After preparing for several days or even months, you have finally decided to visit Nepal. So, you are now packing your bags and luggage with all the necessary things that you might need during your traveling period in Nepal. Furthermore, you have your flight to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, in just short hours. This all seems quite nice and it looks as though you have figured out all the vital steps of your vacation in Nepal. However, let me tell you that, you missed out on an important subject matter which is often not though off before reaching the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu.
You may have no clue or whatsoever regarding the means to reach Thamel area from the Kathmandu Airport. While this may sound easy, getting to Thamel area will be your number one priority after landing in Tribhuvan International Airport. Because, you might have booked your hotel already which is located in that particular area. Or you may have to meet up with your trekking crew in the head office which is also destined to be located somewhere inside or near to Thamel. So, as you can see, reaching Thamel is a big necessity for you to take before doing anything else after reaching Kathmandu.
Typically, your first choice will be to take a Taxi from the airport to Thamel. But let me warn you, Taxi drivers who are awaiting you outside the airport can charge up to 8 US dollars to reach Thamel area from the airport. While it may not be that expensive, you have to keep in mind that everything in Nepal can be bargained for. So, don’t hesitate to take your time finding the right cab which will take you to your desired location within a reasonable cost. Furthermore, it only takes about 20 to 30 minutes to reach Thamel but just so you know, you might get stuck in the traffic jams of Kathmandu.
If taxi is not something you want to ride on then may I suggest taking a local bus to Thamel. And it’s not so complicated as it sounds. You just have to make sure that you take your ears out for buses whose conductors are screaming “RATNA PARK”. Yes, you heard me, the buses which you need to be looking out for will take you to Ratna Park area. And after reaching there, it will only take about 15 minutes to reach Thamel by walking. In addition to that, the entire ride will only cost you about 20 Rupees which as you might know by now is pretty cheaper than the taxi.
As Nepal is a country where trains don’t exist, taxis and buses are your most convenient choices. However, there are micros if it’s something you want to try. Even though, micros are smaller than buses and are usually crammed up, they too can take you to Thamel via the same route taken by the buses. They too will take you to Ratna Park and from their it will be easy to get the directions to reach your hotel or any other place simply by walking. But if you have heavy luggage then you can then take a taxi from there.
Lastly, I would like to inform you that many drivers, either it be taxi/bus/micro, won’t be able to speak English fluently. But they will understand your dilemma and get you to your desired location nonetheless.
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