KATHMANDU – The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has officially announced the latest departure of the “Bharat Nepal Aastha Tour,” a premium 10-day spiritual journey scheduled for April 21, 2026. Operating under the Government of India’s ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ initiative, the tour continues to serve as a vital cultural bridge between the two neighboring nations.
A Divine Circuit: Itinerary and Destinations The 9-night/10-day journey follows a meticulously planned circuitous route starting from Delhi, covering the most revered pilgrimage sites in both India and Nepal:
- India: Ram Janmabhoomi (Ayodhya), Kashi Vishwanath Temple & Ganga Aarti (Varanasi), and Sitamarhi.
- Nepal: Ram Janaki Mandir (Janakpur), Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa & Kathmandu Durbar Square (Kathmandu), and Bindyabasini Mandir (Pokhara).
Evolution of the Journey: From Pilgrimage to Premium Experience Since its inception, the Bharat Nepal circuit has seen significant upgrades in both comfort and reach:
- The 2022 Launch: The journey began in June 2022 as part of the maiden “Shri Ramayana Yatra.” This was a historic milestone, marking the first time an Indian tourist train crossed the international border into Nepal (Janakpur).
- Infrastructure Upgrade: Originally operated with standard 3AC coaches, the tour has now transitioned to the Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist Train. This move elevates the experience to a “semi-luxury” level, featuring two fine-dining restaurants, modern shower cubicles, and enhanced security.
- Expanding Horizons: While early versions of the tour focused primarily on Kathmandu and Janakpur, the 2026 itinerary has been expanded to include the scenic city of Pokhara, offering a blend of spiritual devotion and natural beauty.
Luxury Onboard & Pricing The all-inclusive package ensures a seamless travel experience with AC accommodation, vegetarian meals (onboard and off-board), and professional tour managers.
- Special Concession: A 33% concession is already incorporated into the pricing to promote rail tourism.
- Package Cost: Prices start at approximately ₹73,000 per person, ranging up to ₹1,07,000 for premium 1st AC Cabin/Coupe categories.
Logistics & Requirements
- Boarding Points: Delhi Safdarjung, Ghaziabad, Tundla, Aligarh, Etawah, Kanpur, and Lucknow.
- Documentation: Indian citizens require a valid Passport or Voter ID for entry into Nepal.
How to Book For detailed itineraries, seat availability, and online bookings, travelers are encouraged to visit the official IRCTC Tourism portal.
For more information, visit: https://www.irctctourism.com/
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