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Toyota Hilux, Fortuner, or Land Cruiser Hire Nepal
Toyota Hilux, Fortuner, or Land Cruiser Hire Nepal
When it comes to private vehicle hire in Nepal, Toyota dominates the premium 4WD segment—and for good reason. Toyota’s engineering reputation for reliability, durability, and off-road performance has been proven on Nepal’s most demanding mountain roads for decades. But with three distinct 4WD options available—the Toyota Hilux pickup, the Toyota Fortuner SUV, and the Toyota Land Cruiser—choosing the right Toyota for your specific journey in Nepal means understanding the meaningful differences among these vehicles in capability, comfort, capacity, and cost.
Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd operates one of Kathmandu’s most comprehensive Toyota 4WD fleets — Hilux, Fortuner, Land Cruiser 300, and Land Cruiser Prado — all regularly serviced, mechanically inspected, and driven by professional, licensed drivers with extensive local mountain-road experience. Whether you are a trekking group heading to the Annapurna Circuit, a pilgrim family bound for Muktinath, a corporate team on a mountain resort getaway, or an adventure traveller planning a full Upper Mustang expedition, our fleet has the right Toyota for your journey.
This complete guide compares the Toyota Hilux, Fortuner, and Land Cruiser in detail: technical specifications, off-road capabilities, passenger capacity, hire rates, route suitability, and clear guidance on which Toyota suits each type of journey in Nepal.
The Three Toyotas — An Overview
Toyota Hilux 4WD — The Off-Road Workhorse
The Toyota Hilux is one of the world’s most celebrated off-road vehicles and Nepal’s most widely hired premium 4WD. Built on a ladder-frame chassis designed for demanding off-road use, the Hilux combines exceptional mechanical durability, a powerful 2.8L diesel engine producing 204 PS and 500 Nm of torque, 220 mm ground clearance, and a locking rear differential — giving it genuine all-terrain capability across Nepal’s most challenging mountain roads.
In Nepal’s tourist vehicle hire market, the Hilux occupies the critical middle ground between the affordable Mahindra Scorpio and the premium Land Cruiser — offering better off-road performance than the Scorpio at a significantly lower cost than the Land Cruiser. Its dual-cab pickup configuration seats 5 to 6 passengers plus the driver, with the bed and rooftop carrier providing generous luggage space for full trekking expeditions.
- Engine: 2.8L GD-series turbocharged diesel — 204 PS, 500 Nm
- 4WD: Part-time with locking rear differential — superior traction on loose and wet surfaces
- Ground clearance: 220 mm — excellent for Nepal’s mountain off-road routes
- Seating: 5–6 passengers plus driver
- Body type: Dual-cab pickup — bed and rooftop carrier for luggage
- 2026 hire rate: NPR 15,000–22,000 per day (driver + fuel included)
Toyota Fortuner 4WD — The Premium Family SUV
The Toyota Fortuner is a completely different vehicle proposition from the Hilux — a proper 7-seat SUV with a premium interior, sophisticated suspension, and car-like refinement that makes long highway journeys significantly more comfortable than the Hilux’s commercial-truck-derived ride. The Fortuner shares the Hilux’s 2.8L diesel engine (producing 203 PS and 420 Nm) and offers a similar 221 mm ground clearance. Still, its fully enclosed SUV body, three-row seating, and premium cabin appointments give it a distinctly different character.
In Nepal’s vehicle hire market, the Fortuner has become increasingly popular among pilgrim families, corporate tour groups, and premium tourists who want genuine 4WD capability on mountain roads combined with the comfort and dignity of a proper full-size SUV. For groups where passenger comfort on long journeys matters as much as off-road performance, the Fortuner is often the preferred choice.
- Engine: 2.8L GD-series turbocharged diesel — 203 PS, 420 Nm
- 4WD: Part-time with A-TRC (Active Traction Control)
- Ground clearance: 221 mm — virtually identical to Hilux
- Seating: 6 passengers plus driver — 7 total in three rows
- Body type: Full-size 7-seat SUV — proper premium interior, enclosed cargo area
- 2026 hire rate: NPR 16,000–24,000 per day (driver + fuel included)
Toyota Land Cruiser — The King of Nepal’s Mountain Roads
The Toyota Land Cruiser — available in Nepal as the LC300 Series and the Land Cruiser Prado (LC250) — is Nepal’s definitive premium mountain vehicle and the benchmark by which all other 4WD vehicles are judged. The Land Cruiser 300 Series features a 3.3L twin-turbo diesel engine producing 309 PS and a staggering 700 Nm of torque, full-time 4WD with Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), Crawl Control, Multi-Terrain Select, and the highest ground clearance (225 mm) in the Nepal tourist 4WD fleet.
For Nepal’s most extreme and remote routes — Upper Mustang’s canyon roads, the Rara Lake expedition track, the Tsum Valley approach, and other journeys where road quality is at the absolute limit of what any vehicle can traverse — the Land Cruiser is not just preferred but essential. Its combination of raw power, maximum ground clearance, the most sophisticated 4WD system available, and a premium leather-appointed interior for 6 to 7 passengers makes it Nepal’s ultimate all-in-one mountain-and-luxury vehicle.
- Engine: 3.3L twin-turbo diesel (LC300) — 309 PS, 700 Nm — the most powerful in class
- 4WD: Full-time with KDSS, Crawl Control, Multi-Terrain Select, locking centre differential
- Ground clearance: 225 mm (LC300) / 218 mm (Prado)
- Seating: 6–7 passengers plus driver in premium leather interior
- Body type: Full-size premium SUV — commanding presence on Nepal roads
- hire rate: NPR 25,000–45,000 per day LC300 / NPR 22,000–35,000 Prado (driver + fuel)
Full Technical Comparison — Hilux vs Fortuner vs Land Cruiser
| Feature | Toyota Hilux 4WD | Toyota Fortuner 4WD | Toyota Land Cruiser 300 | Toyota Prado LC250 |
| Engine | 2.8L GD diesel (204 PS) | 2.8L GD diesel (203 PS) | 3.3L twin-turbo diesel (309 PS) | 2.8L GD diesel (204 PS) |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 420 Nm at 1,400–3,400 RPM | 700 Nm | 500 Nm |
| 4WD System | Part-time + locking diff | Part-time 4WD + A-TRC | Full-time KDSS + Crawl Control | Full-time 4WD + KDSS + crawl |
| Ground Clearance | 220 mm | 221 mm | 225 mm | 218 mm |
| Seating | 5–6 + driver | 6 + driver = 7 total | 6–7 + driver | 6–7 + driver |
| Body Type | Pickup truck (dual cab) | 7-seat SUV | 7-seat premium SUV | 7-seat premium SUV |
| Luggage Space | Bed + roof rack | Rear cargo + roof rack | Rear cargo + roof rack | Rear cargo + roof rack |
| Comfort Level | Very Good | Excellent | Premium / Luxury | Premium / Luxury |
| Off-Road Rating | Excellent | Very Good | Outstanding | Outstanding |
| Nepal Market Price | NPR 96L–1.1 Cr | NPR 2.7 Cr–2.83 Cr | NPR 5.39 Cr (LC300) | NPR 3.7 Cr (Prado LUX) |
| Daily Hire Rate | NPR 15,000–30,000 | NPR 16,000–40,000 | NPR 25,000–45,000 | NPR 22,000–55,000 |
| Best Hire Use | Trekking, off-road, all routes | Premium touring, trekking, group | Luxury, extreme off-road, VIP | Corporate, luxury, mountain touring |
Key Insight: All three vehicles have very similar ground clearance (218–225 mm), and all provide genuine 4WD capability. The real differences lie in passenger comfort (Land Cruiser and Fortuner far superior to the Hilux as passenger vehicles), engine power (the Land Cruiser is dramatically more powerful), off-road sophistication (the Land Cruiser leads), and daily hire cost (the Hilux is the most economical, and the Land Cruiser the most expensive).
Hire Rates — Full Comparison
| Vehicle | Daily Rate (NPR) | Daily Rate (USD) | ||
| Toyota Hilux 4WD | NPR 15,000–30,000 | USD 115–200 | ||
| Toyota Fortuner 4WD | NPR 16,000–35,000 | USD 120–250 | ||
| Toyota Land Cruiser (LC300) | NPR 25,000–45,000 | USD 190–350 | ||
| Toyota Land Cruiser Prado | NPR 22,000–55,000 | USD 165–450 | ||
| All above with driver + fuel | Included in quoted rate | Included |
All Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd rates are all-inclusive: professional licensed driver, fuel, and road tolls are included in every quoted price. The rates above are daily rates for full private hire. Hourly hire is available for city sightseeing and short transfers (minimum 5 hours). Multi-day package rates for extended circuits and tours are available at negotiated prices — contact Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd for a custom quote.
Route-by-Route Cost Guide — All Toyota Models
| Route | Hilux 4WD | Fortuner 4WD | Land Cruiser | Prado |
| Kathmandu → Pokhara (200 km) | NPR 15,000–35,000 | NPR 17,000–50,000 | NPR 24,000–60,000 | NPR 20,000–70,000 |
| Kathmandu → Chitwan (~147 km) | NPR 13,000–35,000 | NPR 15,000–50,000 | NPR 22,000–60,000 | NPR 18,000–70,000 |
| Kathmandu → Besisahar | NPR 16,000–35,000 | NPR 18,000–40,000 | NPR 25,000–50,000 | NPR 22,000–70,000 |
| Kathmandu → Syabrubesi | NPR 14,000–32,000 | NPR 16,000–40,000 | NPR 23,000–50,000 | NPR 20,000–27,000 |
| Kathmandu → Manang (2 days) | NPR 32,000–60,000 | NPR 38,000–70,000 | NPR 52,000–80,000 | NPR 45,000–90,000 |
| Pokhara → Muktinath | NPR 18,000–30,000 | NPR 21,000–40,000 | NPR 30,000–50,000 | NPR 26,000–+60,000 |
| Pokhara → Jomsom | NPR 16,000–28,000 | NPR 19,000–35,000 | NPR 27,000–40,000 | NPR 23,000–50,000 |
| Kathmandu → Lumbini | NPR 21,000–40,000 | NPR 24,000–45,000 | NPR 34,000–50,000 | NPR 29,000–60,000 |
| KTM → Ramechhap (Manthali) | NPR 13,000–30,000 | NPR 15,000–40,000 | NPR 21,000–50,000 | NPR 18,000–60,000 |
| KTM Valley Sightseeing (full day) | NPR 10,000–25,000 | NPR 12,000–35,000 | NPR 18,000–40,000 | NPR 15,000–45,000 |
| Upper Mustang (Lo Manthang) | NPR 45,000–65,000 | NPR 50,000–70,000 | NPR 75,000–100,000 | NPR 60,000–85,000 |
All costs are one-way, full private vehicle hire including driver and fuel. ‘Upper Mustang‘ costs include the multiple days required for the full Lo Manthang route. Contact Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd for custom pricing for multi-day, multi-destination packages.
Use Case Guide — Which Toyota is Right for You?
| Use Case | Best Vehicle | Why |
| Annapurna Circuit trailhead transfer | Toyota Hilux | Best off-road + best value for trekking groups |
| Langtang / Gosaikunda trek transfer | Toyota Hilux | Proven on Ramche zone; best balance of cost and capability |
| Muktinath pilgrimage (Pokhara–Jomsom) | Hilux or Fortuner | Fortuner: extra comfort for longer pilgrim groups; Hilux: economy |
| Upper Mustang expedition (Lo Manthang) | Land Cruiser | Maximum ground clearance and 4WD for extreme canyon roads |
| Rara Lake remote expedition | Land Cruiser | Only vehicle reliably completing this extreme route |
| Corporate / VIP mountain tour | Land Cruiser or Prado | Premium interior + 4WD capability for business guests |
| Family Nepal sightseeing tour | Toyota Fortuner | 7-seat SUV, premium comfort, city + mountain roads |
| Photography/film crew transport | Hilux or Land Cruiser | Off-road access + cargo space for equipment |
| Wedding car hire | Fortuner or Land Cruiser | Elegant appearance, 7-seat spaciousness, premium finish |
| Airport group transfer (small group) | Hilux or Fortuner | Comfortable, spacious, reliable — hotel pickup |
| Everest region (Ramechhap transfer) | Hilux or Sedan | Paved BP Highway — 4WD not required; Hilux for added comfort |
| Extreme budget mountain transfer | Toyota Hilux | Best value 4WD with genuine off-road capability |
Trekking Groups — Toyota Hilux Is the Professional’s Choice
Nepal’s trekking community strongly prefers the Toyota Hilux for trailhead transfers. The reasons are practical: the Hilux’s bed and rooftop carrier handle the largest trekking duffel bags and expedition equipment without compromise; the proven off-road reliability of the Hilux on the Besisahar-Manang gorge road and the Langtang approach is well-established; and the hire cost savings compared to a Land Cruiser — approximately NPR 8,000–30,000 per day —are meaningful for budget-conscious trekking groups. The Hilux is the standard vehicle of choice for Nepal’s professional trekking operators on all standard mountain trailhead routes.
Pilgrim Families — Toyota Fortuner Offers Best Comfort
For pilgrim families travelling to Muktinath, Lumbini, Halesi Mahadev, Janakpur, or other sacred destinations in Nepal, the Toyota Fortuner is frequently the preferred choice. The SUV’s three-row seating accommodates families of 6 to 7 people, including elderly grandparents, with good comfort— and the Fortuner’s lower step-in height than a pickup truck makes it much easier for elderly passengers to board.
The fully enclosed cabin protects from road dust on mountain sections, and the premium interior makes long pilgrimage journeys more dignified and less physically demanding. The Fortuner’s ground clearance (221 mm) is virtually identical to the Hilux’s — all mountain pilgrimage roads, including Jomsom to Muktinath, are well within the Fortuner’s capability.
Corporate and VIP — Land Cruiser or Prado as Standard
For corporate delegations, government officials, senior business executives, and high-profile international visitors, the Toyota Land Cruiser or Prado is the standard vehicle — the only Toyota in the fleet whose interior and presence match the expectations of premium business travel. The Land Cruiser’s V8 or twin-turbo diesel engine ensures effortless power at any altitude; its KDSS suspension delivers.
The smoothest ride quality in Nepal’s fleet, along with its premium leather interior and dual-zone climate control, delivers the comfort business travel demands—even on Nepal’s most challenging mountain roads. Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd’s Land Cruiser fleet is frequently booked for corporate retreats to Dhulikhel mountain resorts, executive transfers to Pokhara, and VIP pilgrimages to Muktinath.
Upper Mustang Expeditions — Land Cruiser is Mandatory
The Upper Mustang jeep road from Jomsom to Lo Manthang is Nepal’s most demanding standard 4WD tourist route — a journey through windswept canyon terrain, river crossings, high-altitude desert tracks, and narrow cliff-edge roads that test every aspect of 4WD performance. While the Hilux and Fortuner are both capable on this route, Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd exclusively recommends the Land Cruiser for the full Upper Mustang expedition.
The Land Cruiser’s Crawl Control (which automatically maintains a constant low speed on extreme gradients), Multi-Terrain Select (which optimises traction for specific surface types), and improved ground clearance provide meaningful safety and performance advantages on Lo Manthang’s most challenging sections.
Toyota Hilux vs Fortuner vs Land Cruiser — Head-to-Head Decision Guide
Choose the Toyota Hilux If:
- Budget is important — the Hilux saves NPR 2,000–5,000/day vs Fortuner and NPR 10,000–30,000/day vs Land Cruiser
- Your group is 4 to 5 passengers — optimal for the Hilux’s dual cab configuration
- You need maximum luggage space for trekking gear — the bed and rooftop carrier handle full expedition equipment
- Your route includes demanding off-road sections — Besisahar to Manang, Langtang, and standard mountain treks
- You are a trekking group prioritising performance and value over cabin luxury
Prioritising Toyota Fortuner if:
- Your group is 6 to 7 people — the Fortuner’s three-row seating is ideal for full family or group travel
- Passenger comfort on long journeys is a priority — the SUV body and refined suspension make the Fortuner significantly more comfortable than the Hilux for passengers
- You are transporting elderly passengers or families with children — easier boarding, enclosed cabin, superior ride quality
- Your route combines mountain roads with long highway sections — the Fortuner shines on mixed terrain
- You want a premium appearance for a pilgrimage or family tour without Land Cruiser pricing
Choose the Toyota Land Cruiser If:
- Your destination includes Upper Mustang (beyond Kagbeni to Lo Manthang) or other extreme remote routes
- Maximum passenger comfort is non-negotiable — VIP, corporate, or luxury tour groups
- You want the most capable and most powerful 4WD vehicle available in Nepal for complete peace of mind
- Your route may include genuinely extreme terrain where Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select provide meaningful advantage.
- Budget is not the primary concern, and you want the best Nepal has to offer in private vehicle hire.
Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd’s Honest Recommendation: For 90% of Nepal’s tourist vehicle hire needs — trekking transfers, pilgrimage routes, sightseeing tours — the Toyota Hilux or Fortuner provides everything you need at significantly better value than the Land Cruiser. Choose the Land Cruiser when your route specifically demands it (Upper Mustang, Rara Lake) or when a VIP/corporate presentation is essential.
What is Included in Every Toyota Hire
- Professional licensed driver with extensive mountain road experience
- Full fuel for the entire journey — no hidden surcharges
- All road tolls and standard parking fees
- Rooftop carrier with securing ropes (Hilux bed + roof rack; Fortuner/LC roof rack)
- Air conditioning — full cabin dual-zone on Land Cruiser; standard on Hilux and Fortuner
- 4WD engagement as terrain requires — driver manages 4H/4L/Crawl Control throughout
- Door-to-door hotel pickup from anywhere in Kathmandu or Pokhara
- 24/7 WhatsApp driver contact throughout the journey
- Comprehensive vehicle insurance covering all passengers
Practical Tips for Toyota 4WD Hire in Nepal
- Book 48–72 hours in advance during peak season (October–November and March–May) — Hilux and Fortuner are both in very high demand.
- For Upper Mustang: Book a Land Cruiser at least 1 to 2 weeks in advance — Land Cruisers are limited and the most sought-after vehicles in Nepal’s hire fleet.
- All three Toyotas require the ACAP permit for Annapurna region routes and a TIMS card — obtain both in Kathmandu before departure.
- For the Besisahar-to-Manang route, the Hilux is the standard recommendation; the Land Cruiser is the luxury upgrade. Both should include a Chame overnight acclimatisation stop.
- For the Muktinath pilgrimage, acclimatisation is essential — 7-seat comfort + a Jomsom overnight stop for acclimatisation is a must.
- Depart early: 5:30–66:30 a.m.— morning light, cooler temperatures, minimal traffic.
- Carry NPR cash from Kathmandu — ATMs disappear beyond Besisahar, Dhunche, and Jomsom. Withdraw enough for the full mountain stay.
- For multi-day tours: Confirm whether the driver’s overnight accommodation is included in the quoted price — Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd includes this in all extended tour packages.
Why Choose Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd
- Complete Toyota Fleet: Hilux, Fortuner, Land Cruiser 300, and Land Cruiser Prado — all vehicles, one trusted company.
- All Vehicles Verified 4WD: Every Toyota in our fleet is confirmed genuine 4WD, regularly serviced, and mechanically inspected before every booking.
- Honest Vehicle Advice: We recommend the right Toyota for your specific route and budget — not the most expensive option.
- Experienced Drivers: All drivers have extensive experience on Nepal’s mountain road network, including Upper Mustang, Annapurna Circuit, and Langtang, and possess the specific Crawl Control and KDSS expertise required for Land Cruiser hire.
- Transparent All-Inclusive Pricing: Driver, fuel, and tolls included — the price quoted is the price you pay.
- 24/7 Booking: WhatsApp or phone at +977 981-4227196—instant confirmation anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions — Toyota Hire Nepal
What is the difference between the Toyota Hilux and Toyota Fortuner for Nepal hire?
The Hilux is a dual-cab pickup truck with a cargo bed — ideal for trekking groups with bulky equipment. The Fortuner is a 7-seat SUV with a premium enclosed cabin—ideal for families and groups that prioritise passenger comfort. Both have similar ground clearance (220–221 mm) and 4WD capability. The Hilux is slightly cheaper to hire; the Fortuner is significantly more comfortable for passengers on long journeys.
Is the Toyota Fortuner suitable for mountain roads in Nepal?
Yes — the Toyota Fortuner with 221 mm ground clearance and 4WD is fully capable on Nepal’s mountain roads, including the Besisahar to Manang off-road route, Jomsom to Muktinath, the Ramche zone near Syabrubesi, and the Ghandruk approach. For Upper Mustang (Lo Manthang) and the most extreme remote routes, the Land Cruiser is preferred, but the Fortuner is also capable.
What is the daily hire rate for a Toyota Land Cruiser in Nepal?
The Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series daily hire rate is approximately NPR 25,000 to NPR 45,000 (USD 190 to USD 350), all included.
Is the Toyota Hilux or the Land Cruiser better for the Besisahar-Manang route?
Both are excellent choices. The Toyota Hilux 4WD is Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd’s standard recommendation for the Besisahar-to-Manang route — its 220 mm ground clearance and locking rear differential handle the gorge road, the Dharapani-to-Chame steep ascent, and the wide Manang valley road comfortably. The Land Cruiser is the premium upgrade — same capability, more comfort, more power. Choose the Hilux for the value; the Land Cruiser for maximum capability and luxury.
Can the Toyota Fortuner reach Upper Mustang (Lo Manthang)?
The Toyota Fortuner can handle the Upper Mustang road, but the Toyota Land Cruiser is strongly recommended for the full Lo Manthang route. The Land Cruiser’s Crawl Control, Multi-Terrain Select, and maximum ground clearance provide meaningful safety and performance advantages on the most extreme canyon road sections in Upper Mustang. For the more accessible parts of Upper Mustang (Jomsom to Muktinath, early Upper Mustang sections), the Fortuner is fully adequate.
How do I book a Toyota Hilux, Fortuner, or Land Cruiser with Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd?
Contact Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd via WhatsApp or phone at +977 981-4227196. Share your travel date, group size, pickup location, and destination. We confirm vehicle availability, recommend the right Toyota for your route, and provide an all-inclusive quote. We send booking confirmation via WhatsApp within minutes.
Conclusion
Toyota’s three flagship 4WD vehicles — the Hilux, Fortuner, and Land Cruiser — represent the gold standard of private vehicle hire in Nepal. Each offers genuine 4WD capability, proven reliability on Nepal’s demanding mountain roads, and passenger comfort. Your choice depends on your priorities: the Hilux for the best value off-road trekking transfer, the Fortuner for the best mix of 4WD capability and 7-seat SUV comfort, and the Land Cruiser for the best mountain-road performance, capability, and luxury.
Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd operates all three Toyota models — Hilux, Fortuner, Land Cruiser 300, and Land Cruiser Prado — as a full professional hire fleet with experienced drivers, transparent all-inclusive pricing, and 24/7 booking availability. Whether you need a Hilux for a trekking group transfer to Besisahar, a Fortuner for a pilgrim family journey to Muktinath, or a Land Cruiser for a luxury expedition to Lo Manthang — Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd has the right Toyota, the right driver, and the right price for your Nepal journey.
Book your Toyota today — Call or WhatsApp: +977 981-4227196
E-mail: [email protected]
- Toyota Hilux, Fortuner, or Land Cruiser Hire Nepal
- The Three Toyotas — An Overview
- Full Technical Comparison — Hilux vs Fortuner vs Land Cruiser
- Hire Rates — Full Comparison
- Route-by-Route Cost Guide — All Toyota Models
- Use Case Guide — Which Toyota is Right for You?
- Toyota Hilux vs Fortuner vs Land Cruiser — Head-to-Head Decision Guide
- What is Included in Every Toyota Hire
- Practical Tips for Toyota 4WD Hire in Nepal
- Why Choose Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd
- Frequently Asked Questions — Toyota Hire Nepal
- Conclusion
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