Long Route · Terai Plains · Religious Circuit

Kathmandu to Janakpur Car Hire

Birthplace of Goddess Sita and the heart of Maithil culture — Janakpur is one of Nepal's most significant pilgrimage cities. ~390 km via the Sindhuli road, 8–9 hours with a lunch stop. Car 65 USD · SUV 80 USD per day. Driver, fuel, and tolls included.

Distance~390 km
Drive time8–9 hours
Car / dayNPR 8,77565 USD
SUV / dayNPR 10,80080 USD
Rates

Kathmandu to Janakpur car hire price

VehiclePassengersOne wayReturn (2 days)Includes
Car (Toyota Corolla)Up to 4NPR 8,77565 USDNPR 17,550130 USDDriver, fuel, tolls
SUV (Mahindra Scorpio)Up to 6NPR 10,80080 USDNPR 21,600160 USDDriver, fuel, tolls
Hiace VanUp to 10NPR 14,175105 USDNPR 28,350210 USDDriver, fuel, tolls

Driver overnight allowance 10 USD / NPR 1,500/night  ·  Peak season surcharge may apply — quoted upfront

The drive

What to expect on the Kathmandu–Janakpur route

🛣️

Via Sindhuli Road

The modern route goes via the B.P. Highway through scenic Sindhuli hill terrain, then joins the Mahendra Highway (East-West) into Janakpur. Better road quality than the old Tribhuvan Highway.

🕌

Janaki Mandir

The striking white Janaki Temple is the centrepiece of Janakpur — a Mughal-style palace-temple dedicated to Goddess Sita. One of the most photographed religious sites in Nepal.

🏞️

Terai plains

The final stretch descends into the flat Terai lowlands — a complete change from Kathmandu's hills. Rice fields, mustard, and the flat horizon of the subcontinent.

🍜

Lunch stop

We stop in Hetauda (~4 hrs from Kathmandu), a clean and well-known rest stop on the Sindhuli road with good dal bhat and local tea shops.

⏰

Departure time

Leave Kathmandu by 6–7 AM to reach Janakpur before dark. The route includes one significant hill section that is easier to drive before peak midday heat.

🔄

Return or circuit

Many visitors combine Janakpur with a Chitwan stop on the return leg. WhatsApp us your full itinerary for a single all-inclusive quote.

FAQ

Kathmandu to Janakpur drive questions

How far is Kathmandu from Janakpur?
Approximately 390 km by road via the Sindhuli (B.P.) Highway and Mahendra Highway. The drive takes 8–9 hours including a lunch stop.
How much does a car hire from Kathmandu to Janakpur cost?
65 USD (NPR 9,750) for a car (up to 4 passengers) and 80 USD (NPR 12,000) for a Scorpio SUV (up to 6 passengers) per day. A Hiace van for larger groups is 105 USD (NPR 15,750). All prices include driver, fuel, and highway tolls.
What is the best time to visit Janakpur?
October to March is ideal — cool and dry in the Terai. Vivah Panchami (November/December) celebrates the marriage of Ram and Sita with major festivities in Janakpur and draws thousands of pilgrims. Avoid the June–August monsoon if possible.
Can we add Chitwan to the Janakpur trip?
Yes. A Kathmandu → Janakpur → Chitwan → Kathmandu circuit is fully possible. Janakpur to Chitwan is roughly 200 km (~5 hours) along the Mahendra Highway west. WhatsApp us your dates and we quote the full loop.
Other popular routes

Book your Kathmandu–Janakpur car

WhatsApp us your travel date and group size — fixed price confirmed in minutes.