IRCTC has announced the first-ever international Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train connecting Indore to Nepal under the Pashupatinath Nepal Darshan Yatra. The special spiritual journey will begin on June 12 and will run for 9 nights and 10 days. The tour is designed for pilgrims and tourists wanting to explore Nepal’s famous religious and scenic destinations comfortably. The package includes visits to Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan National Park and the sacred Pashupatinath Temple. This marks a major step for the Bharat Gaurav scheme as it expands beyond Indian borders for the first time. The train aims to offer an affordable and organised pilgrimage experience with complete travel facilities included in the package.
The Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train will operate on the Indore–Raxaul–Indore route with boarding options across several stations in Madhya Pradesh. Passengers can board from Indore, Ujjain, Shujalpur, Sehore, Rani Kamlapati in Bhopal, Itarsi, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni and Satna. The special deluxe AC tourist train will provide a comfortable long-distance travel experience for devotees and tourists. IRCTC officials stated that the route was carefully selected to benefit passengers from central India who wish to travel to Nepal for spiritual and tourism purposes. The journey combines religious tourism with sightseeing and adventure activities, making it attractive for families, senior citizens and group travelers alike during the upcoming travel season.
The train will have 14 coaches divided into three categories including AC First Class, AC Second Tier and AC Third Tier. According to IRCTC, the train will accommodate around 150 passengers in total. The Superior AC First Class category includes both coupe and cabin options, while Deluxe AC Second Tier and Comfort AC Third Tier provide more economical travel choices. All passengers will receive hotel accommodation in air-conditioned three-star hotels during the tour. IRCTC has also arranged restaurant coaches, housekeeping staff, onboard security and tour escorts to ensure a smooth and safe journey. The train is designed to provide both comfort and convenience throughout the international pilgrimage experience.
Package prices vary according to travel class and room-sharing preferences. For the Comfort AC III Tier category, fares begin from INR 61,340 for triple sharing and go up to INR 72,290 for single sharing. The Deluxe AC II Tier category ranges between INR 75,185 and INR 86,130. Meanwhile, the premium Superior AC I category is priced from INR 89,035 to INR 99,980 depending on occupancy type. The package cost includes train travel, hotel stays, sightseeing transportation, meals, insurance, security and guided tour support. IRCTC officials stated that the all-inclusive pricing structure helps pilgrims avoid separate travel arrangements and provides a hassle-free experience during the entire Nepal tour.
Several famous destinations are included in the Nepal Darshan Yatra itinerary. Pilgrims will visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, one of the holiest Hindu shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The tour will also include Pokhara, known for its natural beauty and mountain views, along with Chitwan National Park where passengers will enjoy a Jeep Safari. Another key attraction is the Manakamana Temple, accessible through a scenic ropeway ride arranged by IRCTC. By combining religious sites with tourist attractions, the package offers a balanced experience for travelers seeking spirituality, adventure and relaxation together. IRCTC believes the journey will strengthen cultural and tourism ties between India and Nepal.
Bookings for the Bharat Gaurav Nepal Tour are now open through the official IRCTC tourism portal and authorized tourism offices. IRCTC officials expect strong demand as this is the first international tour train under the Bharat Gaurav scheme. The initiative highlights Indian Railways’ efforts to promote themed tourism and spiritual travel experiences for passengers across the country. The launch of this international pilgrimage service also reflects the growing popularity of organised rail tourism among Indian travellers. With comfortable accommodation, guided sightseeing and seamless travel arrangements, the Pashupatinath Nepal Darshan Yatra is expected to become a popular choice for pilgrims and tourists looking for a unique cross-border travel experience.