Background
The journey from Kathmandu to Besisahar is a beautiful and memorable experience. It features stunning views and interesting sights along the way. The route from Kathmandu to Besisahar follows the Prithvi Highway. This scenic and winding road takes you through the mountains and valleys of central Nepal. You can travel by private vehicle, bus, or heli flight from Kathmandu to Besisahar.
On a clear day, you can see panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including Mt. Manaslu and Annapurna. Likewise, the road passes several rivers and streams, and you’ll see many beautiful waterfalls. Along the way, you’ll get glimpses of local life and culture.
The distance between Kathmandu and Besisahar is approximately 175 km (108 mi) by road. By road, it can take between 6-9 hours to reach Besisahar, which is also a gateway to Annapurna Circuit Trek. Regardless of the travel option, checking the weather and road conditions before embarking on the journey is important. Special care must be taken during monsoon season when roadblocks are common.
Kathmandu to Besisahar transportation has several options discussed below,
Private Vehicles
Private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, or minivans can travel from Kathmandu to Besisahar. But, if you hire a private vehicle, the travel time can be shorter and more comfortable, but it’s also more expensive.
The travel time by private vehicle can take around 6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. A private vehicle can take between USD 100 to 300. Also, it’s important to be clear about your expectations and the services you require. For example, if you want a comfortable and air-conditioned vehicle, you may need to pay a higher price. Also, if you want to stop at various points of interest like temples or viewpoints, this may affect cost.
Hiring a private vehicle can be convenient and comfortable for traveling from Kathmandu to Besisahar. But Check the weather and road conditions to ensure a safe and smooth trip. Avoid overcrowded or poorly maintained vehicles. You should also choose a reliable driver or travel agency to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
Public and Tourist Buses
The most common and affordable option is a local bus from Kathmandu to Besisahar. Local buses leave from Gongabu Bus Park in Kathmandu, taking around 7-8 hours to reach Besisahar. In comparison, tourist buses leave from Thamel and can take about 8-9 hours. The fare varies depending on the type of bus and seat, but it generally ranges around USD 20-30.
Tourist buses from Kathmandu to Besisahar often have fewer seats than local buses. This allows the tourist buses to give the passengers greater comfort and room. In contrast, local buses can hold up to 35 passengers.
Tourist buses are often well-maintained, whereas local buses may be in varied levels of repair. Buses for tourists are also more likely to have air conditioning. But most local buses lack air conditioning.
Similarly, tourist buses from Kathmandu to Besisahar typically have greater luggage space than local buses. While local buses frequently have little room for luggage, they may feature separate storage compartments or overhead bins. Hence, if your luggage is quite heavy, you should opt for a tourist bus. While choosing a tourist bus, you should select a reliable bus company.
Heli flight
A heli flight from Kathmandu to Besisahar is a convenient and comfortable option for travelers. Especially if the traveler wants to avoid the long, bumpy road journey. The flight takes approximately 1 hour and offers stunning aerial views of the Himalayan mountain range and the scenic landscapes. A heli flight saves time, is comfortable, provides panoramic views, and is expensive and weather dependent.
However, heli flights are much more expensive than other transportation modes such as buses or jeeps. It takes USD 1200 for a round trip to Besisahar per person. Mostly the heli is a 5-seater. The passenger might have to wait to fill the seats or charter the whole heli themselves. Besides, the heli flight can be weather-dependent and may be canceled or delayed due to bad weather conditions.
Conclusion
Hence, there are different ways to travel from Kathmandu to Besisahar. These options include private vehicles, buses, and heli flights. All the options have their pros and cons. The cheapest option is the local bus, whereas the most expensive one is the heli flight. The travel time from the road usually is 6-9 hours while a heli flight only takes 1 hour.
Travel by private vehicle would be a better option if you have a lot of baggage and want comfortable seats. Likewise, if you want to take a lot of breaks, then hiring a private vehicle is the way to go.
However, if cost is the most important factor, the local bus is the most viable travel method. Even though the time is longer and the seating may not be comfortable, there is no beating this price. However, if you want to take in panoramic Himalayas views and the cost isn’t an issue, then opt for a heli flight.
Besides, bring essential items such as a water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and get a jacket or sweater as the temperature can be cool in the mountains.
FAQ
How to go from Kathmandu to Besisahar?
You can get from Kathmandu to Besisahar by road or by air. By road, the options of private vehicles and buses are included. By air, you can take a heli flight to enjoy the majestic views of the mountains. The travel by road can take 6-9 hours. Whereas by air, it only takes 1 hour to reach Besisahar. However, heli travel is much more expensive, costing around USD 1200 for a round trip.
How much is the bus from Kathmandu to Besisahar?
The cost of a bus from Kathmandu to Besisahar can vary depending on the type of bus and the season. On average, a local bus ticket can cost around USD 20. At the same time, a tourist bus ticket can cost around USD 8-12. However, prices can change depending on availability and demand. So, it’s always best to check with the Bus Company or travel agency for the latest fares.
How long is a bus from Besisahar to Kathmandu?
The duration of a bus journey from Besisahar to Kathmandu can vary depending on different factors. On average, the journey takes around 6-9 hours. However, this can vary and may take longer during peak travel seasons. If there are unexpected road closures, then this, too, can cause delays. It’s always best to check with the Bus Company or travel agency for the latest information on travel time.
Can I drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar?
The road from Kathmandu to Besisahar is well-maintained. But it can be challenging due to narrow and winding roads. The journey is approximately 175 kilometers. If you plan to drive, having a valid driving license is important. And if you are a foreigner, you may need an international driving permit.
