The drive from the airport
From the airport, the road heads north across the flat Terai to Butwal, where the plains meet the first ridges of the hills. From Butwal, the Siddhartha Highway climbs steadily up to Tansen, which takes roughly one and a half to two hours on its own.
The climb is winding but well used. Roadworks and, in the monsoon, landslides can slow things down, so treat the timings as a guide. A flight that lands in the morning or early afternoon gives you the best chance of reaching the hills in daylight.
Getting a car or bus
The simplest option is a private car or taxi arranged in advance, especially with luggage or after an early flight. You can also travel by public transport, usually by getting to Butwal first and then taking a bus or shared vehicle up the hill, but this takes longer and involves a change.
Before you book, ask the hosts at Bulbul whether they can suggest a reliable way to make the journey, and agree the drop-off point and price with any driver before you set off.
Combining the airport with Lumbini
Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, is a short drive from Bhairahawa. That makes it easy to build a loop: fly in, visit Lumbini, then head up to Tansen, or reverse the order and see Lumbini on your way back to the airport. Our guide to Tansen to Lumbini covers that leg.
Things to keep in mind
The Terai is noticeably hotter than the hills for much of the year, and humid in the monsoon, so wear light clothing for the first part of the drive. In winter, fog can settle over the plains in the early morning and may delay flights. Check your flight status on the day, and see our road travel guide for general tips.