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Chitwan & Teraiविराटनगर

Biratnagar

The capital of Koshi Province and Nepal's historic industrial city, near the border with Bihar.

Plan a trip here
Altitude
72 m*
Best months
Oct-Mar
Type
Town or village
District
Morang, Koshi
Permit
None needed

Why go

Biratnagar is the largest city in eastern Nepal and the capital of Koshi Province. It lies on the plains of Morang district close to the Indian border at Jogbani, and has long been one of Nepal's main industrial and commercial centres, with mills, factories, markets and a busy airport.

For travellers, Biratnagar is mainly a gateway. Regular flights from Kathmandu land here, and from the city roads lead north to Dharan and the Koshi Highway into the eastern hills, west to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and the Koshi barrage, and east along the Mahendra Highway towards Jhapa and Ilam. A day or two in the city shows a different side of Nepal, with its Terai bazaars, temples and political history.

The city has a range of hotels, restaurants and services, and its markets are busy with traders from both sides of the border. Nearby attractions in Morang include the forested lake of Raja Rani and the Betana wetland near Belbari.

History and culture

The city is named after the legendary King Virata of the Mahabharata, in whose court the Pandavas are said to have spent their last year in exile, and local tradition links the area to that story. Modern Biratnagar grew in the early twentieth century as a planned administrative and trading centre, and in 1936 it became home to Nepal's first large factory, a jute mill, which made it the cradle of Nepali industry.

Biratnagar is also known for its role in Nepali politics. It was a centre of the labour and democratic movements of the 1940s, and several leading political families and figures have roots here. Today the city is home to Maithili, Tharu, Rajbanshi, Nepali and many other communities.

Things to do in Biratnagar

  • Explore the markets

    Spend a morning in the central bazaars and the markets around the main roads.

  • Koshi Tappu day trip

    Drive west to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve for birdwatching, especially in winter.

  • Head for the hills

    Travel north to Dharan and the Koshi Highway towards Dhankuta and Hile.

  • Raja Rani or Betana

    Visit the forest lake at Raja Rani or the Betana wetland for a quieter half day.

Weather and the best time to visit Biratnagar

Weather in Biratnagar

Forecast for 72 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.

Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.

Best time to visit

Oct-Mar

  1. Good month: Jan
  2. Good month: Feb
  3. Good month: Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Good month: Oct
  11. Good month: Nov
  12. Good month: Dec
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
October and November are dry and pleasantly warm after the monsoon, and Dashain, Tihar and Chhath bring festival life to the towns.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
December to February is mild by day, but dense morning fog is common and nights can feel cold.
Spring (Mar-May)
March is comfortable; by April and May the plains are hot and humid.
Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
June to September is hot, humid and wet, with local flooding in low-lying areas.

Where to stay

HotelsGuesthouses

A wide range of hotels from simple to business-class, mostly near the main roads and the bus park.

No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.

Getting there

Biratnagar has regular flights from Kathmandu and is linked by road to the Mahendra Highway and the Jogbani border.

Nearest hub: Biratnagar

  • flightKathmandu to Biratnagar by scheduled domestic flight, under an hour.
  • roadLong-distance buses run from Kathmandu and other cities via the Mahendra Highway; the journey is long, often overnight.
  • roadFrom India, cross at Jogbani on the southern edge of the city.
Mount Everest 8,848.86Kangchenjunga 8,586Dhaulagiri I 8,167Manaslu 8,163Annapurna I 8,091BiratnagarKathmandu
Boundary: Government of Nepal, Survey Department (2020). Peak data: Wikidata.

Permits and fees

None needed

No permit is needed to visit Biratnagar. Foreigners crossing at Jogbani must complete immigration formalities.

  • Nepal visa: Required for most foreign nationals; check whether visas on arrival are issued at the Jogbani-Biratnagar crossing.

Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-08 against Department of Immigration, Nepal.

Risks and conditions

Seasonal risks around Biratnagar

What this place is typically exposed to, and when. These are seasonal patterns, not a report on conditions now.

Check current conditions before you travel

Roads, trails, passes and flights change with the weather and with roadworks, and nothing on this page describes conditions today. Before you set off, check the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology for weather and flood warnings, the Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction Portal for incidents, and the local authority, police or your licensed operator for road, trail and flight status.

Practical tips

  • Allow for winter fog when planning connections.
  • Summer is very hot; plan outdoor sightseeing for early morning and evening.
  • Use metered or agreed-fare taxis and rickshaws.
  • Carry insect repellent in the warm months.

Questions about Biratnagar

Is Biratnagar the capital of Koshi Province?

Yes, Biratnagar is the provincial capital.

How do I get to Biratnagar from Kathmandu?

By a short domestic flight or by long-distance bus along the Mahendra Highway.

What is there to see near Biratnagar?

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Dharan and the eastern hills, Raja Rani lake and the Betana wetland.

Can foreigners cross into India at Biratnagar?

The Jogbani crossing is used by travellers; check its current status for third-country nationals before planning.

Nearby

Lake

Raja Rani Lake

A forest-ringed lake in the Chure hills of northern Morang, popular with families and birdwatchers.

Lake

Betana Wetland

A community-managed pond and wetland beside the East-West Highway at Belbari, used for picnics and birdwatching.

National park or conservation area

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

A wetland reserve on the Sapta Koshi floodplain, home to Nepal's last wild water buffalo and known for its birdlife.

Town or village · 310 m

Dharan

A lively foothill city where the plains meet the Mahabharat hills, with hilltop temples, Gurkha heritage and the road up to Bhedetar.

Editorial draft: facts are being checked against the sources below. Last checked 2026-10-08. Sources: Biratnagar, Wikipedia, Koshi Province, Wikipedia, Biratnagar Airport, Wikipedia