Transportation Options From Kathmandu to Ramechhap
Kathmandu to Ramechhap is a well-known destination for trekkers in the Everest region. The Ramechhap district borders the Solukhumbu district and has been a popular trekking stop. Since there’s no direct roadway to reach Lukla, the visitors should either take a direct flight from Kathmandu or from Ramechhap. Ramechhap has gained popularity as the alternate route in the Everest region treks. Usually, travelers from the Everest region take a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Still, during the peak trekking season, there will be a number of visitors, and the flight to Lukla from KTM won’t be enough. This is one of the reasons trekkers travel to Manthali airport for the Lukla flight.
Ramechapp is around 130 km from Kathmandu, and it takes 4-5 hours to reach Ramechhap by road. During the peak trekking season, every traveler taking a flight to Lukla first needs to travel to Ramechhap Manthali Airport. There are multiple options for you to reach Ramechhap from Kathmandu. You can take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Manthali or travel by road. Your roadway transportation option includes a public Bus, private car, shared Jeep, etc., to get to Ramechhap.
Usually, the weather in the Everest region changes in no time. Most of the flights during the peak season are redirected to Ramechhap Airport. The flight time from Manali Domestic Airport to Lukla Airport is a few minutes faster than the flight from Kathmandu Airport. The flight from Manthali is generally 15 minutes faster and allows you to witness the Everest Himalayas aerial view.
Key attractions along the way to Ramechhap
The drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap takes around 4-5 hours. A few popular tourist attractions come on the way while traveling to Ramechhap. If you plan to travel to Ramechhap early in the day in a private vehicle, you can visit some of the stops in between. Here are a few popular tourist destinations that come along the way from Kathmandu to Ramechhap.
Dhulikhel City
Dhulikhel City is one of the major attractions on the way to Ramechhap. The city of Dhulikhel serves as the junction where two major highways of Nepal, the BP Koirala Highway and the Arniko Highway, intersect. The Dhulikhel viewpoint is one of the major attractions. You can climb the stone steps to reach the viewpoint, offering breathtaking panoramic views of lush green hills. Additionally, a unique stone at the top of the hill serves as a popular spot for photos, creating the illusion of sitting on a rock overlooking the stunning scenery.
Aaina Devi or Seti Devi Temple
Aina Devi Temple or Seti Devi Temple is another famous religious site on the way to Manthali. The temple is located on the left side while going toward Ramechhap. Thousands of mirrors(Aaina) are hung on the roadway’s walls on both ends of the temple. There’s a small temple built right on the edge of the road, where every vehicle passing by worships the goddess. It is believed the goddess will protect you during your journey.
Mulkot
Mulkot is another popular stop on the BP Highway. The small stop of Mulkot has multiple riverside resorts that allow you to do adventure activities such as kayaking, boating, or rafting on the Sunkoshi River. It is a perfect stop where you can stop for lunch or snacks and enjoy the adventure activities that the place offers.
Travel distance and Route conditions
The travel distance from Kathmandu to Ramechhap is 133 kilometers. It takes you around 4 to 5 hours to reach Ramechhap from Kathmandu City. However, if you’re traveling in a public vehicle, it takes you around 6 hours to reach Ramechhap. You will first travel from Kathmandu to Charikot and then head towards the Manthali Airport again. It takes you around 2.5 hours to reach Manthali Airport from Charikot. Manthali is the capital of Ramechhap district. The roadway to Ramechhap is a fully black-topped road. Recent flooding has created a few kilometers of off-roads on the BP Highway. However, the journey on any private vehicle or bus from Kathmandu to Ramechhap is one of the smooth rises in Nepal.
Flight from Manthali To Lukla
The only alternative to catch a flight to Lukla is from Manthali Airport. As we all know, most mountain flights take place early in the morning because of the clear weather. The flying time from Manthali to Lukla is around 10 minutes shorter than the flying time from Kathmandu. During the peak trekking seasons, the flights are directed to Manthali from Lukla. This is one of the main reasons trekkers tend to travel to Manthali, Ramechhap. Manthali Airport operates more flights to Lukla during the peak trekking season than Kathmandu Airport.
Transportation Options from Kathmandu to Ramechhap
Public Bus
Public Buses are one of the most common Accommodation Options for traveling to Ramechhap from Kathmandu. It takes you around 5-6 hours to reach Ramechhap from Kathmandu. You will have multiple buses leaving from different spots in Kathmandu. You can get the bus to Ramechhap from the old bus park or the new bus park. Moreover, you can also get the bus from Jadibuti Buspark. The bus fare from Kathmandu to Ramechhap will cost around $10-15.
Domestic Flight
The fastest way to travel to Ramechhap from Kathmandu is by domestic flight. The flight duration to Ramechhap from Tribhuvan International Airport is just 25 minutes. However, you must reach the airport an hour before the departure time. There will be several flights from Kathmandu to Ramechhap Airport in a day. The price of a flight ticket to Ramechhap will cost around $50-100, depending on the season you’re traveling in.
Tourist Buses
The tourist buses are premium transportation option that takes you to the small town of Ramechhap. These buses are usually larger than the regular buses and provide you with extra comfort during your travel. Their seats will provide you with sofa comfort and a proper legstand to rest your legs. Likewise, the vehicles will be air-conditioned and have the facilities like TV and music players. The price for a tourist bus ticket is around $20-$30, depending on the season you’re traveling in. The trip from Kathmandu to Ramechhap on a tourist bus is one of the most luxurious transportation ever.
Privately Hired Vehicles
Another convenient way to travel east of Kathmandu, specifically to Ramechhap, is by hiring a private vehicle. You can hire a taxi, jeep, or even a Hiace to travel to Ramechhap from Kathmandu. If you’re in a group traveling to Ramechhap, hiring a Hiace can be a good option for you. This might be a little expensive transportation option, but the journey in a privately hired vehicle gives you different comfort. You can also make a small stop in between to visit the nearby tourist destination while traveling in a privately hired vehicle. The cost for a privately hired vehicle will cost you from $100-$250, depending on what vehicle you opt for.
Accommodation Options at Manthali, Ramechhap?
Manthali has emerged as a popular stop for trekkers in the Everest region. The small town of Manthali has numerous options for accommodation. You can find quality hotels, guest houses, and small lodges for your stay. These places are often run by the locals, providing you with premium service during your stay. The cost of your accommodation will be around $20-100. This depends on the type of stay you choose. There are multiple hotels and guest houses around the Manthali airport. Many tourists who plan for Everest Base Camp Trek in the peak seasons must travel to Ramechhap for their flights.
Conclusion
Choosing to travel to the Everest region via Ramechhap can be one the best decisions you can ever make. The journey from Kathmandu to Ramechhap passes alongside the Sun Koshi and Tama Koshi rivers, where you can witness the breathtaking views of lush green hilly forests. Moreover, the Kathmandu to Ramechhap route has numerous trekking routes along the way. Opting for this route gives you a clear picture of the roadways in Nepal. You will be able to witness the numerous charming villages along the way.
