Take a shared jeep/taxi or local bus from Gorakhpur to Sunauli (border) — ~3–4 hours depending on traffic. Indians can cross with government ID (carry passports if non-Indian).
Quick immigration at Sunauli then short local bus/tempo to Lumbini (20–30 min). Lumbini is the Buddha's birthplace and a calm introduction to Nepali culture.
Visit the Maya Devi Temple, the exact site of Buddha's birth, and stroll the monastic zone to see many international monasteries. Great for culture and photography. (Site usually open early morning to late afternoon; verify seasonal times.)
Board an overnight tourist bus to Pokhara (6–8 hours). Night travel saves daytime for exploration. Choose a reputable operator and keep valuables with you.
Arrive early and take a short taxi/jeep to Sarangkot for sunrise views of the Annapurna range — spectacular and a must-do. Start very early (pre-dawn).
Optional visit to the International Mountain Museum to learn about Himalayan culture and mountaineering, or take an easy hike around Pokhara’s viewpoints.
Wander Thamel for handicrafts and trekking gear bargains; relax at the Garden of Dreams for a quiet break (check opening hours: usually morning–evening).
Either take a late transfer to Nagarkot to sleep near the viewpoint for sunrise (1.5–2 hours) or take a short evening drive/taxi. Night travel here is short; you can also stay in Kathmandu and go early next morning.
Short drive east to Bhaktapur (30–45 min). Explore Pottery Square, Nyatapola Temple and Newari culture — less crowded than Kathmandu and very picturesque.
If you want wildlife next, take overnight bus to Chitwan now; otherwise, stay in Kathmandu and prepare to leave Nepal by road the next evening. For minimal extra travel and budget, we recommend staying in Kathmandu and departing to Sunauli the next night.
Visit Pashupatinath to observe Hindu rituals on the Bagmati river and get cultural insight (open early morning; non-Hindus can view from the other side of the river but entry to inner sanctum is restricted).
Walk around Boudhanath Stupa, welcome place for Tibetan Buddhist culture, monasteries and street-side butter tea shops; open all day for circumambulation.
Board an overnight bus to Sunauli (approx 10–12 hours). This keeps daytime in India free and lets you cross into Gorakhpur early next morning. Choose a bus that goes directly to the border or to Bhairahawa.
Early morning arrival at Sunauli; complete border formalities and take a shared jeep/local bus to Gorakhpur (1–2 hours). Confirm train timing to New Delhi in advance (book sleeper/seater).
Take an overnight sleeper-class train to New Delhi to save daytime and money. Typical journey ~12–16 hours depending on service. Book 2AC/3AC/Sleeper based on budget — sleeper class is cheapest but less comfortable.