Where is Nepalgunj? How to reach and places to visit?

Nepalgunj is a town in southwestern Nepal, located in the Banke District near the Nepal-India border, close to Uttar Pradesh. It is a significant trade and transportation hub, often serving as a gateway to the remote districts of western Nepal, as well as a transit point for travelers heading towards Simikot and Humla for treks to Mount Kailash.

How to Reach Nepalgunj:

1. By Air:
   • Nepalgunj has its own domestic airport, Nepalgunj Airport (KEP), which is well-connected with Kathmandu and other regional destinations in Nepal. Several daily flights operate between Kathmandu and Nepalgunj.
2. By Road:
   • From India:
     • The nearest Indian city is Lucknow, around 180 km from Nepalgunj. You can drive to the border town of Rupaidiha, cross the India-Nepal border, and reach Nepalgunj in a few minutes.
     • Buses or taxis can be hired from Indian cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, or Gorakhpur.
   • From Kathmandu:
     • Nepalgunj is around 520 km west of Kathmandu. Buses and taxis are available, though it can take around 10–12 hours by road.

Places to Visit in and Around Nepalgunj:

1. Bageshwori Temple:

   • A famous Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Bageshwori, located in the heart of the town. It attracts a lot of pilgrims.

2. Bardia National Park:

   • Located about 90 km from Nepalgunj, it is one of the largest national parks in Nepal, known for its Bengal tigers, wild elephants, and one-horned rhinoceros. A great place for wildlife safaris and nature enthusiasts.

3. Banke National Park:

   • This park is adjacent to Bardia and offers a similar wilderness experience. It is a newer park that also protects endangered wildlife species.

4. Dhangadhi:

   • Around 4 hours away from Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi is another bustling town in far-western Nepal. It's a good place to experience the Terai region's local culture.

5. Surkhet Valley:

   • About 70 km north of Nepalgunj, Surkhet is a beautiful valley surrounded by hills and forests, and it's a gateway to the Karnali region.

6. Tharu Villages:

   • The Terai region is home to the indigenous Tharu community, and visitors can explore the nearby villages to experience their unique culture and traditions.

7. Simikot (Gateway to Mount Kailash and Humla):

   • Though not directly in Nepalgunj, many travelers use the town as a starting point for their journey to Simikot, the gateway for trekking to Mount Kailash and Humla in Nepal.

Nepalgunj is not a major tourist destination on its own but serves as an important transit point for further exploration of the Terai region, national parks, and the route to the remote mountainous regions of northwestern Nepal.