Getting around Nepal
General information
When it comes to getting around, the main mode of transport in Nepal is your own two feet! Most travellers come here to trek, so it really is a case of putting your best foot forward and heading into the hills. Of course, there are plenty of other Nepal transport options too. We can arrange all of your local transport between our bite-sized Nepal trips to create a longer itinerary for you. It’s probably best to point out that there are no trains in Nepal, purely because the landscape is so mountainous and rail journeys would be hair-raising to say the least!
Buses
If you’re on a budget, the Green Line Bus Service is a great option for getting around in Nepal. The buses are quick, regular and pretty clean. They run back and forth between Kathmandu and Pokhara, and also to Chitwan National Park. Of course, a road trip in the Himalayas is never without a white knuckle factor. The scenery will be fantastic and twists and turns may well keep you on the edge of your seat.
Private Car
If you don’t need to watch the pennies quite so much, you could swap the Green Line bus journeys for private cars. As we run independent trips rather than group tours, you’ll travel by private air-conditioned car if you choose this option. Your friendly drivers are likely to speak only basic English, so you might need to brush up on your miming skills, or take a phrase book with you
Domestic Flights
One very quick and easy mode of transport in Nepal is an internal flight. If you’re short on time, this is a brilliant way to get the most out of your trip. Flights operate between Kathmandu and Pokhara regularly, and you can also take smaller flights to the starting point of certain treks. If you manage to snap up a window seat, you’ll be treated to magnificent views of the Himalayan Mountains as you fly. Before deciding whether to take a domestic flight in Nepal you should be aware that all airlines that operate domestic flights in Nepal are blacklisted by the EU. This means they operate below EU safety standards and therefore are unable to enter European airspace.
Travelling with Meaning
In Nepal there is plenty of opportunity to get around on foot, especially during a trek. We like to travel by Green Line bus in Nepal but we wouldn’t recommend riding on the roof like some of the local travellers. Exploring each small town by bicycle is also a fantastic way to support the area, through local villages and visiting areas you might not be able to reach by car. Cycle rickshaws are very environmentally friendly and a cheap way to get around the towns and cities. Get ready to haggle for that rickshaw though! It’s all part of the fun!
