A new direct bus service has been inaugurated to connect Beni Municipality in Nepal with New Delhi, India, aimed at facilitating pilgrims visiting the renowned Muktinath shrine. This initiative was launched on February 4 and is expected to significantly enhance access for devotees traveling to this ancient temple, which holds great significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. The service was inaugurated by Surat Kesi, the Mayor of Beni Municipality, alongside local officials.
The Nepal-India Friendship Bus Service will operate daily, starting from Beni Kalipul Bus Park, and will pass through several key locations, including Syangja, Waling, Bhairahawa, Ayodhya, and Agra before reaching the Indian capital. The journey will take approximately 27 hours, with a bus departing daily from Beni at 6:45 AM and from New Delhi at 4:00 PM.
- Affordable fare structure — the cost is set at NPR 5,400 for the Beni-New Delhi route.
- Convenient travel for pilgrims — the service will enhance access to Muktinath for religious visitors.
- Identification requirements — passengers need valid ID, but no passports are required.
Travelers can reach the Muktinath Temple from Beni by jeep, taxi, or local bus within three to four hours. The Muktinath Temple, located at an altitude of 3,710 meters, is revered as one of the highest temples in the world, attracting over 100,000 Indian tourists annually. This new bus service not only aims to boost religious tourism but also facilitates Nepalese citizens traveling to India for higher studies, employment, and medical treatments.
Officials believe that this bus service will strengthen the cultural ties between Nepal and India while promoting the rich heritage of the Muktinath shrine. As the service begins, it is expected to significantly increase the number of pilgrims visiting this sacred site, thereby contributing positively to the local economy and tourism sector.
