Kathmandu to Syabrubesi by Bus or Jeep

Kathmandu to Syabrubesi by Bus or Jeep 

Kathmandu to Swabrubesi by bus or jeep is the only way to get access to the trailhead of Langtang Valley Trek and Gosainkunda Lake Trek. Since there is no luxury bus services and domestic flight like for Pokhara and Lukla for ABC Trek and Everest, trekkers who are doing Langtang Trekking, Gosainkunda Trek and Tamang Heritage Trekking in Langtang region have to, completely, rely on either bus or jeep ride from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi via Dhunche. 

Kathmandu to Syabrubesi by bus

Kathmandu to Syabrubesi by bus is one of the transportation options to get the trailhead of Langtang region trekking which include Tamang Heritage Trekking, Langtang Valley Trekking and Gosainkunda Lake Trek. One can get Syabrubesi by bus from Kathmandu in 6-7 hours via Pasang Lhamu Highway passing Dhunche Bazaar penultimately. 

Actually, one cannot get luxury Air Conditioned tourist bus for Syabrubesi like for Pokhara and Chitwan and neither they get any air connection by domestic flights. The trekkers who are doing Langtang trekking need to go with ordinary public bus spending almost 7 hours starting early in the morning at round 7 am.

You can get the bus for Syabrubesi from Machhapokhari Chowk near New Buspark which is 20 minutes walk from central Thamel and 15 minutes drive by taxi or car. 

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The bus for Syabrubesi leaves every hour in the early morning from Kathmandu between 6 am to 11 am and sometimes even in the afternoon. You can choose the departure hour in the morning and book your bus ticket for Syabrubesi. If you are doing Langtang Trekking with guide via a trekking company located in Nepal, the guide will help you book the bus ticket for Syabrubesi or Dhunche from Kathmandu. Normally, the cost of bus ticket from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi is included in the cost you pay to the trekking company if you are doing the Langtang trek joining in a local company located in Nepal. 

The total distance from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi is 122 km driving along the Pasang Lhamu Highway. You will initially pass through Osho Tapoban, then, Kakani and then to Trishuli Bazaar and you will ascend via country rough and narrow road enjoying magnificent mountain landscapes and summits. When the bus ride for Syabrubesi from Kathmandu turns to be bumpy on the off road while approaching Dhunche Bazaar, you may get sacred, but, the drivers are very experienced and the condition of buses you are riding are very good and well maintained. Scared? …….No, no you should not….it’s a part of adventure before you begin your another adventure trekking in Langtang region. 

Kathmandu to Syabrubesi bus ticket costs Rs. 1500 per person. This cost doesn’t include your meals and snacks on the way; you have to buy your meals on the way on your own. 

You can book the bus ticket from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi via local transport company or travel or trekking company. Just let them know how many you are and fix the date and time for the departure for Syabrubesi from Kathmandu by bus. They will book the bus ticket for Dhunche and Syabrubesi and fix everything before you head to Machhapokhari to get the bus for the next day’s morning. 

Kathmandu to Syabrubesi by jeep

The drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, the gateway to the Langtang Valley trek, is about 122 km (76 miles), and it takes around 6 to 8 hours, depending on road conditions. It goes along the Pasang Lhamu Highway and serpentines through scenic landscapes, terraced fields, and small towns such as Trishuli Bazaar and Dhunche. It gives glimpses of Himalayan views and deep gorges, preparing you for the Langtang region.

A shared jeep to Syabrubesi costs around NPR 1,500-2,000 per person, while a private jeep costs around NPR 12,000-16,000, depending on the size and condition of the vehicle. Shared jeeps are more economical and start daily from Machhapokhari near Balaju in Kathmandu. You can book a private jeep through trekking agencies, hotels, or local transport companies. It is recommended to book in advance for peak trekking seasons from March to May and September to November.

The starting point for the Langtang Valley Trek, Syabrubesi is your way to approach culturally enchanting villages, alpine meadows, and breathtaking views of peaks that include Langtang Lirung. The bumpy drive to get here is an adventure in its own right, bringing you to this serene trekking destination in Nepal.

Preparations for Kathmandu to Syabrubesi Bus or Jeep Drive

One doesn’t require preparing comprehensively for the jeep or bus ride to Syabrubesi from Kathmandu. However, you must be heading towards either Langtang Valley or Tamang Heritage or Gokyo Lake after this 7-8 hours drive. So, you must adopt some preparations beforehand. Thes are the must do preparations before heading towards Machhapokhari where Syabrubesi Bus Station and Syabrubesi Bus Tickets Counters are located. 

1. Choose comfortable outfit as you are travelling by local bus or jeep for 7 hours along the bumpy country road

2. Carry enough drinking water ( preferably warm or hot) at least 2 liter, though you have some breaks for water, toilets and meals including light snacks and coffee and tea

3. Bring Nepali Currency to pay for your snacks, water and meals on the way

4. Carry multi layers of clothes to adjust the various weather conditions and temperatures on the way

5. Pack all the required trekking equipment for your Langtang Valley or Gosainkunda Lake Trek which begins from the next day

6. Wear comfortable shoes so that you can give a good stretch to your legs 

7. Carry some light snacks and fruits if you want to have them on the way 

8. Bring a book to read during the bus/jeep ride from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi

9. Ask the bus staff to keep your luggage/backpack safely so that you won’t lose anything

10. Keep your trekking poles with you all the time , they may slip and be misplaced and may get lost 

11. Carry enough roll( tissue paper) for the toilets 

12. Keep your camera and smartphone ready to capture magnificent mountain landacpes, local villages and some mountain summits

13. Use some basic medicine if you have some long travel/ drive sickness 

14. Carry a comprehensive First Aid Kit with all required medicines 

Final Words 

The drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi is an adventure in itself-a gateway to Langtang and other trekking destinations, showcasing Nepal's rugged beauty.

Both buses and jeeps are available every day for this 122-kilometer route from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. Jeeps take less time than local buses and offer more comfort.

Kathmandu to Syabrubesi drive generally takes 6 to 9 hours to reach there because the mountainous tortuous roads will delay the travel time, depending upon the type of vehicle and condition of the road.

The Kathmandu to Syabrubesi bus/jeep tickets can be booked in Kathmandu at the Machhapokhari Bus Park either from the ticket counters or through local travel agencies for added convenience.

The prices for Syabrubesi Bus Tickets vary from about NPR 1500 to 1800 for local buses, whereas the prices for private or shared jeeps range from NPR 2,000 to 3,000 per head. And, the private jeep for Syabrubesi from Kathmandu costs Rs. 12000-15000. 6-7 people can share the jeep. 

The road condition from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi is partly pitched roads, partly bumpy, and uneven, especially just after rainfall. So, be prepared for an adventurous drive psychologically.

Snacks, water, motion sickness medicines, and a light jacket would be a good carry-on for comfort during the bus/jeep ride from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi.

Reaching Syabrubesi is the beginning of an unforgettable trekking experience for Langtang Trek or additionally Gosainkunda Lake Trek and therefore, it forms an important part of your adventure to the Himalayas.