Getting around · Nepal
Ride-Hailing in Nepal: Pathao, inDrive and Yango
Pathao, inDrive and Yango explained — how Nepal's ride apps work and which to use where.
Nepal's cities now run on ride-hailing, and the three apps to know are Pathao, inDrive and Yango. All let you book a ride from your phone at a price set or agreed in advance, which is cheaper and more transparent than negotiating a street taxi. Coverage is strongest in Kathmandu, growing in Pokhara, and you will need a local SIM with data to use any of them.
The three main apps
Pathao
The most widely used app in Nepal, Pathao offers both motorbike and car rides with an automatic, distance-based fare shown before you confirm. Bikes are the cheapest, fastest way through traffic; cars suit groups and luggage. Pathao also supports digital-wallet payment alongside cash.
inDrive
inDrive uses a bidding model: you propose your own fare and drivers accept or counter. With knowledge of the going rate this can be the cheapest option, though it takes a little patience. It also offers bikes and cars and is well established in Kathmandu.
Yango
Yango is a newer entrant, focused mainly on car rides with app-set fares. It adds another option for comparison, especially when you want a car rather than a bike, though its driver pool is smaller than Pathao's.
Which app, which city
- Kathmandu: all three work; Pathao and inDrive have the most drivers and shortest waits.
- Pokhara: coverage is thinner — apps work but waits are longer, so keep a street-taxi backup, as covered in getting around Pokhara.
- Solo, beating traffic: book a bike on Pathao or inDrive.
- Groups or luggage: book a car on any of the three.
Tips before you ride
- Buy a SIM first. Ncell or NTC data is essential — no app works without it.
- Install more than one and compare prices before each ride; the cheapest app varies daily.
- Watch the pickup pin. Drivers often wait just off busy streets like Thamel.
- Carry small notes for cash fares; wear the provided helmet on any bike ride.
For a head-to-head of the two leaders, see Pathao vs inDrive in Kathmandu. If you would rather flag a cab, our guide to Kathmandu taxis and fair fares explains the negotiation. Browse every city option at the Kathmandu and Pokhara city transport hub, and for inter-city travel see getting around Nepal.
Frequently asked questions
What ride-hailing apps work in Nepal?+
The main apps are Pathao, inDrive and Yango. Pathao and inDrive are the most established, offering both motorbike and car rides, while Yango is a newer entrant focused on car rides. All three operate in Kathmandu, and coverage in Pokhara and other cities continues to grow.
Do ride apps work in Pokhara as well as Kathmandu?+
Ride apps are strongest in Kathmandu, where driver numbers are highest. Coverage in Pokhara exists but is thinner, so wait times can be longer and street taxis remain common, especially for the airport and bus-park runs. Always have a backup plan if no driver accepts.
How do I pay for rides on Nepali ride apps?+
Cash is universally accepted and remains the default. Digital wallet payments are increasingly supported, especially on Pathao. Carry small rupee notes so you can settle a cash fare without change problems, particularly for cheaper motorbike rides.
Are ride apps cheaper than taxis in Nepal?+
Generally yes. App fares are set or bid in advance, removing the negotiation and tourist mark-up common with street taxis. A motorbike ride is the cheapest option of all for solo travellers, while a car still tends to undercut a flagged-down cab for the same route.