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Getting Around Kathmandu

Getting Around Kathmandu

Bagmati Province Nepal Travel Guide

Public Transportation

Patan, like the rest of the The Valley of kathmandu, a public transportation system that extensive but can overwhelm first-time visitors.

The main public transit options in Patan include Local Buses (largest vehicles, crowded, fixed routes), Microbuses (smaller vans, quicker, all the more crowded), and Safa Tempos (electric three-wheelers, blue, specific routes).

Transit Options

  • Local Buses: Largest vehicles, often crowded, and follow fixed routes across the valley.
  • Microbuses: Smaller vans that operate similarly to buses, often quicker due to fewer stops but can be even more crowded.
  • Safa Tempos: Electric three-wheelers, usually painted blue, that follow specific routes, acquiring and dropping off passengers along the way.
  • Important Hubs: Mangal Bazaar, Pulchowk, Lagankhel.

Route Knowledge

Nepal lacks formal, easily navigable route maps. Routes generally known by locals, learned through experience, or explained by conductors.

Fares & Payment

Fares settled with cash to a conductor once on board. For Safa Tempos, pay the driver directly. Fares very cheap, typically NPR 20-50 per ride.

Operation Hours

Services generally operate from early morning, about 6 AM, until late evening, usually 9-10 PM. Frequency high on popular routes.

Navigating Public Transit

Tips
  • Ask locals for directions or which bus/tempo to take. Most people are helpful.
  • Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak hours. Expect to stand and be in in close vicinity to others.
  • Keep small denominations of Nepalese Rupees ready for fares. Drivers and conductors may lack change for large notes.
Additional Advice
  • Observe and Learn: Watch how locals use the system. This you pick up the flow of routes and hailing practices.
  • Accessibility: Public transportation generally not accessible for travelers with mobility challenges.
  • Conductors often shout out destinations, assisting you identify the right vehicle.

Ticketing & Accessibility

Ticketing System

Fares paid in cash to a conductor once on board. For Safa Tempos, pay the driver directly.

Fare Options

Fares very cheap, typically ranging from NPR 20-FIFTY per ride within the valley, depending on distance.

Hours of Operation

Services generally operate from early morning, about 6 AM, until late evening, usually 9-10 PM.

Accessibility

Public transportation generally not accessible for travelers with mobility challenges. Vehicles often have steps, lack ramps.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing apps greater comfort and direct routes compared to public buses, though at a higher cost.

Taxis

  • Licensed taxis (white/black, 'Taxi' sign) easily identifiable.
  • Always agree on fare before starting ride; drivers often negotiate fixed price.
  • Typical fares: NPR 300-600 within Patan, NPR 500-10MIDNIGHT to Thamel.
  • Payment always in cash.

Ride-Sharing Apps

  • Recommended apps: Pathao (bike/car) and Tootle (bike).
  • Often cheaper and more transparent pricing than traditional taxis.
  • Local SIM card with data needed to use apps effectively.
  • Payment usually cash to driver at end of ride.

Rental Choices

  • Motorcycle & Scooter: Available within Kathmandu and some Patan shops. International driving permit and motorcycle license needed.
  • Traffic dense; only experienced riders think about this option. Always wear a Helmet (legally required).
  • Bicycle Rentals: Little local stores in Patan offer rentals (NPR 300-700/day).
  • Dedicated bicycle lanes limited; main roads hazardous due to heavy traffic.
  • Car Rental: Self-drive car rentals not recommended for tourists. Better to rent a car with a driver.
  • Tour operators and travel agencies arrange cars with operators.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Patan's historic core, notably Patan Durbar Square and its surrounding alleys (known as 'bahals'), a pedestrian's delight. Mostly car-free.

Walking Tour Options

Local tour operators and guides walking tours on history, architecture, and Newari culture. Self-guided walks achievable with a map.

Bicycle Infrastructure

Dedicated bicycle lanes limited. Cycling on main roads hazardous. Better for quieter residential areas or mountain biking outside city.

Specialized Transportation

Patan itself not many unique or specialized forms of transportation beyond standard modes. However, useful to know what available nearby or for larger tours.

Tour Buses

  • Some tour operators within Kathmandu structured day trips that include Patan, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur.
  • These typically use larger tour buses.
  • Specific hop-on-hop-off services not widely available in the Kathmandu Valley.
  • Instead, you would likely book a full-day a guided visit with a set itinerary.

Cable Cars & Water Transport

  • No cable cars or funiculars within Patan city itself.
  • The Chandragiri Hills cable car, located a short drive to the southwest of Kathmandu.
  • The Bagmati River not used for public water transportation or boat taxis.
  • Boat taxis and water transportation not applicable in Patan.

Accessibility Services

Public Transport

Public transport generally not accessible for travelers with mobility challenges.

Vehicles often have steps, lack ramps.

Historical Sites

Most historical sites not well-equipped for travelers with mobility challenges.

Uneven cobblestone streets, numerous stairs, lack of ramps.

Accommodation

Newer hotels might offer some accessible rooms, but this rare in older, traditional properties.

Plan visits carefully, possibly arranging private transport.

Driving Laws & Road Conditions

Driving Rules
  • Drive on the left-the right side of the road in Nepal.
  • Traffic accidents a concern. Drive or ride defensively.
  • Parking scarce, especially in old urban zones. Designated paid parking lots exist.
Road Quality
  • The roads in Patan and the Kathmandu Valley vary from paved to unpaved, many have potholes.
  • Heavy traffic common. Pedestrians, motorcycles, rickshaws, and cars share roads.
  • Highways outside the valley narrow, winding, challenging due to mountainous terrain.

Safety Tips for Taxis

  • Always agree on the fare beforehand to avoid disputes.
  • Be wary of taxis that offer unsolicited "tours" or try to take you to specific shops.
  • Safer to flag down a taxi on the street or use a designated stand.
  • Avoid accepting rides from random individuals not clearly identifiable as licensed taxis.
  • When using taxis, ensure the driver understands your destination.
  • Monsoon season (June-August) can cause significant delays due to landslides.
  • When using local buses, be prepared for crowded conditions.
  • Use reputable taxis or ride-carpooling apps for transport after dark.

Walking & Cycling

Patan's historic core truly alive when explored on foot.

Pedestrian Zones

  • Patan Durbar Plaza and its surrounding alleys a pedestrian's delight.
  • This area mostly car-free or has very limited vehicle access.
  • The charm of Patan in discovering hidden courtyards, ancient stupas, and small shrines.
  • These routes intimate glimpses into local life and traditional Newari architecture.

Walking Tour Options

  • Various local tour operators and tour guides walking tours focused on Patan's history.
  • A knowledgeable guide provide valuable context and lead you to hidden gems.
  • You can also explore Patan on your own with a good map or a detailed guidebook.
  • Many resources suggested pedestrian paths that cover the main attractions.

Cycling & Restricted Areas

Bicycle Infrastructure

Dedicated bicycle lanes limited in Patan and the broader Kathmandu Valley.

  • Cycling on main roads hazardous owing to important traffic.
  • Mountain biking routes exist around the Kathmandu Valley rim.
  • Little local stores offer bicycle rentals (NPR 300-700/day).
No-Go Areas for Pedestrians

Avoid main thoroughprices and the Ring Road during peak traffic hours if you are on foot.

  • These roads have high traffic volume, fast-moving vehicles.
  • They often lack proper pedestrian infrastructure.
  • Stick to the narrower, quieter streets and areas for walkers only.
Accessibility Services

Public transport and most historical sites not well-equipped for travelers with mobility challenges.

  • Uneven cobblestone streets, numerous stairs, and lack of ramps.
  • Newer hotels might offer some accessible rooms, but rare in older properties.
  • Travelers with mobility needs plan visits carefully.

Road Conditions & Safety

Driving Conditions
  • Roads inside of Patan and the Kathmandu Valley differ from paved to unpaved, and a lot of them have holes in the road.
  • Traffic congestion common. Pedestrians, motorcycles, rickshaws, and cars share the roads.
  • Highways connecting major cities can be narrow, winding, and present challenges due to hilly landscape.
Safety Concerns
  • Traffic accidents a concern. Drive or ride defensively.
  • When employing local buses, be prepared for crowded conditions.
  • When using taxis, ensure the driver understands your destination and agrees on a fare.

Local Transit Tip

Patan's core a walk-friendly area, ideal for discovering its artistic wonders.

For longer distances, ride-sharing apps like Pathao or Tootle offer transparent and efficient travel.

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