere. Watching the rituals and surroundings gave us a powerful insight into Hindu culture and traditions.
After that, we had lunch at a local restaurant in Kathmandu and continued exploring the city, visiting nearby areas and experiencing daily local life.
Boudhanath Stupa (Jarung Kashor)
In the evening, we visited Boudhanath Stupa, also known as Jarung Kashor. It is one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and a UNESCO site. The calm environment, prayer wheels, monks, and evening lights created a very peaceful and spiritual experience.
Thamel’s Nightlife – LOD (Lord of the Drinks) Club
Later, we returned to Hotel Phonix, freshened up, and went out to enjoy Thamel’s nightlife. We visited LOD – Lord of the Drinks, one of the biggest clubs in Thamel.
The entry fee was NPR 1,000 per person. The club had a huge space, great ambience, and energetic crowd. The experience felt similar to Pattaya’s nightlife in Thailand.
After clubbing, we had dinner at Al Madina Halal Foods in Thamel Market, enjoyed tasty halal food, and then returned to the hotel to rest.
Day 5 - Pokhara Night Experience – Dinner & Casino Taj
After exploring Pokhara Lakeside at night, we had dinner at Pokhara Halal Food Land Restaurant, located on the Lakeside road. The restaurant served Nepali halal food, and the taste was amazing. They offered a wide variety of veg and non-veg dishes, and the quality and flavors were very satisfying. It was one of the best halal food experiences we had in Pokhara.
After dinner, we decided to try our luck at Casino Taj, which is also located on Lakeside Road, very close to the restaurant.
Casino Taj – Pokhara
Casino Taj is one of the popular casinos in Pokhara and is easily accessible from the Lakeside area.
- Entry Fee: NPR 2,500 per person
- Dress Code: Proper attire required (no slippers, shorts, or casual wear)
- ID Required: Valid ID is mandatory for entry
- Timing: Open till late night
Once inside, the casino offers free snacks, fast food, tea, coffee, juice, and soft drinks for players.
At the entry counter, the entry fee is converted into red chips. These red chips must then be exchanged for blue chips, which are used to play casino games.
Games & Experience
The casino had multiple games such as:
- Roulette
- Baccarat
- Blackjack
- Other table games
After playing, the blue chips can be converted back into cash at the same counter.
We played as a group of 4 people, spending around NPR 10,000, and after playing the games, we managed to cash out NPR 8,000. Along with gaming, we enjoyed snacks, juice, tea, coffee, and fast food inside the casino.
After spending a good time at the casino, we returned to our hotel and ended the night on a relaxed and happy note.
Day 5 – Pokhara Boating & Adventure Activities
🚣 Phewa Lake Boating
We started Day 4 with breakfast at Hotel Orchid and then went to Phewa Lake for boating. This lake is one of the most beautiful spots in Pokhara and reminded me of Nainital in Uttarakhand, India.
You’ll see many colorful boats and enjoy a calm, scenic ride. The lake is located just 1–2 km from our hotel, and boating prices range around NPR 500–800 per boat depending on the type and duration.
🏍️ ATV Ride – Lakeside Adventure
After boating and taking photos, we tried ATV rides along the Lakeside road. The booking office, called ATV Ground Adventure, offers various adventure activities.
We booked 2 ATV rides for 4 riders at a cost of NPR 5,500 per rider, and for passengers sitting behind, the cost was NPR 35 each. Each ride lasted 45 minutes and covered approximately 8 km. Riders must have a valid driver’s license.
🍽️ Dinner at Lazeez Halal Food Branch 1
In the evening, we returned to the hotel, freshened up, and went for dinner at Lazeez Halal Food Branch 1, a famous Nepali halal restaurant. The restaurant was well-lit with a cozy seating area, featuring Middle East-style floor mats and cushions.
There were many food options, and the staff was friendly. The food was delicious, and after exploring some nearby markets, we returned to the hotel for the night.
and the staff was friendly. The food was delicious, and after exploring some nearby markets, we returned to the hotel for the night.
Day 6 – Return Journey from Pokhara to India
After breakfast at Hotel Orchid, we started our journey back to India. Our route was:
Pokhara → Sonauli Border → Gonda → Lucknow → Agra → Delhi
We crossed the Sonauli border, completing the Nepal exit formalities smoothly. The border allows pedestrian movement at all hours, but vehicles are typically allowed only between 6 AM and 10 PM, so it is important to plan accordingly.
The drive back through India was long but manageable, passing through Gonda, Lucknow, and Agra. We made short stops for meals and refreshments along the way.
Finally, we reached Delhi, marking the end of our memorable Nepal trip, full of adventure, sightseeing, and cultural experiences.
Conclusion – A Memorable Nepal Road Trip
This Nepal road trip was an unforgettable journey filled with scenic drives, cultural experiences, adventure, and great food. Traveling by road from India allowed us to experience changing landscapes—from expressways and plains to winding hill roads and peaceful lakes. Cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara offered a perfect mix of spirituality, nightlife, and natural beauty.
From visiting sacred places like Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa, exploring Thamel and Lakeside markets, enjoying boating and ATV adventures, to experiencing Nepal’s casinos and halal food options, every day brought something new.
Nepal is a budget-friendly, welcoming, and safe destination, especially for Indian travelers. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or planning a road trip, Nepal offers memories that stay with you long after the journey ends. This trip reminded us that sometimes the road itself is the destination.
