Mahendranagar

MAHENDRANAGAR* (population 62,000) is a Terai town situated at Nepal’s western extremity. It is the last stop on the 922-km long East-West Highway (Mahendra Highway) that runs along the southern flatlands to span the length of the Kingdom. Mahendranagar is 695 km from Kathmandu. It is the staging point for tours to the Royal Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve. Mahakali river and Tanakpur Barrage are popular side-trips.

Nepalgunj

NEPALGUNJ* (pop. 48,000) is an industrial and trading center 199 km east of Dhangadhi. The Jai Bageswari temple marks the town center. It is the gateway to Royal Bardia National Park (95 km, three hours by car). After the safari, you should drive to Chisapani to view the 500-m long, single-tower bridge over the Karnali. Nepalgunj is the hub of air routes in western Nepal. (Temperature 5-44 degrees Celsius.).

Butwal

BUTWAL (pop. 44,300) is a key crossroads and bazaar town on the East-West Highway. The road leading north goes to Tansen (39 km) and on to Syangja (plus 81 km) and Pokhara (plus 38 km). Other roads run south to Bhairahawa (24 km), west to Nepalgunj (271 km) and east to Bharatpur (114 km). The local people are mostly Gurungs and Thakalis.

Bhairahawa

BHAIRAHAWA* (pop. 39,500), located in the Terai 24 km south of Butwal, is the gateway to Lumbini (22 km). The road leading north from Bhairahawa intersects the East-West Highway at Butwal. Bhairahawa is a busy entry/exit point for overland visitors. From Sunauli on the Indian border, the rail junction of Gorakhapur is three hours by bus, from where there are trains to all over India. (Temperature 6-43 degrees Celsius.).