Buses & Tourist Buses

Buses are the main means of transport in Nepal. The quality ranges from surprisingly comfortable to... adventurous.

Tourist Buses

Air-conditioned buses on the main routes — the best option for travelers:

• Kathmandu → Pokhara: 6–7h, 800–1,500 NPR (€5–10). Departure in the morning (6:30–7:30 AM) from the tourist bus park. Scenic route!
• Kathmandu → Chitwan (Sauraha): 5–6h, 600–1,000 NPR (€4–7)
• Pokhara → Chitwan (Sauraha): 5–6h, 600–1,000 NPR
• Kathmandu → Lumbini: 8–10h, 1,000–1,500 NPR

Providers: Greenline (premium, with lunch stop), Buddha Bus, several local providers. Tickets via your hotel or trekking agencies in Thamel.

Local Buses

The experience of a lifetime — or a nightmare, depending on your perspective. Nepal's local buses are crowded, slow, loud and travel on roads that sometimes barely deserve the name. But they are dirt cheap (Kathmandu–Pokhara for €2–3) and get you everywhere. Expect: Luggage on the roof, chickens in the aisle, Bollywood music at full volume, and hairpin bends along cliffs.

Micro-Buses & Jeeps

On shorter routes and in the mountains, micro-buses (minibuses) and jeeps (Mahindra Scorpio or similar) operate. They are faster than buses but even more cramped. On trekking routes like Besisahar (Annapurna) or Syabrubesi (Langtang), jeeps are often the only motorized option.

Taxis, Rickshaws & Grab

In Kathmandu and Pokhara, taxis are the most practical means of transport for short distances. Important: ALWAYS negotiate the price BEFORE getting in! Meters exist in theory but are practically never used. Guidelines for Kathmandu:

• Airport → Thamel: 600–800 NPR (Pre-paid taxi at the airport: fixed at 700 NPR)
• Thamel → Boudhanath: 300–500 NPR
• Thamel → Patan Durbar Square: 400–600 NPR
• Thamel → Bhaktapur: 800–1,200 NPR (one way)
• Thamel → Pashupatinath: 300–500 NPR

Rickshaws (bicycle rickshaws) operate in the old town and between Thamel and Durbar Square — charming, slow, and cheap (100–200 NPR for short distances). Bargain hard!

Ride-Hailing: The app Pathao (Nepal's Uber) works in Kathmandu and Pokhara — order motorcycle taxis and cars via app, fixed price, no haggling needed. Significantly cheaper than traditional taxis.

At Kathmandu Airport (TIA)

The Tribhuvan International Airport is Nepal's only international airport — and it is... an acquired taste. Small, chaotic, sometimes overwhelming. What you need to know:

• Arrival: Visa machines → passport control → baggage claim (often long waits) → customs (usually waved through). Plan 1–2 hours for the entire process. Tip: Fill out the visa form ONLINE in advance!
• SIM Card: Right after customs, there are Ncell and NTC stands. Buy a SIM card (200–500 NPR + data package). Passport and passport photo required
• Money: ATMs and exchange offices are available right after the exit. The airport exchange rate is fair
• Transport: Pre-paid taxi to Thamel: 700 NPR (counter in the arrival hall). Regular taxis: negotiate (600–800 NPR). NO Uber/Grab at the airport, but Pathao works
• Departure: Be at the airport at least 3 hours before departure! Security checks take a long time, and there are only a few gates. The departure tax is included in the ticket