Local Transportation Options in Nepal for Tourism Destinations

Although Nepal is a small nation, travel requires a while due to poor road infrastructure and meandering mountain roads. Kathmandu appears to be a chaotic, difficult-to-navigate city at first impression. It can be a difficult task due to the heavy traffic and twisty roadways. However, there are mechanisms in place that will allow you to easily view the city's magnificent and historic areas. There are various ways to travel out of town and see beautiful Nepal. Some of the local transportation options that are available in Nepal for tourism purposes are as follows,

1. Buses and other public transport

The city is connected to the surrounding suburbs and towns by a network of buses and tempos (compact three-wheeled vehicles powered by electricity or gas). This is a wonderful alternative if you're searching for a cheap method to get about the city and to adjacent cities like Bhaktapur. While the buses stop frequently and can be noisy and hot, fares are usually under 50 rupees if you are staying in Kathmandu or nearby cities. The majority of bus lines start at Ratna Park, which is only a few minutes walks from Thamel. Finding the correct bus can be difficult because all signage is in Nepali. The conductors will, however, be calling out their locations if you pay attention. There are always people prepared to assist you in finding the correct bus. It'll be a little hectic, but it'll be the cheapest method to go and will give you a glimpse into Kathmandu's daily life. It's also worth noting that buses don't run late at night, and the frequency drops dramatically after 8 p.m.

Likewise, if you want to travel outside of Kathmandu by bus, you have two possibilities. Day buses depart in the morning and night buses depart in the evening. Even while night buses are normally more comfortable, the roads are still harsh, and you'll probably get very little sleep.

2. Tourist Buses

There are official tourist buses that run daily between Kathmandu and other cities in the country. Most local buses are not as roomy, clean, or comfortable as these vehicles, and the drivers are usually more conscientious. They're also not supposed to carry more people than there are seats (unlike municipal buses, which carry as many people as the vehicle can hold), which adds to your comfort. On the route, there are often scheduled meal stops, which are normally included in the ticket fee.

3. Hiring Car or Jeep

It is rather simple to book a cab for the day to go sightseeing in Kathmandu or for longer trips outside of the valley. For both options, both a driver and car can be arranged at any time for tours of Kathmandu and beyond with the help of a guide who will offer you extra information about the locations you are seeing that you would not otherwise find.

4. Domestic Flights

Various domestic airlines fly to key cities across the country if you are short on time or do not want to travel a day or two on a bus to get to your destination. While these flights are somewhat pricey for foreigners, they do reduce travel time. The trip to Pokhara, for example, takes about 8 hours, whereas the flight takes only 30 minutes. You may also take a picturesque mountain flight from Kathmandu to get a closer look at Everest. The most famous domestic airlines according to the excellence of their services are Yeti Airlines and Buddha Air. 

5. Bicycle

Mountain bike tours may be found all across Kathmandu and beyond. These vacations are exciting and adventurous, and you will remember them for a long time. There will be a lot of traffic and a lack of regard for cyclists if you want to pedal through the city. In regions of the city with a large ex-pat population, there are several bike lanes. Bicycles, however, share the road alongside buses, motorcycles, tempos, and automobiles on most roadways. In both Kathmandu and Pokhara, there are numerous rental outlets. Outside of it, though, finding a bike to rent will be a little more difficult.

6. Pathao, Indrive, Tootle

Transportation apps have grown widely in popularity in Nepal over the past few years. The most well-known and commonly used apps are Tootle and Pathao, but inDriver has started to gain traction in Kathmandu. Tootle is a Nepali product, whereas Pathao is a Bangladeshi product.

All of them have the choice of renting a car or a motorcycle, and the rates reflect this. This is a terrific alternative for single travelers because you can get on a bike and ride throughout the city which is much faster than traveling by local buses or car. If you're traveling with a larger party and need a car, the pricing is usually better than what most people can get. 

Therefore, several choices can be made while traveling around Nepal, from local buses to hiring private vehicles to domestic flights. You can make any of your choices depending upon your availability of time and the amount of money you want to spend.