Getting Around Nepal
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use taxis and rickshaws for Kathmandu Valley. Rural: Rent a car for Terai exploration. Mountains: Domestic flights and trekking paths. For convenience, book airport transfers from Kathmandu to your destination.
Bus Travel
Tourist Buses
Comfortable AC buses connecting major tourist spots with reliable schedules and amenities.
Cost: Kathmandu to Pokhara NPR 800-1500 ($6-11), journeys 6-8 hours between key cities.
Tickets: Buy via travel agencies, online platforms, or bus counters. E-tickets increasingly available.
Peak Times: Avoid mornings during monsoon (June-Sep) for better availability and comfort.
Bus Passes
Multi-day bus tours or packages offer unlimited travel on tourist routes for NPR 5000-10000 ($37-75) for 7-10 days.
Best For: Multiple stops like Kathmandu-Pokhara-Chitwan, savings for 3+ destinations.Where to Buy: Tourist bus offices in Thamel, Kathmandu, or through operators with instant booking.
Mountain Routes
Deluxe buses to Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini, with some jeeps for rough Himalayan roads.
Booking: Reserve 1-2 days ahead for peak trekking season (Oct-Nov, Mar-May), discounts for groups.
Main Depots: Gongabu Bus Park in Kathmandu, with connections to Sorhakhutte for eastern routes.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Useful for Terai plains and custom itineraries. Compare rental prices from $30-60/day at Kathmandu Airport and tourist hubs.
Requirements: Valid international license, deposit, minimum age 21-25; driver often recommended.
Insurance: Full coverage essential due to road conditions, verify inclusions for off-road use.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 40 km/h urban, 80 km/h highways, lower in mountains.
Tolls: Minimal on major routes like Prithvi Highway, no vignettes required.
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow roads, animals and pedestrians common hazards.
Parking: Free in rural areas, paid lots $1-2/day in cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations available in cities at NPR 140-160/liter ($1-1.20) for petrol, diesel similar.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation, essential in remote areas.
Traffic: Heavy congestion in Kathmandu, landslides common on mountain roads during rains.
Urban Transport
Taxis & Rickshaws
Widespread in Kathmandu and Pokhara, metered taxis NPR 100-200 ($0.75-1.50) for short rides, rickshaws NPR 50-100.
Validation: Negotiate fares upfront for unmetered taxis, use apps like Pathao for ride-hailing.
Apps: InDriver or Pathao for routes, pricing, and cashless payments in urban areas.
Bike & Scooter Rentals
Bike rentals in Pokhara lakeside and Kathmandu, $5-10/day with helmets provided at tourist spots.
Routes: Flat paths around Phewa Lake ideal, avoid heavy traffic in Kathmandu.
Tours: Guided e-bike tours in Chitwan and Lumbini for eco-friendly sightseeing.
Local Buses & Tempos
SRT and local operators run minibuses (tempos) in valleys, NPR 20-50 ($0.15-0.40) per ride.
Tickets: Pay conductor onboard, exact change helpful for short urban trips.
Ring Road: Kathmandu's circular bus route connects suburbs, useful for budget local travel.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay in Thamel for Kathmandu nightlife or Lakeside for Pokhara relaxation, near bus parks for easy access.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for peak season (Oct-Nov, Mar-May) and festivals like Dashain.
- Cancellation: Opt for flexible policies due to weather delays in mountains.
- Amenities: Confirm hot water, WiFi, and power backup, essential in load-shedding areas.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for cleanliness and road noise issues.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G in cities and towns, spotty in remote Himalayas; 5G emerging in Kathmandu.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install pre-trip, activate on arrival, covers major tourist routes.
Local SIM Cards
Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC) provide prepaid SIMs from NPR 100-300 ($0.75-2.25) with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, shops, or kiosks; passport required for registration.
Data Plans: 5GB for NPR 500 ($3.75), 10GB for NPR 1000 ($7.50), unlimited options available.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels, guesthouses, and cafes; public hotspots in tourist areas.
Public Hotspots: Airports and major squares offer free access, but speeds vary.
Speed: 5-50 Mbps in urban spots, slower in rural; VPN recommended for security.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Nepal Time (NPT), UTC+5:45, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Tribhuvan Airport 6km from Kathmandu center, taxi NPR 500-800 ($3.75-6), or book private transfer for $10-20.
- Luggage Storage: Available at airports and bus parks (NPR 50-100/day), secure lockers in tourist areas.
- Accessibility: Limited on uneven roads and stairs; some hotels offer ground-floor rooms.
- Pet Travel: Rare on public transport; check with private operators for feasibility.
- Bike Transport: Bikes can be strapped to bus roofs for NPR 100-200, rentals easier than carrying.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Nepal
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) is the main gateway. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Kiwi, for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Tribhuvan International (KTM): Primary hub in Kathmandu, 6km from city with taxi access.
Pokhara International (PKR): Domestic focus 5km from town, flights from KTM $50-80 (30 min).
Lukla Airport (LUA): Scenic mountain strip for Everest treks, weather-dependent operations.
Booking Tips
Book 1-2 months in advance for high season (Oct-May) to save 20-40% on domestic fares.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights cheaper; avoid Fridays and festival periods.
Alternative Routes: Fly into Delhi or Bangkok and bus/train to Nepal for budget options.
Budget Airlines
Yeti Airlines, Buddha Air, and Shree Airlines serve domestic routes with small aircraft.
Important: Include baggage fees and weather delays in planning total costs.
Check-in: Arrive 1-2 hours early for domestic; online options limited.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Common in cities, fees NPR 100-300 ($0.75-2.25), use NTC-linked machines to minimize charges.
- Credit Cards: Visa/Mastercard accepted in hotels and shops, less so in rural spots.
- Contactless Payment: Growing in urban areas, Khalti and eSewa apps popular for digital wallets.
- Cash: Essential for buses, markets, and teahouses; carry NPR 5000-10000 in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary but appreciated; NPR 50-100 ($0.40-0.75) for guides and drivers.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport kiosks with high commissions.