Getting There and Travelling Around

International Airports

• Kathmandu (KTM): 6.5 km from the city.
• Full list of airports in Nepal with associated airport codes >

Internal Transport

There are a range of domestic flights providing regular and charter services to popular destinations across Nepal. It should be noted however, that air fares must be paid in foreign currency (rather than Nepalese rupees) by foreign nationals.

There is a freight and passenger rail service in the eastern Terai.

The road system in Nepal is of unpredictable quality, with many hill and mountain roads impassable during the monsoon season (June to September). Cars can be hired in Kathmandu and bicycles and motorcycles may be hired cheaply from Thamel, Rani Pokhari and Jhochhen. Motorcyclists will require a driving licence.

There are regular bus services to Kathmandu from all the border points, and travel to other parts of the country may be arranged from Gongabu bus terminal, which is located near Balaju. Deluxe tourist buses are available from Kathmandu and minibuses are also available for long distance travel. However, visitors should be aware that multiple-fatality accidents on buses are common.

Travel within Kathmandu may be carried out using the 11 km long trolleybus system, with private minibuses feeding the route from nearby villages. There are also regular bus services in the populous areas around Kathmandu, which include the neighbouring cities of Bhaktapur and Patan. Private and metered taxis are available in the city; private taxis tend to be the more expensive of the two, and fares should always be negotiated in advance. Expect to pay 50% more at night.

Slightly cheaper than taxis are the three-wheel scooters, known as tempos. These should offer metered fares. Rickshaws also operate throughout Kathmandu; fares should be agreed before departure.