Tongas once carried most of Nepalgunj's traffic between the border and the bazaar. Rickshaws and e-rickshaws have taken over, but a few dozen carts still work around the main bazaar and the roads towards Rupaidiha. A ride is slow, bumpy and the best way to see the town at street level.
We usually start near Birendra Chowk, pass the clock tower and the cloth market where traders sell fabric from Lucknow and Kanpur, and stop at a mosque area where small restaurants serve kebabs, biryani and sweet seviyan. The town has a large Muslim community, and its food leans towards Awadh rather than the Kathmandu hills.
The ride ends back at your hotel or at Bageshwari Temple. Agree the fare before you get on; a local guide makes this simple and can explain which shops have been trading for generations. Late afternoon is best, when the heat drops and the bazaar fills with families.
Good for
- Families
- Couples
- Photographers
- First-timers
Questions travellers ask
Are tonga rides safe for children?
Yes, for a short ride at walking pace. Tongas are open carts on town roads shared with motorbikes and rickshaws, so keep children seated in the middle and avoid the main highway. Our guide chooses quieter lanes through the old bazaar. Rides last about an hour including stops for sweets and photographs.
How much does a tonga ride cost in Nepalgunj?
Expect around ₹600 to ₹800 in Nepali rupees equivalent for an hour with a few stops, paid to the driver. Prices are not fixed, so agree the fare before setting off. On our Nepalgunj stopovers the ride is often included when there is time between the flight from Kathmandu and dinner.
What food should I try in Nepalgunj?
Try seekh kebabs and biryani from the Muslim-run eateries near the bazaar, sweets such as rasgulla and peda, and a cold lassi in the warm months. Hotels serve Nepali dal bhat and Indian thalis. Nepalgunj food is closer to Lucknow than to Kathmandu, which surprises many visitors.
