Nepal (NP)
Nepal is a landlocked Himalayan nation between India and China, home to eight of the world's ten highest peaks including Mount Everest (8,849m).
Getting Around
Transport options for living in Nepal.
Public Transport Overview
Urban transport is informal and crowded: microbuses, buses, tempos, taxis and ride-hailing dominate. There is no metro. Intercity travel uses buses, tourist buses, domestic flights and private vehicles. Weather, festivals, strikes and road conditions can disrupt every plan.
🎫 Transit Passes
Kathmandu Valley and local routes
Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Pokhara and growing cities
Kathmandu–Pokhara–Chitwan–Lumbini routes
Taxi & Rideshare
Taxis are common in Kathmandu but meter use is inconsistent. Agree fare or use ride-hailing. Airport taxis cost more than city rides.
Rideshare (Long-distance)
Pathao, inDrive and Yango (launched May 2025) are widely used in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Helmets for bike rides can be poor; carry a mask.
Cycling
Cycling is possible but traffic, dust, dogs, potholes and lack of lanes make commuting risky. Mountain biking is better as recreation.
Intercity Trains
No useful national passenger rail for expats. Limited railway in the Terai does not replace buses or domestic flights.
Driving
Driving is on the left. Foreigners should be cautious: roads are chaotic, licences and IDP rules need checking, night intercity travel is risky and insurance gaps are common. No mandatory winter tyre requirement.
Airports
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu is the main gateway. Pokhara International and Gautam Buddha International airports handle some regional routes but international schedule availability varies. Mountain weather causes delays.