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Country Guide > Indian Subcontinent > Nepal | |
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Travel - Internal Air There is a network of domestic flights linking major towns, radiating from Kathmandu. Many of these offer spectacular views across the mountains. Royal Nepal Airlines operates an extensive range of scheduled flights to around 21 destinations in the interior parts of Nepal. Other domestic airlines, of which there are more than 18, provide regular and charter services to popular destinations. Helicopters can be chartered for various purposes. Nepal’s domestic air service is known to be punctual and reliable. Departure tax Nrs50 at Bhadrapur, Bharatpur, Biratnagar, Dang, Dhangadi, Janakapur, Kathmandu, Mahendranagar, Nepalgang, Pokhara, Rajbiraj, Siddharthanagar and Simara; Nrs20 for all other airports. Note Air fares must be paid in foreign currency by foreign nationals. Only Nepalese and Indian nationals are allowed to pay in Nepalese Rupees. Rail Nepal Janakpur-Jayanager Railways (NJJR) operates a freight and passenger service in the eastern Terai. Road Traffic drives on the left. The interior parts of the country are linked with a number of motorable roads. The road system is of unpredictable quality. Bus: There are regular bus services to Kathmandu from all the border points. Tickets may be booked in advance. Buses for the different parts of the country are available at the Gongabu bus terminal, which is located near Balaju. Services are operated by the Transport Corporation of Nepal and by private operators. Deluxe tourist buses are available from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Chitwan. Most of them depart at 0700 from near Thamel in the city centre. Visitors should, however, be aware that multiple-fatality accidents on buses are common. Car hire: Cars can be hired from the Avis representative, the Hertz representative or Yeti Travels, all in Kathmandu. Chauffeur-driven cars can only be hired in the Kathmandu Valley. Documentation: An International Driving Permit is valid in Nepal for 15 days, after which a local licence is required. The minimum driving age is 18. A temporary licence to drive is available from local authorities on presentation of a valid national driving licence. Urban There are bus services in the populous areas around Kathmandu, which include the neighbouring cities of Patan and Bhaktapur. A trolleybus route provides frequent journeys over the 11km (7 mile) Kathmandu– Bhaktapur road. Private minibuses feed the trolleybus route from nearby villages. On buses and trolleybuses belonging to the Transport Corporation of Nepal, a 4-stage fare system applies, with colour-coded tickets issued by conductors. ‘Microbuses’ also operate. Taxi: Metered taxis are plentiful in Kathmandu; at night, the meter reading plus 50 per cent is standard. Private taxis are more expensive and fares should be agreed before departure. Tempos: These are metered 3-wheel scooters, which work out slightly cheaper than taxis. Rickshaws: These operate throughout the city. Fares should be negotiated in advance. Bicycles and motorcycles: These can be hired from bike-shops or hotels by the hour or day. Motorcyclists require a driving licence. Cyclists should make sure they have a working bell. |