TRANSPORT IN NEPAL 4

 The tourist buses are generally in good condition (depending which you book - Greenline are best), and often stop twice on the way to their destination, so you’ll never be short of food or water. However, we recommend stocking up on the delicious baked goods from Kathmandu or Pokhara before you depart.

Tourist buses can be booked through agents or accommodation providers, or at bus stations. We do recommend purchasing at least two days in advance, especially in peak periods.

TRANSPORT IN NEPAL 3

To put bus travel into perspective, we never spent less than 7hrs on a bus; to travel around 200kms (Kathmandu - Pokhara). Be prepared for a slow, long journey!

Tourist buses connect Kathmandu with Pokhara, Sauraha (Chitwan National Park) and Sonauli, as well as Pokhara with Sauraha and Sonauli. Expect a day (6-9hrs) to travel to any of these destinations.

(to be continued)

TRANSPORT IN NEPAL 2

 Nepal has a shocking road and air safety record, and accidents are very common, so always travel with up to date travel insurance (book here!).

TOURIST BUS

Tourist buses are the cheapest, and dare we say, best way to get around Nepal. The roads though, are shocking and windy, and the traffic appalling.

(to be continued)

TRANSPORT IN NEPAL | How To Get To The Best Places In Nepal

 If there’s one part of Nepal that leaves a lot to be desired, it’s getting around. It’s tough, really tough!

While not a big country, it can take hours to travel even small distances. It is possible to hire a motorcycle, charter a taxi, car or 4WD, (or catch a flight) but the roads are some of the worst we’ve encountered, and public buses are often crowded, uncomfortable and prone to break down.

(to be continued)

OVERLAND TO NEPAL

 The three most common border crossings for tourists include: 

--Sonauli/Belahiya, reachable from Delhi, Varanasi and most of North India (via Gorakhpur); 

--Raxaul/Birgunj, accessible from Bodhgaya and Kolkata via Patna; and 

--Kakarbhitta, serving Darjeeling and Kolkata via Siliguri.

As always, be aware of any scams while crossing the border, including petty theft and money exchange scams.

* Dorothea Mackellar (to be continued)

TRAVELLING OVERLAND TO NEPAL

 A lot of travellers to Nepal combine their visit with a trip to India, via overland

Although we haven’t done this route, we’ve heard from many travellers that it’s relatively pain free. You can book tours/buses through travel agents in Nepal, or jump on a tour such as this one with G Adventures.

There are numerous border crossings between India in the south of Nepal, and can be navigated fairly easily, especially when organised through tour agencies.

* Dorothea Mackellar (to be continued)

FLYING TO KATHMANDU

 Almost all international arrivals into Nepal are through Kathmandu’s international airport.

If travelling over peak periods, book flights months in advance as routes fill up. Only a small number of international airlines fly to Nepal, including Qatar, KLM and Malaysian.

Depending on the time of year, the cost of airfares vary. The timing of the high, low and shoulder seasons differ from airline to airline, and don’t always coincide with tourist seasons.

Note: Nepal’s airport is extremely old and inefficient, so be prepared to wait for immigration/visas, baggage, and baggage checks.

* Dorothea Mackellar (to be continued)