Mumbai travellers usually want the full picture in one trip: temples in Kathmandu, the lake and mountains of Pokhara and a jeep safari in Chitwan. Because the journey takes longer than from north India, we recommend 6–8 nights, often adding Nagarkot for sunrise or a Muktinath pilgrimage from Pokhara. Families like the Kathmandu–Pokhara–Chitwan loop at 3-star, about ₹28,000–45,000 per person, while couples often choose 4-star honeymoon versions. Diwali, Christmas and the May school holidays are the busiest periods from Mumbai.
October–November suits most Mumbai travellers: the monsoon has cleared over the Himalaya and Dashain and Tihar are under way. April and May work for families despite haze over the mountains and heat in Chitwan. Trekkers from Mumbai's hiking clubs tend to choose Annapurna Base Camp or Everest Base Camp in October or April, flying to Kathmandu and taking a domestic flight to Pokhara or Lukla. Overland travel is rarely worth it from Mumbai, because the nearest main border crossing is about 1,700 km away.
Flying from Mumbai
IndiGo has operated direct Mumbai–Kathmandu flights of around 2.5–3 hours, but schedules vary by season. When there is no direct service, the usual option is one stop via Delhi, with Air India, IndiGo or Nepal Airlines on the Delhi–Kathmandu leg, taking about 4–6 hours in total. All flights land at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). There are no regular flights from Mumbai to Bhairahawa. Schedules and airlines change, so check current status before you travel.
By road from Mumbai
Driving from Mumbai to Nepal means about 1,700 km to the Sonauli border through Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, roughly 30 hours at the wheel, best split over three days. From Sonauli, Lumbini is 30 km and Pokhara 185 km. It suits road-trip enthusiasts with time to spare rather than holidaymakers. Most Mumbai travellers who want an overland element fly to Delhi, Lucknow or Gorakhpur, or take the train to Gorakhpur, and drive the final stretch from there.
By train to the border
Several long-distance trains run from Mumbai, mainly from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, to Gorakhpur in about 28–34 hours, and some run to Raxaul for the Birgunj border. From Gorakhpur, Sonauli is 95 km by road. It is a long journey but useful for groups on a budget or pilgrims combining Nepal with Varanasi or Ayodhya.
Documents for Indian travellers
No visa is needed for Indian citizens. For the flight from Mumbai, adults must carry a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card; other IDs such as Aadhaar, PAN or a driving licence are not accepted as travel documents. Children travel most easily on their own passport; otherwise carry a school photo ID or birth certificate, and a principal's identity certificate for 15–18 year olds. OCI cardholders need a Nepal visa. Check current status before you travel.
Tips for travellers from Mumbai
- Plan at least six nights, since the journey from Mumbai takes most of a day each way.
- Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara rather than driving to save a full day on the road.
- Book October and Diwali trips three months ahead, as Mumbai–Kathmandu flights fill early.
- Pack a warm layer from November to February, when Kathmandu and Nagarkot mornings drop to 2–5 °C.
- Carry Indian ₹100 notes and small change, as larger notes are not always accepted in Nepal.
