Highways in Nepal
Kathmandu and major cities of Nepal are inter-connected with Highways and roads. They are also well connected with India through plains of the Terai. However Nepal does not have well developed network of Highways of western standard. There are only a few highways with better engineering and several connecting roads to main highways. Condition of Highways vary from well maintained two lane Highways to potholed and hilly roads. The drive in a later type of roads may give you roller coaster ride. Visitors are permitted to drive their own cars but the vehicles must possess an international carnet. There are regular bus services to Kathmandu and major cities from all the border points. The interior parts of the country are also linked with a number of highways and roads. Any way the network of roads and highways have linked several tourist destinations, cities, Industrial and commercial centers in Nepal. The main highways are from East to West and Link roads from North to south. Please find the highways map of Nepal.
Mahendra Highway: It is longest highway in Nepal. It links Eastern border with India to Western border with India. The East Pont is at Kakarbhitta. It is also an Exit point to Northeast India including Darjeeling and Sikkim. The West Point is at Mahendra Nagar. It is linked with Northwest India including Kumau, Nainital of Uttarnchal. The major destinations along and around the Highways are Kakarbhitta, Bhadrapur, Dharan, Janakpur, Narayanghat, Butwal, Shiddarthnagar, Nepalganj, Bardiya, Mahendranagar, etc.
Prithvi Highway: It is a busiest Highway in Nepal. It connects Kathmandu with Pokhara and then to Baglung. Baglung is a start point of Trekking to Mustang and also put in point of white water river rafting at river Kaligandaki. Major destination along and around the highway are Mankamana, Gorakha, Damauli, Bandipur, Besisahar, etc.
Shiddarth Highway: It is an important Highway which connects Sunauli at Shiddarthnagar to Pokhara via Tansen. It crosses Mahendra Highway at Butwal.
Tribhuvan Highway: It is an oldest Highway linking Capital with India at Birganj. Other major destination in the Highways are Daman and Hetauda.
Arniko Highway: It is the only Highway going to Nepal Tibet border at Kodari from Kathmandu. It has several connecting roads including Lamosangu to Jiri. Jiri is considered a gateway to Everest region.
Important North South roads
Kathmandu Dhunche: This road links with Langtang region. It starts from Kathmandu to Nuwakot. It has several hilly connecting roads. These include Dhunche, Rasuwa at Nepal Tibet border.
Bhadrapur to Ilam: The road has major destinations including Ilam, Pashupati Nagar, Panchthar (Kanchenjunga region), etc.
Biratnagar to Hile: It connects Mahendra Highway at Itahari and links Dharan and Dhankuta. Hile and Basantpur are gate way of Kanchenjunga and Barun Makalu conservation.
Narayanghat to Gorakha: It is an important link road connecting Mahendra Highway at Narayanghat and Prithvi Highway at Mugling.
Nepalganj Surkhet: This road starts Nepalganj at Nepal India border to Surkhet valley which gateway to Jumla and other remote hilly area. It crosses Mahendra Highway at Kohalpur.
Dhangadhi Dadeldhura: This road starts at Nepal India Border at Dhangadi to Dadeldhura crossing Mahendra Highway at Atariya. |
