India Launches First Tourist Train to Nepal

A new railway bridge between cultures just rolled out of the station. Indian Railways launched its first-ever Bharat Gaurav tourist train to Nepal, making international rail tourism more accessible than ever before.

The "Pashupatinath Nepal Darshan Yatra" departs from Indore on June 12, 2026, for a 10-day journey through Nepal's spiritual heart and natural wonders. Travelers will visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, ride a ropeway to hilltop Manakamana Temple, explore lakeside Pokhara, and safari through Chitwan National Park to spot rhinos, elephants, and Bengal tigers.

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation designed this as a complete package experience. Everything is included: train travel, hotels, meals, sightseeing tours, and transfers between destinations.

Passengers across Madhya Pradesh can board at 10 stations including Indore, Ujjain, Bhopal, and Jabalpur. This makes the Nepal experience reachable for millions who might not have considered international travel before.

The semi-luxury train features air-conditioned coaches, restaurant cars, and CCTV surveillance for safety. Prices range from about 62,710 rupees for Third AC Comfort to 90,400 rupees for First AC Superior per person.

The Ripple Effect

This train journey represents more than just a new route on a map. It strengthens the cultural and economic ties between India and Nepal, two nations that share deep spiritual connections and intertwined histories.

For Nepal's tourism industry, the train opens doors to steady groups of visitors who can explore beyond the usual backpacker circuits. Small businesses near temples, hotels in Pokhara, and guides at Chitwan National Park gain access to travelers who might never have made the trip otherwise.

For Indian travelers, especially older pilgrims and families, the organized rail journey removes the stress of planning international logistics. No worrying about foreign currency exchanges, finding hotels, or navigating unfamiliar roads—just board the train and experience Nepal's wonders.

The Bharat Gaurav program was created to promote theme-based tourism circuits across India. Extending it internationally shows how rail travel can build bridges not just between cities, but between countries.

This rolling ambassador of goodwill proves that the best journeys connect more than just destinations—they connect hearts.