From the Gorakhnath Temple to Lumbini, Kushinagar, Ayodhya, Chitwan and Pokhara - ten of the best places to visit near Gorakhpur, with distances and tips for a perfect weekend.
In this article
- At a Glance: Distances From Gorakhpur
- 1. Gorakhnath Temple
- 2. Ramgarh Tal and Gita Press
- 3. Kushinagar - about 55 km
- 4. Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary - about 80 - 90 km
- 5. Lumbini, Nepal - about 125 km
- 6. Ayodhya - about 135 km
- 7. Palpa (Tansen), Nepal - about 160 km
- 8. Varanasi - about 200 km
- 9. Chitwan National Park, Nepal - about 245 km
- 10. Pokhara, Nepal - about 280 km
- Plan Your Weekend From Gorakhpur
- Frequently Asked Questions
Gorakhpur sits at a remarkable crossroads. Within a few hours' drive you can stand where the Buddha was born and where he passed away, pray at Ayodhya and Varanasi, spot rhinos in a Nepali jungle or watch the sun rise over the Annapurnas. Here are the ten best places to visit near Gorakhpur, starting in the city itself.
At a Glance: Distances From Gorakhpur
Here is how far each of these places to visit near Gorakhpur is by road:
| Place | Distance | Ideal trip |
|---|---|---|
| Gorakhnath Temple, Ramgarh Tal | In the city | Half day |
| Kushinagar | ~55 km | Day trip |
| Sohagi Barwa Sanctuary | ~80 - 90 km | Day trip |
| Lumbini (Nepal) | ~125 km | 1 - 2 days |
| Ayodhya | ~135 km | 1 - 2 days |
| Palpa / Tansen (Nepal) | ~160 km | 2 days |
| Varanasi | ~200 km | 2 - 3 days |
| Chitwan (Nepal) | ~245 km | 2 - 3 days |
| Pokhara (Nepal) | ~280 km | 3 - 4 days |
1. Gorakhnath Temple
The city takes its name from Guru Gorakhnath, and his temple is the spiritual heart of Gorakhpur and the seat of the Nath tradition. The vast, peaceful complex comes alive during Makar Sankranti, when lakhs of devotees offer khichdi at the Khichdi Mela.
2. Ramgarh Tal and Gita Press
The redeveloped Ramgarh Tal lake is Gorakhpur's favourite evening spot, with a lakeside promenade, boating and cafes. Nearby, the Gita Press, founded in 1923, is the world's largest publisher of Hindu religious texts - its walls are decorated with verses of the Gita and paintings of the scriptures.
3. Kushinagar - about 55 km
The easiest and most rewarding one-day trip from Gorakhpur. Kushinagar is where the Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana: see the serene 6-metre reclining Buddha in the Mahaparinirvana Temple, the brick Ramabhar Stupa and temples built by Buddhist countries from across Asia. Our Buddhist Circuit guide explains how it links with Lumbini, Bodhgaya and Sarnath.
4. Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary - about 80 - 90 km
In Maharajganj district along the Nepal border, this forest sanctuary of sal and teak woods is home to deer, wild boar, leopards and hundreds of bird species. It is a quiet escape for nature lovers - go with a local guide and check forest permissions before visiting.
5. Lumbini, Nepal - about 125 km
Just beyond the Sunauli border, Lumbini is the birthplace of the Buddha. Visit the Maya Devi Temple, the pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BCE and the monasteries of the Monastic Zone. Carry a passport or Voter ID - see our Nepal travel guide for Indians.
6. Ayodhya - about 135 km
The birthplace of Lord Ram is now one of India's most visited pilgrimage cities. Take darshan of Ram Lalla at the new Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, climb to Hanuman Garhi and join the evening Saryu Aarti. Everything you need is in our Ayodhya darshan guide and on the Ayodhya destination page, or book the two-day Ayodhya Ram Mandir Darshan.
7. Palpa (Tansen), Nepal - about 160 km
The nearest hill town to Gorakhpur. Tansen sits on a ridge at around 1,300 m with Himalayan views from Shreenagar hill, old Newari streets and the famous Palpali dhaka weaving. Below it, the riverside Rani Mahal palace on the Kali Gandaki is often called the "Taj Mahal of Nepal".
8. Varanasi - about 200 km
The spiritual capital of India. Watch the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, take a sunrise boat ride, visit Kashi Vishwanath and make the short trip to Sarnath. Plan with our Varanasi 3-day itinerary, the Varanasi destination page or the Varanasi Spiritual Tour.
9. Chitwan National Park, Nepal - about 245 km
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places in Asia to see the one-horned rhino. Jeep safaris, canoe rides on the Rapti river and Tharu village culture make it a favourite with families. See the Chitwan Wildlife Tour.
10. Pokhara, Nepal - about 280 km
Lakes, paragliding and sunrise over Machhapuchhre - Pokhara is the perfect long-weekend escape from the summer heat. Explore the Pokhara destination page, read our Nepal tour package from Gorakhpur guide or book the Kathmandu - Pokhara Tour.
Plan Your Weekend From Gorakhpur
Need a car for the day or a complete trip with hotels? Read our guide to cab service in Gorakhpur, browse pilgrimage tours and family tours, or see photos in our travel gallery. Call +91 63071 02408, message us on WhatsApp +91 63071 02408, or send an enquiry - our office is at 607, E Power House Road, Shivalay Nagar Mohaddipur, Gorakhpur Uttar Pradesh 273008.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best one-day trip from Gorakhpur?
Kushinagar, about 55 km away, is the best one-day trip from Gorakhpur - the Mahaparinirvana Temple and Ramabhar Stupa can be seen comfortably in a few hours.
Can I visit Lumbini in one day from Gorakhpur?
Yes. Lumbini is about 125 km away, roughly three to three and a half hours each way including the border crossing. It makes a long but rewarding day trip; carry a passport or Voter ID.
Which is the nearest hill station to Gorakhpur?
The nearest hill destinations are in Nepal: Palpa (Tansen), about 160 km away, and Pokhara, about 280 km away.
Which places near Gorakhpur are best for a family weekend?
Ayodhya and Kushinagar are ideal for a relaxed religious weekend, while Chitwan (for a jungle safari) and Pokhara (for lakes and mountain views) are the family favourites across the border in Nepal.
Nepal Trip Holiday Travel Desk
The same team that plans and operates our tours across Nepal, India and Bhutan. Questions about this guide? Call or WhatsApp us on +91 63071 02408 - we are happy to help.
