Road Conditions from Kathmandu to Surkhe Jeep Rental
The Kathmandu to Surkhe Jeep Rental route is divided in two parts which is completely different from each other, and you need to know them in advance which help you prepare for this journey.
Highway Section
Firstly, the distance from Kathmandu to Salleri is approximately 265 to 270 km, most of which is well maintained road. During the journey, you will go through small hills, rivers valleys and constantly turning road in the mountains. In general, this part of the route will take you 8 to 10 hours depending on how many breaks you take during the trip. As usual, some difficulties may arise due to the poor road condition, landslides and monsoon damage.
Off-road section
But the situation is completely different between Salleri to Surkhe. This particular part is about 55 to 64 km in length and rough throughout the path. Due to dust, loose gravel and sharp bends, travel in this section would be slower compared to first half. Also, during the rainy season, the trail might become muddy and even get block for some time.
Best Vehicle for the Journey
4DW jeep is indeed the most recommended mode of transportation when it comes to this route. These vehicles perform much better in terms of climbing steep areas, handling bumpy and rough surfaces and taking tight turn compared to a normal car.
Kathmandu to Surkhe Jeep Rental Cost
Cost is the ultimate deciding factor when choosing between road travel or just flying. Here is a breakdown of what you will actually pay for the Kathmandu to Surkhe Jeep Rental.
Private Jeep Cost
It is estimated that a private use jeep from Kathmandu to Surkhe costs about $350 – 400 per vehicle. Since the entire jeep is rented, this price will be valid for the entire group rather than each member individually.
Shared Jeep Prices
When you go for a shared jeep, the cost per person becomes cheaper at about $40 – $55 for the full journey from Kathmandu to Surkhe. This price includes the highways from Kathmandu to Salleri and the off road from there. A Kathmandu Surkhe Jeep Booking will perfectly suit solo trekkers and those traveling on budget.
Factors Affecting the Cost
There are only a few factors which end up affecting your overall cost. Season is an important factor: peak season costs more than usual due to increased demand in peak months. Road conditions also matter, particularly during monsoon due to reduced speed and difficult conditions for driving on that part of the road which is not managed properly.
Shared vs Private Jeep Option: Which one is Better?
The decision about which one to choose between shared and private jeep rental would depend on how much budget you have, what number of people you have in your group and how comfortable you wish to be. Both have different requirements and serve different types of passengers.
Shared Jeep
The most affordable choice is a shared jeep. In shared jeep, the cost of vehicle is shared among several passengers. The shared jeep operates according to a fixed departure time each day, normally in the morning hours. It suits lone trekkers or small teams of travelers who prefer not to have their own schedule.
Private Jeep
The private jeep allows you to have the whole vehicle for yourselves or for your team. You will have more legroom and luggage room with more freedom and make stop whenever or wherever you want. Since there are no other passengers in your vehicle, the departure time may not be as fixed as with the shared jeep.
Which Is More Suitable for You?
A shared jeep might be the right choice for you if you are going alone or on a limited budget. You will reach Surkhe, but through a specific schedule, along with other travelers.
In case you are going with your family or in a larger group, it will be better to opt for a private jeep as it costs a bit extra, but you can enjoy greater convenience. In any case, both ways will take you to Surkhe.
Travel Tips for the Journey
Some preparation is always useful, so take a note of what you should remember about your journey ahead.
Try to start as early as possible. Departing from Kathmandu early departure allows having more daylight while traveling on the dirt road near Surkhe as it becomes harder to travel through the dirt road at night
Carry a small daypack with all the necessities: snacks, water, and medication, as well as motion sickness tablets because you might need them later.
Wear clothes in layers. It might be quite hot in Kathmandu, but as you move further towards the hills, the temperature drop down significantly, so wearing a jacket is always a smart choice.
Take money with you because some of the small tea shops and roadside hotel on the route do not accept any online payment other than cash.
Double-check your pickup location the previous evening. No matter whether you are being picked up from your hotel room or the bus parking, just make sure you don’t face a problem.
The driver will probably make several rests stops to have lunch, tea, or just a break. Take this opportunity to get some rest, drink water and use toilet because there will be no more toilets after Salleri.
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