Nepal Transportation Guide — How to Get Anywhere in Nepal
Where are you going? Browse our routes below or use the menu above.
Featured Routes
Kathmandu to Pokhara
200km • From $10 • 0.5h
Kathmandu to Lukla
140km • From $180 • 0.75h
Kathmandu to Chitwan
170km • From $8 • 0.4h
Pokhara to Chitwan
150km • From $8 • 0.3h
Pokhara to Jomsom
160km • From $15 • 0.3h
Kathmandu to Nagarkot
32km • From $2 • 1.5h
By Transport Type
Getting Around Nepal: A Complete Guide
Nepal’s diverse geography means traveling between destinations is often an adventure in itself. From the bustling streets of Kathmandu to the winding mountain roads of the Himalayas, understanding your transportation options is essential for a smooth trip.
Road Conditions and Travel Times
Distances in Nepal can be deceiving. A 200km journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara might take 7-8 hours by bus due to winding mountain roads, traffic, and frequent stops. During the monsoon season (June to August), landslides can cause unexpected delays. Always treat travel days as full days and keep a flexible itinerary.
Tourist Bus vs. Local Bus
For popular routes like Kathmandu to Pokhara or Chitwan, Tourist Buses are highly recommended. They are safer, more comfortable, have air conditioning, and make designated stops at hygienic restaurants. Local Buses are cheaper and go everywhere, but they are often crowded, stop frequently, and play loud music.
Domestic Flights
If you're short on time, domestic flights are a fantastic option. Flights to Pokhara, Chitwan (Bharatpur), and Lumbini (Bhairahawa) operate daily. Mountain flights to airstrips like Lukla (for Everest) or Jomsom (for Annapurna) are weather-dependent and typically fly early in the morning.
All Routes Directory
| Route | Distance | Available Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu to Pokhara | 200 km | bus, flight |
| Pokhara to Kathmandu | 200 km | bus, flight |
| Kathmandu to Lukla | 140 km | flight |
| Kathmandu to Chitwan | 170 km | bus, flight |
| Pokhara to Chitwan | 150 km | bus, flight |
| Pokhara to Jomsom | 160 km | bus, flight, jeep |
| Kathmandu to Nagarkot | 32 km | bus, taxi |
| Kathmandu to Lumbini | 260 km | bus, flight |
| Kathmandu to Bhaktapur | 15 km | bus, taxi |
| Kathmandu to Patan | 5 km | bus, taxi |
| Kathmandu to Dhulikhel | 30 km | bus, taxi |
| Kathmandu to Bandipur | 150 km | bus |
| Pokhara to Besisahar | 110 km | bus, taxi |
| Kathmandu to Besisahar | 234 km | bus, flight, jeep, taxi |
| Besisahar to Kathmandu | 234 km | bus, flight, jeep, taxi |
| Kathmandu to Jomsom | 56 km | bus, jeep, taxi |
| Jomsom to Kathmandu | 56 km | bus, jeep, taxi |
| Kathmandu to Muktinath | 195 km | bus, flight, jeep, taxi |
| Muktinath to Kathmandu | 195 km | bus, flight, jeep, taxi |
| Kathmandu to Tatopani | 297 km | bus, flight, jeep, taxi |
| Tatopani to Kathmandu | 297 km | bus, flight, jeep, taxi |
| Kathmandu to Beni | 242 km | bus, flight, jeep, taxi |
| Beni to Kathmandu | 242 km | bus, flight, jeep, taxi |
| Kathmandu to Dharan | 179 km | bus, flight, jeep, taxi |
| Dharan to Kathmandu | 179 km | bus, flight, jeep, taxi |
| Kathmandu to Janakpur | 190 km | bus, flight, jeep, taxi |
| Janakpur to Kathmandu | 190 km | bus, flight, jeep, taxi |
| Pokhara to Lumbini | 309 km | bus, flight, jeep, taxi |
| Lumbini to Pokhara | 309 km | bus, flight, jeep, taxi |
| Pokhara to Bhaktapur | 213 km | bus, flight, jeep, taxi |
| Bhaktapur to Pokhara | 213 km | bus, flight, jeep, taxi |
| Pokhara to Patan | 233 km | bus, flight, jeep, taxi |
| Patan to Pokhara | 233 km | bus, flight, jeep, taxi |
| Pokhara to Nagarkot | 152 km | bus, flight, jeep, taxi |
| Nagarkot to Pokhara | 152 km | bus, flight, jeep, taxi |
| Pokhara to Bandipur | 72 km | bus, jeep, taxi |
| Bandipur to Pokhara | 72 km | bus, jeep, taxi |
| Pokhara to Muktinath | 50 km | bus, jeep, taxi |
| Muktinath to Pokhara | 50 km | bus, jeep, taxi |
| Pokhara to Tatopani | 241 km | bus, flight, jeep, taxi |
| Tatopani to Pokhara | 241 km | bus, flight, jeep, taxi |
| Pokhara to Beni | 254 km | bus, flight, jeep, taxi |
| Beni to Pokhara | 254 km | bus, flight, jeep, taxi |
| Pokhara to Dharan | 177 km | bus, flight, jeep, taxi |
| Dharan to Pokhara | 177 km | bus, flight, jeep, taxi |
| Pokhara to Janakpur | 272 km | bus, flight, jeep, taxi |
| Janakpur to Pokhara | 272 km | bus, flight, jeep, taxi |
| Chitwan to Lumbini | 33 km | bus, jeep, taxi |
| Lumbini to Chitwan | 33 km | bus, jeep, taxi |
| Chitwan to Bhaktapur | 188 km | bus, flight, jeep, taxi |
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Kathmandu to Pokhara?
The most popular way is by tourist bus (6-8 hours, ~$10-$30) or by a quick 25-minute domestic flight.
Are domestic flights in Nepal safe?
Yes, though weather can often cause delays or cancellations, especially for flights to Lukla or Jomsom. Always add buffer days.
Do I need to book tourist buses in advance?
During peak season (Oct-Nov, Mar-May), it is highly recommended to book a day or two in advance.
What is the luggage limit for domestic flights?
Typically, airlines allow 15kg total (10kg checked, 5kg carry-on). Excess weight usually costs about $1 per kg.