NP Nepal: how to get around

There are a number of domestic airlines in Nepal such as Yeti Air, Tara Air and Nepal Airlines that offer frequent flights to many destinations around the country. Destinations to and from Kathmandu include places like Biratnagar, Nepalganj, Lukla, Pokhara, Simikot, Jomsom, Janakpur and Bharatpur. To arrange flights from outside Nepal, there are a number of on-line booking agents who can make bookings, take payment (credit/debit cards/PayPal) and then send e-tickets. If you are buying tickets while in Nepal or if you are flying at short notice, it is necessary to be flexible on flight times and dates as the planes often get fully booked in advance. Cancellations and delays due to severe weather conditions do occur. If you have time, just board the next plane.

• Micro bus – They are 10-12 seaters with very fast and popular service. It has almost replaced local bus service given its fast service. However, apart from previous few routes, Micro Bus has come up with many other alternate routes and now has good coverage. The fare is more expensive than local buses. Tourists should be aware that microbuses are often driven with great speed and very little care and have unfortunately been the cause of a large percentage of the road accidents in Nepal. Use microbuses with caution.
• Tempo – These come in two types. One is a three-wheeled electric or propane powered micro-bus for 10-13 passengers. They run in different routes around Kathmandu and cost Rs5-12. The other type is a newer Toyota van running the same routes at a higher price and a bit faster and safer. Be prepared for a crowd.
• Local bus – Although the system can be confusing, they are cheap. They can be crowded at times both with people and domestic animals such as goats, ducks etc. Some buses will not depart until full to a certain quota.
• Tourist bus – Book a few days ahead at a Kathmandu or Pokhara travel agent (or your hotel will book for you). A few steps above local buses (no goats, everyone gets a seat) but not much safer. "Adhikari Travels" is the most reliable company and has trips between Kathmndu, Chitwan, Lumbini and Pokhara.

• Rickshaw – Good for short trips if you don't have much luggage and don't mind being bounced around a bit. Bargain before you get in, and don't be afraid to walk away and try another.
• Taxi – There are two types of taxi: "private", which pretty much run from the airport to upmarket hotels and "10 Rupee", which don't leave until they are full. When haggling for a fare remember that taxi drivers have been hit hard by the petrol crisis sometimes queuing up overnight to get 5 litres of petrol at twice the market price. So be sympathetic but don't get ripped off. Offer to pay 'meter plus tip', 10% is more than enough. Taxis may charge passengers more than usual during periods of low fuel availability.
• Car with driver – It's quite easy to rent a car with a driver in Nepal; however, you'll need to haggle to get a reasonable price. If you come in summer, it is recommended to take a car with air-conditioning. Car rental without a driver in Nepal is almost unheard of, as is renting a car in India and taking it across the border.

Nepal has left-hand traffic. There is little awareness of pedestrians' rights. Roads are often narrow and in poor condition. Rains and landslides affect the condition of the already poor road network, increasing the risk of road accidents. Avoid using local buses, especially those that are overloaded and in poor condition. Travelling after dark increases the risk of serious road accidents.