Ride-sharing apps are booming in Nepal, especially for those tired of cramped buses or overpriced taxis. When it comes to getting around, Pathao is a name everyone knows. But is it the best option for city-to-city travel—like Kathmandu to Pokhara? Enter Materide Pro, a fresh contender built for Nepal’s inter-city routes. In this blog, we’ll compare Pathao and Materide Pro, and explore alternatives to help you pick the perfect ride-booking app in Nepal.
Pathao: Nepal’s Ride-Sharing Leader
Pathao kicked off in Bangladesh and landed in Nepal in 2018. It’s a household name in Kathmandu and Chitwan, offering bike rides, car rides, and even food delivery. For city-to-city travel, Pathao has a “Car Rental” feature where you can book a car for hours or days.
Pathao Pros:
- Wide Reach: Available 24/7 in Kathmandu and Chitwan, with plenty of riders.
- Options: Choose bikes, cars, or tuk-tuks.
- Pricing: Bike rides start at NPR 30 base + NPR 15/km; cars at NPR 100 service charge + NPR 39/km.
- Safety: Offers insurance up to NPR 10 lakh for riders and passengers.
Pathao Cons:
- City-to-City Weakness: Limited coverage outside Kathmandu—Pokhara or Biratnagar travelers might struggle.
- Cost Spikes: Fares jump during peak hours.
- Focus Split: Heavy focus on food delivery dilutes its ride-sharing edge.
Pathao is great for city hops, but if you’re planning a Kathmandu-to-Pokhara trip, it might not be the smoothest ride.
Materide Pro: Nepal’s City-to-City Specialist
Materide Pro is a Nepal-focused app designed for one thing: city-to-city travel. Think Kathmandu to Pokhara, Biratnagar, or beyond. It’s all about seat-sharing—book a seat or share your car’s empty ones to save money or earn cash.
Materide Pro Pros:
- City-to-City Expert: Covers all Nepal routes—Kathmandu to Pokhara and more.
- Affordable: Save up to 50% by sharing seats.
- Earn Cash: Drivers make money filling extra seats.
- Green Travel: Fewer cars on the road, less pollution.
- Safety: Real-time updates and a trusted platform.
Materide Pro Cons:
- New Kid: Less known than Pathao, still building its user base.
- Limited Scope: Focused only on inter-city, not urban rides.
Materide Pro shines for travelers who want a cheaper, smarter way to move between Nepali cities.
Pathao vs Materide Pro: The Comparison
| Feature | Pathao | Materide Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Service Type | Bike, car, food delivery | Seat-sharing for city-to-city |
| Best For | Urban rides + some city-to-city | City-to-city travel only |
| Pricing | NPR 30 base (bike), NPR 100 (car) | Up to 50% cheaper via sharing |
| Earning Option | Riders earn per trip | Drivers earn by sharing seats |
| Coverage | Kathmandu, Chitwan | Nepal-wide city-to-city routes |
| Eco-Friendliness | Moderate | High (shared rides) |
Winner? Pathao rules urban rides, but Materide Pro takes the crown for city-to-city travel in Nepal—cheaper, greener, and tailored for routes like Kathmandu to Pokhara.
Pathao Alternatives in Nepal
Not sold on Pathao or Materide Pro? Here are other ride-booking apps in Nepal worth checking out:
- Tootle
- What’s It About: Nepal’s first ride-sharing app, started in 2017.
- Pros: Bike and taxi options, cheaper than Pathao, supports eSewa/Khalti.
- Cons: Mostly Kathmandu-focused, no strong city-to-city play.
- Best For: Urban riders on a budget.
- inDriver
- What’s It About: Global app, launched in Nepal in 2022.
- Pros: Negotiate fares, no commission for riders.
- Cons: Urban-centric, not built for city-to-city.
- Best For: Price hagglers in Kathmandu.
- Sajilo
- What’s It About: Nepali startup with ride-sharing and rentals.
- Pros: Over 1000 vehicles, multi-purpose (travel, pickups).
- Cons: Still growing, limited reach.
- Best For: Flexible travel needs.
- Sarathi
- What’s It About: Taxi-booking with government fares.
- Pros: Reliable, strong in Kathmandu.
- Cons: No city-to-city focus.
- Best For: Traditional taxi fans.
Why Materide Pro Could Be Your Pathao Alternative
While Pathao dominates urban Nepal, Materide Pro offers something unique: a seat-sharing model for city-to-city trips. It’s not just about getting from A to B—it’s about saving money, earning cash, and traveling sustainably. Pathao’s great, but its city-to-city service feels like an afterthought. Materide Pro, on the other hand, is built for Nepal’s inter-city travelers—perfect for your next Kathmandu-to-Pokhara adventure.
Final Thoughts: Which App Wins for You?
- Pathao: Pick this for quick Kathmandu rides or food delivery.
- Materide Pro: Go with this for affordable, eco-friendly city-to-city travel.
- Alternatives: Tootle, inDriver, Sajilo, or Sarathi—each has its niche.
Ready to ditch crowded buses and pricey taxis? Try Materide Pro for your next Nepal trip—it might just be the Pathao alternative you’ve been waiting for. Download it today and ride smarter! What’s your go-to ride app? Let us know below!
