Nepalgunj

Nepalgunj is a major sub-metropolitan city in Banke District and the largest city in western Nepal's Terai, located near the Indian border. It is the commercial and transport hub for the mid-western and far-western regions, with a significant Muslim population and a lively border trade with Rupaidiha, India. The city is also the gateway to Bardiya National Park and Banke National Park.

The climate is humid subtropical with extremely hot summers (April–June reaching 45°C), a monsoon (June–September), and mild winters (October–February). The best time to visit is October–March.

By Plane

Nepalgunj Airport (KEP) has daily flights from Kathmandu (45 minutes). The airport is 5 km from the city centre.

By Train

The nearest Indian railway station is Rupaidiha, directly across the border, with connections to Lucknow and Delhi.

By Car / Road

Nepalgunj is on the Mahendra Highway (NH-01), 500 km west of Kathmandu (10–12 hours). Buses from Kathmandu and all major Terai cities serve the town.

Rickshaws, tempos, and taxis. The city is spread out along the highway.

• Bageshwari Temple – An important Shakti temple in the old city.
• Nepalgunj Bazaar – A bustling commercial market.
• Nepal–India Border at Rupaidiha – A busy border crossing.
• Bardiya National Park (40 km west) – Wildlife safari destination.

Use Nepalgunj as a base for Bardiya and Banke National Parks. Shop at the cross-border market.

• Nepalgunj Hotel Restaurant – Nepali, Indian, and Mughlai dishes.
• Hotel Siddhartha Restaurant – Popular for North Indian cuisine.
• Local eateries – Dal bhat and curry (Rs 150–300).

Tea and lassi are popular. Bottled water essential.

• Budget: Hotel Nepalgunj – Rs 600–1200.
• Mid-range: Hotel Siddhartha, +977 81-527177 – Rs 2000–4000.
• Upscale: Hotel Annapurna – Rs 3000–5000.

Indian and Nepali goods at the border market. Traditional Tharu handicrafts are available.

• Bardiya National Park (40 km west) – Tiger, rhino, and elephant safaris.
• Banke National Park (20 km south) – Wildlife corridor.
• Kohalpur (15 km east) – Highway junction.
• Gulariya (60 km west) – Bardiya district headquarters.
• Surkhet (80 km north) – Mid-western hill headquarters.