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. Sedan NPR 12,000 · SUV NPR 15,000 per day. Driver, fuel, and tolls included.

Distance~390 km
Drive time8–9 hours
Sedan / dayNPR 12,000
SUV / dayNPR 15,000
Rates

Kathmandu to Janakpur car hire price

VehiclePassengersOne wayReturn (2 days)Includes
Sedan (Toyota Corolla)Up to 4NPR 12,000NPR 24,000Driver, fuel, tolls
SUV (Mahindra Scorpio)Up to 6NPR 15,000NPR 30,000Driver, fuel, tolls
Hiace VanUp to 10NPR 20,000NPR 40,000Driver, fuel, tolls

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

The drive

What to expect on the Kathmandu–Janakpur route

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?
NPR 12,000 for a sedan (up to 4 passengers) and NPR 15,000 for a Scorpio SUV (up to 6 passengers) per day. A Hiace van for larger groups is NPR 20,000. 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.
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Book your Kathmandu–Janakpur car

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