India to Nepal border crossing and fuel situation
just found some of my notes on this border crossing so just in case you need it this is for the Sonauli border crossing.
Firstly it is easily a one day ride up from Varanasi to the border crossing, you can apparently get vehicles through until 10pm but I arrived at 9pm and they didn't let me. Be careful here and goto customs before going to immigration. immigration is open 24/7 and I ended up getting stamped out of the country and unable to actually leave. no problem really just stayed a night in a hotel, dates didn't match but they are handwritten and easily editable.
You can get petrol from any number of petrol stations upto 10 miles outside of Sonauli on the Indian side AND when I crossed there was petrol in every pump from the border to Pokhara. I have been told that fuel becomes an issue during tourist season so if you are arriving after the 14th of Feb then fill up in India.
Plenty of hotels on both sides of the border, varying prices but pretty reasonable when I was there 350Rs for the night on the Indian side. Actually crossing is easy and takes about 2 hours in total and then the ride north to Pokhara takes about 4 hours.
One of the easiest borders so far, you will be greeted warmly on both sides and everyone is very helpful.
Oliver,
Ride Safe.
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