Weekend Getaway from Kathmandu to Itahari: A Complete Travel Guide

If you're based in Kathmandu and looking for a change of scenery, Eastern Nepal offers a very different experience — the wide plains of the Terai, the sacred confluence at Barahachhetra, hilltop views at Bhedetar, and the wetlands of Koshi Tappu, all anchored by the fast-growing city of Itahari. Here's how to plan a comfortable long weekend.

Getting There

You have two realistic options:

• By air: Domestic carriers operate frequent flights from Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) to Biratnagar Airport, a flight of roughly 45 minutes to just over an hour depending on the route and layovers. From Biratnagar, it's a short drive of around 30–45 minutes to Itahari. This is the fastest and most comfortable option, especially for a short weekend trip.
• By road: Driving via the B.P. Highway and Mahendra Highway covers roughly 360 km, and given the mountainous terrain of the B.P. Highway, realistic driving time runs from around 8 to 10 hours depending on road and weather conditions. This route is scenic and works well if you'd like to break the journey with stops along the way, but it's a longer commitment better suited to travelers who enjoy road trips or have more than two days available.

For a standard two- to three-night weekend, flying in and out is the more time-efficient choice, leaving more daylight hours for sightseeing rather than travel.

A Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Settling In

Fly into Biratnagar and transfer to Itahari, checking in at Ramada by Wyndham Itahari by early afternoon. Spend the rest of the day unwinding — the outdoor pool, spa, steam and sauna rooms are a good way to recover from travel. In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of the hotel's restaurants before an early night ahead of a full day of sightseeing.

Day 2: Temples, Hills, and Local Culture

Start early with a visit to Barahachhetra Temple at the sacred Koshi–Sapta Koshi confluence, one of Eastern Nepal's most significant pilgrimage sites. From there, head to Dharan to explore Dantakali Temple on its hilltop perch, followed by a scenic drive up to Bhedetar for panoramic views over the plains and hills. Depending on your pace, you can fit in the local bazaars in Dharan for street food and souvenirs before heading back to Itahari for the evening.

Day 3: Nature and a Relaxed Departure

If wildlife and birdwatching interest you, dedicate the morning to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, home to wild water buffalo, deer, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species. Alternatively, spend a slower morning around Itahari itself — a walk by Mechi-Kali Pond, breakfast at the hotel, and some last-minute shopping at Itahari Mall or the local bazaar — before your afternoon flight back to Kathmandu.

Practical Tips

• Best time to go: The cooler months from October to March are the most comfortable for sightseeing, with clearer views from Bhedetar and better conditions for wildlife spotting at Koshi Tappu. The monsoon season (June–September) brings lush greenery but also heavier rainfall and the possibility of road disruptions if you're driving.
• Pack for temperature swings: Itahari and the Terai plains are noticeably warmer than Kathmandu, while Bhedetar's elevation makes it cooler — layers are useful if you're covering both in a day.
• Book excursions ahead: A guide is recommended for Koshi Tappu, and the hotel's front desk can help arrange transport and permits for the reserve.

Where to Base Yourself

Ramada by Wyndham Itahari, on Pashupati Marg in the heart of Itahari-9, is ideally positioned for this kind of weekend — close enough to the highway junction to reach Dharan, Bhedetar, Barahachhetra, and Koshi Tappu within an hour or two, while offering the comfort of 81 well-appointed rooms, multiple dining venues, an outdoor pool, and full spa facilities to unwind in between excursions.

Ready to plan your weekend in Eastern Nepal? Book your stay at Ramada by Wyndham Itahari today.