Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal. It highlights the significance of history, culture, and spirituality and symbolizes one of the important places of the country. Ramechhap is a very important trekking destination in Nepal, often known as the alternative gate towards Everest. In this blog, we will discuss Kathmandu to Ramechhap transportation in detail, due to several situations, like weather-related delays, increased air traffic, etc. Ramechhap to Lukla has been considered over Kathmandu to Lukla’s mode of transportation to experience the Everest region.
The flight from Ramechhap to Lukla is less likely to get canceled due to weather than a flight from Kathmandu. Furthermore, the crowd at Ramechhap Airport is less congested than that at Kathmandu Airport. Finally, the main attraction of taking a flight from Manthali airport in Ramechhap is the scenic drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap. So, let’s get into the details of the drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap.
Why Travel from Kathmandu to Ramechhap?
Ramechhap’s Strategic Location:
Ramechhap’s strategic location plays a crucial role in facilitating treks to Everest. It is close to Everest and its surrounding areas, making it one of the entry points for those regions’ treks. While a flight to Lukla is a more popular option, the drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap to Lukla airport is the less congested alternative, so people looking for a less crowded trail prefer the entry of Everest region through Ramechhap.
Faster Access to Lukla:
Traveling from Kathmandu to Ramechhap provides a significant advantage to people who want to reach Lukla quickly. The flight from Ramechhap to Lukla is generally faster than one from Lukla since the airport in Ramechhap is less crowded and congested. The flight from Ramechhap to Lukla is less susceptible to delays and cancellations, which means trekkers can enjoy their expedition to Lukla without any delays.
Scenic Views:
The scenic drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap is an adventure of its own. As you pass down the curvy road, you will be stunned by the majestic beauty of the lush green jungles with the background of snowy mountains. The drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap is worth it for the scenes, and you can also reach Lukla faster.
Travel distance and Route conditions
The total distance from Kathmandu to Ramechhap is over 80 miles or 132 kilometers by road. The journey from Kathmandu to Ramechaap takes about 4 to 5 hours, depending on the road conditions and traffic. The most common route from Kathmandu to Ramechhap is via the Arniko Highway. The route from Kathmandu to Ramechhap begins in Bhaktapur, Banepa, and Dolalghat.
The road conditions of the Arniko Highway are quite good, but after you leave the city areas, the jeep or bus you are traveling can hit rough patches, so we recommend you check out road conditions before booking your travel. Another way to get to Ramechhap in Kathmandu is by airplane, which takes about 45 to 115 minutes. It is one of the most comfortable but expensive means of transportation.
How to Get from Kathmandu to Ramechhap (Transportation Options)
By Air
Tourists wanting to visit Kathmandu to Ramechhap can travel by air, which is one of the most comfortable means of transport. Every Wednesday and Saturday, Nepal Airlines takes tourists from Kathmandu to Ramechhap by flight, which takes about 45 minutes. As the tourists land in Ramechhap, they will find the new airstrip that will take them to Lukla Airport.
New notice from CAAN for Ramechhap Manthali to Lukla flights
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has informed domestic airlines to operate all flights to Lukla from Ramechhap, Manthali. This change is due to the renovation of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), the country’s only international and domestic airport, which will take place from April 1 to June 30, 2019. The renovation will happen every day from 10 PM to 8 AM. As a result, many domestic and international flights, including those to and from Lukla, will be affected.
Lukla Tenzing Hillary Airport is the entry point for adventures in the Everest region, including the popular Everest Base Camp Trek, the Everest expedition, the Gokyo Lake trek, and the challenging Everest Three Passes trek. During the peak tourist season, the airport handles about 50 flights a day, while at other times, it operates around 20 flights a day.
By Road
Apart from flight mode of transportation, Kathmandu to Ramechhap also includes transportation by road. It takes about 5-7 hours to reach Ramechhap from Kathmandu by road. The road conditions for Ktm to Ramechhap are quite good, as you will drive on Arniko Highway for most of this tour. There are a few ways of traveling to Ramechhap via road.
Public Bus
Public buses are the cheapest option for travel. They leave from the Kathmandu Bus Park and other locations in the early morning. The trip takes about 6-7 hours because the buses frequently stop to pick up and drop off passengers. While they are budget-friendly, public buses can be crowded and less comfortable for long journeys. The tickets for public buses cost around $15 per person.
Tourist Buses
Tourist buses provide a more comfortable ride than public buses. They have better seating, air conditioning, and enough space for luggage. These buses usually leave early in the morning from Kantipath and Thamel and aim to reach Ramechhap by afternoon. However, they cost more than public buses at around $25 to $30 per person.
Privately Hired Vehicles
Hiring a private car or jeep provides flexibility and comfort, allowing you to set your own departure time and make stops. The trip takes about 4-5 hours but is the most costly option. It is the most expensive mode of road travel as the cost of privately hired vehicles can cost up to $130 to $220 per person.
Shared Jeep/Van
Shared jeeps or vans are a mid-range option for transportation, more comfortable than public buses but less private than cars. They usually leave early and can be booked through local travel agencies. While they offer better comfort than public buses, the vehicles can be crowded depending on how many passengers are on board. This mode of transport is cheaper than private vehicles but more expensive than public and tourist buses.
Cost for Kathmandu to Ramechhap
| Transportation Type | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Public Bus | $15 | Cheapest option, but can be crowded and time-consuming (around 6 hours). Departs from Chabahil or Old Bus Park. |
| Tourist Bus | $25 | It is faster than buses, but can be less comfortable depending on how full it is. Prices vary depending on the operator and vehicle type. |
| Shared Vehicle (Jeep/Van) | $30-$40 per person | It is the most expensive road option but offers the most flexibility and comfort. You can choose your departure time and make stops along the way (around 4 hours). |
| Private Vehicle (Car/Jeep) | $150-$200 | It is the most expensive road option but offers the most flexibility and comfort. You can choose your departure time and make stops along the way (around 4 hours). |
Key attractions along the way to Ramechhap
Many people prefer to drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap for the scenic and stunning views, peaceful roads, and chance to see some of the remote and beautiful villages, temples, and settlements.
Dhulikhel City
Dhulikhel is one of the most popular towns located just 30 km east of the capital city of Nepal. It is inhabited predominantly by the Newari people, who have been living here for several years. Dhulikhel is known for ancient temples, architectural development, and the majestic views of the mountains.
Aina Devi or Seti Devi Temple
Aina Devi (Goddess of Mirrors) Temple, also called Seti Devi Temple, is a Hindu temple in Aina Devi village, about 10 kilometers from Dhulikhel. The people visiting the temple worship Seti Devi, who people believe is the region’s protector. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful environment.
Mulkot
Another major attraction that tourists can experience during their tour from Kathmandu to Ramechhap is Mulkot. Mulkot is a small village located about 20 kilometers from Dhulikhel. It is known for its traditional Tamang culture and beautiful scenery. Many trekkers stop in Mulkot on their way to Ramechhap.
Best Time to Travel from Kathmandu to Ramechhap
Peak Trekking Seasons:
The best time to travel from Kathmandu to Ramechhap is any season between autumn, spring, and winter. Although the winter season is not recommended for high-altitude treks, it is still ideal for traveling from Kathmandu to Ramechhap. Between the seasons, the best months for this tour are April, May, October, November, and December.
Off-Season Travel:
Traveling in the off-season, during the monsoon season (June to August) and winter (January to February), has some advantages. You will see fewer people on the trails and in teahouses, which makes the experience more peaceful and immersive. The roads will also be less crowded, leading to a smoother trip from Kathmandu to Ramechhap. However, you should be ready for some challenges. In the monsoon, expect rain and muddy trails. Winter can bring cold weather and snow at higher elevations.
Ramechhap to Everest Base Camp: The Next Step
Ramechhap to Everest Base Camp: Your Gateway to the Everest Region
Ramechhap airport is the first step towards the Everest region. This airport is also known as Manthali Airport, where trekkers board the flight to reach Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region.
Convenient Flight Options from Ramechhap to Lukla
The flight option from Ramechhap to Lukla includes flights on Wednesday and Saturday. The flight duration is about 15 to 25 minutes from Ramechaap to Lukla. The arrival in Lukla is the beginning of different treks like the EBC trek, Everest Three Pass Trek, Gokyo Ri Trek, etc.
Exclusive Trekking Packages & Guided Tours
Several trekking packages combine Ramechhap’s route to the Everest region. Some of the popular treks like Everest Base Camp Trek Gokyo Ri treks are quite popular, but there are some hidden gems like Mera Peak Trek, Pikey Peak Trek, Everest View Trek, Island Peak Trek, and Everest Three Passes Trek.
Conclusion
Traveling from Kathmandu to Ramechhap is an excellent option for climbing Everest. By starting in Ramechhap, you can skip the often unreliable flights from Kathmandu to Lukla and enjoy the beautiful countryside of rural Nepal. The tour from the capital to Manthali is itself part of the Everest expedition, which lets you see terraced fields, lush jungles, traditional villages, and stunning mountains.
If you are looking for scenic travel from Kathmandu to Ramechhap for your first stop towards Everest region treks, we hope you choose Hillary Step Treks as your go-to trekking operator in Nepal. With an amazing reputation and experienced staff, we are sure to provide you once in a lifetime experience.
