International Driver's License In Nepal: Rent a car with ease

For a more convenient experience, you can do your International Driving Permit online application through International Drivers Association. The International Driver's Permit requirements consist of filling out the online application form and two recent passport-sized photos. All you need to do now is pay for your application and wait for confirmation.

The online application form will ask for your details, such as your valid national driver’s license class, country of residence, home address, and zip code. Be sure that the details on the application form are written exactly as those on your local driver’s license, ensure the validity of your International Driver's Permit. Also, beware of the minimum driving age rules implemented in the country.

You may check the International Drivers Association website again after two hours to see your update. The verification of the IDL will be announced instantly after your application.  A physical copy will be sent to your address within 30 days. In the meantime, you can have a digital copy of your IDL/IDP.

The country may be known because of Mount Everest, but its wonders don’t stop there. There are more tourist attractions that you can visit, and the best way to experience them is by driving to the tourist destinations. Don’t forget to apply for an International Driver’s Permit in Nepal before your trip.

Is a Local Driver’s License Valid in Nepal?

A local driver’s license or a driver’s license issued in your home country is valid. It is one of the main requirements – along with an IDP – needed for you to drive and rent a car. Your local driver’s license should not be expired during your stay, and you should meet the minimum age requirement of 18 for you to be able to drive.

Additionally, it would be best if your driver’s license is written in English. This will make your trip more convenient, as some authorities or companies may ask for an English translation of your driver’s license. Thankfully, an IDP is essentially an English translation of your driver’s license. Now all you need to do is show your IDP when they are asking for a translation of your driver’s license.

Does an IDP Replace a Local Driver’s License?

An IDP does not replace your local driver’s license. Although an IDP can serve as a supplementary form of identification for over 150 countries worldwide, this makes it legally possible for you to drive in those countries as long as you meet the necessary requirements. An IDP is essentially a translation of your local driver’s license, making it easier for the authorities to understand your license, especially if it is not written in English or in Latin script.

Do I Need an IDP to Drive in Nepal?

Yes, you need an IDP to drive here along with your local driver’s license. You need to carry your IDP, local driver’s license, passport, and car rental documents with you when you are driving here. Local authorities in the country sometimes perform driving license checks on random drivers. During this time, you will need to show your IDP along with your local driver’s license and passport.

When you encounter toll booths in here, sometimes the authorities will also ask for a form of identification. You can also present your IDP to the authorities as it can also serve as a supplementary document for identification. Always remember to be cooperative and respectful when encountering traffic authorities and personnel.

Which Countries Recognize An International Driver's Permit?

• Australia
• Canada
• Japan
• Netherlands
• South Africa
• Barbados
• Brazil
• Hong Kong
• Iceland
• Indonesia
• Iran
• Cayman Islands
• Malaysia
• New Zealand
• United Kingdom
• and more!

Applying for an IDP- How to get International Driving License in Nepal?

An International Driver's Permit or International Driving License is one of the main requirements for you to drive here. However, note that you should be of legal driving age to be a driver in the country, so beware of the minimum driving age required before planning to drive in the country. Authorities in this country will constantly look for your International Driving Licence during checkpoints and random inspections, so have it prepared and on hand at all times.

While having fun in Nepal, visitors need to respect Nepal driving rules like the age limit for drivers, understanding road signs, speed limits, and alcohol limits. This will make the visit both relaxing and smooth. Always be polite and work well with local officials. Here are key driving rules to keep in mind while driving in Nepal.

Carry your driver’s license and International Driver's Permit for Nepal at all times

Your International Driving License and your valid national driver license are some of the most important documents you need during your trip. Local authorities will look for these documents – especially your IDP which was previously known as an international Driving Licence during checkpoints and random inspections. Be sure to keep these documents on hand, along with your passport, as they are requirements for you to drive around the country.

If you are renting a car, foreign nationals need to present their car rental documents to the authorities during inspections. For you to rent a vehicle in the country, you would need to present your International Driving License, your valid home country driver’s license, passport, and your credit/debit card to the car rental company.

Wear your seatbelt at all times

Local authorities are strict in the implementation of this law. You need to wear your seatbelt at all times to avoid unwanted road traffic accidents. Both the driver and the passengers are required to wear a seatbelt at all times. If you are caught by the authorities not wearing a seatbelt, you will be fined.

Do Not Drink and Drive

Nepali authorities conduct random inspections at any location throughout the country to detect drivers who do not follow the blood alcohol limit. The authorities may ask you to perform a breath-analyzer test where they impose a 0.00% blood alcohol limit. When the country's drunk driving road traffic incident statistics rose, they imposed this law more strictly to prevent more accidents from happening. If you are caught drinking and driving, you will be fined by the traffic authorities.

Children should be seated at the rear

In this country, children are prohibited from riding at the passenger side of the car and the back of the rear seat. It is mandated that children are supposed to sit on a child seat at the rear seat of the car, and they should be buckled up properly. That way, injuries are prevented should they encounter any road traffic accidents. The only time a child is allowed to sit on the car seat instead of the child seat is when he or she is big enough. The child safety door lock should also be used at the side where the child is sitting.

Located in South Asia between India and China, it is a charming country filled with rich culture, traditions, and natural wonders. Driving here would prove to be an adventure, with the country’s flora and fauna surrounding you along your drive. From mountains, glaciers, and lakes to historical sites heralded by the world, the country has a lot to offer to those wanting to visit the country. Here’s a list of the top destinations for your next adventure. Get your international driving license and start exploring!

Pokhara

Pokhara is a city frequented by tourists who want to get their blood pumping. Pokhara offers many extreme activities like bungee jumping, paragliding, mountain biking, and river rafting that will surely leave you breathless and wanting for more. Pokhara is also home to famous trails that leads to Mount Everest, often making the city the starting point for hikers.

Although Pokhara is known for extreme activities, the city also offers more laid-back and scenic activities. You can enjoy a guided paddle boat tour on Pokhara’s Phewa Lake or watch the beautiful sunrise from Sarangkot Viewpoint. If you want to go on a more easy-going hike, you can go a 3-day hike on Poon Hill Ghorepani Trek. This trail stretches up to 3,200 m and passes through little villages and jungles, giving you the perfect uninterrupted view of the Himalayan Mountains.

Visit Pokhara during autumn, from September to November for pleasant weather conditions.

Driving directions:

• From the airport, follow Ring Road.
• Continue to stay on Ring Road until you reach Madan Bhandari Road.
• Stay on Madan Bhandari Road until you see a roundabout.
• At the roundabout, take the 1st exit to Thapathali Road.
• Turn right to Tripura Marg and stay on the road until you reach Kalimati Road.
• Stay on Kalimati Road until you reach Ganeshman Singh Road.
• Follow Ganeshman Singh Road until you reach Ganeshman Singh Path.
• Stay on Ganeshman Singh Path until you reach Kalankisthan Road.
• Follow Kalanskithan Road until you reach Pokhar.

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest and largest Hindu temple complex in Nepal and is one of the most important sites for devotees of Shiva. Pashupatinath Temple plays an important role in Nepal’s culture, with hundreds of rituals being performed every day. In some of the rituals performed, tourists are allowed to participate, giving you the chance to be part of Nepal’s culture.

Pashupatinath Temple is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage list and comprises 518 temples inside the complex. There you can see not only the magnificent temples but traditional paintings and sculptures as well. Of course, despite being a tourist attraction, Pashupatinath Temple is still a sacred place for the Hindus. Certain areas are restricted to non-Hindus and Hindus of Western descent. Visit the temple from September to November, to experience clear skies and plenty of cultural events.

Driving directions:

• From the airport, follow Ring Road
• At Gaushala Chwok Road, take the 3rd exit and stay on Ring Road
• Turn right at Jayabageshwori Marg
• Turn left at Pashupati Nath Road and follow it until you reach your destination

Mount Everest

Most travelers go to Nepal to climb the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest. Reaching 29,029 feet, Mount Everest is the ultimate climb for seasoned mountain climbers and trekkers. Be warned, climbing Mount Everest is not an easy feat and should be done with caution. It would take days before you will reach the summit, with you being exposed to the harsh cold and altitude.

While you are busy climbing, be on the lookout for wild animals roaming the surroundings like the cute red panda, wolves, and bears. It is also said that the abominable snowman or Yeti roam the Himalayas. Although no one has seen the Yeti clearly, it said that you can sometimes find its footprints littering the area. Climb the mountain from April to May to better enjoy its peak.

To get to Mount Everest Base Camp, you have the option to fly to Lukla city or drive to the town of Jiri. The difference would be the acclimatization days, when flying to Lukla, your chance of acclimatization would be shorter, making you more prone to altitude sickness.

Flying to Lukla

• From Kathmandu Airport, fly to Lukla
• From Lukla, trek to the Mount Everest Base Camp for 11 to 14 days

Driving from Jiri

• From the airport, follow Araniko Highway
• Follow Araniko Highway until you reach Lamosangu-Ramechhap Highway
• Continue to follow Lamosangu-Ramecchap Highway until you reach Jiri
• From Jiri, trek. To the Mount Everest Base Camp for 24 days

Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha National Park is home to some of the country's most beautiful, endangered, and rare wildlife. Here, you can also see the peak of Mount Everest while you navigate on different terrains like gorges, glaciers, and rocky trails. Keep an eye out on the variety of wildlife present like musk deers, wolves, Himalayan black bears, and 118 types of birds.

Sagarmatha National Park is also home to the red panda, snow leopard, and marmots. The best time to visit this national park is during autumn, between October and November. As another place in this country that’s part of UNESCO’s World Heritage List, Sagarmatha National Park will not disappoint you.

Driving directions:

• From the airport, follow Ring Road.
• Continue to follow the road until you reach Gyaneshwor Marg.
• Turn left to Bhagawati Marg.
• Once you reach Narayanhiti Path, turn right and follow Nagpokhari Marg until you reach Kathmandu.

Patan

Step back in time and visit Patan, one of its cities. Patan is known for keeping its old-city charm through its architecture, arts, and customs. Also known as the Handicraft City, Patan is home to the best craftsmen and artists. Here you can take short wood carving, pottery, and even painting classes. Even the monasteries and temples are filled with art, both traditional and modern, making the city a must-visit site for art historians and connoisseurs.

Your trip to Patan would not be complete if you don’t visit Patan Durbar Square, another place that is included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Here you can see the old palace, with its original throne, art, and carvings being preserved and protected. While you are at Durbar Square, don’t forget to drop by Krishna Temple, a Hindu temple made completely out of stone. Visit Patan from October to April to experience pleasant weather.

Driving directions:

• From the airport, follow Ring Road
• Continue straight on Ring Road until you reach Araniko Highway
• On Araniko highway, turn right when you reach an exit to Ring Road
• Follow Ring Road until you reach Patan