The short answer
Several roads are worth the journey for the view alone. The Prithvi Highway follows the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers between Kathmandu and Pokhara. The Araniko Highway climbs north-east towards the Tibet border through terraced hills and gorges. The Tribhuvan Rajpath winds from the plains to Kathmandu via Daman, and the Kali Gandaki road to Jomsom runs through one of the deepest valleys in the world.
Add the Siddhartha Highway from Pokhara to the plains and the hill roads near Dhulikhel and Nagarkot. Check road conditions in monsoon and allow plenty of time, since scenic roads are often slow.
Key facts
- River road
- Prithvi Highway
- Gorge road
- Araniko Highway
- Hill road
- Tribhuvan Rajpath via Daman
- Valley road
- Kali Gandaki to Jomsom
How it works
- Pick a roadChoose by landscape type.
- Check conditionsSee road conditions.
- Start earlyLight is better and roads clearer.
- Stop at viewpointsAsk your driver.
- Allow bufferAdd an hour for stops.
Insider tip
Hire a driver; you can then look at the view while the road demands attention.
Avoid this
Do not drive hill roads yourself at night or in heavy rain.
Related questions
Which is the most scenic?
The Kali Gandaki road to Jomsom is dramatic, but it needs more time and care.
Can I self-drive?
Possible, but hiring a local driver is safer.
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