How to plan a cross-border trip | Fusion - WeRIndia

It is general knowledge that India shares border with six countries. There are already quite a few Indians who made a trendy completing cross border road trips. The trend is growing among many travel enthusiasts.

If you are interested in making a cross border trip, here is how to plan for each country.

Nepal

Visiting Nepal is quite easy. One can enter the country any time of the year without any prior permissions. It takes about 30 minutes to finish border formalities for this country. From Nepal, one can enter China too. Visa is not needed for Indian Nationals. Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan National park, Sagarmatha National Park, Langtang, Sarankot are among the best places to visit here.

Bhutan

Just like Nepal, Indian citizens don’t need a passport or visa to enter Bhutan. By pre-registering, you can take your own Indian registered vehicle. However, one cannot go to countries like China due to lack of land connectivity. Make sure to have an ID like Passport/ Voter ID/Adhaar card. Your Driving license is not accepted. Thimpu, Paro, Punakha, Royal Manas National Park, Bumthang, Trashigang, Jigme Dorji National Park are the best places to visit here.

Bangladesh

If you want to take your vehicle to Bangladesh, you have to pay ‘carnet’ (200 per cent of your vehicle’s value). No other special permissions other than carnet and visa are required to enter Bangladesh. Carry a valid Passport, Visa, Vehicle documents, Planned Itinerary, Carnet & Third party vehicle insurance when going. Dhaka, Cox’s Bazar, Saint Martin, Sundarban, Kuakata, Rangamati, Sylhet are the best places here.

Myanmar

For Myanmar also, you need to apply for a carnet same as Bangladesh. Thailand customs also accept carnet as a valid document if you want to enter the country in a foreign registered vehicle. It is mandatory to have a pre-planned itinerary and hotel booking in place to enter Myanmar. A local Burmese guide approved by the Ministry of Myanmar Tourism should be hired.

It is also mandatory to have a lead car for the convoy, even if it’s a single car. A valid Passport, Visa, Carnet, original vehicle documents & Special overland permit & permissions are necessary. Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake, Naypyidaw, Hpa-An are places to visit here.

China

Entering China is the most time-consuming. You can enter China through Nepal via the Kodari — Zhangmu border. Like Myanmar, China does not accept carnet and international driving license. All permissions should be taken at least two months before. Permits can also be cancelled without any refund. You must carry a Valid Passport, Visa, original vehicle doc’s & Special overland permit & permissions. Beijing, Shanghai, Macau, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Lhasa are the best places to visit here.

Pakistan

It is not possible to enter Pakistan in an Indian registered civilian vehicle. The Wagah Border is used to enter or exit India by foreign tourists, but this is not open to Indians.

Photo by Daniel Jerez on Unsplash (Free for Commercial Use)

Image Reference: https://unsplash.com/photos/CD4WHrWio6Q