You can hire a car with a driver in Kathmandu for a few hours, a full day or several days, for sightseeing, day trips around the valley, airport runs or business meetings. We arrange hatchbacks, sedans and SUVs, and every car comes with a driver who knows the city’s traffic and parking.
Last checked: November 2026.
Get a quote on WhatsApp: +977 985-1022768
Cars available in Kathmandu
The right car depends on how many of you are travelling and how much luggage you carry. The exact model depends on availability on your dates, and we confirm it in your quote.
| Car | Passengers | Good for | Full day | Half day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hatchback | 1 to 2 | Short city trips, narrow lanes in old Kathmandu | On request | On request |
| Sedan | 1 to 3 | Sightseeing, business travel, airport runs | On request | On request |
| SUV | 3 to 5 | Families, Nagarkot and hill roads, extra luggage | On request | On request |
Prices on request: send the form or WhatsApp us for a quote. Ask us how many hours and kilometres a full day and a half day include, how overtime works, and whether fuel and parking inside the valley are part of the quote.
City sightseeing by car
Kathmandu’s main heritage sites are spread across the valley, and traffic between them is slow. A car with a driver lets you see three or four sites in one day without waiting for taxis. A common full-day plan:
- Swayambhunath (the hilltop stupa west of the city) in the early morning, before the crowds.
- Kathmandu Durbar Square, the old royal palace area.
- Pashupatinath, the Hindu temple complex on the Bagmati River.
- Boudhanath stupa in the late afternoon, when people walk the circuit around it.
Each site charges foreign visitors an entry fee, paid at the gate. At the time of writing the fees for foreigners are: Kathmandu Durbar Square NPR 1,000, Pashupatinath NPR 1,000, Swayambhunath NPR 200 and Boudhanath NPR 400. Fees change from time to time, so carry some extra cash. These fees are not part of the car hire.
The driver takes you between sites but does not act as a guide. If you want someone to explain the history and temples, ask us about a licensed city guide travelling with you.
Day trips from Kathmandu
Bhaktapur
The best-preserved of the three old royal cities, about an hour east of Thamel depending on traffic. Cars park outside the old town and you walk in. Entry for foreigners is NPR 1,800.
Patan
Just south of the Bagmati River, Patan is close enough to combine with an afternoon of sightseeing in Kathmandu. Patan Durbar Square charges foreigners NPR 1,000 at the time of writing.
Nagarkot
A hill village on the valley rim, about 32 km from Thamel, known for sunrise views of the Himalaya on clear days, mainly October to April. The drive from Thamel usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Many people combine Nagarkot with Bhaktapur on the way back, or stay one night and get picked up the next morning. An SUV handles the hill road more comfortably than a small hatchback.
Other options
Dhulikhel, Namobuddha, Chandragiri and the Kirtipur area are also reachable as day trips. Tell us where you want to go and we will price it.
Business travel and events
For conferences, embassy visits or meetings across the city, a car on standby saves time compared with booking taxis for each journey. The driver waits while you are in a meeting and takes you to the next one. For company travel, tell us what invoice details you need when you enquire. For larger delegations or event transport, see tourist bus and coaster hire or Hiace and van rental.
Airport transfers
The same types of car are used for pickups and drops at Tribhuvan International Airport. The arrivals process, meet-and-greet and timing are covered on the Kathmandu airport pickup page.
Practical tips for a car day in Kathmandu
- Start early. Traffic builds from about 9 am and is heavy again in the late afternoon.
- Carry small notes in Nepali rupees for entry fees and snacks.
- Old town areas (Asan, Indra Chowk, Bhaktapur’s centre) are pedestrian or very narrow. The driver drops you at the nearest point and meets you at an agreed spot.
- Save the driver’s phone number on your phone before you set off.
FAQ
Can I hire a car in Kathmandu for half a day?
Yes. A half-day hire suits one or two sites or a single meeting. Prices on request: send the form or WhatsApp us for a quote.
Is the driver also a tour guide?
No. Drivers know the routes and can suggest where to eat or park, but they are not licensed guides. Ask us if you want a guide to join you.
Which car is best for a Nagarkot sunrise trip?
An SUV or a sedan. The road climbs steeply near the top, and a larger car is more comfortable, especially with luggage if you stay overnight.
Can I keep the same car and driver for several days?
Yes. Multi-day hire is priced per day. If you leave the valley, for example to Pokhara, see Kathmandu to Pokhara by private car.
Are entry fees included?
No. Heritage site entry fees are paid by you at each gate.
For other vehicle types and routes across Nepal, start from our vehicle rental in Nepal page, or send us your plan for a quote.