Uber is popular in many countries and has made travel extremely easy. If you’re used to opening the Uber app wherever you go, one of the major concerns during international travel is whether Uber is available or not.
So, is there Uber in Nepal? No, there is no Uber in Nepal. But there are many ride-sharing apps that work exactly like Uber. These apps are safe, affordable, and readily available.
In this blog, we are going to share what apps to use instead of Uber, their pros, cons, services, and much more. Let’s dig in!
Why is There No Uber in Nepal?
Uber is not available in Nepal, and the reasons are quite simple.
Firstly, the government rules and regulations around ride-sharing are still pretty strict, and there is always some opposition from traditional operators.
Above all, the Nepali market is monopolized by inDrive and Pathao; chances are very less that any new ride-sharing apps will emerge.
Benefits of Using Ride Sharing Apps Over Traditional Taxis
There are many benefits of using ride-booking apps over traditional taxis in Nepal.
- Quick and Easy Booking: Gone are the days when you had to walk all the way to the main road just to catch a taxi. Now you can simply book a taxi through ride-sharing apps using your smartphone.
- Affordable: If traditional taxis do not accept the trip based on the meter, the chances are high that you will be heavily overcharged. But with taxi apps, you do not have to worry, as the price will be very reasonable compared to local taxis. Additionally, the estimated fare will also be shown before booking, maintaining the price transparency. Moreover, ride-booking platforms also offer bike rides, which are even more affordable.
- Real-Time Tracking: These apps can track your driver’s location and estimated arrival time in real-time. You can also share your live ride status with friends and family for extra safety.
- Visible Driver or Rider Ratings: You can see reviews from passengers about the driver or rider before your trip and decide whether to go with them or not.
- Promotions & Discounts: Unlike traditional taxis, ride-sharing apps frequently offer promo codes or discounts, making the rides cheaper.
Alternative to Uber in Nepal: Best Ride Sharing Apps
With no Uber in Nepal, you can use alternatives like Pathao, inDrive, Tootle, Taximandu, and many more.
1. inDrive
inDrive is the most preferred ride-sharing app in the current scenario. Established in 2022, it has been able to gain popularity in a short period. The main reason people love inDrive is because of its affordability compared to other ride-hailing apps. Additionally, you can also lower or raise the fare to a certain limit.
inDrive offers both bike and taxi rides. You will also get an option to choose a comfort EV car, which will cost slightly more than a normal taxi but is super comfortable.
Pros
- Cost-effective compared to other ride-hailing apps.
- Price can be lowered or raised to a certain point.
- Easily trackable.
Cons
- Fares might be higher during busy hours.
Available: Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara
Services: Bike, Taxi, Delivery, City to City, Truck
Payments: Cash and digital payments
How to Download?
2. Pathao
Pathao has ruled the market like no other ride-sharing app has. I have seen many people using other mobility apps, but still say they came here by Pathao out of habit. It is not because other apps are any less effective; it’s just that Pathao has become a synonym for ride-sharing.
Pathao has both bike and taxi services. It offers car lite for an affordable ride, and car plus for a more comfortable experience at a slightly higher price. It has recently launched car rental services, where you can rent a variety of cars.
Just remember, Pathao may charge you slightly more than the fare shown when you book the ride.
Pros
- Offer insurance coverage for both the rides and the users.
Cons
- Ride fares might increase during busy periods.
- The price may change slightly at the end of the ride.
Available: Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara
Services: Bike, Taxi, Rentals, Food, and Parcel
Payments: Cash and digital payments
How to Download?
3. Tootle
Back in 2017, when people had no choice but to wait a long time for buses, commute in crowded ones, or rely on expensive taxis, Tootle arrived like a blessing. It was the first ride-sharing app in Nepal and a new and modern innovation to the travel industry by a local startup.
Tootle initially focused on bikes and later expanded to taxi services too. It grabbed the market very well during its early days but could not survive after the introduction of Pathao and inDrive. After disappearing for a few years, Tootle is now acquired by Zapp, tech-based logistics service and ready to make its mark again.
Pros
- Cost-effective
Cons
- Difficult to find riders.
- Insurance coverage is only for drivers.
Available: Kathmandu
Services: Bike, Cab, and Delivery
Payments: Cash and digital payments
How to Download?
4. Taximandu
Established in 2019, Taximandu is one of the famous taxi apps in Nepal. It provides bikes, cars, SUVs, jeeps, and Scorpios for travel and rental services, making it perfect for both short and long trips.
Many other services similar to Taximandu were introduced, including Sarathi Cab, Eddy Cab, and many more. But they couldn’t sustain themselves.
The best part about Taximandu is that there is no need to buy a local SIM card; you can register with any phone number globally.
Pros
- Registration can be done with international numbers, you don’t need a local SIM card.
- Customer service is available 24/7 for any inquiries.
Cons
- It’s common for drivers to cancel rides.
Available: Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara
Services: Bike, Taxi, and Delivery
Payments: Cash and digital payments
How to Download?
5. Sajilo
Sajilo was introduced in 2022, aiming to provide fast, easy, and reliable transportation services. It offers both two-wheelers and four-wheelers services. It also provides car rental services.
The standout thing about Sajilo is that it has two useful features: Spot Booking and Offline Manual Booking. With Spot Booking, riders can create a ride in the app for people they meet on the street by entering their name, phone number, and destination. With Offline Manual Booking, users can call Sajilo’s support team without internet, give their ride details, and the team will book the ride for them. Both features help make ride-sharing easier and available to everyone.
Sajilo also includes features like SOS and contact sharing for user safety and convenience.
Pros
- Has features like Spot Booking and Offline Manual Booking for making ride-sharing easier and accessible to everyone.
Cons
- Riders are not always available.
- A little expensive than other sharing apps.
Available: Kathmandu
Services: Bike, Cab, and Transport
Payments: Cash and digital payments
How to Download?
6. eDrive Nepal
eDrive Nepal was initiated in 2022 in Nepal with a goal to promote sustainability through electric cars and bikes. But it started functioning in 2023 in Kathmandu.
Currently, eDrive Nepal is available in multiple regions, offering rides in a TATA Motors EV, making it perfect for people who are looking for eco-friendly travel.
From your daily commute to long-distance trips, eDrive Nepal provides reliable services for all kinds of travel needs. The cost is also cheaper compared to other ride-sharing apps.
Pros
- Comfortable and eco-friendly.
- Insurance is available to both passengers and drivers.
Cons
- Ride fares may increase during peak traffic hours.
Available: Bagmati, Lumbini, Gandaki, Sudur Paschim, Koshi, Madesh, and Karnali
Services: Taxi, Bike, City to City travel, and Food Delivery
Payments: Cash and digital payments
How to Download?
7. Jum Jum
Jum Jum is the latest ride-sharing app in Nepal, which was launched in 2024 in Kathmandu Valley. It offers both bike and taxi services. Since it is backed by F1Soft Group, which is a leading fintech company in Nepal, Jum Jum is growing quickly and becoming a trusted ride-hailing platform.
Jum Jum is trying very hard to stand out in a competitive market. Last time it impressed users with “Price cha Nice” campaign, which aims to bring bigger savings for the users, offering 60% off on 2 rides and fares starting from just Rs. 40.
With Jum Jum, you can also add multiple pickup and drop-off locations within a single ride. It’s helpful when you’re traveling with others or making multiple stops, saving you time and money.
Pros
- Cheaper price.
- Allows multiple pickups and drops in one ride.
Cons
- Riders often cancel trips or arrive late.
Available: Kathmandu Valley
Services: Bike, Taxi, Food, and Parcel
Payments: Cash and digital payments
How to Download?
8. Yango
Yango is a new ride-sharing app in Nepal. In a market dominated by inDrive and Pathao, Yango has boldly stepped in with a solid marketing. Taxis with the Yango logo are being spotted frequently on the roads, showing that the service is going well.
What makes Yango stand out is its strategy of charging only around 3% commission from drivers and offering rides to users at minimal prices. This could encourage more drivers to participate and more users to try the service.
Unlike Pathao and inDrive, which broadened their services to include deliveries, Yango currently focuses on ride-hailing services only.
Additionally, Yango shows fixed prices before the ride starts, so users don’t have to worry about price changes later.
Pros
- Gives upfront fixed prices before the ride starts and remains the same till the end.
Cons
- Currently do not offer delivery services.
Available: Kathmandu Valley
Services: Bike and Taxi
Payments: Cash and digital payments
How to Download?
How to Use These Ride Hailing Apps?
These taxi apps are user-friendly and easy to use. You can easily download the app from the Play Store or the App Store.
- Download your preferred app from the Google Play or the App Store.
- Register with your phone number.
- You will receive OTP, enter it to verify your phone number.
- Next, fill in your details like name, gender, and email.
- Once completed, you’re all set to start.
How to Choose the Right Ride Sharing App in Nepal?
To choose the right ride apps in Nepal, there are certain factors you need to consider, including:
- Safety: Nothing is as valuable as your safety. Look for an app where you can track the driver’s location and share your live ride status.
- User reviews and ratings: Always check the reviews and ratings of your drivers to avoid any unpleasant situation.
- Insurance coverage: It is wise to choose the taxi apps that cover the insurance of the users in the case of an accident.
- Pricing: Go for the app that is affordable with a reliable service.
Also Read Our Blog on eSIM in Nepal
Conclusion
While there is no Uber in Nepal, there are various ride-hailing apps you can rely on. Apps like inDrive, Pathao, Tootle, and Taximandu are helping to fill the gap, offering quick and easy service, user-friendly interfaces, affordable fares, and safety features.
These apps are a lifesaver for locals looking for a hassle-free experience or international travelers seeking an Uber alternative in Nepal.
So, have you tried any of these ride-sharing apps in Nepal? How was your experience? Are there any I forgot to mention? Feel free to comment below.
FAQ
Is there Uber in Kathmandu?
No, there is no Uber in Kathmandu. But there are ride-hailing apps like inDrive, Pathao, Tootle, Taximandu, and many more that works exactly like Uber.
Asmita is a travel enthusiast who enjoys discovering new places, trying local dishes, and finding hidden gems across Nepal. As a writer for Travel Nepal Guides, she shares honest tips and personal experiences to help travelers explore Nepal with confidence.
