How to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu

Pokhara

Pokhara is a small lake city located in Western Nepal about 210 km from Kathmandu. It is also known as the gateway to world class Annapurna Sanctuary trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek and around Annapurna Trek. Despite being located at an altitude of 800m, a close view of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Machhapuchhre can be seen from Pokhara. Nowadays, the lake city has become a popular destination among adrenaline junkies for adventure sports like Bungee jumping, Paragliding, Zip-lining, Stand-up paddling, Water balling Canyoning, White-water rafting, and mountain biking. Pokhara is also famous among honeymooners.

Regarding means of transportation available from Kathmandu to Pokhara, there are numbers of options. These options vary based on the luxury preferences from the local bus to luxury tourist bus and flight.

How to get there:

1. Kathmandu to Pokhara via flight

Every day more than 20 flights take off from Kathmandu that ferries hundreds of people to Pokhara. There are 4 major airlines that host flight service from Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu. The flight duration is 25 minutes with the flight distance of 146 km one way. The fare varies from $110 to $125 depending on how early you book your tickets It is more convenient to travel to Pokhara via plane as you will save time to start your activities the same day.

Book Adventures in

Pokhara

Bungy and Zipflyer

Bungy and Ziplining (Combo) Nepal’s first and only Tower Bungee, HighGround Bungee & Swing has something for everyone. Located at

Ultra light flight

Our shortest flight takes you over the city of Pokhara, Fewa Lake, near Sarangkot hill, over the Buddha monastery and

Paragliding

Paragliding in Pokhara- Details The human kind always had a dream. Throughout history, constructing wings and balloons, jumping off cliffs

2. Kathmandu to Pokhara via Tourist bus

Every day more than 20 luxury tourist buses leave Kathmandu at 7:00 in the morning from Sorakhutte, for Pokhara, So if you are staying in or around Thamel, this might be the best option you have. It costs around $10 for you to travel via tourist bus. The travel distance will be 210 km with an average travel duration of 7-8 hours. Tourist bus can be a good option if you prefer seeing outside the window as the seats are high and the window is wide.

If you prefer the more comfortable bus, then you can go for more luxurious buses that depart from Thamel which costs around $25 with lunch included.

3. Kathmandu to Pokhara via Local buses

You can get local buses from Government Bus stand, located at Gongabu Bus Park, about 15minutes drive from Thamel. These buses leave every 30 minutes. Traveling distance is same but the time taken will be little longer as these buses pick local passengers in between. The bus fare from Kathmandu to Pokhara is $6. Not highly recommended but if you really want to experience how Nepali people travel in mountains then you shouldn’t miss it. You can also get local buses for Pokhara from Kalanki Junction. Be advised there is no specific bus stand as the bus will be parked at the roadsides.

Book treks around

Pokhara

Annapurna Circuit

Difficulty level: Moderate| Days: 16 | Max. Altitude: 5416 meters (Thorang Pass)

Annapurna Basecamp

Difficulty level: Moderate | Days: 12 | Max. Altitude: 4,130 meters (Basecamp)

$ 1,500

Raykhor Community Trek

Difficulty Level: Easy | Days: 10 | Max Altitude: 2300 meters.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Difficult Level: Easy | Days: 8 | Max. Altitude: 3120m (Poon Hill)

Upper Mustang Trek

Difficulty Level: Easy | Days: 18 | Max. Altitude: 3820m (Dhakmar)

 

 

4. Kathmandu to Pokhara via Microbus

The Microbus can be your cost and time saver if you want to do some activity in Kathmandu in the morning and travel to Pokhara in the second half of the day. There is a micro-bus stand at Gongabu, which is only 15 minutes ride from Thamel (30 mins walk if you know shortcuts), is the nearest point to board this bus. Otherwise, you can take it from Kalanki (a junction from where most of the vehicles leave Kathmandu to many places of Nepal). It will cost you around $8. The travel duration is 5-6 hours in average.