Nepalgunj is western Nepal's busiest Terai city and air hub — the practical base for Bardiya National Park, Surkhet/Karnali corridors and STOL flights to Jumla, Dolpa and Mugu. The city itself is commercial and energetic, with bazaars, hotels near the airport and quick Terai cuisine. Most travelers overnight here between Kathmandu connections and weather-dependent mountain flights.
History of Nepalgunj
Nepalgunj grew as a cross-border trade city linking India's Uttar Pradesh with Nepal's western Terai. The airport became critical when Karnali and Dolpa districts relied on air links to Jumla, Juphal, Talcha and Simikot. Today it functions as the primary western logistics hub for Bardiya safaris, Surkhet transfers and remote Himalayan flight staging.
Things to do
- Nepalgunj Airport — hub for Karnali and Dolpa STOL routes
- B P Chowk and city bazaars — Terai commercial centre
- Bageshwori Temple — local Hindu pilgrimage site
- Border trade energy toward India (Rupaidiha)
- Hotel strip near airport — trekker staging lodges
- Transport counters — Bardiya and Surkhet jeep booking
- Rapti River margins — short local outings
Best time to visit
October–March for comfortable temperatures and reliable road access. April–May is hot pre-monsoon; monsoon (June–September) brings humidity and occasional flooding near Rapti rivers.
Weather: Monsoon — pack rain gear; trails and highways can delay.
Transportation
Overnight tourist or deluxe bus via East–West Highway (~12–15 hours), or fly Kathmandu–Nepalgunj (~1 hour) on multiple daily connections.
Local foods
Terai-style goat and chicken curries, Dal bhat with pickle and seasonal vegetables, Indian-influenced sweets and snacks near border, Fresh river fish dishes, Mughlai-influenced biryani at city restaurants
Emergency contacts
- Tourist police Nepal: 1144
- Ambulance: 102
- Lokrio support: /support
