Getting around · Birgunj
Birgunj as a Travel Gateway
Nepal's southern road junction — onward routes from Birgunj to Kathmandu, Pokhara, Janakpur and Chitwan.
Birgunj is Nepal's busy southern junction — the main overland gateway linking the Indian border to the rest of the country. Travellers arriving at the Birgunj–Raxaul border crossing fan out from here to Kathmandu, Pokhara, Janakpur and Chitwan, which is exactly why the city is so often used as a transit stop. Here is how the onward routes work.
The short answer
From Birgunj, head north to Kathmandu (six to eight hours by road), west toward Chitwan and Pokhara via the central highways, or east to Janakpur along the Terai. Sort your arrival first with how to get to Birgunj, and use the city for a night's rest before the next leg.
To Kathmandu
The capital is the most common onward destination. Choose between the Tribhuvan Highway, short in distance but winding and slow over the hills, and the longer but smoother East–West loop through Hetauda or Narayanghat. Buses run frequently; flying from nearby Simara is the fastest alternative.
To Pokhara and Chitwan
For Pokhara, route west via the central highways, often through Narayanghat, where the road to the lakeside city branches off. Many travellers break the journey at Chitwan National Park to the west, combining the border city with a jungle safari before continuing to the hills.
To Janakpur and the eastern Terai
Head east along the East–West Highway to reach Janakpur, the great Mithila pilgrimage town, in a few hours by bus. It is a rewarding onward stop for travellers wanting to pair Birgunj's frontier energy with Janakpur's temples and culture.
Good to know
- Plan a buffer: Border formalities plus a long onward drive can fill a day — an overnight in Birgunj helps.
- Where to stay: Pick a base with where to stay in Birgunj near the highway or bazaar.
- Wider planning: See getting around Nepal and shape a route with our Nepal itinerary ideas.
Frequently asked questions
Where can you travel onward from Birgunj?+
Birgunj is a major southern junction with road links to Kathmandu over the hills, to Pokhara via the lowland and central highways, to Janakpur east along the Terai, and to Chitwan to the west. It is the main overland gateway for travellers arriving from the Indian border.
How do you get from Birgunj to Kathmandu?+
By road it is roughly six to eight hours, either over the direct but winding Tribhuvan Highway or via the smoother East–West loop through Hetauda or Narayanghat. Buses run frequently, and flying from nearby Simara is the fastest alternative.
How do you get from Birgunj to Pokhara?+
Pokhara is reached by road via the central highways, typically a long day's journey. Many travellers route through Narayanghat, where the highway to Pokhara branches off, sometimes breaking the trip with a stop in Chitwan.
Can you reach Janakpur from Birgunj?+
Yes. Janakpur lies east of Birgunj along the East–West Highway through the Terai, reachable by bus in a few hours. It is a popular onward stop for travellers wanting to combine the border city with the Mithila pilgrimage town.
