Whether you’re traveling around Nepal by air, public bus or private car, you can be sure of a ride that’s incredibly scenic.Regular domestic flights pass along, between and above the highest mountains in the world. Slower overland travel has the benefit of winding through lush river valleys, beside terraced farmland and rural villages, with mountains coming into view at surprising points along the way.
Wedged between China and India, Nepal looks rather small on a map – yet its mountainous terrain and general lack (or poor quality) of transport infrastructure make getting around slow going. During your trip, you might combine private transfers with a driver (by four-wheel drive or regular cars) with local buses and/or domestic flights. Since safety is a serious concern for all modes of transport, it’s important to weigh up your options in relation to your budget, time constrictions and risk tolerance when considering how to explore Nepal. But short-and-sweet flights to remote mountain airstrips and slow overland routes have one thing in common: they offer to-die-for views.As you plan your journey to and around this wonderful if challenging country, here’s what you need to know about getting around in Nepal.
Take a private vehicle for the most comfort Whether you’re sightseeing within Kathmandu or Pokhara, wanting to travel between these two cities (a distance of 125 miles/200km) or needing to be deposited at a remote mountain trailhead, taking a private vehicle and driver is generally the most comfortable way of traveling in Nepal.It’s also among the most expensive.Private cars and public buses alike have to travel on the same roads, which are often pot-holed, dusty, muddy – or a combination of the three. Road works and traffic jams are also a pitfall of road travel in Nepal, and both can add hours to what would seem to be short journeys. But traveling by private car means you can stop for a rest when you wish, benefit from a better suspension and enjoy the skills of a safe, experienced driver (usually). Note that foreigners are not allowed to drive cars in Nepal, which means getting behind the wheel to take a self-driving road trip in Nepal isn’t in the cards.
Take taxis for short-distance travel within cities.Regular taxis are a common way of getting around Kathmandu and Pokhara. You can hail them from the side of the road, from taxi stands in some areas or through your hotel. Taxis in Nepal don’t generally use a meter, even if the vehicle is equipped with one; you should count on negotiating your fare before getting in. If you’re not sure how much a journey should cost, ask at your hotel to get a rough idea before heading out.
Take the bus for the cheapest way to travel around Nepal.
Nepal is generally a budget-friendly destination – yet the cost of taxis, private cars and flights can certainly add up. If you’re on a tight budget, taking local or tourist buses is the way to go. But before you set off, you should prepare yourself for slower journeys and a significant amount of discomfort if you travel Nepal by bus.Larger than standard buses in the country, tourist buses are the more comfortable choice. Their drivers are generally competent, you’ll have your own seat (no roof seating or standing in the aisles) and there may be air conditioning (although how well it works is often down to chance). Kathmandu–Pokhara, Kathmandu–Sauraha (Chitwan) and Pokhara–Sauraha are the main tourist-bus routes, with departures generally early in the morning that arrive in the afternoon. You have to purchase tickets in advance, which your hotel can easily help facilitate.
Local buses are another story. You can catch these almost anywhere you might want to go, from major cities to remote towns, for small change. (Most cities have multiple bus stands, so take care to head to the right one.) You usually don’t need to buy a ticket in advance, though it’s a good idea around festivals. The drawbacks of traveling by local bus are unreliable departure times, old and worn-out vehicles, questionable driving and cramped seating. Bus accidents – and passenger deaths – are dismayingly common, and usually involve local rather than tourist buses.Kathmandu and Pokhara also have local buses, which are an inexpensive way of getting around town. You might find these tricky to catch, however, if you don’t have a functional knowledge of Devanagari script. In Kathmandu, the large, green, cooperatively run Sajha Yatayat buses run on electricity (one of the few environmentally friendly means of transportation in Nepal, beyond walking), and can be a good way of crisscrossing the city.
Fly by plane if you’re short on timeAlthough Nepal only has three international airports (at Kathmandu, Pokhara and Lumbini), you’ll find many small airports and mountain airstrips around the country. Taking a domestic flight is essential (or near-essential) to access many long-distance trekking trails, such as the Everest Base Camp trek, as there’s no road access. Even when domestic flights aren’t essential, they can save an enormous amount of time, making flying one of the easiest ways to travel in Nepal. Compare a half-hour flight between Kathmandu and Pokhara with a 10-hour bumpy overland trip along the Prithvi Hwy (the journey is “supposed” to take five hours, but when road works and traffic jams are factored in, this timeframe would be a miracle). Or compare a half-hour flight between Pokhara and Jomsom with a 10-hour, four-wheel-drive journey along winding roads through the Kali Gandaki gorge.
There are, however, some serious drawbacks to flying. Flights are frequently delayed or canceled due to the weather (in the winter, in monsoon season and really all year long). You’ll need to factor in buffer time, especially if you’re flying somewhere like Lukla (gateway to the Everest region), where you can’t fall back on road transport. You wouldn’t want to miss an international flight because of three days of fog in Lukla. Safety is the other major concern. On the one hand, 30 minutes in an airplane with an experienced pilot may seem safer than 10 hours on Nepal’s dangerous roads. On the other, Nepal has seen more than its fair share of aviation accidents. Nepali pilots are generally well-trained and experienced – hats off to anyone who can fly in such challenging conditions – but airplane maintenance is often not up to international standards, and runways in difficult-to-reach locations can be in poor condition.
Another common flight route is the Everest sightseeing flight from Kathmandu. These flights depart Kathmandu early in the morning and make a round trip east, offering great views of Mt Everest and other Himalayan giants. While your plane won’t fly over Everest or even approach it, you’ll be able to see it clearly on the horizon. These flights are purely for sightseeing rather than a way to get from one place to another – but they’re low-risk because they travel at quite high altitudes, so aren’t too affected by mountain weather conditions.
Take a helicopter flight for the best views
Helicopter flights are usually restricted to sightseeing flights and rescue operations. Unless you’re a VIP, charter heli flights aren’t a common means of travel, and come with a hefty price tag. If you have a generous budget but not much time, heli-hiking trips can be arranged in some areas, particularly the Everest and Annapurna regions: you can take a helicopter from Kathmandu or Pokhara into the mountains, trek for a few hours, then return by air. While far from the cheapest way to travel around Nepal, this is a wonderful luxury for adventurous trekkers on a tight-ish timeframes.
Cycle for fun or fitness
With wild drivers and minimal bike lanes, Nepal’s road conditions don’t make cycling a very appealing option in most parts of the country. Yet the hilly terrain means mountain biking is an increasingly popular sport, especially in the hills around Kathmandu. You can rent cycles in Thamel (in central Kathmandu) and go independently or with a guide (Socialtours is an excellent one). Similarly, cycling through farmland and villages is a popular activity in Chitwan, where the land is flat and there isn’t much traffic. Pedaling between rice fields and villages as the sun sets is a lovely way to end a day in Chitwan.
Accessible travel in Nepal
Unfortunately, Nepal is not a very accessible travel destination for travelers who use wheelchairs who have other mobility issues. The poor condition of the roads makes getting around uncomfortable for everyone, and would be especially challenging for travelers with extra needs. Yet those with disabilities traveling with non-disabled travel companions may be able to get around by hiring a car and driver, and taking domestic flights when necessary. Alternatively, disabled travelers could limit their travel to Kathmandu only, and avoid difficult long-distance travel throughout the country.
c:Elen Planet
From the high Himalayas to the lush green foothills, from arid plateaus to shimmering glaciers, Nepal offers an incomparable array of hiking trails. If there's a better – and easier – place to trek anywhere in the world, we've yet to find it.Many of Nepal's most celebrated treks pass through national parks or protected areas, but permits and national park fees are mostly inexpensive. Teahouses and trekking lodges are commonplace along most of the popular trails, but some routes involve camping, and many treks that pass close to internal borders can only be attempted as an organized trek arranged through an approved trekking agency.Whether you fancy a short, relaxed hike on a fleeting visit to the mountains, or a challenging multi-week expedition over high passes, Nepal has treks for all levels of fitness and experience. Here are 10 of the best hikes in Nepal.Everest Base CampBest for Everest views130km (80.7 miles); 14–20 days; hardThe most famous trek in Nepal – if not the world – is the two-week trip to Everest Base Camp, which draws thousands of trekkers every year. Starting and finishing at the precariously balanced airstrip in Lukla, this high-altitude epic provides some fascinating insights into the Sherpa culture of the Solu Khumbu region, and the chance to gaze on the tallest mountain on Earth – known as Sagarmatha in Nepal, and Chomolungma in neighboring Tibet.High-quality lodges line the entire route, but the trails can get very busy, particularly during the October–November high season, though few who complete the two- to three-week route are disappointed by the experience. If you want a calmer trek, consider some of the less crowded routes that snake through the foothills around Everest, including the stunning trek to Gokyo and the Three Passes Trek.Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter.Annapurna CircuitBest for diverse scenery160–230km (99.4–142.9 miles); 10–17 days; hardThe most popular trek in Nepal, the Annapurna Circuit is stunningly varied. As you walk, you'll encounter plunging valleys, deep gorges, rivers, lakes, glaciers and snow-topped peaks, as well as Gurung, Manangi and Thakali villages. Accessed from Pokhara, the route is dotted with comfortable lodges and important Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage sites. Its high point – literally and figuratively – is the 5,416m (17,768ft) Thorung La, a mountain pass that transports you from the green foothills to the arid Trans-Himalayan plateau. Best walked counter-clockwise, this trail has numerous options for extensions and side trips, such as the highly rewarding week-long trek to the villages of Nar and Phu. Note that the Annapurna Circuit gets very busy in the peak season. Because of road building, some sections are more developed than you might expect, and the route gets shorter every year as the road reaches new villages.Manaslu CircuitBest alternative to the Annapurna CircuitAround 180km (111.8 miles); 16 days; hardTravelers seeking a quieter trail than the renowned Annapurna Circuit but a similar range of dramatic scenery should try the Manaslu Circuit, which lies to the east of the Annapurna massif. An excellent all-rounder, this teahouse trek is centered around the eponymous Manaslu, the world’s eighth-tallest peak at 8,163m (26,781ft).The Manaslu Circuit trek covers everything from steamy jungles to breathless mountain passes, natural hot springs and tranquil villages. En route, you'll cross gorges on precipitous suspension bridges and hike through emerald-green foothills lined with rice paddies.Annapurna SanctuaryBest for mountain sceneryAround 115km (71.4 miles); 10–14 days; moderate-hardFew sights in the Himalayas compare with the magnificent Annapurna Sanctuary, an elevated, amphitheater-like plateau north of Pokhara, encircled by a crown of looming glaciers and sky-piercing mountains. This lofty basin is the centerpiece of an enjoyable teahouse trek, which showcases some of the finest mountain vistas in Nepal. Along the trail, you'll pass Gurung villages, terraced rice fields, natural hot springs and densely forested hills. Just bear in mind that the Annapurna Sanctuary is a popular route, so don’t expect to have the trails to yourself.Ghandruk LoopBest short trek25km (15.5 miles); 3 days; easyIf you’re a novice hiker or simply pressed for time, head to Pokhara, the starting point for several short but rewarding treks in the foothills of the Annapurnas. One of the standout routes is the Ghandruk Loop, which takes you through rice paddies, forests of rhododendron trees – which bloom spectacularly in the spring – and Gurung villages, where accommodation ranges from simple teahouses to well-equipped lodges.The first day mirrors the opening section of the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, and there are superb mountain views all along this relatively steep route, which can be comfortably hiked in the winter, as well as in fall and spring, thanks to its low altitude.Suspension bridge above a river canyon on the Gosainkunda routeThe trek from the Langtang Valley to Gosainkunda is one of Nepal's loveliest trails © Subbotsky / Getty ImagesLangtang ValleyBest one-week trekAround 65–80km (40.3–49.7miles); 7–8 days; moderateThe popular trekking route through the gorgeous Langtang Valley, which resembles a super-charged version of the Alps and lies close to the Tibetan border, packs in a lot of trekking wonders over the course of a week. It's also conveniently close to Kathmandu and accessible by public bus, reducing your carbon footprint.From the trailhead at Syabrubesi, this teahouse trek takes you from pastureland, bamboo groves and waterfalls to soaring mountains and creaking glaciers. If you have a few extra days to spare, it's well worth extending the trek to the sacred lakes at Gosainkunda, ringed by ice-capped mountains at an altitude of 4,400m (14,436ft).Tamang Heritage TrailBest cultural trekAround 55km (34.1 miles); 6 days; moderateNepal’s trekking routes are renowned for immersing travelers in jaw-dropping Himalayan scenery, but the Tamang Heritage Trail is focused on rich cultural insights – though the views are pretty spectacular too. The trek starts at Syabrubesi and loops through the hills to the north, linking a series of traditional Tamang villages.Many of these villages have homestay accommodation, offering a chance to learn more about Tamang Buddhist culture, which has its origins across the border in Tibet, and the lives of the people who thrive in this far-flung region. There are also beautiful Buddhist temples, monuments and sacred sites to visit along the way.Kanchenjunga Base CampBest for escaping the crowdsAround 220km (136.7 miles); 14–28 days; hardIf you are looking to escape the crowds that throng the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna trails during the high season, the little-visited foothills of 8,586m (28,169ft) Kanchenjunga in the far east of Nepal fit the bill perfectly. This wild, remote corner of the country sees just a handful of trekkers every season, and it can only be visited on an organized trek. Two tough but spectacular trails lead to the northern and southern base camps used by mountaineers climbing the world’s third-tallest peak. Along the way, you’ll camp or stay in rustic teahouses in isolated villages and climb through empty valleys, pastures and mountain forests. There are plenty of high passes to cross before you bask in front of majestic views of Kanchenjunga, and you'll rarely have to share the experience with a crowd.Village with terraced fields above Nagarkot, NepalThe villages fringing the Kathmandu Valley are just as interesting as the high mountain passes © Getty Images / Moment OpenNagarkot to DhulikhelBest day hike20km (12.4 miles); one day; easyThe fringes of the Kathmandu Valley are ribboned with easily accessible trails that are ideal for half- or full-day hikes – and most are accessible by local bus or taxi from Kathmandu. One of the best trails links the ridge-top village of Nagarkot with the pretty Newari town of Dhulikhel, both famous for their glorious views of the Himalayas, especially at sunrise.Part of the longer Kathmandu Valley Cultural Trekking Trail, this route can be augmented with worthwhile side trips to Panauti, one of Nepal’s oldest towns, and the Buddhist center of Namobuddha. Best of all, no permits or national park fees are required.Great Himalayan TrailBest epic adventure2,500km (1,553.4 miles); 50–160 days; hardFor travelers with lots of time, a big budget, boundless energy and a giant sense of adventure, the Great Himalayan Trail is the ultimate challenge. Running the length of the Nepali Himalayas, this once-in-a-lifetime route was designed to encourage trekkers to get off the beaten path and spread the financial benefits of tourism to a wider range of communities.Crossing the country from Kanchenjunga all the way to the far west of Nepal, this trek is as much a logistical puzzle as a physical feat, not least because you have to arrange a number of time-limited trekking permits in advance. Rather than doing the trail in one go, a more attainable goal is to break it up into segments and complete it over several years.Text : Lonely Planet
