Despite being a small country, Nepal is rich in diverse geographical structures. You can experience the flat land roads of Terai, winding roads through hills and valleys, thrilling flights above the towering Himalayas and rugged trails leading to the top of the world. High hills, elevated mountains and breathtaking mountainous terrain make the trip to Nepal exciting, fascinating as well as adventurous.
Knowing and understanding the transportation options in Nepal is important for a smooth and efficient trip if you are planning to visit this country. There are several modes of transportation in Nepal. You can find many tourist buses traveling to various destinations throughout the country. You can also travel by hiring a car or a motorcycle for a more personalized experience or take a flight wherever possible. The commonly available means of transportation in Nepal are:
Air Ways
Airways are the perfect transportation options for whoever is short on time. For example, the journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara is around 8 hours long, but you can reach in only 30 minutes by flight. Flights is also suitable for people who want to skip a day or two of traveling on a bus to the destination.
Most flights in Nepal start and end in Kathmandu. Several domestic airlines operate flights to the major centers across the country. Likewise, scenic mountain flights to different Himalayan regions allow you to have closer quarter encounters with the towering mountains. If you are seeking to fly over the Himalayan landscapes and enjoy the panorama of snow-capped peaks from above, chartering a helicopter makes your dream come true. However, you will have to pay a handsome amount to experience this once in a lifetime adventure.
Through air transportation, you can enjoy a bird’s eye exploration of the varying landscapes in Nepal. Wide angle view of the plain lands, valleys and hills to high Himalayas within a few minutes of flight is a memorable experience for sure.
Flights normally are weather dependent and many flights get canceled at the last minute due to poor visibility. So, it is always recommended to stay flexible with the itinerary and have extra days to cover the tour in case of unexpected delays.
Popular air transportation in Nepal are:
Helicopter Services
Helicopter is mostly preferred for aerial views of the Himalayas. It is also commonly used to access the remote and secluded regions in Nepal quickly. If you want to save time and skip several days of trekking through the rugged mountainous trails in the mountains, a helicopter ride is an excellent option for you.
While the helicopter services are a bit expensive, they provide quick and convenient access to geographically challenging locations. Helicopters are popularly used in rescue and evacuation operations in case of emergencies during remote Himalayan treks.
Some popular helicopter routes for adventures in Nepal include:
- Kathmandu to Pokhara
- Kathmandu/Pokhara to Jomsom
- Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp
- Kathmandu/Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp
- Kathmandu to Langtang Valley (Kyanjijn Gompa)
Planes
Domestic flights generally connect major cities like Pokhara, Chitwan, Nepaljung, Dhangadi, and Biratnagar, using 70 to 80 seater ATR aircraft. Likewise, flights to mountain regions like Lukla, Jomsom, Rara etc are operated by small twin otter aircraft of 15 to 20 seater. You can use these domestic flights to access different remote Himalayan areas for adventurous treks and mountain climbs. You can reach the starting points of popular treks such as Everest Base Camp, Upper Dolpo Trek, Jomsom Muktinath Trek etc, through flights to Lukla, Juphal and Jomsom, respectively.
You can take the following flights for your adventures in the mountainous regions.
- Kathmandu to Lukla (Lukla Airport/Tenzing-Hillary Airport) – For Everest region treks
- Kathmandu to Pokhara – For accessing the Annapurna region
- Kathmandu to Jomsom – For Mustang region adventures
- Kathmandu to Biratnagar – For teks in the eastern part of Nepal like Makalu and Kanchenjunga regions.
- Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Juphal – For Upper Dolpo Trek
Roadways
Public Buses
Usually, buses connect the city area to its surrounding suburbs and villages. It is an ideal option for anyone seeking an affordable way to travel throughout the country. Buses make frequent stops to pick up and drop off passengers. This will allow them greater flexibility to access various locations and services at designated points along the route. While traveling in a bus can be dusty on graveled roads, fares are fair enough to make it a practical option for many passengers.
Picking a bus leading to a particular destination is a bit challenging since the signboards are written in Nepali. But if you pay attention to the conductors, you can know which bus to take as they will be shouting out the names of places the bus will pass through. Buses generally do not operate late into the evening, and their frequency drops significantly after 8 pm.
For travel outside Kathmandu you have two options of day buses and night buses. Day buses usually depart in the morning and night buses leave in the evening. These express buses also offer seat reservations. While public vehicles in Nepal may be less luxurious and conditioned, long distance buses typically provide more amenities. Additionally, these buses can be crowded and less comfortable but they provide an authentic experience of traveling as the locals do.
Public buses in Nepal reach almost all major trekking trailheads such as
- Kathmandu to Pokhara (gateway to Annapurna region treks)
- Kathmandu to Dharapani (for Annapurna Circuit Trek)
- Pokhara to Nayapul (for Annapurna Base Camp Trek)
- Kathmandu to Jiri/Salleri (for trekking to Everest Base Camp from Jiri or Salleri)
- Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (for Langtang region treks)
- Pokhara to Jomsom (for Upper Mustang trek)
- Kathmandu to Dharan (connecting to eastern Nepal)
- Pokhara to Baglung ( for rural exploration of western Nepal)
Tourist Buses
Tourist buses are spacious, clean and well conditioned. They are more luxurious, properly maintained and provide safer rides than public vehicles. Tourist buses offer maximum comfort compared to local buses, which often take as many passengers as possible.
Tourist buses provide each passenger with a guaranteed seat and do not keep extra passengers beyond the seating capacity. They also include scheduled meal stops along the way, for which the cost is usually covered by the ticket price. Most of them have air conditioners (AC), play soft music and provide a bottle of water. You can enjoy a personalized travel experience riding in a tourist bus. Usually, this vehicle comes at higher price rates but its greater comfort and reliability justify the expense.
Tourist buses usually connect to popular travel destinations in the country as well as significant trekking trailheads such as
- Kathmandu to Pokhara ( Pokhara is a popular tourist hub and gateway to the Annapurna region)
- Kathmandu to Chitwan (Chitwan houses Chitwan National Park, a famous destination for wildlife safaris)
- Kathmandu to Lumbini (Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha)
- Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (Syabrubesi is a gateway to the Langtang region)
- Pokhara to Jomsom (for heading towards Mustang region)
Rickshaw and Tempo
Rickshaws and tempos are ideal options for short rides especially within a city. Rickshaws are popular mode of transport in towns of Kathmandu like Thamel, Patan etc and in Terai region. You can find numerous rickshaws at these places readily available with affordable price rates.
Rickshaw is a scenic way to explore landscapes, cityscapes and the hustle and bustle of people. In Kathmandu rickshaws wind through crowded streets and narrow alleyways providing you with insight into the vibrant city life.
On the other hand tempos are three wheeled vehicles often operated by petrol. However there is a inclination toward electric tempos now a days. This initiation is mostly seen in urban areas in order to reduce pollution. Electric tempos are powered by batteries and are designed to be eco friendly. They offer a peaceful and clean travel experience.
Tempos are common in Kathmandu along with many other cities in the country. They usually carry 10 to 12 passengers.
Hiring Car, Microbuses, Vans and Jeeps
Hiring private vehicles is ideal for sightseeing around Kathmandu or tours outside the valley. They are also the commonly used options for reaching trekking trailheads while traveling in groups. You can opt for several private vehicles like cars, jeeps, minibuses and vans depending on group size. These vehicles are faster and more comfortable options. However, they are more expensive than public vehicles and tourist buses. So, while the services are quicker and more comfortable, hiring these will cost you higher prices.
Cars are perfect for small groups of family or close friends and solo travelers. Likewise, microbuses are suitable for medium sized groups, such as large families or group outings. On the other hand, vans can accommodate larger groups of approximately upto 15 passengers. Lastly, Jeeps are best for off road adventures on rough terrains. If you think of traveling to remote areas of Nepal (Mustang, Dolpa, Rara Lake etc) a 4WD Jeep will be the the ideal option.
Road conditions in hilly and mountainous areas in Nepal can be rough. So it is important to check the vehicle’s state while renting and ensure that it is driven by an experienced and licensed driver.
Taxis
Taxis are the preferred choice among travelers visiting Nepal. They are mostly used in city areas like Kathmandu and Pokhara usually to travel a short distance. A taxi can usually accommodate around 3 to 4 passengers with their luggage.
While traveling in a taxi, check whether or not the meter is running. Taxi drivers should use the meter while driving a taxi, which determines the fare. However, most of them do not cooperate for doing so. The reason could be to overcharge travelers or expensive fuel costs and traffic delays. So, if the taxi driver refuses to use the meter, you should negotiate and determine your fare price before finalizing the ride. Metered taxis can even be used for long distance travel.
Bicycle and Motorbikes
Renting a bicycle and motorbike is an enjoyable and adventurous way to explore certain different regions. You can ride bicycles around the city area like Pokhara, Kathmandu Valley etc. Likewise, you can rent a bike for venturing out on scenic trails in countryside areas like Nagarkot, Sarangkot etc. Additionally, for adventurous rides, you can also rent mountain bikes. However, be aware of the road conditions which can be challenging. Plus having experience with off road biking is important.
There are several rental shops in Kathmandu and Pokhara that will provide you with well maintained cycles and motorbikes. For renting a bike or a cycle, you generally have to make a security deposit your passport and a certain amount. Do not forget to get a helmet and check the functioning of the bike and cycle that you rent, like brake, horn, lights etc. Cycles and bikes are the only way to drive personally as other rental vehicles will come with a driver.
If you want to cycle in the city, be prepared for potential traffic jams. There are no separate lanes for riding bicycles or motorbikes. They mostly share space with other vehicles on the road. Also you need to follow traffic rules and practices properly and maintain a steady pace while riding.
Porter Services
Porters are not like other modes of transportation that will indicate to a vehicle. They are people who are strong and help you carry your gear and equipment. In some pilgrimage sites that are difficult for elderly people to access by foot, porters serve as a transportation medium by carrying them on their backs.
For adventurous treks in the mountains, porters are needed by many trekkers for a light and easy journey. They will relieve trekkers from the weight of heavy backpacks and allow them to focus solely on the adventure. While hiring a porter makes your trek easier, it also contributes to the local economy and provides a more authentic experience by connecting you with the people, their local culture and traditions.
Waterways
Nepal has numerous rivers but only some are used for transportation. Water based transport (boats and rafts) are mainly used by the locals for transporting goods and people in remote areas. In some Terai areas, small ferries are used to cross rivers where bridges are not available. Likewise, boats in the lakes in Pokhara are used for short crossings and for enjoying the views.
Ropeways
Ropeways are popular in the hilly areas of Nepal and are usually referred to as cable cars. They play a crucial role in transporting both goods and people through formidable landscapes. Manakamana Cable Car and Chandragiri Cable Car are popular ropeways in Nepal offering scenic rides and panoramic views of the surrounding hills, valleys and nearby mountains. This system has made the journey for locals, pilgrims and tourists easy and rewarding.