Road to East Nepal पुर्व जाने बाटो
Like most people raised in rural areas, I suffer from motion sickness during road trips, resulting in dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. The fear of these symptoms would traumatize me days before a trip.
Therefore, I’ve always tried to avoid long road journeys, reducing the number of home visits or opting for air travel whenever possible.
But things changed after my last two trips on the road to East Nepal (पुर्व जाने बाटो)! The latest one was in the last week of August 2024.
I traveled from Kathmandu to Dharan via the Araniko Highway (Kathmandu to Dhulikhel), BP Highway (Dhulikhel to Bhiman, Sindhuli), and Madan Bhandari Inner Terai Highway (Bhiman to Dharan). The pictures below are from that trip.
First, here’s the complete timeline of that day’s journey to the East.
BP Highway Needs to Be Back!
My sister and I chose the front seat next to the driver on the microbus because we were told it’s more comfortable and safer for people with motion sickness. We were anxious and fearful that we might suffer as always.
But to my surprise, I didn’t feel any discomfort, nor did I experience motion sickness. The road was so smooth, the scenery was beautiful, our driver was skilled, and I actually enjoyed the entire journey.
In fact, I was delighted to see smooth blacktop roads amidst the green hilly villages, along the Sunkoshi River, and across the hills of Sindhuligadhi. Even the infamous serpentine road of BP Highway was enjoyable.
I was so impressed that I took lots of pictures and videos and sent them to some of my friends throughout the day. I also wanted to post these on my socials, thinking why not share something positive when we’re always posting complaints?
But it’s already too late!
This beautiful road has been severely destroyed by landslides and floods after heavy rainfall for many days starting from September 27, 2024!
Many people lost their lives and belongings along this route. Many travelers during those disastrous days suffered thirst, hunger, fear, and uncertainty due to the road blockages.
My heart goes out to all those who suffered! ❤️🩹
It’s sad and shameful that we’re unable to get the road repaired. Many of us from the East have been affected, especially during this festive season. With another festival approaching, I hope our government speeds up repair efforts!
Hoping to celebrate Deepawali together with my family!
Madan Bhandari Inner Terai Highway is Cool!
Madan Bhandari Inner Terai Highway, another section of the road to east Nepal, is no less beautiful!
This new road (still an ongoing project) runs through the plains of the inner Terai districts. We join this road from Bhiman in the Sindhuli district, following along the Kamala valley of Udayapur district, across the Koshi bridge to Sunsari district—Chatara and Dharan.
It significantly shortens the journey to the east compared to the old East-West Highway, and the experience is much sweeter!
You can enjoy the sal tree forests, lush paddy fields, colorful Terai *hatiyas* (local markets), semi-urban localities with a blend of old-style brick-roofed houses and modern buildings, and the organic scent of the Terai air along the way!
Thankfully, this section of the road is still intact and as beautiful as ever! At least half of the route to the east remains a sweet delight.
Food, Photography, and Fun
You can have plenty of fun while on the road!
Proof? Check the pictures in the Instagram post below!
I enjoyed a local delicacy at every stop, stayed hydrated, took tons of pictures, and jammed to the driver’s playlist the entire way!
“Yes” to Road Travels!
I have now realized that road travel is not always scary, but it can sometimes be fun!
So, I’m going to say “Yes” to road trips in the upcoming days and look forward to enjoying every kilometer on the road.
Welcome to road adventures!
