Driving in Nepal. Important Reminders to drivers in Nepal.
Road Safety in Nepal
Nepal is rich in culture and has breathtaking landscapes.Road safety in Nepal is a major challenge and, in some cases, downright dangerous. Find out how to ride safely through the mountainous terrain with these transport tips.
Driving during darkness is particularly dangerous in Nepal and any journey is best done in daylight hours. Travel on any road in Nepal and the debris of overloaded trucks, buses that misjudged a bend and wonky vehicles serve as a warning. Nepal has frequent bus accidents with fatalities. Public transport is very common and reliable in Nepal. There are four main types of transport that are useful for travelers:
- 1. Local buses .These cheap and crowded buses connect major destinations and are used by both locals and tourists.
- 2. Mini-vans or micro-buses .Minivan or Micro-bus tickets are usually 50-60% more expensive. They travel a bit faster than the local buses, and are more comfortable.
- 3. Public jeeps .Public jeeps are also common means of transportation, and are used in the mountain regions of Nepal.
- 4. Taxis in Nepal. Taxis, private vans, and private jeeps can take you anywhere in Nepal, and prices are always negotiable
Driving in Nepal
If you plan on driving in Nepal, avoid doing this during the monsoon season. Monsoon rains cause landslides and make driving and using the roads risky and dangerous. In some regions, the roads might be blocked or washed away, and they won’t be repaired until the dry season.Be aware too that the local driving style in Nepal is adrenaline-pumping to anyone but the locals. Road rules exist, but nobody really obeys them. Local drivers also use the horn as a signal of right-of-way; Those who signalled first, drive first.
You need an International Driving permit (often referred to as an International Driver's License) plus your own licence to drive in Nepal. There is no time limit on use of the IDP/IDL. Please note that an International Driving Permit does not replace the requirement for a regular driver's license. And you must carry your current overseas driver’s license plus IDP with you all the time when driving in Nepal.
Your International Driver’s License/International Driving permit is a valid form of identification in more than 150 countries worldwide and contains your name, photo and driver information in the 12 most widely spoken languages in the world – it is understandable to most of the local officials and authorities of the countries you visit. It translates your identification information into 12 languages — so it speaks the language even if you don’t. Nepal highly recommends an International Driving Permit(International Driving License).
Foreign drivers who do not have International driving permits need to obtain Nepal driver licenses.
Better book your own car to drive, and feel like the country is your own. Here’s a few reminders about traffic rules you must follow.
Important Reminders to drivers in Nepal:
- ● Vehicles are driven on the left side.
- ● The minimum driving age is 18 years old.
- ● Seat belt is a must for everyone.
- ● It is not permitted to use cell phone while driving
- ● Drink and drive is not being tolerated.
- ● People who cannot hear sounds on the street are prohibited to drive.
- ● A speed limit of 80 km/h for both urban and rural areas.
- ● The number of passengers allowed in a car must not exceed its seating capacity.
- ● Most roads do not have lane markings. Drive attentively and defensively at all times.
- ● Honking is allowed.
- ● Traffic jams are very common in major city roads.
- ● During the monsoon season from June to September, many of the mountain and hill roads are impassable
- ● Be sure to have an early warning device, fire extinguisher, first aid kit and reflective vest in your car.
- ● The police phone numbers are 100 and 103. 2. Mini-vans or micro-buses .Minivan or Micro-bus tickets are usually 50-60% more expensive. They travel a bit faster than the local buses, and are more comfortable.
