Drive Yourself · No Driver · Flexible

Self Drive Car Rental in Kathmandu

Rent a car and drive it yourself — no driver, your schedule, your route. Available for Kathmandu Valley and main highway routes with a valid licence. Sedan from NPR 4,500/day. WhatsApp us to check availability.

Sedan / dayfrom NPR 4,500
SUV / dayfrom NPR 7,000
LicenceIDP or Nepali
FuelRenter pays
Rates

Self drive car rental prices — Kathmandu

VehicleDaily rate3-day rateWeekly rateNotes
Sedan (Toyota Corolla / similar)NPR 4,500NPR 12,500NPR 28,000City & highway
SUV (Mahindra Scorpio)NPR 7,000NPR 19,500NPR 44,000Valley + hills
4WD (Toyota Land Cruiser)NPR 10,000NPR 28,000POAOff-road capable

Fuel not included · Security deposit required · Minimum rental 1 day · Insurance included · Subject to availability

Requirements

What you need to self drive in Nepal

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International Driving Permit

Foreign nationals need a valid IDP (issued in your home country) plus your original national driving licence. The IDP must match the vehicle category — car, SUV, or motorcycle.

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Nepali licence (residents)

If you hold a Nepali driving licence, that is all you need. Expatriates resident in Nepal typically convert their home licence at the DOTM office in Kathmandu.

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Age and experience

Minimum age 21. We strongly recommend at least 3 years of driving experience for Kathmandu city and 5+ years for mountain or off-road routes.

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Insurance

Third-party insurance is included in all self drive rentals. A refundable security deposit is required at vehicle handover. Damage waiver options available.

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Nepal drives on the left

Traffic in Nepal follows left-hand driving rules. Kathmandu city driving can be chaotic — busy intersections, narrow lanes, and unpredictable motorcycles. Plan for it.

Fuel

You receive the vehicle with a full tank and return it full. Nepal Petrol Corporation runs most pumps. Diesel is readily available in Kathmandu; premium petrol at major stations.

FAQ

Self drive car rental questions

Can foreigners rent a car without a driver in Nepal?
Yes, with a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) and your home country licence. The IDP must be issued by your national automobile association before you travel — it cannot be obtained in Nepal.
How much does self drive car rental cost per day?
Sedan from NPR 4,500/day, SUV from NPR 7,000/day, Land Cruiser from NPR 10,000/day. Fuel is paid by the renter. A refundable security deposit is held at handover and returned on vehicle return.
Is driving in Kathmandu city difficult?
Kathmandu traffic is dense and unstructured by Western standards. If you are comfortable driving in South Asian cities, Kathmandu is manageable. For mountain routes or long-distance driving, most visitors prefer hiring a driver — it is safer, more comfortable, and not much more expensive.
Can I drive to Pokhara or Chitwan in a rental car?
Yes, on a valid IDP. The Prithvi Highway to Pokhara and the road to Chitwan are well-surfaced. Mountain routes to Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, or high-altitude areas require a 4WD vehicle and appropriate driving experience.
Most visitors choose a driver for long routes
Self drive is great for Kathmandu Valley. For Pokhara, Chitwan, or mountain roads, hiring a driver costs only a little more and removes all the stress of navigation, fuel, and road conditions. See driver hire rates →
Also consider

Reserve a self drive car in Kathmandu

WhatsApp us your dates and preferred vehicle — we confirm availability and send the rental terms.