Sunauli: Trade point between Nepal and India

Sunauli, a popular transit point between Nepal and India, which is also known as the trade point lies 70 kilometers north of Gorakhpur and 3 kilometers south of Bhairahawa. While the Indian side is called “Sunauli”, the Nepali side is known as “Belahiya”.

Belahiya-Sunauli is about 5-10 minutes away from Bhairahawa, so for locals there it is almost like a walk in the park. But both international and national tourists are required to show an identification card or an Indian visa if they want to visit either of the countries. Sunauli gives an excellent glance of the local lifestyle of both of the nations

Here are the things you should know or you can do when you’re in Sunauli.

The border is open 24 hours a day but only for pedestrians. It closes for vehicles at 10 pm and reopens at 6 am. While passing through the India border, the roads are clogged with heavily loaded trucks.

Because of the numerous cases of girls trafficking through the Nepal-India border, “Maiti Nepal” has a tight security at the entrance of the India border. They stop and question people who they find suspicious, mainly a mass of girls crossing the border.

There is a small bazaar where people can buy different items; from women’s cultural wear to groceries at a very reasonable price. While the price is very reasonable, one is not allowed to bring a boatload of items. If one does, they are required to pay tax at Nepalese Custom Office (Bhansar)

Even if you pass through Nepalese Custom Office, you will be stopped by the Armed Police Office for checking. They check each and every vehicle whether people have brought a stack of items with them. Even during Tihar, people are not allowed to bring several firecrackers with them from Sunauli.

It is very easy for national tourists to cross the border, they just have to show their identification card. But if you’re on your scooter or bike then they just let you pass (sometimes they do check your license).

You can also go to Nautanwa, India, which is 6km and 500 meters away from Sunauli. You can either rent vehicles or visit in your private vehicles. If you’re on two-wheelers then it would be easier for you to reach there.

If you’re visiting Sunauli for the first time then you may find the environment over there to be very chilly.

If you’re planning to Gorakhpur from Sunauli then you can take a bus or train from Nautanwa. Gorakhpur is 95 km away so it will take you almost 3 hours by train and approx 1 and a half hours by bus.