Tribhuvan Highway (Tribhuvan Rajpath)
त्रिभुवन राजपथ
Nepal's first highway — the original road link between Kathmandu and India.
- Code
- NH41
- Length
- ≈159 km
- From
- Kathmandu
- To
- Birgunj (via Naubise, Daman, Hetauda)
- Opened
- 1956
- Built with
- India
- Status
- Operational; superseded for through traffic
- Provinces
- Bagmati, Madhesh
The Tribhuvan Highway (Tribhuvan Rajpath) was Nepal's first proper highway. Its famous switchbacks climb over the Mahabharat range at Sim Bhanjyang and Daman, long the only road into the Kathmandu Valley.
Though largely superseded by the faster Prithvi and B.P. highways, it remains a historic and scenic route to Hetauda and Birgunj.
From plan to highway
- 1953
Construction begins
India begins building the road over the Mahabharat range.
- 1956
Opened
Nepal's first highway opens, linking Kathmandu to Hetauda and the Indian border — ending the era of porters carrying cars over the hills.
- 1973 & 2015
Superseded
The Prithvi (1973) and B.P. (2015) highways take most Kathmandu–Terai traffic, leaving this a scenic route.
The Tribhuvan Highway (Tribhuvan Rajpath) highlighted, from OpenStreetMap road data.
More highways
Mahendra Highway (East–West Highway)
Nepal's longest and most important road — the Terai spine that ties the country together east to west
Araniko Highway
The road to Tibet — Nepal's historic overland link to China
Prithvi Highway
The busy Kathmandu–Pokhara link, following the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers
Tribhuvan Highway (Tribhuvan Rajpath) — frequently asked questions
How long is the Tribhuvan Highway (Tribhuvan Rajpath)?+
The Tribhuvan Highway (Tribhuvan Rajpath) (NH41) is approximately 159 km long.
Where does the Tribhuvan Highway (Tribhuvan Rajpath) go — what does it connect?+
It runs from Kathmandu to Birgunj (via Naubise, Daman, Hetauda), passing through the provinces of Bagmati, Madhesh.
When did the Tribhuvan Highway (Tribhuvan Rajpath) open?+
It opened in 1956. It was built with assistance from India.
Is the Tribhuvan Highway (Tribhuvan Rajpath) open and what is it known for?+
Status: Operational; superseded for through traffic. It is known as Nepal's first highway — the original road link between Kathmandu and India.
Sources & data note
Length, route and dates are approximate, from the Department of Roads and standard references. The mapped route is real road geometry from OpenStreetMap, matched by highway code.