Targeting the upcoming major festivals, Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath, the Tourist Bus Association of Nepal (TBAN) has opened advance ticket booking services for passengers traveling to popular tourist destinations. The initiative aims to provide both domestic and foreign tourists with safe, reliable, and hassle-free travel during Nepal’s busiest travel season.
According to TBAN President Bhisma Neupane, advance ticket booking has been introduced to ease the travel rush for passengers heading to destinations such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Sauraha. Neupane further stated that tickets can be conveniently purchased through online platforms, including Khalti and eSewa, ensuring easy access for all categories of passengers.
Over 200 Tourist Buses Operating Nationwide
At present, more than 200 tourist buses are operating from Sorhakhutte Road in Kathmandu, connecting Nepal’s capital to various domestic tourist destinations. These buses cater to both internal and external tourists, offering them comfortable travel options during festive periods. With the rise in festive travel demand, the association is confident that advance bookings will help manage the crowd and reduce last-minute travel difficulties.
Neupane emphasized that the advance ticketing system would especially benefit tourists who plan their journeys early. It also reflects TBAN’s ongoing commitment to upgrading Nepal’s tourism infrastructure by ensuring timely, reliable, and digital-first travel services.
Airline Tickets for Dashain Almost Sold Out
While TBAN has opened bookings for buses, the aviation sector is also witnessing a surge in demand. Yeti Airlines, one of Nepal’s leading carriers, has already sold more than 70% of its tickets for the Dashain period.
According to Yeti Airlines spokesperson Sudarshan Bartaula, “Most passengers have already held their flight tickets in advance. The rush is unprecedented, and we are seeing a strong preference for early bookings this year.”
This trend reflects the high mobility of people during the festive season, with many Nepalis traveling back to their hometowns while others take the opportunity to explore popular destinations across the country.
Transport Entrepreneurs Differ on Advance Bus Ticketing
Interestingly, while TBAN has opened advance bookings for tourist buses, other transport entrepreneurs have chosen not to do so this year. The National Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs (NFNTE) announced that they will not be offering advance ticket bookings for Dashain.
Federation President Vijay Bahadur Swar explained the decision, noting that the recent student-led demonstrations had forced the closure of campuses, leading many passengers to travel home earlier than usual. As a result, the expected surge in travel demand for Dashain has already been absorbed, reducing the need for separate advance ticketing.
Swar added that the existing system, allowing passengers to purchase bus tickets five days prior to their travel date, remains intact. He urged travelers to utilize this arrangement rather than expecting dedicated advance ticketing for the festivals. “This year, due to early departures, advance ticket booking for Dashain has not been necessary,” Swar clarified.
Government Sets Up Passenger Help Desks
To further ensure smooth and safe travel during Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath, the government has announced the establishment of 15 passenger help desks across the Kathmandu Valley.
The help desks were formally inaugurated on Thursday by Additional Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Dan Bahadur Karki, head of the Kathmandu Valley Police Office. These centers aim to assist passengers with inquiries, ticketing support, travel safety, and emergency coordination.
Authorities believe the presence of help desks will help reduce travel-related hassles, prevent fraud in ticket sales, and provide a direct channel for resolving passenger grievances during the hectic festive season.
A Crucial Time for Tourism and Travel
The festive season is traditionally one of the busiest times for Nepal’s transport sector, with millions of people traveling between urban centers and rural hometowns. For the tourism industry, it is also a time to welcome foreign visitors who seek to experience Nepal’s cultural vibrancy.
With TBAN’s decision to open advance booking, combined with online accessibility, both domestic and foreign travelers are expected to benefit from more organized transportation. Meanwhile, the aviation sector’s robust demand highlights the continued importance of domestic flights in managing festival travel.
However, the divergence in approaches, between TBAN’s proactive move and NFNTE’s decision not to open advance booking, illustrates the challenges of managing Nepal’s diverse travel needs. The government’s passenger help desks may play a balancing role, ensuring that regardless of the mode of transport, travelers can access reliable support.
Looking Ahead
The coming weeks will be a test for Nepal’s transport infrastructure as the Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath holidays draw near. TBAN’s advance booking system is expected to reduce crowding, provide safety assurance, and offer travelers more convenience. At the same time, airlines and private transport operators must work together to accommodate the surge in passengers.
Tourism experts believe that such systematic travel arrangements not only support domestic travelers but also build confidence among international tourists who visit Nepal during the festive season. By leveraging digital platforms and government-backed assistance, Nepal is gradually moving toward a more modern and organized travel ecosystem.
For now, passengers are encouraged to book early, whether by bus or by air, to avoid last-minute difficulties. With multiple stakeholders working toward smooth operations, Nepal’s festive travel season is set to be both vibrant and better managed than in previous years.
