Getting around Nepal is quite a challenge. With steep mountain roads, roadblocks, landslides and one of the most dangerous airport runways in the world, travelling in Nepal is an electrifying experience in itself. Local transport options in Nepal vary, although the distances between the two parts of the country are not infinite. On the main routes, you will find numerous tourist buses plying to different parts of the country. However, you can also travel by chartering a taxi or renting a motorbike. You can also hire a private car, 4WD vehicle or catch a flight wherever possible.
a) Travel by Air:
Flying is a popular option for people travelling in Nepal. It is definitely the fastest way to travel to any part of the country. Most flights in Nepal start and end from the capital Kathmandu. Except for a few cities, there are no other inter-city flight connections. Biratnagar in the eastern region and Nepalgunj in the west are two other airports that are considered secondary hubs. The government-owned Nepal Airlines and several private airlines such as Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Sita Air, Tara Airlines, Simrik Air, Shree Airlines and others operate on major domestic routes with sufficient resources. It is also possible to charter a helicopter for those willing to pay extra and enjoy the panoramic views of the Himalayas.
b) Travel By Road:
The most popular mode of transport in the country is by road. You can choose to travel by mini-bus, tourist bus, express bus, local bus, 4WD truck, taxi, private car or motorbike while you are in Nepal.
Tourist buses connect Kathmandu to Pokhara and Chitwan. These buses are very comfortable and make for a safer ride than other bus services. Express buses are long-distance public bus services that have scheduled stopover points. They are faster and more comfortable than most local buses and are classified as day buses and night buses. Day buses usually depart in the morning and evening to reach their destinations, while night buses depart in the late afternoon and arrive at their destinations the next morning. Local buses mainly serve short and remote routes and stop at places where passengers need to be disembarked. The bus is usually heavily loaded and sometimes carries passengers on the roof. When a passenger needs to get off at any place of his choice, he signals the driver and the bus stops for him.
Private cars are comparatively faster, more comfortable and convenient than buses. If you are with your family or a group of friends, traveling by private cars is the best option. However, if you are in Kathmandu or Pokhara, chartering a taxi for the day is the cheapest option for short distance travel. Another hassle-free option is the possibility of renting a car for a multi-day trip for as little as US$50-60 per day, including fuel and driver.
If your tour itinerary includes traveling to some of the remote areas of Nepal, the best way to travel would be a 4WD vehicle/truck. These vehicles are the best option on the most difficult roads in Nepal, especially when you travel by road on a Mustang.
The magnificent mountain roads of Nepal are a haven for motor biking enthusiasts. If you rent a motorbike, you will find the ride sometimes fun and sometimes scary but always challenging. Follow local traffic practices and watch your speed on unmarked highways for any hazards. When renting, you will need to bring your passport, a certain amount of money or a security deposit for your ticket. Make sure to take a helmet, check the brake fluid and fuel levels, horn, lights and indicators. It is also possible to rent a bicycle or mountain bike for the most part of your daily commute in Nepal.
In Thamel and some other parts of Nepal, it is a fun and scenic way to transport tourists and travel through winding roads and narrow alleys. In Kathmandu and many other cities, it is also possible to see tempos, three-wheeled vehicles that carry 10-12 passengers from one part of the city to another. They are usually noisy and emit harmful fumes.
