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In the border villages of Kumaon, people’s lives run on both sides of the border. Relatives, markets, festivals are everything shared. Due to the open border between India and Nepal, there is no passport or visa here. People can easily come and go. This lifestyle shows how two countries can keep deep in mutual relations despite separation. Let’s know about some such places ……
Tanakpur and Banbasa are the major border points located in Champawat district of Uttarakhand, from where you can easily visit Nepal without passport or visa. Under the historic open border system of India-Nepal, it is very easy to enter cities like Mahendranagar in Nepal by showing only Aadhaar cards from here. The SSB outpost on the Banbasa border and Nepali watchdog towards Nepal are deployed, but the movement is completely comfortable for the common citizens. People from here go to Nepal for daily shopping, business and family interaction. The distance from Tanakpur to Banbasa is about 10 kilometers and from here it can be crossed the international border in a few minutes. If you want to visit Nepal without a spontaneous and paper hassle, then the Tanakpur-Banbasa border is a great and easy option for you.
This small swing bridge built in Jhulaghat in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand connects India and Nepal. As soon as you cross this bridge, you are on the land of Nepal. The culture on both sides can be seen together here. This place is not only a means for the local people to cross the border, but also the center of shopping and interaction. Every day a large number of people come and go without passport or visa. This bridge is a vibrant example of how boundaries do not divide the hearts.
About 60 km from Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, Jauljibi is another major route to Nepal. There is also a swing bridge here, which connects India to Nepal. The fair of Jauljibi is a symbol of cultural unity of India, Nepal and China. Thousands of people participate in this fair and the colors of mixed culture of both countries can be seen. This place is known for traditional music, dress and folk arts. This experience is not only exciting, but also makes cultural harmony feel.
Dharchula, 90 km from Pithoragarh district headquarters of Kumaon, is connected to Darchula city of Nepal. A small swing bridge has been built between the two cities, so that the border can be crossed in a few minutes. Now a new motor bridge is also being prepared here, which will make trade and movement between the two countries even more comfortable. The market of Dharchula is a unique confluence of Indian and Nepali goods, where tourists and locals buy cheap and interesting products.
Sitapul, located near Gunji village of Pithoragarh, is a raw bridge that connects India to Chhagaru and Tinkar villages of Nepal. This bridge is near the Kailash Yatra route and is a means to reach inaccessible areas of Nepal. To cross the border from this bridge, tourists have to show Aadhaar card and SSB is deployed here in terms of security. The region provides an amazing combination of adventure and peace due to being in the lap of the Himalayas.
To go to Nepal from Salla village in Pancheshwar region of Pithoragarh, the boat is not used to go to Nepal. Here the Kali river makes the border of both countries and small boats floating on it transport people from India to Nepal and Nepal to India. This experience is very unique because by crossing this river, you step on the land of another country. In the rainy season, this traffic stops for a short time, but this path remains alive on normal days.
