The diverse border city where languages and faiths converge

Wars & Conflicts · Published 16 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: On the Terai plains near the Indian border, Nepalgunj stands as a linguistic and religious crossroads. From the influence of Awadhi to the presence of Hindu and Muslim communities, this sub-metropolitan city reveals how distinct ethnicities have traditionally lived together without significant conflict.

Located in the Banke District, Nepalgunj serves as a vital gateway in the Terai plains, situated near the Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh, India. The city's demographic profile is remarkably varied; according to the 2011 Nepal census, the population of 141,241 was composed of several linguistic groups, with Nepali (33.7%) and Awadhi (30.7%) being the most prominent, followed by Urdu (27.2%) and Hindi (2.1%). The city is positioned 153 kilometers southwest of Ghorahi and 16 km south of Kohalpur. It is also connected to the Indian rail network via Rupaidiha, which requires transfers at Gonda, Bahraich, and Nanpara.

This diversity extends to religious and ethnic identities. The population is predominantly Hindu (70.0%), with a significant Muslim minority (27.8%), alongside smaller Buddhist (1.1%) and Christian (0.8%) communities. Ethnically, the city includes Musalman (28.2%), Chhetri (10.7%), and Hill Brahmin (8.6%) populations, among others. The Tharu people represent 3.2% of the local population. Additionally, the city's religious landscape includes small groups of Kirati (0.1%) and other faiths.

While the city has experienced periods of tension, such as the December 2006 conflict between Pahari and Madhesi people following the 2006 democracy movement, the various ethnic groups have a history of living together in mixed communities. Beyond its social fabric, Nepalgunj is a hub for regional connectivity and infrastructure. Serving as a vital hub for those visiting Tibet's Mt Kailash through the Simikot-Hilsa path, Ranjha Airport is also called Mahendra Airport. Recent developments include the completion of a modern terminal building at the airport in November 2025 and the expansion of the Nepalgunj-Kohalpur highway to four lanes, further integrating the region's transport networks. The local climate is sub-tropical, with temperatures occasionally exceeding 40 °C. The highest temperature ever recorded in the area was 44 °C in June 2023.

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