Set in the heart of the Himalayas, Nepal offers breathtaking mountain landscapes, ancient temples, and rich cultural heritage. From trekking to Everest Base Camp to exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley, this mystical country captivates adventurers and spiritual seekers alike.
- Public
- Local buses and microbuses are very cheap but extremely crowded and chaotic. Sajha Yatayat runs cleaner green electric buses on key routes. Not recommended for most tourists.
- Taxi
- Metered taxis exist but drivers often refuse the meter. Ride apps Pathao and InDrive offer transparent and cheaper fixed prices — strongly recommended over street taxis.
- Rental
- Self-driving not recommended due to chaotic traffic, poor signage, and dangerous mountain roads. Hiring a car with driver is the practical and safer option at $60-100/day.
- Walking
- Kathmandu's Thamel, Patan, and Bhaktapur cores are walkable but sidewalks are narrow, uneven, and often absent. Pokhara's Lakeside promenade is pleasant for walking. Air quality in Kathmandu may necessitate a mask.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Pre-paid taxi $7 (700 NPR)
- Shuttle
- Metered taxi $4-6 (400-600 NPR)
- Bus
- Taxi app (Pathao) $4-5 (500-600 NPR)
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Local buses (microbuses and large buses) operate throughout cities. Fares typically 20-50 NPR ($0.15-$0.35) within city limits. Crowded and chaotic but very cheap. Sajha Yatayat runs cleaner green buses.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Metered taxis available but drivers often refuse meter. Base fare 30 NPR, approximately 50 NPR per km. Agree on price before departure. Taxi apps (Pathao, InDrive) offer transparent pricing.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Extensive bus network connects all major cities. Tourist buses (more comfortable, AC) run Kathmandu-Pokhara for $8-12, local buses $5-7. Journey times: Kathmandu-Pokhara 6-8 hours, Kathmandu-Chitwan 5-6 hours. Book through hotels or bus stations.
Flights
Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Shree Airlines connect major cities. Kathmandu-Pokhara flights $100-150, 25 minutes. Kathmandu-Lukla (for Everest) $150-200. Mountain views on flights are spectacular.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Tribhuvan International Airport
From centre: 5 km to Thamel
Options: Pre-paid taxi $7 (700 NPR); Metered taxi $4-6 (400-600 NPR); Taxi app (Pathao) $4-5 (500-600 NPR); Local bus route 5 $0.30 (40 NPR)
Pokhara Regional International Airport
From centre: 3 km to Lakeside
Options: Taxi $5-8 (500-800 NPR); Hotel pickup (often free with booking); Local bus $0.50 (50 NPR)
Gautam Buddha Airport
From centre: 20 km to Lumbini
Options: Taxi $10-15 (1000-1500 NPR); Hotel shuttle (arrange in advance)
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Pathao
Nepal's most popular ride-sharing app offering bike taxi and car options throughout Kathmandu and Pokhara. Fixed upfront pricing, GPS tracking, and payment by cash or app wallet.
InDrive
International ride-sharing platform offering negotiated fares between drivers and passengers. Good for longer trips and when Pathao is busy. Available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Tootle
Nepal bike-sharing app specifically for two-wheeler rides — fastest option for short urban trips in Kathmandu and Pokhara where traffic makes car travel slow.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Always use Pathao or InDrive apps for city transport — prices are fixed upfront, meters are often ignored, and app rides are 20-30% cheaper than negotiating street taxis
Domestic flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara take 25 minutes vs 6-8 hours by bus — worth the premium ($100-150) for time savings, especially with heavy luggage
Tourist buses (Green Line, Greenline Nepal) on the Kathmandu-Pokhara route are significantly more comfortable than local buses with reclining seats and scheduled departure times
Book tourist buses 1-2 days ahead during peak season (October-November, March-April) as seats sell out quickly
Kathmandu traffic is notoriously severe in morning (8-10 AM) and evening (4-7 PM) rush hours — schedule airport pickups and sightseeing to avoid peak congestion
For Everest region travel, fly to Lukla (Tenzing-Hillary Airport) — the cheapest option is Tara Air or Summit Air from $150 return. Book well in advance as flights fill up