Nepal, being a landlocked country, offers two main avenues for entry and exit. For those traveling by air, the sole international gateway is Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu. On the other hand, for those opting to travel by road, there are eight entry points—six at the Nepal-India border and two at the Nepal-China border. At each of these points, the immigration office facilitates the issuance of Nepal visas for foreign visitors.
Entry Points at Nepal-India Border:
- Kankarbhitta: Situated in eastern Nepal, this town marks the border with India. It is approximately 610 km from Kathmandu, requiring around 15 hours of travel by road. The nearest domestic airport is Bhadrapur, 25 km southwest of Kankarbhitta.
- Birgunj: A significant commercial border, Birgunj is about 210 km from Kathmandu and serves as a major entry point for Indian tourists, especially those arriving from Calcutta and Patna.
- Jamunaha: Located near Nepalgunj in the southwestern part of Nepal, this border is approximately 530 km from Kathmandu, with direct flights available between Kathmandu and Nepalgunj.
- Mohana: Positioned in Dhangadhi, a far-western city of Nepal, this border is about 660 km from Kathmandu, attracting Indian tourists as it is a relatively short drive from the Indian capital, New Delhi.
- Gadda Chauki: Close to Mahendranagar, a small town in the far-western region, this border requires an 18-19 hour drive and is 695 km away from Kathmandu.
- Belhia (Sunauli Border): Situated near Bhairahawa in the western region, this border is 280 km from Kathmandu, with an 8-9 hour drive. Bhairahawa also serves as the gateway to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
Entry Points at Nepal-China Border:
- Kodari: Serving as the first road-accessible border between Nepal and China, Kodari is 114 km from Kathmandu, taking approximately 6/7 hours by road. Renowned for its trade significance, Kodari is also famous for its stunning river gorges and mountain scenery, with the nearby Tatopani offering a popular hot water spring.
- Rasuwagahi (Kerung): A newly opened border, Rasuwagahi is situated 150 km from Kathmandu. On the way to this border, travelers pass through Syabrubeshi, the gateway to the Langtang Trekking region.
