Travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara

11 January, 2023 By Dambar Khadka

When you travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara, the first place you will probably land is the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. The capital is a great tourist attraction with many cultural heritages and sightseeing opportunities.

Thus, we recommend you spend a few days here as well. But many tourists come to Nepal for adventure-filled treks and visit the country’s leading destination, Pokhara. So, in this blog, we will let you know all you need to know regarding your travel.

Similarly, you may find the Lake of Pokhara at the following location: Pokhara 33700, Nepal.

Driving road to Pokhara.
Driving the road to Pokhara.

Kathmandu’s capital city and Pokhara’s lake city are only 204 km/126 miles apart. However, due to the hilly structure of the Kathmandu Valley and not-so-perfect roads, it could make for what might seem like a long drive.

Thus, many tourists opt for the faster way around by flight. The travel journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara is hassle-free, though, as you have options. You can get there with ease either by road or Flight. Many tourist buses and flights are available from Kathmandu to Pokhara and return to Kathmandu.

There are, in particular, three ways you can travel. They are by a tourist bus, car, jeep, or Flight. You can choose an option depending on your time availability and travel preferences. We will provide you with all the information regarding these modes of travel. Let’s take a quick look into Pokhara itself and what it offers.

A Brief Introduction To Pokhara

Pokhara is the hub for tourists who visit Nepal. The beautiful Himalayas and the famous Fewa and Begnas Lakes surround the city. Pokhara also has a lot to offer in terms of adventure sports.

If you love the thrills, you will try out some adventure sports: Paragliding, Ultralight Flight, Canyoning, Kayaking, and Mountain Biking in the foothills of the Annapurna Himalayan range.

Lake City is also a gift for travelers in terms of sightseeing. You can visit places like Begnas Lake, a lake with a picturesque view of the Himalayas and the terrain; Phewa Lake, the second largest lake in Nepal; and Devi’s Fall, an impressive waterfall. Mahendra Cave is an adventure-filled dive into the dark. Similarly, many travelers travel simultaneously to the Bindabasini Temple and World Peace stupa.

Pokhara is also the gateway to the Himalayas and many popular trekking destinations. The treks go from here to Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Short Trek, Ghandruk, and Upper Mustang.

All these things make Pokhara the center point for all tourists. You will find foreign and local tourists around the city during the traveling season. The city is also perfect for relaxing, with beautiful lakes and amazing Himalayan views.

Not just trekking only, you may helicopter ride to Explore the Annapurna Himalayas range and Muktinath Hindu temple. But if someone is looking for a fun-filled night, the city also has a popping nightlife.


By Tourist Bus, the most affordable way to go from Kathmandu to Pokhara is probably. With being cheap, it is also comfortable and safe. The trip usually takes around 6 hours. Most buses leave at 7:00 am. but we must reach the bus station at 6:30 am.

The tourist buses leave from Near Thamel (Shorakhutte). The tourist bus tickets range from US $12 – $26 or more. It depends on the amenities offered by the tourist bus.

The higher-end tourist buses provide you with an extra comfortable seat, Wi-Fi, air – air-conditioning, Breakfast, lunch, and a toilet inside the bus. However, the lower-end buses are also magnificent, with some of the amenities mentioned above and a comfortable journey.

Travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara Image
Pokhara Image

Kathmandu To Pokhara By Bus

We provide a luxury bus to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara at the following departure time.

• Bus Park reporting time of Bus station: 6:30 am
• Departure timing: Morning (7:00 am)
• Time Duration: 6-7 hours, including breakfast and lunch break.
• Price: US$ 12 – $26/- per person.

• Aces and Cons:
• Pros:
– Budget-friendly,
– Fixed departure times,
– Comfortable.
• Cons:
– Time-Consuming.

 Kathmandu To Pokhara By Car Or Jeep

Another way to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu is by car or jeep. The vehicle or jeep can accommodate around 5 – 8 people. So, if you are traveling in a group, this could be the right fit. This enables you to have more privacy and stops as per your needs. You will also reach your destination about an hour faster in a car or jeep than by bus. You can travel swiftly from Kathmandu to Pokhara within 4-5 hours. The car or jeep will also have amenities like an air conditioner and drinking water.

Driving To Naya Pool
Driving To Pokhara

The cost of travel by car is around $120 and by jeep is around $150 per group. The price may differ according to the type of vehicle and the number of seats.
Overview by private vehicles.
• Starting time: After Breakfast at your Hotel (8:00–8:30 am)
• Time duration: 4-5 hours
• Price per group – Depends on the size of the group and Vehicles
• Departure timing: Can be adjusted as per your requirement
Pros and Cons
• Pros:
– You can reach your destination faster and safer.
– Privacy.
– You can raft on the Trisuli River.
– Can take stops and depart as per requirement.
• Cons:
– A bit expensive, But more comfortable.
– Beautiful scenery along the way.

Kathmandu To Pokhara By Flight 

Most people prefer the option of traveling from Kathmandu to Pokhara by Flight. This is primarily due to the factor that it saves a lot of time. You can also get glimpses of Mount Manaslu, Mount Annapurna, and Mt. Dhaulagiri Himalayas from your Flight. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to get to Pokhara by plane, whereas it can take an average of 7 hours by road. Getting a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara will cost you roughly $110 – $140. Ground transportation to the domestic airport in Kathmandu and Pokhara. However, flight prices are subject to availability.
Among the three ways you can travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara and from Pokhara to Kathmandu, this is our recommended method.

Travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara by Flight Image
Travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara by Flight Image

Kathmandu To Pokhara Flight Details

• Airport reporting time: One hour before your Flight.
• Flight Time starts from 7:00 am
• Flight ends up at 4:00 pm
• Time duration: 15-20 minutes
• Price: Start from US $110 – $140/- Per person
• Departure timing: There are several daily flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Kathmandu.
• You must be at the airport at least one hour before your flight schedule.

Pros and Cons
• Pros:
– A fastest and most comfortable way to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu.
– Get to catch a glimpse of the Himalayas.
– Nice and experienced pilot.
• Cons:
– It is a bit expensive if you are traveling on a budget.

Conclusion

If you want to plan a holiday to Nepal and need guidance, we at Boundless Adventures Pvt. I would be glad to help you make your journey to Nepal memorable. Similarly, we can provide any vehicle and plane ticket from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Kathmandu daily.

However, Pokhara is a great place to explore with your family and even for a child. You can see all the Annapurna Himalayas range of the Annapurna Conservation area from Pokhara.

Dambar Khadka

Dambar Khadka, a passionate adventurer and the founder of Boundless Adventure Nepal, has spent his entire life writing about nature and Nepal's developing tourism business. Dambar's passion with nature and its different cultures began as a child in Nepal's stunning landscapes. He began writing following successful treks and expeditions across Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. Dambar Khadka created Boundless Adventure Nepal in 1992 to share the majesty of the Nepal Himalayas with the rest of the planet. As an explorer and writer, he is committed to responsible tourism and cultural connection, allowing readers and adventurers to immerse themselves in Nepal's enchantment through his works.

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