Getting around · Nuwakot
How to Get to Nuwakot
The 75km route from Kathmandu via Trishuli Bazaar (Bidur) — bus and private-vehicle options.
To get to Nuwakot, travel about 75km north-west of Kathmandu by road, a journey of roughly three to four hours via Trishuli Bazaar (Bidur). You can come by public bus or, more comfortably, by private vehicle or taxi. The winding mountain road is slow but scenic, and the route pairs naturally with Trishuli rafting and the drive towards Langtang.
The short answer
From Kathmandu, head out of the valley and down the Trishuli highway to Bidur (Trishuli Bazaar) in the river valley, then climb the short road up to the historic ridge and the Nuwakot Durbar. A private vehicle is the easiest option; public buses run the same route more cheaply but slowly. Leave early to beat traffic and the afternoon haze.
By private vehicle or taxi
A hired car with driver is the most comfortable and flexible way to reach Nuwakot. It lets you stop at the sacred Devighat confluence, break the journey for a Trishuli rafting trip and reach the ridge at the right time for clear morning or golden evening light. Expect three to four hours each way.
By public bus
Buses and microbuses run from Kathmandu towards Trishuli Bazaar (Bidur), the district hub and transport interchange. From there, local jeeps and buses continue up to the Durbar area and on towards Dhunche and Langtang. It is the budget option — cheap but crowded and slow, with a change at the bazaar. For the wider picture, see our national guide to getting around Nepal.
Good to know
- Road conditions: The route is winding and can be rough, especially during and after the monsoon — allow extra time and avoid night driving.
- Combine it: Nuwakot is a logical first stop on the way to Langtang, and an easy add-on to a Trishuli rafting day.
- Plan ahead: Decide where to base yourself with our guide to where to stay in Nuwakot, and pick your season with the best time to visit.
The valley hub of Battar and Bidur bazaar is where most journeys change gear. For the full overview, see the Nuwakot travel guide and our roundup of the best places to visit in Nepal.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Nuwakot from Kathmandu?+
Nuwakot lies about 75km north-west of Kathmandu and is reached by road in roughly three to four hours. The route runs out of the valley via Balaju and Kakani or the Trishuli highway down to Trishuli Bazaar (Bidur), then up to the historic ridge. You can travel by public bus or, more comfortably, by private vehicle or taxi.
How long does it take to drive to Nuwakot?+
Allow three to four hours from Kathmandu, depending on traffic, road conditions and the season. The mountain road is winding and can be slow, especially during and after the monsoon, so leave early and don't plan it as a quick hop.
Is there a bus to Nuwakot?+
Yes. Buses and microbuses run from Kathmandu towards Trishuli Bazaar (Bidur), from where local transport continues up to the Durbar area and on towards Langtang. Public transport is cheap but slow and crowded; for comfort and to stop at sights along the way, many visitors hire a vehicle.
Can you combine Nuwakot with rafting or Langtang?+
Yes. The route to Nuwakot follows the Trishuli valley, so it pairs naturally with a Trishuli River rafting trip. The road on from Bidur also leads towards Dhunche and the Langtang region, making Nuwakot a logical first stop on a longer northern itinerary.
