Getting Around Nepal

Air

Domestic flights are a popular and time-saving way to travel around Nepal, particularly given the country's mountainous terrain and long road journeys. Several Nepali airlines, including Nepal Airlines, Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Shree Airlines and Saurya Airlines, operate frequent services linking Kathmandu with major destinations such as Pokhara, Bharatpur (for Chitwan), Bhairahawa (for Lumbini), Nepalgunj and Lukla, the gateway to Everest treks. Flight times are short, but schedules can be affected by weather, especially during the monsoon and winter, when delays and cancellations are common.

Many smaller airstrips serve remote mountain regions, some of which are among the most challenging airports in the world. Travellers should book early during peak trekking seasons and remain flexible with timings. Charter flights and helicopter services are also available for trekking support, scenic flights and access to high-altitude areas not served by regular airlines.

Departure tax

All passengers on domestic flights in Nepal, including tourists, must pay standard taxes and airport service charges, which are usually included in the ticket price, so no additional fees are required at the airport.

Road

Travelling by road is the most common way to move between cities and regions in Nepal, but journeys can be slow due to the country's mountainous terrain, frequent roadworks and variable driving conditions. Major highways such as the Prithvi Highway (linking Kathmandu and Pokhara) and the East–West Highway are paved and generally reliable, while many secondary roads are narrow, winding or affected by landslides during the monsoon. Travel times can be significantly longer than the distance suggests, so visitors should plan with flexibility.

Road transport ranges from comfortable tourist buses to basic local services. Tourist buses usually operate between popular routes like Kathmandu–Pokhara and Kathmandu–Chitwan, offering air-conditioning, reserved seating and scheduled stops. Local buses serve almost every town and village but tend to be crowded and less predictable. Taxis, private cars with drivers, and hired jeeps are widely available for shorter journeys or for reaching remote areas where buses do not operate regularly.

Driving yourself is possible but not generally recommended due to challenging traffic, road conditions and local driving habits. Travellers should always check the latest road conditions before setting out, as landslides, bandas (strikes) and weather can disrupt travel at short notice.

Side of the road

Road Quality

Road quality in Nepal varies widely. Main highways such as the Prithvi Highway (Kathmandu–Pokhara) and the East–West Highway are paved and generally in fair to good condition, though sections may be uneven or under repair. Secondary roads can be narrow, winding and poorly maintained, with potholes and gravel patches common, especially in hilly and mountainous regions. During the monsoon (June to September), landslides and flooding frequently disrupt travel, causing delays or temporary closures. In remote areas, many roads are unpaved and may require a 4WD vehicle.

Road Classification

Nepal's road network is generally divided into three main categories:
• National highways form the country's primary routes, linking major cities and regions; these roads are paved and maintained by the central government, though conditions can vary.
• Feeder roads connect towns and smaller centres to the national highways and may be paved or unpaved depending on the region.
• Rural and district roads serve villages and remote areas; many of these are gravel or dirt tracks and can become difficult to navigate during the monsoon or winter. Signage is limited outside urban areas, and road conditions can change quickly due to weather and ongoing construction.

Car Hire

Car hire is available in Nepal, but it is far more common (and strongly recommended) to rent a vehicle with a driver rather than drive yourself. Most international and local rental companies in Kathmandu and Pokhara offer cars, jeeps and SUVs on a chauffeur-driven basis, which is the standard option for tourists. Hiring a self-drive car is technically possible but not widespread, as road conditions, traffic, limited signage and local driving habits make self-driving challenging for visitors.

Travellers who do choose to drive must carry a valid International Driving Permit, and should be prepared for narrow roads, steep mountain routes and unpredictable traffic. For safety and convenience, especially outside major cities, most visitors opt for a driver, which is relatively affordable by international standards.

Taxi

Taxis are widely available in Kathmandu, Pokhara and other major towns. Fares are generally low, but meters are not always used; it is common to agree on the price before starting the journey. Taxis can be hailed on the street or booked through hotels and travel agencies. In cities, small electric three-wheelers and shared microvans also operate fixed routes at inexpensive rates, though they can be crowded.

Ride-hailing services exist in Nepal, with Pathao and InDrive being the most popular apps in urban areas. These services are usually cheaper and more predictable than regular taxis, though availability may vary outside major cities. For longer distances, private cars with drivers can be hired through local agencies, offering a more comfortable and reliable option for intercity travel.

Bike

Cycling in Nepal can be an enjoyable way to explore certain areas, especially around Pokhara's lakeside and in quieter sections of the Kathmandu Valley. Mountain biking is also popular, with trails leading through rural villages, terraced fields and forested hills. However, cycling in busy urban centres can be challenging due to heavy traffic, uneven roads and limited cycling infrastructure. Visitors should be confident riders and prepared for steep gradients in hilly areas. Rental bikes are widely available in Pokhara and the tourist districts of Kathmandu.

Coach

Long-distance bus and coach services are widely used for domestic travel in Nepal. Tourist coaches operate on major routes such as Kathmandu–Pokhara, Kathmandu–Chitwan and Kathmandu–Lumbini, offering more comfortable seating, scheduled departures and occasional air conditioning. These services are generally safer and more reliable than standard local buses. Local buses and microvans run almost everywhere but can be crowded and make frequent stops, leading to longer journey times. Road conditions, weather and traffic congestion can affect travel times for all services, so travellers should remain flexible when planning trips by road.

Regulations

Foreigners driving in Nepal must carry a valid driving licence from their home country along with an International Driving Permit (IDP). Traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road. Speed limits vary by area, though enforcement can be inconsistent; drivers should proceed cautiously, especially on urban streets and mountain roads. Seat belts are required for front-seat passengers, and motorcycles require helmets. Drink-driving laws are strict, with police conducting regular checks.

Breakdown services

Nepal does not have a nationwide breakdown or roadside assistance service. In the event of a vehicle breakdown, travellers usually rely on their rental company, local mechanics, or passing traffic for help. In more remote areas, assistance may take time to reach, so make sure the vehicle is in good condition and carry essential supplies.

Documentation

To legally drive in Nepal, visitors typically need the following:
• A valid driving licence from their home country, accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP). Nepal recognises IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention.
• Foreign licences alone are not considered sufficient; the IDP must be carried together with the original licence at all times.

For motorbike riders, the licence from the visitor's home country must include a motorcycle endorsement, and the IDP should reflect the same category. Nepal requires a proper licence for motorbikes with an engine capacity over 50cc, and riding without correct documentation may result in fines, invalidated insurance or legal complications.

Urban travel

Getting around cities in Nepal is an adventure of its own, with a mix of modern and traditional transport options. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, traffic is often busy and unpredictable, and motorbikes remain one of the most common ways for locals to move around. Visitors can hire motorbikes, although riding in Nepal's urban traffic is best suited to experienced riders.

Public buses and microvans operate throughout major cities and are an inexpensive way to travel, though they can be crowded and routes are not always easy for newcomers to follow. Signage is limited, and stops are often informal, making these services more suitable for confident, budget-focused travellers.

Taxis are widely used in urban areas and offer a more convenient way to get around. Fares are low by international standards, but meters are not always used, so agreeing on the price beforehand is common. Ride-hailing apps such as Pathao and InDrive are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara, providing a more predictable alternative to street taxis.

Rickshaws, including cycle rickshaws, can still be found in parts of Kathmandu, especially around tourist areas, offering a slower and more scenic way to explore short distances. They are less common as everyday transport but remain popular for leisurely rides.

Walking is often the best way to explore historic districts such as Kathmandu’s Durbar Square or the lakeside area of Pokhara, though pavements can be uneven and traffic requires caution. Narrow lanes, small temples and bustling markets make urban walking both rewarding and immersive for visitors who take their time.

Rail

The country does not have a national passenger railway network, and there are currently no regular domestic train services operating between major cities or tourist destinations.