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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. Car from 25 USD/day. WhatsApp us to check availability.

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Car / dayNPR 3,37525 USD
SUV / dayNPR 6,07545 USD
LicenceIDP or Nepali
FuelRenter pays
Rates

Self drive car rental prices — Kathmandu

VehicleDaily rate3-day rateWeekly rateNotes
Car (Toyota Corolla / similar)NPR 3,37525 USDNPR 11,47585 USDNPR 24,975185 USDCity & highway
SUV (Mahindra Scorpio)NPR 6,07545 USDNPR 17,550130 USDNPR 39,825295 USDValley + hills
4WD (Toyota Land Cruiser)NPR 8,77565 USDNPR 24,975185 USDPOAOff-road capable

Starting self-drive car hire from NPR 3,888/day (fuel extra; subject to availability) · Fuel not included · Security deposit required · Minimum rental 1 day

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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Security deposit

A refundable security deposit is required at vehicle handover. Rental terms and deposit amount are confirmed on WhatsApp before pickup.

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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.

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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?
Car from 25 USD/day, SUV from 45 USD/day, Land Cruiser from 65 USD/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

Hire a driver

Driver + vehicle from 40 USD/day. Includes fuel, tolls, everything.

Most popular optionView

Full price list

All rates — city hire, routes, vehicles, airport transfers.

Transparent pricingView

Scorpio hire

Nepal's favourite trip SUV. 4WD, 6 pax, mountain-ready.

60 USD/day with driverView

Airport transfer

Flight-tracked pickup at Tribhuvan International.

Car from 20 USDView

Reserve a self drive car in Kathmandu

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

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