How I Got Around in Nepal – My Personal Travel Story 🚕🚌🏔️
Hey there! I’m Arif, and I recently had the chance to explore the breathtaking country of Nepal. From the chaotic streets of Kathmandu to the serene beauty of Pokhara, every moment felt like an adventure. But what made my trip even more memorable was figuring out how to get around. Trust me, transportation in Nepal isn’t just about getting from one place to another—it’s part of the experience itself.
Let me take you through the unique and personal journeys I had with different modes of transportation in Nepal. These are not just rides; they are stories that made my trip unforgettable.
My first day in Kathmandu was overwhelming—narrow streets packed with cars, rickshaws, and motorbikes zipping around like they had no rules. I decided to hop into a small yellow taxi to get to Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple).
The driver’s name was Ramesh, a friendly guy in his late 40s. As we drove, we started chatting. He asked where I was from, and when he found out I was visiting for the first time, he got super excited. Instead of just dropping me off, he offered to show me a few hidden spots along the way. I agreed, and suddenly, my simple taxi ride turned into a spontaneous city tour!
He took me to a small temple hidden in an alley that tourists usually miss. We even stopped at his favorite tea stall, where I had the spiciest, most flavorful masala chai of my life. Ramesh’s stories about growing up in Kathmandu made me see the city from a whole new perspective.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to chat with your taxi driver. They often have the best local tips and might even turn into your impromptu tour guide, just like Ramesh did for me!
One day, I decided to take a local bus from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur. The bus was an old, colorful vehicle decorated with prayer flags and Nepali pop music blasting from the speakers. It was PACKED—I mean, people were hanging onto the doors, and I had to squeeze in like a puzzle piece.
I managed to find a tiny corner near an elderly woman who smiled warmly at me. Despite the language barrier, she motioned for me to hold her bag while she adjusted her seat. A few minutes later, she pulled out a piece of homemade sel roti (a traditional Nepali rice doughnut) and handed it to me with a smile.
At first, I hesitated, but her gesture felt so genuine that I couldn’t refuse. That small act of kindness in the middle of a crowded, noisy bus made me realize that connection doesn’t need words. It’s one of the most heartfelt moments I experienced in Nepal.
Tip: Local buses are chaotic but full of life. They’re not just a means of transport—they’re a way to experience the heart of Nepali culture.
When I traveled from Kathmandu to Pokhara, I took a microbus. These are small vans that fill up quickly and hit the road as soon as they’re full. I ended up sitting next to a university student named Sujan, who was returning home for a festival.
We started chatting, and soon we were swapping stories about our lives, dreams, and favorite foods. He introduced me to some spicy potato chips that were insanely hot but addictive. By the time we reached Pokhara, Sujan had invited me to his home for dinner.
Meeting his family, eating traditional dal bhat, and laughing together felt like I’d found a home away from home. That microbus ride didn’t just take me to Pokhara—it led me to a beautiful friendship I’ll always cherish.
Tip: Microbuses can be cramped, but they’re a great way to meet locals. Don’t be shy—sometimes, a simple “hello” can lead to lifelong memories.
Pokhara is a peaceful paradise, and the best way to explore it is on a motorbike. I rented one to visit Phewa Lake and the World Peace Pagoda. Riding along the lakeside with cool mountain air hitting my face was pure freedom—until I took a wrong turn.
Instead of heading towards the pagoda, I found myself on a rough, narrow trail leading into the hills. My phone had no signal, and I was completely lost. Just as I was starting to panic, a group of kids playing by the roadside noticed me. They laughed at my confused expression and signaled me to follow them.
These kids became my unexpected guides. They led me through a shortcut, and along the way, we stopped at a small tea stall where I treated them to some snacks. Their laughter, curiosity, and kindness turned what could’ve been a stressful situation into one of the most heartwarming adventures of my trip.
Tip: If you rent a motorbike, always carry a map or download offline maps. But don’t worry if you get lost—sometimes, that’s when the best memories are made.
Trekking in Nepal is a life-changing experience, and I couldn’t leave without trying it. I joined a short trek in the Annapurna region, and the views were beyond words—snow-capped peaks, peaceful villages, and colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind.
But the most unforgettable part wasn’t the scenery—it was the people I met along the way. On the second day of the trek, I was struggling with the steep uphill climb when an elderly man carrying a heavy load of firewood passed me effortlessly. He noticed me struggling, gave me a big smile, and simply said, “Bistari, bistari,” which means “slowly, slowly” in Nepali.
I took his advice, slowed down, and started to enjoy the journey instead of focusing on the destination. That simple encounter taught me a valuable life lesson: it’s okay to go slow, as long as you keep moving forward.
Tip: Trekking isn’t just about reaching the top. Take your time, enjoy the scenery, and be open to the lessons the mountains (and the people) have to offer.
After my trek, I flew from Pokhara back to Kathmandu. The flight was short, but it was like flying through a dream. The small plane soared above the clouds, and suddenly, I saw it—Mount Everest in all its glory, standing tall above the rest of the peaks.
Everyone in the plane was glued to the windows, and for a moment, there was complete silence. It felt like the mountains were whispering their ancient stories, and I was lucky enough to listen.
Tip: If you take a domestic flight in Nepal, always choose a window seat. The views will leave you speechless.
On my last day in Pokhara, I rented a bicycle to explore the lakeside area. I didn’t have a plan—just me, my bike, and the open road. I stumbled upon a hidden trail that led me to a quiet spot by the lake, far from the usual tourist crowds.
There, I met an old man named Hari, who was fishing with a handmade bamboo rod. We sat together, sharing silent moments and watching the sunset reflect off the water. He didn’t speak much English, but we exchanged smiles, and he shared some roasted peanuts with me.
It was a simple, peaceful moment—but sometimes, those are the ones that stay with you the longest.
Tip: Rent a bike and explore without a destination in mind. You never know what hidden gems you’ll find.
Getting around Nepal isn’t just about transportation—it’s about the people you meet, the stories you hear, and the little moments that stay in your heart. Whether it was sharing food with strangers on a crowded bus, getting lost on a motorbike, or learning life lessons from a trekker, every journey added something special to my adventure.
Nepal taught me that sometimes the best parts of travel aren’t the destinations—they’re the unexpected detours along the way.
Have you ever had a travel experience that surprised you? Share your story in the comments—I’d love to hear it!
Safe travels,
Arif 🚕🚌🏔️
