3 Tips on How to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara
When you plan to go for a trip or take a vacation in Nepal, there are hundreds of exotic and adventurous places that are a must-visit. And among them, Pokhara is now on the hit-list and the reasons are obvious. Want to enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation by the lake playing guitars or hanging out in lit bars? Pokhara is the place. Thinking of going on a fully adventurous trip and experience the adrenaline rush through sporty activities like mountaineering or base camp trekking, Pokhara is calling you!
How can I travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara?
Now that you have pinned the place on your “Must-Visit” travel map, you will certainly come across questions like “How do I get to Pokhara?” or “What are the fastest, convenient and affordable means of commute to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu?” or “Can I fly or hire a car to go there?”
You will find all these answers right here, so keep scrolling!
Kathmandu To Pokhara On Bus
Situated just 210km west of Kathmandu, Pokhara is accessible through all kinds of transport and one of the popular ways is via Tourist Bus. If you are not in a haste and want to enjoy a long bus ride, then traveling by tourist best will be the best option. The journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara by road is exhilarating, to say the least. It is a 200 km long stretch that consists of winding mountain roads and frequent changes in altitude and geography. Furthermore, it’s cheaper and more adventurous compared to flying.
More than 60 different travel agencies/ticket centers in Kathmandu operate tourist buses and provide you a decent value ticket to reach there. A standard tourist bus costs around US$8-US$12. On the contrary, if you want to get more comfortable on the wheels, we recommend you to go for Super Deluxe buses. They are fitted with all fancy amenities such as air conditioner/heater, wi-fi, television, and minibars. The bus fare is slightly expensive, ranging from Rs. 2000 to Rs 2500. It takes nearly 6-7hrs to reach Pokhara via buses.
Kathmandu to Pokhara on Flight
In case you want to reach Pokhara within half an hour and start your vacay right away, then this is the best tip for transportation for you. The flight only takes 25 minutes to land on Pokhara Airport and there are major airlines such as Yeti Airlines, Buddha Airlines, Shree Airlines, from where you can take an early domestic flight at Tribhuvan International Airport. The ticket prices vary as per the season, discounts and convenience. Standard local flight costs USD 45 per person while the foreign flight costs USD 125 per person (one-way ticket).
On a safety note, domestic airlines in TU can experience flight disruptions due to bad weather so it could be rescheduled. Also, the Pokhara airport can accompany only 8 small propeller-driven planes at one time and this can cause redirection to other airports.
Kathmandu to Pokhara on a Rental
Getting a rental and traveling on your own with maps calls for a different experience and adventure. You can find lots of car rental companies in Kathmandu that will provide you any car you want to, but it depends on its availability, so you have to book it a bit early to get hands-on your favorite wheels.
Renting a car is pretty expensive, compared to buses or cheap flights. For instance, renting a Hyundai can cost you up to $90 to $150 and these are provided by private tour operators. Also, if you want to drive the car by yourself then you must submit a copy of your valid car license and fill up some forms or you will get a private tour guide/chauffeur for your safe journey.
