Asking for Directions in Nepali
Kathmandu's old town has no logic to its alleys. Google Maps gives up. The only way out is to ask — politely, in Nepali — and trust the friendly point of a finger.
The core question: kahaan chha?
'Kahaan chha?' (कहाँ छ?) — 'Where is it?' — is the most useful direction phrase in Nepali. Pair it with any landmark: 'Thamel kahaan chha?', 'Boudha kahaan chha?', 'Bus station kahaan chha?'. Most Nepalis will point and walk you part of the way — hospitality is built in.
Photo: Unsplash
कहाँ छ?
Where is it?
Kahaan chha?
Photo: Unsplash
म हराएको छु
I am lost
Ma haraeko chhu
Left, right, straight
Bayaan (बायाँ) is left. Dayaan (दायाँ) is right. Sidha (सीधा) is straight ahead. Most direction-giving in Nepal is gestural — you'll get a finger point and a phrase like 'sidha jaanus, ani bayaan' — 'go straight, then left.'
Photo: Unsplash
बायाँ र दायाँ
Left and right
Bayaan ra dayaan
How far — and the Nepali time-distance illusion
'Kati tadha chha?' (कति टाढा छ?) means 'how far?' — but be warned: Nepali distance estimates are notoriously optimistic. 'Just 15 minutes' often means 45. On the trail, ask 'kati ghanta?' (how many hours?) and add 30%.
Photo: Unsplash
कति टाढा छ?
How far is it?
Kati tadha chha?
Photo: Unsplash
कति घण्टा हिँड्नुपर्छ?
How many hours of walking?
Kati ghanta hindnuparchha?
When you're lost
'Ma haraeko chhu' (म हराएको छु) — 'I am lost' — is one of those phrases foreigners are weirdly proud to learn. Pair it with the landmark you're looking for: 'Ma haraeko chhu. Durbar Square kahaan chha?'. In tourist areas, someone will help you within seconds.
म हराएको छु
I am lost
Ma haraeko chhu
Photo: Unsplash
मलाई सहयोग गर्नुहोस्
Can you help me?
Malai sahayog garnuhos
Frequently asked questions
Are taxi drivers in Kathmandu honest about directions?
Most are. Use Pathao or InDrive (the local Uber equivalents) for fixed prices and GPS routing. For street taxis, agree the fare before getting in.
What if no one understands my Nepali?
Point to the location on a map and say the place name. Nepalis are excellent at filling in gaps. English place names (Thamel, Patan, Bhaktapur) are universally understood.
How do I read Nepali street signs?
Most major streets in Kathmandu have Devanagari and Roman-script signs. Smaller alleys often only have Devanagari, or no signs at all — locals navigate by landmarks (the bakery, the big peepal tree, the temple).
Next lesson
Essential Trekking Phrases in Nepali
The right phrase at 4,500 meters can mean a warm meal, a faster route, or a life-saving descent. These are the words every trekker in Nepal should carry.
Continue to Essential Trekking Phrases in Nepali