Looking to see more of Nepal apart from the infamous base camps or mountains?  Apart from Kathmandu, there are other cities to see in Nepal such as Chitwan, Pokhara, and Lumbini.  From Kathmandu, Chitwan National Park is the closest tourist destination, followed by Pokhara and Lumbini.  Whether your destination is Pokhara or Lumbini, Chitwan remains a top choice for a Jungle safari as a side trip and very popular among backpackers, trekkers, and hikers.  Most of the trekkers going to or traveling from Annapurna Base Camp or Ghorepani-Poon Hill would stop by Chitwan to rejuvenate after long and strenuous days in the mountain.  In another article, we gave you ideas on how to reach the Chitwan National Park from Kathmandu. The article below will instead focus on how to travel between Pokhara and Chitwan.
Jadamba Travel Super Deluxe Bus in Kathmandu Pokhara Sector

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Chitwan to Pokhara by Flight ​

We often receive questions from tourists about the flights between Chitwan and Pokhara.  As a matter of fact, there are NO FLIGHT connections between these two cities as they are quite close in distance and flights would not make sense here.  The easiest way would probably be via a Local bus or Tourist Bus. Please find the details below.

Tourist Bus from Chitwan to Pokhara

If you are traveling to Pokhara from Chitwan, the most economical option without compromising comfort is via the Tourist bus.  It has more amenities and by far more comfortable than a Local bus.  Of course, this comes with a tag price but still relatively affordable even for backpackers.  This option is especially convenient if you are leaving at 09:00 am in the morning. Around 5 or 8 tourist bus companies have daily operations between Chitwan and Pokhara. Here are some general facts you should know about this.

Where is the Tourist Bus station in Chitwan?

If you live in Sauraha or nearby, the tourist bus station is within walking distance from the main town.  The Sauraha Tourist Bus Park is only 10-15 minutes by walk from the center of the Sauraha market.  Many places in Nepal have no zip code and visible street names, and Chitwan is one of them.  Therefore, walking signs, if any, and directions you may have gathered from locals could be difficult to follow.  To avoid confusion, we suggest that you request a city map (this is usually free!) from your guesthouse and request them to mark it on the map and show you the way.  Even with a map in hand, it is still fairly usual to get lost in the city, but if you do, please don’t hesitate to ask some locals who will always be willing to guide you in the right direction.

What time the Tourist Bus to Pokhara departs from Chitwan?

If you choose the tourist bus option to go to Pokhara from Chitwan, the very important thing you shouldn’t forget is time.  Although there are a number of companies operating the tourist buses, they all depart at the same time which is 09.00 AM. Note that you are required to be at the tourist bus station about 30 minutes before the departure time.  If you have missed this, you may have to travel by private car or local buses, or perhaps wait until the following day.  Unfortunately, this is the one and only available departure time available.

How much is the bus fare from Chitwan to Pokhara?

Understandably, in order to choose the appropriate mode of transportation for any traveler, the first question they always want to know is the cost.  There are different fares for different buses and the cost depends on the amenities available to tourists within the bus.  For example, a standard tourist bus costs approximately US$8 to US$10.  Note that this does not have air condition.  You will be required to open your winder if you want some fresh air which may not be very comfortable if you are traveling during the summer or monsoon time.  On the other hand, deluxe buses cost roughly US$10 to US$15 and these are inclusive of lunch, WiFi, real air condition this time and likely a bottle of cold water and a bag of crisps as well.  If I were you, I would go with the standard bus fare to save some money.

Here is a list of companies for your reference (note that prices are subject to change):

Standard tourist bus company (US$8- US$10) 

Deluxe Tourist Bus Company (US$10 – US$25)

  • Greenline Travel & Tours
  • Mountain Overland  Travel & Tours
  • Rainbow Travel & Tours

How to book the bus ticket or with whom?

It is not difficult to book a tourist bus.  You will find many options upon arrival.  It is not necessary to book in advance either. There are many travel companies selling bus tickets especially in Thamel (where you will likely stay) as it is the backpackers’ haven in Kathmandu.  You can also ask your hotel to arrange your bus ticket if you wish. Or if you need help for Chitwan Pokhara Tour or anything, feel free to email us at info@nestadventure.com and we will be more than happy to help arrange this for you.

How long is traveling time to Pokhara from Sauraha Chitwan?

Roughly  Pokhara is only 86km far from Sauraha Chitwan by distance, but due to the hilly road condition, it will take more time than you expected.  Travel time is about 4 to 5 hours.  However, it is worth noting that the view is simply breathtaking and you get to experience the road of Nepal and drive around the mountain area for a scenic view.

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Rajendra Khanal (Raj)

Born and raised in Gorkha, Nepal, I am proud to call the Manaslu region my home! I have been in the travel business for over a decade from being assistance guide, leader, to being a manager. And finally today I am the founder of NEST Adventure. So you could say I know my way well enough in the Himalayas, especially in some of the off-the-beaten-trails in Nepal like Manaslu, Kanchenjunga and Mustang!

I am passionate about travelling and I strongly believe that seeing the world shouldn't break the bank (at least not too much!). I have backpacked to over 15 countries in Asia, Central America, USA, Canada, one-third of Europe, the Caribbean Islands, and Latin America.

I studied in the UK and moved to the United States. During that period, I had the opportunity of working with multinational companies which taught me how to deliver quality customer service in the business. As a world travelling backpacker myself, and travel expert for the Nepalese Himalayas, I started writing about my own country. Which I would love to share with you. In case you required free information about Nepal or join a group with our existing departure, (particularly If you are a solo hiker for the restricted area) please do not hesitate to visit my office in Thamel. We are located in the centre of Kathmandu called Thamel. I am happy to share a cup of Nepali tea and free information.

Our team at NEST has earned 5/5 star ratings on TripAdvisor. Don't forget to visit our customer feedback page on TripAdvisor. If you believe our expert team can be helpful in planning your next trip to Nepal, then please do not hesitate to contact me at nestadventure@gmail.com. I am also available 24x7 on WhatsApp  +977- 9851052042. If you are interested to know more about my travel journey follow me on  FacebookTwitter, and Instagram.

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