Join me on an unforgettable journey from the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal. We’ll explore the most convenient and budget-friendly travel options, delve into the cultural nuances, and prepare you for a truly transformative experience at this sacred Hindu site. Buckle up and get ready for a journey of discovery, both within and outside yourself!
Here are several ways to reach Pashupatinath Temple Nepal from Delhi:
Delhi to Pashupatinath Temple Kathmandu By Air:
Air travel from Delhi to Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu offers the fastest and most convenient way to experience this sacred Hindu site.
Flight Options:
Several airlines offer direct flights from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu. Popular options include:
- Air India
- IndiGo
- Nepal Airlines
- Vistara
- FlyWithTaxi
Flight Time:
The flight time between Delhi and Kathmandu is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Distance is about 801.9 kilometers.
Ticket Cost:
For a one-way ticket, flights from Delhi to Kathmandu start around INR 5,000 (approximately USD 60). However, prices vary depending on the airline, booking time, travel season, and special offers.
Booking Your Flight:
- It’s highly recommended to book your flight tickets in advance, especially during peak season (October to December and March to May) to ensure availability and get the best possible deals.
- Compare prices on websites like Cleartrip, MakeMyTrip, and Skyscanner.
- Consider subscribing to airline newsletters or setting up price alerts to be notified of any price drops.
Visa Requirements:
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Nepal. You can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or apply online.
Indians don’t need a Visa.
Airport Transfers:
Once you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, you have several options to reach Pashupatinath Temple:
- Taxi: The most convenient option. Taxis are readily available outside the airport. Expect to pay around INR 500 to INR 1,000 (approximately USD 6 to USD 12) for the 30-minute journey depending on traffic.
- Prepaid Taxi: This option offers fixed fares and eliminates the need to negotiate with drivers. Counters are located inside the arrival hall.
- Ride-hailing apps: Apps like Pathao and Uber operate in Kathmandu. Download the app and book a ride directly to the temple.
- Bus: The budget-friendly option. Buses are available from the airport to various locations in Kathmandu, including Thamel. From Thamel, you can take another bus or taxi to Pashupatinath Temple.
Reaching Pashupatinath Temple:
Pashupatinath Temple is located approximately 5 kilometers from Tribhuvan International Airport. The journey time by taxi or car takes around 30 minutes depending on traffic.
Temple Timings:
- The temple is open daily from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- The Darshan timings for viewing the Jyotirlingam are 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Delhi to Pashupatinath Temple Kathmandu by Train
Traveling from Delhi to Pashupatinath Temple by train offers a budget-friendly and culturally rich experience. While not the fastest option, it allows you to glimpse the beautiful Indian and Nepali landscapes and savor the journey. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan your train trip:
Train Options:
The Samjhauta Express (Train No. 14671/14672) is the only direct train connecting Delhi’s Anand Vihar Terminal (ANVT) to Gorakhpur Junction (GKP) in India. From Gorakhpur, you must take a bus or taxi to Kathmandu and then to Pashupatinath Temple.
Train Schedule and Journey Time:
- The Samjhauta Express departs Delhi every Tuesday and Saturday at 11:45 PM and arrives in Gorakhpur the next day at 5:25 PM.
- The total journey time from Delhi to Gorakhpur is approximately 17 hours and 40 minutes.
Ticket Cost:
- Train tickets for the Samjhauta Express start around INR 1,300 (approximately USD 16) for a one-way ticket in sleeper class.
- Prices may vary depending on the seat category and travel season.
- It’s recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability.
- Distance is 671.7 kilometers by road.
Booking Your Train Ticket:
- You can book your train ticket online through the Indian Railways website (https://www.indianrail.gov.in/) or mobile app (IRCTC Rail Connect).
- Consider booking through third-party websites like Cleartrip or MakeMyTrip for a more user-friendly experience.
Reaching Pashupatinath Temple from Gorakhpur:
Once you reach Gorakhpur, several options are available to reach Pashupatinath Temple:
- Bus: Several private bus companies operate direct buses from Gorakhpur to Kathmandu. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hours and costs around INR 1,500 (approximately USD 18).
- Taxi: Hiring a taxi from Gorakhpur to Kathmandu is more expensive but offers flexibility. Expect to pay around INR 5,000 (approximately USD 60) for the journey.
- Flight: If time is of the essence, consider catching a flight from Gorakhpur Airport (GOP) to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu. The flight time is approximately 45 minutes, and prices start around INR 3,000 (approximately USD 36).
Reaching Pashupatinath Temple from Kathmandu:
From Kathmandu, you can take a taxi, ride-hailing app (Pathao or Uber), or bus to reach Pashupatinath Temple. The journey takes around 30 minutes depending on traffic and costs approximately INR 300-500 (approximately USD 3.50-6).
Delhi to Pashupatinath Temple Kathmandu by Bus:
Traveling from Delhi to Pashupatinath Temple by bus offers a budget-friendly and immersive way to experience the vibrant cultures of India and Nepal. While longer than air travel, this journey allows you to witness the changing landscapes, interact with local communities, and truly embrace the spirit of adventure. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you plan your bus trip:
Bus Options:
Several private bus companies operate direct buses from Delhi to Kathmandu. Popular options include:
- UPSRTC
- Raj Travels
- Himalayan Horizon
- Saangrila Travels
- Blue Horizon Travels
Bus Schedule and Journey Time:
- Buses typically depart from Delhi’s Anand Vihar Bus Terminal (ISBT) and arrive in Kathmandu’s Gongabu Bus Park.
- Journey times vary depending on the route, traffic conditions, and border crossings, but expect it to take around 24-36 hours.
Ticket Cost:
- Bus tickets from Delhi to Kathmandu start around INR 2,000 (approximately USD 24) for a one-way ticket.
- Prices may vary based on the bus company, amenities offered, and travel season.
- Booking your ticket in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
Booking Your Bus Ticket:
- Book your ticket online through the bus company’s website or third-party websites like RedBus or MakeMyTrip.
- Consider booking directly with the bus company at their office in Delhi for potentially lower prices.
Travel Essentials:
- Pack light luggage as space on buses can be limited.
- Carry comfortable clothing suitable for the changing weather conditions.
- Bring snacks, drinks, and essential toiletries for the journey.
- Download offline maps and translation tools to help you navigate.
- Ensure you have valid travel documents and visas for both India and Nepal.
Border Crossings:
- There are two main border crossings between India and Nepal: Sunauli and Raxaul.
- Expect immigration formalities and potential delays at the border.
- Carry all your travel documents and cash (Nepali Rupees) for border fees.
Reaching Pashupatinath Temple from Kathmandu:
Once you reach Kathmandu, you have several options to reach Pashupatinath Temple:
- Taxi: The most convenient option. Taxis are readily available outside Gongabu Bus Park. Expect to pay around INR 300-500 (approximately USD 3.50-6) for the 30-minute journey depending on traffic.
- Ride-hailing apps: Apps like Pathao and Uber operate in Kathmandu. Download the app and book a ride directly to the temple.
- Bus: A budget-friendly option. Buses are available from Gongabu Bus Park to various locations in Kathmandu, including Thamel. From Thamel, you can take another bus or taxi to Pashupatinath Temple.