Driving in Kathmandu: Traffic, Parking and Local Road Habits

Kathmandu is a city of narrow lanes built long before cars arrived. Driving here is slow, busy and noisy, but it is manageable once you understand the rhythm. These tips come from what we tell every customer at handover.

Pick a small car

Inside the valley a compact hatchback is easier in every way: parking, U-turns, and squeezing past a delivery truck in a lane barely wider than the car. Save the SUV for highway trips.

Avoid the rush hours

Morning traffic builds from around 8 am to 11 am and evening traffic from about 4 pm to 7 pm. Junctions such as Kalanki, Koteshwor and Chabahil can take a long time to clear. The Ring Road circles the city and is useful for crossing it, but it is not fast at peak times.

Thamel and the old city

Many lanes in Thamel and around the Durbar Squares are one-way, pedestrian-heavy, or closed to cars at certain times. It is often easier to park at your hotel and walk. If your hotel has no parking, ask for a nearby paid lot before you arrive.

Horn and signals

A short tap of the horn is normal before overtaking or entering a blind corner; it means "I am here". Traffic police at major junctions override signals, so follow their hand directions.

Checkpoints and documents

Police stop cars at random, particularly in the evening. Keep your licence, International Driving Permit, passport and the vehicle papers we provide in the car. Nepal has strict drink-driving enforcement; do not drive after drinking at all.

Airport runs

Tribhuvan International Airport is only about 6 km from Thamel, but allow 20 to 40 minutes, more at peak hours. For a stress-free arrival, many travellers book a pickup with a driver and collect their self-drive car the next morning.