
Nepal
can be entered by air and road. Air transport in Nepal is easier and more
comfortable than road journey since Nepal is a mountainous country. Most
tourists in Nepal enter through the Tribhuvan International Airport which is
5 miles or 8 kilometers from the heart of Kathmandu.
Transport to Nepal
By Air
The national flag carrier is the Royal Nepal Airlines. Capital Kathmandu is
linked by air services to cities such as New Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, Hong
Kong, Karachi, Dubai, Bangkok, Lhasa, Paro, Yangon, Dhaka, Colombo and
Singapore. Major international airlines that operate scheduled air services
to Nepal are mentioned below.
| Royal Nepal Airlines (National Flag Carrier) |
New Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Banglore, Bangkok,
Singapore, Hong Kong and Osaka via shanghai |
| Necon AirPatna, Calcutta |
Patna, Calcutta |
| Aeroflot Russian Airlines |
Moscow |
| Austrian Airlines |
Vienna |
| Biman Bangladesh airlines |
Dhaka |
| China southwest Airlines |
Paro, New Delhi |
| Gulf-Air |
Abu Dhabi, London |
| Indian Airlines |
Calcutta, New Delhi, Baranasi |
| Pakistan Int'l Airlines |
Karachi |
| Qatar Airlines |
Doha, London |
| Singapore Airlines |
Singapore |
| Thai Airways |
Bangkok |
| Transavia Airlines |
Amsterdam |
Departure and Airport Tax
Passengers departing from the Tribhuvan International Airport are required
to pay an airport tax if going to SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan,
India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka). Tax is bit higher for other
international destinations. Domestic air port tax is much less.
By Road
There are several entry points by road route. Among road transportion entry
points, Birganj, Belahia and Kakarvita are entry points at Indo-Nepal
border, while Kodari entry point is at Tibet (China)-Nepal border. Birganj
is the most common place for entry of tourists travelling overland.
| Entry Point |
Location |
| Kakarvita, Jhapa |
Eastern Nepal |
| Birganj, Parsa |
Central Nepal |
| Kodari |
Central Nepal at Northern Border with Autonomous Region of Tibet,
China |
| Belahia, Bhairahwa |
Rupandehi, Western Nepal |
| Jamunaha, Nepalganj |
Banke, Mid-western Nepal |
| Mohana, Dhangadhi |
Kailali, Far Western Nepal |
| Gadda Chauki, Mahendranagar |
Kanchanpur, Far Western Nepal |
| Purang, Muchu |
Simikot, Far-Western Nepal at the Tibet, China-Nepal Border |
Kathmandu
Kathmandu is connected with India through roads which pass through very
picturesque highways. Tourists are allowec to drive their own cars. However,
their vehicle must have an international carnet. Buses runs regularly from
border entry points to Kathmandu. Interior parts of the country are also
linked by buses from Kathmandu.
Railways
Nepal has railway connections with its neighbouring country, India. Two
short stretches of railway are Raxaul (India) to Amlekhganj (Nepal) as well
as Raxaul (India) to Janakpur (Nepal). Capital Kathmandu has no railway
connectivity. However, buses are available for Kathmandu from Janakpur and
Amlekhganj.
Transport in Nepal
Planes
Planes are the best way to reach remote parts of the mountainous
country. Royal Nepal Airlines operatess air services in the interior parts
of the country. Besides it airlines like Nepal Airways, Everest Air, Necon
Air And Asian Helicopters also provide air services, both regular and
charter, to various destinations in Nepal. Most widely known tourist flight
is Everest Experience which takes one above the marvellous snow capped
mountains. One can even have a look on Mount Everest, the highest peak in
the world, from the sky. Everest Experience is definitely an experience one
never forgets
Helicopters
Helicopter charters are becoming increasingly popular in Nepal, especially
in tourism sector for sightseeing. Helicopter journey is very useful for
tourists who desire to drink the tourism cup in Nepal but don't have much
time to spare. The helicopter journey is very thrilling and rewarding.
Experience of looking at snow-capped peaks from sky is unforgettable. Lots
of domestic airlines provide helocopter services.
Buses
Buses are the cheapest means of transport in Nepal. They ply for both long
and short journeys. While bus journeys one gets chance to freely interact
with the locals and taste indigenous dishes on the way. Tourists who have
sufficient time must definitely try local buses. Tourist buses are also run
by private bus companies and travel agencies.
Cars & Motorbikes
Cars and motorbikes can be rented in Kathmandu, Pokhara and other prominent
towns. For driving a bike, you are required to have a driving license and
passport from your home country. Riding a bike in old parts of Kathmandu is
a relishable driving experience. Cars and vans usually come with drivers,
but you can drive them yourself also. Car hire can make your tour very
comfortable and faster.
Rickshaws
Rickshaws (two-seater tricycles) are very useful for short trips. They can
ply easily even in narrow lanes and crowded markets. One is advised to
negotiate the fares beforehand. Many tourists find rickshaw trips very
enjoyable.
Three-wheeler Autorickshaws
Autorickshaws are used to travel to various corners of the towns, although
finding them after sunset is a bit difficult. Numerous taxi companies
operate in Nepal. All these autorickshaws, cabs and tempos carry black
plates with white numbers, for it has been mandatory by the authorities.