The Gaddachauki–Banbasa Border Crossing

On the Nepali side the border post is Gaddachauki (also written Gadda Chauki), in Bhimdatta Municipality, Kanchanpur. Across the Mahakali (Sharda) river lies Banbasa, in Champawat district, Uttarakhand, India, where India operates an Integrated Check Post (ICP).

This is the main crossing for western Nepal and the natural route between Kathmandu/Dhangadhi and Delhi via Tanakpur. The border is open to Nepali and Indian nationals, and it is an authorised entry/exit point for third-country nationals.

Typical hours are shown below. These are placeholders — confirm on the day, especially around festivals and national holidays.

1. Start at the Gaddachauki immigration and customs office on the Nepali side.
2. Show your passport (or Indian/Nepali photo ID) and get your exit or entry stamp.
3. Walk or take a rickshaw across the Mahakali bridge.
4. Report to the Banbasa ICP on the Indian side; show the same documents.
5. Third-country nationals: make sure both the Nepali stamp and the Indian stamp are in your passport before continuing.

Keep small change handy for rickshaws and porters.

• Carry your driving licence, vehicle registration (blue book), insurance and tax papers.
• Private vehicles need temporary permits; commercial vehicles need additional documentation.
• Nepal and India drive on the left; speed limits and tolls differ.
• If you bring an Indian vehicle into Nepal (or vice versa), confirm the temporary-import rules with customs on arrival.

This is general guidance only — always confirm current vehicle rules at the check post.

Both sides restrict certain goods. As a rule of thumb:

• Declare cash, electronics and goods above the duty-free allowance.
• Prohibited/restricted: narcotics, weapons, protected wildlife products, large quantities of alcohol or tobacco without declaration.
• Food, plants and animal products may be inspected.

Duty-free allowances and restricted lists change — verify with Nepal Customs and Indian Customs before packing.

• Tanakpur is about 20 km away and has the nearest Indian railway station.
• Buses and shared jeeps run from Banbasa to Tanakpur, Khatima and beyond.
• For Delhi, take a bus or train from Tanakpur/Khatima and change as needed.
• On the Nepali side, buses and jeeps leave from the Mahendranagar bus park for Dhangadhi and the East–West Highway.

• Arrive at least an hour before closing.
• Expect long queues during festivals and harvest season.
• Keep a photocopy of your passport/ID in your bag.
• Money changers cluster near both ends of the bridge.
• Mobile data may switch networks across the border — check roaming charges.