Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is connected to various parts of the country through a network of highways and exit points. Here are the primary routes connecting Kathmandu to places outside the valley:
Highways Connecting Kathmandu:
Tribhuvan Highway (H02):
- Route: Kathmandu - Naubise - Hetauda - Birgunj
- Significance: One of the oldest highways, it connects Kathmandu to the southern plains of Nepal and the Indian border.
Prithvi Highway (H05):
- Route: Kathmandu - Naubise - Mugling - Pokhara
- Significance: A major route that connects Kathmandu with the popular tourist city of Pokhara and further to the western regions of Nepal.
Araniko Highway (H03):
- Route: Kathmandu - Bhaktapur - Dhulikhel - Kodari
- Significance: This highway leads to the Chinese border at Kodari and is a key trade route between Nepal and China.
BP Highway (H06):
- Route: Kathmandu - Dhulikhel - Sindhuli - Bardibas
- Significance: This highway provides an alternate route to the eastern Terai region, bypassing the central hills.
Pasang Lhamu Highway (H08):
- Route: Kathmandu - Trishuli - Betrawati - Syabrubesi
- Significance: Connects Kathmandu to the Langtang region and the northern border areas.
Exit Points from Kathmandu Valley:
Nagdhunga:
- Connection: Tribhuvan Highway and Prithvi Highway
- Direction: West and South-West
Thankot:
- Connection: Tribhuvan Highway and Prithvi Highway
- Direction: West
Sanga:
- Connection: Araniko Highway
- Direction: East
Banepa:
- Connection: Araniko Highway and BP Highway
- Direction: East
Pharping:
- Connection: Connects to the southern part of Kathmandu and onward to Hetauda via the Kulekhani-Pharping route.
- Direction: South
Key Points:
- Naubise: A critical junction where the Tribhuvan Highway and Prithvi Highway diverge.
- Dhulikhel: Another important junction on the Araniko Highway and BP Highway.
- Mugling: A major intersection on the Prithvi Highway connecting to the East-West Highway.
These highways and exit points are crucial for the transportation of goods and passengers, facilitating trade and tourism in Nepal.