Everybody knows that to start your Gosaikunda trek, you need to get from Kathmandu to Dhunche. The most popular transportation service is the bus. But that’s not just it!
During my very own Gosaikunda-Suryakunda trek this monsoon, I chose a relatively newer option—an EV (Electric Van). It’s a faster and still affordable way to reach the headquarters of Rasuwa. And after my own experience, I highly recommend it!
The best part? These vans can take you right up to the starting point and even pick you up on the way back. So, slightly cuts off the extra hiking part. And the ride is smoother than expected, and the service is also quite impressive!
In this article, I’m sharing the complete details. And if you’re planning to go from Kathmandu to Dhunche on your own motorcycle or four-wheeler, I’ve got you covered too. Let’s get started!
Key Facts About Kathmandu to Dhunche Transportation
| Starting Point | Macchapokhari, Kathmandu, Bagmati Province |
| Ending Point | Dhunche, Rasuwa, Bagmati Province |
| EV Service Provider | Trishuli Yatayat Pvt. Ltd. |
| EV Fare | NPR 800 |
| Bus Fare | NPR 750 (can vary) |
| Total Distance (via Tokha) | 95 km |
| Total Distance (via Galchi) | 125 km |
| Duration | 5 to 6 hours (on EV), 7 to 9 hours (on Bus) |
Kathmandu to Dhunche Route Map
3 Ways to Reach Dhunche
If we really start digging deep, there might be a hundred ways to reach Dhunche. But for now, the three most ideal options are these:
Option #1: Via Electric Van [Best Way]
| Pick-up Point | Macchapokhari |
| Drop Point | Sapche |
| Timing | Up to 2 PM available (suggested: 7 AM) |
| Route | Macchapokhari > Tokha > Bidur > Trishuli > Betrawati > Dhunche |
| Price | NPR 800 |
| Duration | 5.5 hours approx. |
EVs are taking over and are pushing Nepal towards a greener future. In fact, 20 percent of four-wheeled public passenger vehicles are predicted to be all-electric by the end of 2025 (source).
This shift can also be seen along the Trishuli and Pasang Lahmu highways. And for Kathmandu to Dhunche, you’ll now find plenty of Chinese electric vans (CG KYC Changan V5) operating on this route.
You can get on to one of these EVs from Machhapokhari Chowk. They’re usually lined up, waiting for their turn. Just approach the drivers and head to their ticket counter. The price is NPR 800 per person.
When we went to Dhunche for our Gosaikunda trek, the EV took about 5 and a half hours, including two major stops. One for charging somewhere near Likhu and another for lunch at the main Dhunche Bazaar.
Safe to say, it’s quicker than the traditional bus service. But how safe is it?
Well, the driver cruises at a swift pace, overtaking pretty much everything. Quite like the Hiace micro-buses (vans) on the Prithvi Highway, if you can relate.
Honestly, this EV gave a comparatively greater bumpy ride feeling compared to the ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vans we’re used to. We were literally off the seat on multiple occasions, especially when seated in the second-last and last rows (on the return trip).
Besides that little bump factor, there wasn’t much to complain about. Oh yes, except the 30-minute wait at the charging station. But that seemed like a fair trade-off considering how slow the bus is in comparison.
These EVs take the Pasang Lahmu Highway, which connects Tokha to Bidur, then to Trishuli, and finally proceeds toward Rasuwa district to reach Dhunche.
Apart from those two things, I really don’t have any complaints. The driver was genuinely friendly, even offering to drop us at the starting point, which most buses wouldn’t do. And later came to pick us up after a request (although some miscommunication did happen).
Talking about the price again, it’s just NPR 50 more than the buses, and I honestly don’t see any reason not to choose EV over the bus. Maybe the bus companies should cut their fares in half to compete! :p
And according to the EV driver we spoke with, the vans handle uphill roads without much issue. So, it seems like a win-win for passengers, drivers, and even the country, as we get to use the electricity we produce right here in Nepal.
Option #2: Direct Bus to Dhunche
| Pick-up Point | Macchapokhari (for those in Kathmandu), Galchi (for those coming from other districts) |
| Drop Point | Dhunche Bazaar |
| Timing | 7 AM to 12 PM |
| Route | Kathmandu > Galchi > Trishuli > Betrawati > Dhunche |
| Price | NPR 600 to NPR 750 (varies) |
| Duration | 7 to 8 hours |
Yes, that brings us to the second option, which is to rely on the bus. Something most of us are probably already familiar with.
Turns out, you can now book your tickets through digital wallets like eSewa and Khalti as well. The price keeps fluctuating, but expect it to be around NPR 600 to 700. For the return, I was informed by the bus staff that it’s NPR 750.
Why I wouldn’t personally suggest this option for Kathmandu residents is because it takes the Galchi–Nuwakot–Rasuwa route, which is comparatively more time-consuming.
However, buses are more reliable for those coming from outside Kathmandu. You can simply drop off at Galchi instead of coming all the way to the capital, and hop on one of the buses that come at different timings. The earlier you reach, the better!
Option #3: Take Your Private Vehicle
| Final Destination | Sapche (even further for two-wheelers) |
| Route | Your location > Tokha > Bidur > Trishuli > Betrawati > Dhunche |
| Duration | 4 to 5 hours |
Those of you planning to take your own vehicle, I suggest taking the Tokha–Bidur road that connects to the Trishuli Highway. The road condition is pretty good up to Ramche.
After that, off-road begins up to the Langtang National Park office, where you’ll need to do your entry registration if you’re heading for the Langtang or Gosaikunda trek. The entrance fee varies based on nationality, NPR 100 for Nepalese.
But if you’re coming from outside Kathmandu, your best route is Galchi–Nuwakot, and then continue towards Rasuwa. It’s the same route used by the buses. Once you connect to Pasang Lhamu Highway, you’ll connect to the same road mentioned above.
Both two-wheelers and four-wheelers can reach all the way up to the inner section of Dhunche. There’s a dedicated parking spot made especially for Gosaikunda pilgrims. I’m unsure about the exact parking fee, but it shouldn’t cost much for sure.
Instead of parking there, you also have the option to park your vehicle at one of the local hotels, which may charge a bit less.
I even saw some bikes reaching nearly up to Ghatte Khola, with some riders even going along the stairs as well!
So, for those riding motorbikes, it’s up to you how far you want to go. But once the steep uphill section begins, you won’t be able to ride beyond that, as there’s no motorable road beyond.
Even in the future, I’m pretty sure the trail won’t be affected, since it’s a pilgrimage walk.
Although there’s a possibility of a cable car in the future connecting Dhunche to Gosaikunda, that project could bring in controversies, just like the one in Pathivara Temple, Taplejung.
What do you think? Should the sacred trail remain untouched and accessible only by foot over two days, or should a cable car be built so that everyone can visit? Let me know in the comments below!
Returning to Kathmandu From Dhunche
The return should be pretty straightforward. After hiking down from Gosaikunda, you’ll have to find an EV. And the good news is that you can simply get the contact number from the same driver who took you there, and he’ll come to pick you up right from the starting point at Sapche.
Even if you chose the bus and want to test the EV during your return, you’ll find their contact numbers along the trail in the hotel you’ll stay a day prior.
Bus is also an option. It’s amusing to tell you that I met a bus right where EVs usually stop to get passengers. It’s a clear indication that the competition is rising.
Regarding timing, the last bus leaves at 12 PM, while EVs wait for passengers until 3 PM. Another advantage of choosing an EV? Well, I guess so.
The return trip should also take a similar amount of time, around 5 to 6 hours. It usually stops once before reaching Trishuli for charging, so you’ll get enough time for lunch or snacks too!
Final Words
Hopefully, you’ve got all the required details on how to reach Dhunche. The EV should be easily available from Machhapokhari and if you’d like, you may opt for the bus service too.
Happy travelling to Rasuwa!
Where Next? Kathmandu to Chhimti, the starting point of Panch Pokhari Trek
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