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Last Updated on June 3, 2023 by motologs
Nepal is the most accessible country for Indians. Indians don’t need a visa or passport to travel to Nepal. The pristine rugged Himalayan mountains and the many valleys spread throughout make it a top destination for road trips. The demanding terrain provides an adventure of a lifetime in Nepal. You need good driving skills to negotiate remote locations on your motorcycle or car as the roads are mostly nonexistent. In this blog post, you will find out the list of documents and the Bhansar permit required for entering Nepal by bike or car.
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India-Nepal Border Entry Experience
I have crossed India-Nepal Border at four different locations over my Road Trips to Nepal from India on a motorbike. Each time it was a unique experience to cross the border. At the Indo-Nepal border, some entry points have less hassle than others. Here in this post, you will find detailed information that you may need to travel to Nepal from India by road, in your vehicle.
There are over 20 major and minor border crossings between India and Nepal. Not all border crossings can be used to enter Nepal on an India-registered private bike or car. Some of the crossings are only for cargo vehicles. The official name for these India to Nepal border crossings is Integrated Check Posts (ICP). Integrated Check Posts process cargo, customs as well as immigration from different countries.
In this article, I am mentioning only the important Check Posts where you can enter Nepal from India after getting a ‘bhansar’ permit. You can find a list of all major and minor Border Entry Points from India to Nepal here.
List of major India – Nepal Border Crossing Entry Points
- Banbasa in Champawat district, Uttarakhand, India – Kanchanpur District, Sudurpashchim Pradesh, Nepal
- Sonauli in Maharajganj district, Uttar Pradesh, India – Siddharthanagar in Rupandehi District, Nepal
- Raxaul in East Champaran district, Bihar, India – Birgunj, Nepal
- Bhittamore in Sitamarhi, Bihar – Jaleshwor in Mahottari, Nepal
- Bhimnagar in Supaul, Bihar – Bhantabari-Haripur in Sunsari, Nepal (via Kosi barrage)
- Jainagar in Madhubani, Bihar – Inarwa Phulbariya in Saptari, Nepal
- Pipraun in Madhubani, Bihar – Jatahi-Nagarain in Dhanusa Nepal
- Mirik in Darjeeling, West Bengal– Pashupatinagar, Ilam, Nepal
What is a Bhansar permit?
Bhansar is like a visa for vehicles to enter Nepal. To cross the border from India to Nepal on your vehicle like a motorcycle or car you will need a permit called Bhansar. Bhansar refers to the official name for the permit required for a private vehicle to legally enter Nepal. The form to be filled contains details like the registration number of the motorcycle/car/vehicle, duration of stay in Nepal, engine capacity, and your details.
How to get Bhansar Permit?
The word, ‘Bhansar’ literally translates to ‘custom duty’ in the Nepali language. Once you reach the Border Check Post just walk to the Bhansar Counter and tell them that you need to apply for ‘Bhansar’. At some Bhansar Office, the official will fill the form for you after checking relevant documents. But at some crossings, they will ask you to fill yourself. There will be a few middlemen or agents who may approach you to help in return for some money. Since the forms to be filled are in the Nepali language, they take advantage of the situation. Do not overpay them and negotiate. In any case, they should not charge anything more than INR 150. Most of the border bhansar offices, now issue digital Bhansar permit copy which is easy to read as you can see below.
Best Border-Crossing and Entry Point between India and Nepal
The best crossing between India and Nepal is the one closest to your location. However, the experience will be slightly different at various border crossings. I had a smooth experience at the Bhittamore-Jaleshwor border crossing while having to pay middlemen to fill out the form at the Raxaul-Birgunj border. Avoid the Raxaul-Birgunj border crossing as it is a major crossing and there is a kilometers-long queue of trucks and heavy vehicles waiting to get customs clearance. This often leads to long traffic jams on dusty border roads. The roads are pathetic at their best. In contrast, the Bhittamore-Jaleshwor crossing is only for lighter vehicles and there’s no waiting. The officials filled the form themselves and there were no middlemen.
Documents Required for Bhansar – Entering Nepal by Bike or Car
Indians don’t need a visa or passport to enter Nepal. However, if you are traveling on your motorcycle or car then you need to apply for the Bhansar permit for your vehicle. Carry the original copy of the following documents to get Bhansar Permit:
- Vehicle Registration Certificate – RC
- Vehicle Insurance Paper in Original with Stamp – Insurance
- Driving Licence – DL
- Pollution Under Control Certificate – PUC
- Any Government Approved ID card like Passport, Voter ID, or Aadhar Card
Always carry more than one ID card as sometimes Aadhar or PAN card is not accepted as valid proof of citizenship. Once the official rejected my vehicle Insurance paper as it did not have a physical stamp on it as it was a digital copy. It took a lot of requests to make him understand that it was a valid original copy and that insurance papers are now issued online. Digital copies don’t come with physical stamps. Now, I make sure that I get my Insurance locally and paper stamped by the insurance company.
Fees/Charges/Price for Bhansar Permit
The price for Bhansar Permit is INR 93 or NPR 150 per day for Motorcycles and INR 312 per day or NPR 500 per day for Cars.
| Vehicle Type | Bhansar for 1 day in NPR | Bhansar for 1 day in INR ₹ |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle | NPR 150 | ₹ 93 |
| Car | NPR 500 | ₹ 312 |
The payment for Bhansar can be done in Indian currency. The forms are available for free but at some places, the official may ask you to pay a small amount. At some entry points, the official may ask the Bhansar Price to be paid in Nepalese currency and then charge you some extra money for it. Do not give in to the corrupt demands and officials will accept the Indian currency.
Conversion Rates for Indian Rupees to Nepali Currency:
NPR = Nepali Rupees and INR = Indian Rupees.
Conversion rate: 1 INR = 1.6 NPR
Extension and Penalty for Bhansar Permit
Keep a day or two extra in your hands in case you are not sure that you will return on time. The road condition in remote areas is perilous and regular roadblocks occur due to landslides. There is a heavy penalty if you keep the vehicle in Nepal even after the expiry of Bhansar. In case of unforeseen circumstances contact the nearest Nepalese Customs Office (Bhansar) for an extension of the period of the ‘Pass’. In Kathmandu, the extension of the pass can be done at the Nepal Customs office at the Tribhuvan International Airport Cargo complex. You do not need to come to the border and re-enter Nepal to get a Bhansar extension. Any vehicle which is found without a valid Bhansar will be confiscated permanently.
Indian registered vehicles are allowed to stay in Nepal for a total of 30 days only in a calendar year and cannot stay in Nepal for more than 30 days in all in a year, even on payment of charges. A maximum of 14 days of Bhansar permit is issued at once. For the extension of Bhansar, you must come back to the border or customs office in Kathmandu.
The police officials inspect vehicles and documents in many places and you must present all the documents along with Bhansar when demanded. Keep the documents in a waterproof bag or travel pouch.
Read Additional Information and Resources:
- Road Trip to View Mount Everest.
- Road Trip to Muktinath, Annapurna Region.
- Embassy of India – Vehicle Permit Info.
- List of Border Check Posts PDF file.
- Motor vehicle movement treaty.
Update: All Entry Points have been opened for fully vaccinated tourists and citizens from 21 September 2021. Bhansar is being issued at all land border entry points. Carry Vaccination certificates if needed.
This concludes Bhansar Permit and Documents Required for Entering Nepal by Bike or Car. Let us know if you have any doubts and we will be happy to clarify.
Thanks you for the detailed information on obtaining bike permit to enter Nepal. How much time it takes for the bhansar paperwork at the border?
If there’s no queue then it will only take 5 minutes for the official to verify the documents and give the bhansar permit. However, at some border crossings where there is a long queue like the Raxaul border, it may take around an hour. Sometimes officials knowingly delay to force you to bribe some money. Customs may check your bags for prohibited substances but in most cases they just let the bikers go.
What’s the maximum number of days for bhansar permit?
You may apply for up to 30 days of Bhansar permit. However, be aware that you won’t be eligible to get permit for that vehicle again at any point in time that year. India registered vehicles can only stay in Nepal for a total of 30 days in a calendar year.
Thanks for the bhanwar permit post. Very informative and helpful.
i want my drilling machine for solar work, from Rajasthan to Nepal so what process of entry
Contact local authority for detailed information regarding commercial activity. You can send email to Bhansar Permit Office.
Jamshedpur car is allowed in nepal
Yes. Car or Bike that are registered in any Indian state and has all valid documents can enter Nepal after obtaining Bhansar permit at Border checkpost.
Is border open to travel in a private car? I am planning to go on Oct 11th from Delhi.
I can confirm that from 21/09/21 Bhansar permits are being issued for fully vaccinated people. You can enter Nepal in your car. I know a person who entered Nepal yesterday.
from which border entry place they entered… I want to enter at Raxaul border Bihar
Motorbikes are allowed to enter at Birgunj-Raxaul Border. I have confirmation.
Bhai only aadhar ho to chal jaye ga agar public transport se gye ho aur entery k time pr kya kya dikhana pde ga
If you are using public transport or crossing the border by walking across then only Aadhar Card or Voter ID or any other government ID need to be shown at Border Checkpost. No other documents are required. Just carry a photocopy of the Vaccination certificate downloaded from COWIN app.
(Public transport se border cross karne par ya paidal cross karne pe Sirf ek koi bhi government approved ID card + Vaccination certificate chahiye aur kuch nahi)
Sir I am from dehradun and I want to go Nepal by bike through banbasa border so it is approval now to enter in Nepal by getting permit of bhansar please reply
Banbasa border is open for entry on Bike. You can check the news here – Click here – Nepal Border Open for vehicles at Banbasa, Uttarakhand
BIKE Authorization letter (Notary) allow for Nepal permit??
Yes. You only need to have a proper registration card and other documents. No problem if the bike is not in your name. Carry an authorization letter. If it is notarized then it’s an added benefit.
Do we also need vehicle permit (yatayat anumati patra) along with the Bhansar as well?
No. Only carry valid documents as mentioned above.
From where should I obtain pollution under control certificate?
You can find many Pollution Certificate Centers around the highways and main roads in India. Try searching ‘Pollution certificate’ on google maps. Otherwise use this website to find the list of all PUC centers in India vahan.parivahan.gov.in/puc/views/PUCCenterList.xhtml
Is this the current rate of bhansar for taxi cars
Bhansar rate for cars Is Nepali Rs 500 per day or Indian 350 per day.
Are they giving permit in December as well because last year they stopped it?
At what time does the permit office opens and closes in kakarvitta? going to pokhara via siliguri in my own vehicle
Kakarbittha-Raniganj checkpost is open between 7am to 6pm.
Thanks for the detailed information much appreciated !
What about driving…do we need International licence/permit and how’s the driving experience.
You don’t need international driving licence or special permit to drive in Nepal. Just carry original Indian Driving Licence card.
Driving in Nepal is just like driving in India but on steep roads in mountains with lesser traffic.
xerox copy ley pani bhansar paw cha
No. Bhansar office asks for original documents.
Is border open to travel in a private car? I am planning to go on 04th March 2022?
Yes. The border is open and functional now.
Thanks for the info as it’s really helpful. Just need to know one small thing, in case I am travelling on a bike which is not on my name ..is any additional documents is required in that case ..?
No problem. Carry a “Letter of Authorisation” allowing you to use his motorcycle, written and signed by original owner with his driving licence, Registration certificate and ID card photocopy. In most cases they don’t bother to ask and it’s okay.
You recommended the Bhitthamore-Jaleshwor border crossing. How is the condition of the roads connecting to nearest city/town on both sides India and Nepal? I’m from North Bengal so I’ve always and only used the Panitanki-Kakarvita entry. Just want to try something new. Thanks.
Road Conditions are better than most entry points at Bhitthamore. It’s pitched all the way upto the borders on both sides. May find some patches potholes but nothing too bad to drive. Also very less crowded and easy to cross over.
Any prior permit is required from Indian RTO for entry of cars? Also Indian Insurance of car valid in Nepal?
No prior permit required from RTO. Indian insurance valid only to get Bhansar permit to enter Nepal.
( If something happens you can’t claim the insurance as it’s not international insurance.)
Carry Pollution (PUC), Indian vehicle Insurance paper, Registration paper/card and Driving licence. That’s all you need.
I want to enter Nepal to visit Janakpur from Pipraun in my car . Is there rush at the border normally and what is the condition of roads from Pipraun to Janakpur. Thanks.
Road at Pipraun border area is dusty but improves towards Janakpur. There is no rush at this border.
Sir can I enter through Pipraun and exit from Jaleshwar as I want to visit Sitamarhi after Janakpur. Also till what time can we enter or exit the border in the evening.
You can enter and exit from different border checkpoints. Not a problem. All Bhansar permit offices are open between 10 AM to 5 PM.
Planning to enter Nepal at Banbasa border with my company owned 4 wheeler. Q1: Any additional document required if RC is in name of company? Q2: Opening & closing time of Immigration offices (India & Nepal) and Bhansara permit office at Banbasa-Mahendranagar border.
Immigration offices have no importance except when you are driving a truck into or out of Nepal.
1) If you have an official ID card of your company then just carry it along with all the vehicle documents. There should be no problem in any case as often tourist vehicles with third party drivers enter Nepal.
2) Bhansar office timings are 10am to 5pm when the Bhansar permit is issued.
I entered Nepal a week ago and all the process has become digitally printed and no handwritten Bhansar anymore. Will update article.
Thanks for your swift reply. While surfing internet, I got to know that Banbasa bridge these days opens for traffic/crossing border (for four wheelers) for 7 hrs. at specific timings (2 hrs. duration each) in a day. Is this correct? If so, pls guide with the timings. Also, do I need to carry copy of my ‘fully vaccinated’ Covid-19 certificate to enter into Nepal?
Regarding Banbasa bridge opening time am not sure as I have never crossed through that route. However I see as it’s a sensitive Dam area so as per security protocol there may be fixed timings. In any case it should remain open during day time.
No COVID vacc certificate required and nobody will ask you anywhere. However it would be wise to keep a digital copy ready in phone.
Is virtuall RC valid for bhansar?
No. You must carry original RC of vehicle along with original DL.
Hi i have made my entire trip basis your blogs! Thanks for the inspiration!
I have a few queries soliciting your inputs to make my trip safer and enjoyable
1. My insurance is digital, will a print work? Any work around?
2. I plan to enter Sanouli around 9:00am will the offices be open for Binsar or can i get it further inland (on the way to Pokhara?)
3. Is Pokhara possible in 1 day if i start from Gorakhpur at 7:00?
4. Can an Avenger 220Cruise do the Muktinath trip [I have a pillion too]?
5. Is carrying a petrol can needed for Muktinath trip or are there bunks in intervals?
6. How safe is it to park bikes in towns like tatopani/muktinath and go for 3-4 days of trekking?
7. Apart from Muktinath & Everest View treks (which you posted) are there other bike routes explorable with himalayan views?
8. Did you find black ice on your trip?
Thanks a ton!
Glad that the blog helped you.
1) Digital Printout is accepted. Take a color printout. (I was once duped by middleman saying that the insurance copy need to have stamp.)
2) Bhansar office usually opens at 9.30-10.00am so it will be okay to reach there around 9am.
3) It all depends on your driving skills and endurance. I have done the Pokhara route in one day but it’s very tiring. However my route was from Muzaffarpur-Raxaul-Birgung-Hetauda-Bharatpur-Pokhara (387km for 10 hours). You will do Gorakhpur-Sunauli-Tansen-Waling-Pokhara (285km for 9 hours). It is obvious that your route is slower because of bad mountain roads leading to Pokhara. So yes you can do in one day but will reach Pokhara at dark.
4) Power-wise Your 220 is more than enough even with a pillion. Roads are dusty and Rocky from Pokhara to Lete and Jomsom area. But it can surely be done. I did with a pillion on Fazer 150cc in 2016-17. However it took around 12-14 hours of riding in two days. There’s a video of my Muktinath blogpost. Muktinath is an absolute adventure route. Roads and infrastructure have improved much now. Don’t forget to get Annapurna area Permit at Pokhara itself otherwise gaurds will charge extra when done at the spot in Jomsom entry area.
5. Petrol carrying is not needed. Just make sure to make tank full at every petrol station you find after Pokhara. I did not carry extra and I was fine. In case of emergency you can buy from local shops. There are some stretches of 15-20 km (2-3 hours) in remote areas without visible human population. However you will find many vehicles running on the route.
6. It is absolutely safe to park your bike anywhere in remote area. Just make sure that you park it in front of someone’s house or any small lodge after taking permission and informing them. I once parked my bike at small family run canteen in Phaplu and paid them Nepali Rs 200 for 4 days to look after it (while taking flight to Lukla and trekking to see Mt Everest. Returned on helicopter and bike was safe.) Carry a bike cover. It helps in hiding unwarranted attention.
7. Muktinath and Everest route is most popular for big mountain views. However there are places like Tangting in Lamjung Kaski area & Humla, Deuda, Tribeni Patan) in farwest Nepal which are less explored but absolute paradise. Some of these areas in farwest Nepal may need a day or two of trekking after parking the vehicle..
8. I went to Muktinath in December last week. There were many areas after Jomsom with black ice but it was only for 10-15 meters at most. I had same experience of small patches of black ice in Everest route. Nothing problematic. January and February are snowy and it will get slushy. October November December are good time.
Wish you a safe and happy journey!!
Hi, Your blog is very informative!! Kudos!
I am planning to travel Nepal from Delhi in the month of November. My plan is to enter via Sonauli boarder and cover Pokhara, Manakamana & Kathmandu via Narayanghat route. Please help me to get some clarity on below queries.
1) How safe it would be to travel by car with family (including kids) in the month of November?
2) Will they allow to issue bhansar (permit) for 15 days at once?
3) How is the road condition for driving with sedar car? Will it be convenient?
Thanks!
Thanks Shekhar, glad it’s helpful.
October – November is prime tourist season in Nepal. Book hotel with good rating in advance!!
1) It is absolutely safe to travel (with kids) anywhere in Nepal except for remote areas. Roads have improved drastically in most routes (Chinese construction companies making 4 lanes on major routes).
2) You can get 2 weeks Bhansar without any issue. Now everything is digital and data is fed into computers. Earlier they used to deny Bhansar for over 10 days (to facilitate bribe??). The only rule is that your Indian vehicle can stay a maximum of 30 days in a Calendar year in Nepal.
3) There should be no issue if you have good driving experience. Small patches of bad roads like any mountain road, that’s all. Pokhara to Kathmandu route is being widened in many parts so it will be dusty. Not an issue in car. The road itself is good. I drove between Pokhara – Hetauda during September last week. My cousin went to Kathmandu driving a Hyundai Eon. So a sedan should do with ease.
Carry enough warm clothes and food and emergency meds for kids. In any case help will be around for all problems as it’s a major route.
Thanks for such detail information!
Just one more query. Which route would be better option from Sonauli to Pokhara? Palpa or Narayangarh. Thanks!
Hi Motologs,
I’m looking to take 15days Bhansar permit at Sonauli. Are they giving permit for 15day ? In some videos…thy say max 9days only. Please help me with question.
Regards
Harish
Hi,
If you present itinerary and can convince the officer that you will stick to it then they may issue 14days Bhansar. In any case the maximum number of days that permit can be given varies from case to case and is dealt individually. There is no specific rule.
Be prepared with an alternate plan in case you get only 9 days permit. Either come back at Border and re-enter or shorten your itinerary.
Hello sir,
I m planning to enter Nepal through panitanki side in my 4 wheeler and my estimate time of arrival will be around 9 pm at the border. Will I get a pass then or should I wait till next morning??
Bhansar permit is not issued at Night. Wait till next morning.
Hi Sir,
Are the Bhansar permit office open from 10 AM – 5 AM on all 7 days a week? We are planning to drive from Bangalore, but would reach Sonauli crossing only on Saturday/Sunday.
Yes Bhansar permit is given on all days during working hours.
Hi Sir,
I am planning to enter Nepal from Banbasa side in first week of January. What is the scenario at the border considering the current covid situation. Are permits issued for entry? Thanks
No issues with permits. It’s being issued right now.
Hi, I am from India and I have got posting in Nepal from my company, I want to come there with my car, please give full details.I will come to India only 2 or 3 times in a year,
You can not keep you vehicle in Nepal for over 30 days in a Year. So you will have to arrange a vehicle locally.
hey bro
your blog is sure very informative and very helpful , thanks
its doing good to the travel community.
I had a simple question , this year I did a all India tour on my TVS XL 100 HD BS6 , that’s a 100cc non geared . I rode for 10611 kms in 56 days… do u think its possible to do a simple India to Nepal trip on the same .. by simple I mean not venturing into the difficult terrains and zones,
do guide me since you have been there on your bike
thanks in advance
prateek
Great information.
Thanks for doing the work to colate and post this.
Can we carry small stove while crossing India border? Do it get custom Clearence? We are planning road trip from Karnataka.
Hi yes. You can. They don’t check anything for usual tourists..
Hi, Can the pashupatinagar border be crossed in our India registered vehicle to go from darjeeling to Kathmandu and vice versa. Do they issue bhansar there
Hi, Yes you can cross via Pashupatinath Phatak between Darjeeling and Mirik on your own vehicle after paying for Bhansar permit.
One thing i dont get.
1. If bhansar is given for maximum 14 then how come, they allow vehicle to stay in their territory for 30 days.
2. If the bhansar has expired, and someone returns after one day of expiration, does he have to pay a fine?
1. It’s cumulative 30 days in one calendar year divided over multiple entries.
2. Yes, there would be heavy fine and in worse case the vehicle may also be impounded if the delay is by several days. Best is to get Bhansar for 2-3 days extra if you are venturing into remote areas.
Hello, thanks for the Details..
Il be taking my friends bike for nepal trip..
i will have the RC of the bike as well..
what all other documents needed?
An NOC is required ? Do they check if the owner of the bike is present or not?
Hi, I am planning a tourist tour in Nepal of 5 days, arriving from India with my car (4 wheelers with Italian license plate) via the Raxaul border crossing.
I read somewhere that the international car insurance is not valid in Nepal. How can I buy a nepalese temporary insurance before arriving? Any contact? Tks!
Please try contacting the email at https://en.nepalinsurance.com/policy/motor-insurance
What is the current rate of Bhansar And Drive Permit in 2024 for car? How much penalty for 1 extra day after expiring Bhansar?