Kathmandu Electric Rickshaw Guide: The Green Way to Get Around

Electric rickshaws — locally called safa tempos (safa meaning 'clean') — are one of Kathmandu's most distinctive and environmentally friendly forms of public transport. These battery-powered three-wheelers have been a feature of Kathmandu's streets since the 1990s and remain a practical, affordable option for navigating the city.

What is a Safa Tempo?

A safa tempo is a three-wheeled electric vehicle that seats 8–12 passengers on bench seats running along either side of the interior. They operate on fixed routes and are significantly quieter and less polluting than petrol-powered alternatives. Kathmandu was one of the first Asian cities to deploy electric three-wheelers at scale.

Safa Tempo Routes in Kathmandu

Safa tempos operate on defined corridors within Kathmandu valley. Key routes include:

• Tripureswor – Jamal (via New Road and Rani Pokhari)
• Sundhara – Ratna Park (inner ring)
• Kalanki – Ratna Park
• Lagankhel – Jamal
• Baneshwor – Thamel (via various cross-city routes)

Routes and service levels change over time. Ask your guesthouse or look for tempo stops (usually marked by clusters of waiting passengers and the distinctive turquoise or green vehicles).

Fares

Safa tempo fares are extremely low — typically NPR 15–30 for most urban segments. The fare varies by distance but never runs high. You pay the conductor or driver upon alighting.

Advantages

• Extremely affordable
• Quiet and emission-free
• Runs on regular urban routes without traffic-specific delays
• Good for short to medium urban hops

Limitations

• Overcrowding is common during peak hours
• Routes do not cover all of Kathmandu's tourist areas
• No luggage accommodation — not suitable if you are carrying a large backpack
• Slower than taxis on longer routes

Safa Tempos for Tourists

Most international visitors do not use safa tempos because they are unfamiliar and the routes are not clearly signposted in English. However, for adventurous travellers who enjoy using local transport, they offer an authentic urban experience at virtually no cost. The Tripureswor–Jamal route passes through the heart of old Kathmandu and is particularly interesting.

History

Kathmandu's safa tempo fleet was introduced in the late 1990s with support from international environmental programmes as a response to the city's severe air pollution problem. At their peak, over 600 safa tempos operated in the valley. Some fleet reduction has occurred as conventional traffic increased, but they remain a visible and valued part of the transport mix.

Environmental Significance

Safa tempos produce zero direct emissions. In a city where air quality has historically been a concern — exacerbated by large diesel vehicle fleets and topography that traps pollution — electric public transport plays a meaningful role.

Alternatives

For routes not served by safa tempo, the micro-bus network, metered taxis, and ride-hailing apps cover the gaps. A combination of safa tempo for central urban travel and taxis for longer trips is a cost-effective approach.

Electric rickshaws are a charming and genuinely useful part of Kathmandu's transport fabric. Hop in, pay your 20 rupees, and experience the city the way most residents do.