No matter how you travel through Nepal, stunning vistas await you.

Whether you’re exploring Nepal by air, public bus, or private vehicle, you’re guaranteed an incredibly picturesque journey.

Frequent domestic flights soar between the world's tallest peaks, while slower overland travel offers the chance to meander through lush river valleys, past terraced farms, and quaint villages, with breathtaking mountain views popping up unexpectedly along the route.

Nestled between China and India, Nepal may appear small on a map, but its rugged landscape and limited transport infrastructure can make travel slow. During your journey, you may mix private vehicle transfers with local buses and domestic flights.

Given that safety is a crucial factor for all transportation methods, it's vital to consider your budget, time constraints, and comfort with risk when planning your exploration of Nepal. Regardless of whether you choose quick flights to remote mountain airstrips or leisurely overland paths, one thing is certain: the views are absolutely breathtaking.

As you prepare for your adventure in this beautiful yet challenging nation, here’s what you should know about traveling around Nepal.

Opt for a private vehicle for the utmost comfort.

Whether you’re exploring the sights in Kathmandu or Pokhara, traveling the 125 miles (200 km) between these cities, or heading to a remote mountain trailhead, hiring a private vehicle and driver typically offers the most comfortable travel experience in Nepal.

It’s also one of the priciest options.

Both private cars and public buses share the same often rough roads, which can be pothole-ridden, dusty, muddy, or a mix of all three. Road construction and traffic congestion are common challenges of road travel in Nepal, potentially turning short trips into lengthy journeys. However, traveling by private car allows for breaks whenever you want, offers a smoother ride, and typically comes with the expertise of a skilled, safe driver.

Keep in mind that foreigners are prohibited from driving in Nepal, so a self-driving adventure is not an option.

Use taxis for short trips within cities.

Regular taxis are a popular mode of transport in Kathmandu and Pokhara. You can catch them from the roadside, at taxi stands in certain areas, or request one through your hotel. Typically, taxis in Nepal don’t use meters, even if they have one, so it's best to negotiate your fare before getting in. If you're uncertain about the cost of a trip, check with your hotel for an estimate before you go.

Opt for the bus for the most economical way to explore Nepal.

Nepal is largely an affordable travel destination, but the expenses for taxis, private cars, and flights can add up quickly. If you're on a tight budget, opting for local or tourist buses is advisable. Just be ready for slower travel times and potential discomfort when using buses in Nepal.

Tourist buses are larger than standard local buses and offer a more comfortable ride. Their drivers are typically skilled, you’ll have your own seat (no standing or roof seating), and air conditioning may be available, though its effectiveness can be hit or miss. Major routes include Kathmandu–Pokhara, Kathmandu–Sauraha (Chitwan), and Pokhara–Sauraha, with early morning departures arriving in the afternoon. Tickets must be purchased in advance, which your hotel can assist with.

Local buses offer a different experience. They can be found almost anywhere, connecting major cities to remote areas for just a small fare. Most cities have several bus stands, so make sure you go to the correct one. Tickets are usually not required in advance, though it’s wise to secure one during festivals. The downsides of local buses include unpredictable departure times, aging vehicles, questionable driving, and cramped conditions. Accidents, including fatalities, are unfortunately common with local buses, as opposed to tourist options.

Kathmandu and Pokhara feature local buses as an economical way to navigate the cities. However, catching them can be challenging without knowledge of Devanagari script. In Kathmandu, the large, green, cooperatively operated Sajha Yatayat buses run on electricity, making them one of the few eco-friendly transport options available, besides walking, and are great for traversing the city.

Choose to fly if you’re pressed for time.

Nepal has only three international airports—located in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lumbini—but numerous small airports and mountain airstrips can be found throughout the country. Taking a domestic flight is often crucial for accessing many long-distance trekking routes, such as the Everest Base Camp trek, as road access is nonexistent.

Even when domestic flights aren't strictly necessary, they can greatly reduce travel time, making flying one of the most convenient ways to get around Nepal. For instance, a half-hour flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara is a stark contrast to a 10-hour bumpy overland journey along the Prithvi Highway (which is “expected” to take five hours, but with road work and traffic, that timeframe is a wishful thinking). Similarly, a half-hour flight between Pokhara and Jomsom is much more appealing than a 10-hour, off-road trip through the winding Kali Gandaki gorge.

However, there are significant downsides to flying. Weather-related delays or cancellations are common (especially in winter and during the monsoon season, and really at any time of the year). It's essential to allow for extra time, particularly when flying to places like Lukla (the gateway to the Everest region), where road alternatives are not available. You wouldn't want to miss an international flight due to three days of fog in Lukla.

Safety is another significant concern. While a 30-minute flight with an experienced pilot may seem safer than a perilous 10-hour drive on Nepal’s roads, the country has experienced its share of aviation accidents. Generally, Nepali pilots are well-trained and skilled—kudos to those who navigate such challenging conditions—but airplane maintenance often falls short of international standards, and runways in remote areas may be in poor shape.

A popular flight option is the Everest sightseeing tour from Kathmandu. These flights take off early in the morning and circle eastward, providing stunning views of Mt. Everest and other majestic peaks. Although the plane won’t fly directly over Everest or come too close, the mountain is clearly visible on the horizon. These flights are intended purely for sightseeing rather than transportation, and they are relatively low-risk as they operate at high altitudes, minimizing the impact of mountain weather conditions.

Opt for a helicopter flight to enjoy the finest views.

Helicopter flights are typically limited to sightseeing excursions and rescue missions. Unless you’re a VIP, chartering a helicopter is not a common travel option and comes with a significant cost. For those with a generous budget and limited time, heli-hiking trips are available in certain areas, particularly in the Everest and Annapurna regions. You can take a helicopter from Kathmandu or Pokhara to the mountains, trek for a few hours, and then return by air. While this is far from the most economical way to explore Nepal, it offers a fantastic luxury for adventurous trekkers on a tighter schedule.

Ride for enjoyment or fitness.

Given the reckless drivers and scarce bike lanes, cycling isn’t the most appealing option in many parts of Nepal. However, the hilly landscape has made mountain biking increasingly popular, especially around the Kathmandu hills. You can rent bikes in Thamel (central Kathmandu) and explore independently or with a guide (Socialtours is highly recommended). In Chitwan, cycling through farmlands and villages is also a favored activity, where the flat terrain and light traffic make it enjoyable. Riding between rice fields and villages at sunset is a delightful way to wrap up a day in Chitwan.

Travel Accessibility in Nepal

Regrettably, Nepal is not a highly accessible destination for travelers using wheelchairs or those with mobility challenges. The poor state of the roads makes getting around uncomfortable for everyone, posing particular difficulties for those with additional needs. However, travelers with disabilities accompanied by non-disabled companions may find it possible to navigate the country by hiring a car and driver and utilizing domestic flights as necessary. Alternatively, disabled travelers could choose to focus their visit on Kathmandu, avoiding the more challenging long-distance journeys across the nation.

Continue planning your Nepal trip:

• Explore Kathmandu’s vibrant culture: reasons to stay a little longer • Top destinations in Nepal, from majestic mountains to Buddha’s birthplace • 15 must-do activities in Nepal: immerse yourself in the Himalayas