Kathmandu to Pokhara

by Jayaram Thapaliya · Updated August 18, 2023

Are you in Kathmandu but planning to go to Pokhara for any outdoor activities, or are you thinking about the best method to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu? Many people travels to Pokhara for short treks near Pokhara or for city tour.

Kathmandu to Pokhara is not far; it is just a 200 km distance. However, by road, it takes around 6 to 7 hours. There is no fast train to Pokhara from Kathmandu. Nonetheless, the road from Kathmandu to Pokhara is under maintenance. So, these days it takes 1 and a half hours more than before. It means nowadays it takes 8 to 9 hours to reach Pokhara city from Kathmandu city.

If you’re willing to reach Pokhara in the fastest way without spending the entire day, you can use flight options. It takes around 25 minutes by flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara.

How to go from Kathmandu to Pokhara?

To travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara, you have several transportation options same like Kathmandu to Chitwan. Here are the most common ways to make the journey:

By Flight:

If you want to reach Pokhara quickly from Kathmandu, a flight is for you. Flight is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu. There are several airlines that operate daily flights between these two cities. Among them, Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines are reliable. The flight takes about 25 to 30 minutes, and during the journey, you can enjoy beautiful aerial views of the Himalayan mountains. Flight costs range from USD 80 to USD 100 per person for foreigners, except Indians.

By Tourist Bus:

A tourist bus is the most commonly used mode of transportation for the Kathmandu-Pokhara route. There are regular tourist buses for this route. Tourist buses are more comfortable and offer amenities like air conditioning. They usually depart early in the morning, typically at 7 am, from the Tourist Buspark near Thamel. The journey takes around 6-8 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. In Pokhara, the tourist bus park is located near Lakeside. It is advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

By Private Vehicle:

If you prefer a more flexible and personalized mode of transportation, you can hire a private vehicle such as a car, jeep, or van (depending on the group size) at a reasonable price. Choosing a private vehicle allows you to set your own schedule and make stops along the way to enjoy the scenic beauty of Nepal.

By Local Bus:

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you can take a local bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara. It is not only budget-friendly but also offers flexibility in schedule. Local buses operate from 6 am to 5 pm and depart from the New Buspark in Gongabu. However, local buses are usually crowded and less comfortable compared to tourist buses.