Nepal Transportation Guide: Tourist Buses, Domestic Flights, Ride-Hailing Apps, and Trekking Permits
Transport Guide
2026-10-02
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How to get from the airport into town, whether to take a bus or flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, how to obtain trekking permits — all the key details about transportation and travel logistics in Nepal, including reference prices.
Arrival and Airport Transfers
| Option | Description | Time/Price |
|---|
| Prepaid Taxi | From Tribhuvan Airport to Thamel | Approximately 20–40 minutes, NPR 700–1,200 |
| Ride-Hailing Apps | Use platforms like Pathao or inDrive | Transparent pricing, approximately NPR 400–800 |
| Hotel Transfer | Arranged by your hotel | Approximately NPR 1,000–2,000 |
Between Cities
- Tourist Bus: Kathmandu to Pokhara takes around six to seven hours, with morning departures. Seats are comfortable and the scenery is great. Fare is about NPR 1,200–2,500.
- Domestic Flight: Kathmandu to Pokhara takes about thirty minutes. More expensive but faster; mountain flights are often delayed due to weather.
- Jeep or Private Car: Suitable for reaching Chitwan or mountain areas. Costs can be shared and routes are flexible.
- Public Bus: Extensive coverage and very cheap, but buses are crowded and slow. Good for experiencing local life.
Getting Around Town
- Taxi: In Kathmandu, most taxis are not metered. Agree on the fare before starting your trip. Prices may be higher at night or during rain.
- Ride-Hailing Apps: Pathao and inDrive are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara, with transparent pricing.
- Rickshaw & Auto-rickshaw (Tuk-tuk): Good for short trips, but you should still negotiate the fare first.
Trekking Transport and Permits
- To reach the Everest Base Camp route, you must first fly to Lukla. Flights are highly weather-dependent; book early during peak season and allow extra time for possible delays.
- Before trekking, obtain a TIMS card and national park permit in Kathmandu or Pokhara — missing either may result in being stopped by authorities.
- In mountainous areas, transport is mainly on foot or by mule. Helicopters can sometimes be rented for emergency evacuations. It’s advisable to get travel insurance that includes rescue coverage.