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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, Sidharthangar 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. Car hire : Cars can be hired from the Hertz
representative, the Avis 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 four-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 three-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. |
