Transport in Nepal

Nepal can be entered by air and road. Air transport in Nepal is easier and more comfortable than road journey since Nepal is a mountainous country. Most tourists in Nepal enter through the Tribhuvan International Airport which is 5 miles or 8 kilometers from the heart of Kathmandu.

Transport to Nepal

By Air
The national flag carrier is the Royal Nepal Airlines. Capital Kathmandu is linked by air services to cities such as New Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, Hong Kong, Karachi, Dubai, Bangkok, Lhasa, Paro, Yangon, Dhaka, Colombo and Singapore. Major international airlines that operate scheduled air services to Nepal are mentioned below.

 Nepal Airlines (National Flag Carrier) New Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Banglore, Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong and Osaka via shanghai
zet light Delhi
Aeroflot Russian Airlines Moscow
Austrian Airlines Vienna
Biman Bangladesh airlines Dhaka
China southwest Airlines Paro, New Delhi
Gulf-Air Abu Dhabi, London
Indian Airlines Calcutta, New Delhi, Baranasi
Pakistan Int'l Airlines Karachi
Qatar Airlines Doha, London
Singapore Airlines Singapore
Thai Airways Bangkok
Transavia Airlines Amsterdam


Helicopters also provide air services, both regular and charter, to various destinations in Nepal. Most widely known tourist flight is Everest Experience which takes one above the marvelous snow capped mountains. One can even have a look on Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world, from the sky. Everest Experience is definitely an experience one never forgets

Departure and Airport Tax
Passengers departing from the Tribhuvan International Airport are required to pay an airport tax if going to SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka). Tax is bit higher for other international destinations, Domestic airport tax is much less.

By Road
There are several entry points by road route. Among road transportation entry points, Birganj, Belahia and Kakarvita are entry points at Indo-Nepal border, while Kodari entry point is at Tibet (China)-Nepal border. Birganj is the most common place for entry of tourists travelling overland.

Entry Point Location
Kakarvita, Jhapa Eastern Nepal
Birganj, Parsa Central Nepal
Kodari Central Nepal at Northern Border with Autonomous Region of Tibet, China
Belahia, Bhairahwa Rupandehi, Western Nepal
Jamunaha, Nepalganj Banke, Mid-western Nepal
Mohana, Dhangadhi Kailali, Far Western Nepal
Gadda Chauki, Mahendranagar Kanchanpur, Far Western Nepal
Purang, Muchu Simikot, Far-Western Nepal at the Tibet, China-Nepal Border


Kathmandu
Kathmandu is connected with India through roads which pass through very picturesque highways. Tourists are allowec to drive their own cars. However, their vehicle must have an international carnet. Buses runs regularly from border entry points to Kathmandu. Interior parts of the country are also linked by buses from Kathmandu.

Railways
Nepal has railway connections with its neighbouring country, India. Two short stretches of railway are Raxaul (India) to Amlekhganj (Nepal) as well as Raxaul (India) to Janakpur (Nepal). Capital Kathmandu has no railway connectivity. However, buses are available for Kathmandu from Janakpur and Amlekhganj.

Buses
Buses are the cheapest means of transport in Nepal. They ply for both long and short journeys. While bus journeys one gets chance to freely interact with the locals and taste indigenous dishes on the way. Tourists who have sufficient time must definitely try local buses. Tourist buses are also run by private bus companies and travel agencies.

Cars & Motorbikes
Cars and motorbikes can be rented in Kathmandu, Pokhara and other prominent towns. For driving a bike, you are required to have a driving license and passport from your home country. Riding a bike in old parts of Kathmandu is a relishable driving experience. Cars and vans usually come with drivers, but you can drive them yourself also. Car hire can make your tour very comfortable and faster.

Rickshaws
Rickshaws (two-seater tricycles) are very useful for short trips. They can ply easily even in narrow lanes and crowded markets. One is advised to negotiate the fares beforehand. Many tourists find rickshaw trips very enjoyable.

Three-wheeler Autorickshaws
Autorickshaws are used to travel to various corners of the towns, although finding them after sunset is a bit difficult. Numerous taxi companies operate in Nepal. All these autorickshaws, cabs and tempos carry black plates with white numbers, for it has been mandatory by the authorities.