Kathmandu : Getting Around

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) is the only international airport in Nepal. It is about 7 kilometres from the centre of Kathmandu. Domestic flights also leave from this airport. Most hotels provide complimentary airport transfers. Ask your travel agent if someone will meet you at the airport. The Airport Queue Taxi Service Management Committee operates a fixed-rate taxi service from the airport to the city. If you are a patient, hard bargainer, you might be able to convince a taxi driver to take you to the city for 150 NRs.

An Indian driving license is not valid in Nepal, but a temporary driver's licence can be obtained from the Traffic Police Office at Rama Park by showing a valid Indian driver's licence. Likewise, if you want a license plate for Indian number plate than you will be provided with it after fulfilling certain criteria and submitting the required documents of your car to the same.

Most auto rickshaws are three-wheel rides called tempos and have meters that start at Rs 5, but most drivers will usually negotiate fixed prices with visitors. The fixed pricewill be cheaper than a taxi. Rickshaws are fun for short distances. From the higher vantage point of your slippery leather seat, you can see more of the hustle and bustle than you can in a car or auto rickshaw. The rickshaws are great for the downtown alleys.

The local buses do not have fixed schedules but instead leave when they are overflowing with people. The services are fairly frequent. City buses leave from the City Bus Park at the eastern side of Tundikhel Parade Ground. Beware of pickpockets. Getting around Kathmandu by car means hiring a car and a driver. It's the only kind of car rental available here. Travel agents or hoteliers will arrange hired cars to drive you around Kathmandu and nearby sites. Prices vary from US$ 20 to USS 65 for a full day of sightseeing. For trips after 6 pm agencies will charge more.

Taxis are an affordable way to get around Kathmandu. By day, metered taxis start at NRs 7 and then charge NRs 2 for every 200 metres. At night, the rate starts at NRs 9 plus NRs 4 for every 200 metres. For sightseeing, it is best to negotiate a fixed price. Taxis are also available at hotels and at taxi stands in shopping areas and can be flagged down from the street.

	Getting There		Shop Together
	Where and what to eat		Getting Around
	Night Life		Attraction