Navigating Nepal's dramatic topography is a logistical challenge. The road network is the primary mode of transportation. The East-West Highway (Mahendra Highway) runs the length of the Terai, while the Prithvi Highway connects Kathmandu to Pokhara. However, mountain roads are often unpaved, narrow, and susceptible to landslides during the monsoon season. Within cities, public transit relies on a chaotic but functional network of buses, micro-buses, and three-wheeled electric tempos. Rideshare apps for motorcycles and taxis (such as Pathao) are immensely popular in Kathmandu.
Aviation is crucial for connecting remote regions. Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu is the primary international gateway, though new international airports in Bhairahawa (Gautam Buddha) and Pokhara have recently opened. Domestic flights operate to high-altitude airstrips like Lukla, serving as essential lifelines for mountain communities and trekkers.
Nepal has almost no domestic rail network, save for the short Janakpur–Jayanagar cross-border line. However, walking trails are arguably the most vital infrastructure in the country. For millions of people in the hills and mountains, centuries-old footpaths and suspension bridges remain the only way to travel, trade, and access services.