If you are one of those, who would like to hike Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal, maybe the first thing you should look for is how do I get from Kathmandu to Annapurna base camp? Well, This is probably the reason you are reading this article and I’m going to answer exactly what you look for. There might be a few other things you may need to know before planning to ABC trek. Such as permit, itinerary, guide, food, and accommodation arrangments, etc. But I will answer those questions in the next article. First things first, let’s discuss about the traveling options. Annapurna Base Camp doesn’t start from Kathmandu, which is the only city with an international airport. Before you embark on a ten days hike to ABC, first, you need to transfer Pokhara from Kathmandu and then to the trailhead by using a private car/ taxi/ local bus. I will discuss here all traveling options between Kathmandu to Pokhara and up to the Annapurna Base Camp.
Welcome to NEST Adventure’s weekly post. Over a decade, I spend my life in the Himalayas as a guide, and now finally, I’m the leader of NEST Adventure. During the period, the last count I remember was 37th time I stood up at Annapurna base camp aka ABC. You could say I know my way well enough in the Himalayas. In this article, I’m very keen to answer your questions on “How do you get from Kathmandu to Annapurna Base camp” in no time. 
Contents
Kathmandu to Annapurna Base camp via a flight
The first option could be talking a flight between Kathmandu and Pokhara and then to a private car/ taxi/ local bus to the trailhead. Flight options could be one of the most convenient ways to get from Kathmandu to Annapurna Base Camp. But the budget-wise it is one of the most expensive options compear to if you take the tourist bus. Please scroll all the way down to the faqs section for more related questions and answers.
Highlights of talking a flight option
- It just takes 30 minutes to get to Pokhara, unlike the tourist bus takes up to 8 hours.
- One of the best scenic flight and opportunity to see a close-up view of Mount Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Dhaulagiri, and many more.
- Time-saving options; if you wish, you can start the hike on the same day you depart from Kathmandu. Unlike If you take the tourist bus you need to stop one day in Pokhara. As you likely spend 7-8 hours on the road.
- Reaching Pokhara early means also the alternative chance to enjoy the Pokhara tour. Or If you want to do some practice hike. There is plenty of short hiking around Pokhara.
There is really not a downside of talking a flight option expect the cost. But if you are one of those who don’t mind traveling for long hours, a tourist bus is much cheaper. And they said the overland route between Kathmandu Pokhara is one of the scenic drives too.
Note: Most recommended right side of the seat while using a bus/plane as you enjoy the riverside view and other green hills, snow mountain while driving or flying. 
How do I get from Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp?
Let’s suppose you reach Pokhara, either way, via tourist bus or on the flight. How do you reach the trailhead to Annapurna Base camp? This must be your next question, and here is how. A majority of the hikers choose the private car/taxi options from Pokhara. Depending on the itinerary, ABC trek starts at different points. However, the most popular one is in Biryathanti. Once you reach the trailhead you are required to hike for at least 7 days to reach the Annapurna Base Camp. Depending on the itinerary and route you choose it may take up to 11/12 days to complete this hike from Kathmandu.
FAQ’s
How much does the flight cost?
Depending on the season, the online flight cost between Kathmandu and Pokhara is about USD 90 – 125 for one way. (USD 50 for local/India tourist) Buddha air website says USD 125 one way. But If you are planning to hire a guide, permit, etc, you may want to ask your company to book a ticket a well. Depending on the local company’s yearly ticket sale value with airlines, they get a cheaper rate compear to the online price. And some of them are willing to share the profit with their customer. If you are lucky to deal with a company, you may receive up to a 20% discount. NEST Adventure is one such that offers discount flight tickets. Send us a message if you like to know our best price.
What is the earliest flight between Kathmandu and Pokhara?
The early flight to Pokhara is 8:00 am by Yeti air and 8:30 by Buddha air, and it only takes 30 minutes to get there. If you wish to get from Kathmandu to Annapurna Base Camp trailhead on the same day, you should take the early flight and continiue.
How many flights in one day between Kathmandu and Pokhara?
There are nearly 15 flights in one day between Kathmandu and Pokhara by different flight companies. The popular ones are Yeti Air and Buddha Air. The early flight is at 8:00 am, and the last flight is at 15:30 hour.
DO I get a taxi at Pokhara airport to the trailhead Nayapul/Biryathanti?
Yes, there is plenty of taxi waiting for a customer at the outside gate of the Pokhara airport. And they will charge roughly USD 25/30 to the trailhead Nayapul/Biryathanti. They might start to bargain from USD 50, but If you negotiate, they will lower down the price. It is about 40km, but due to the mountainside road, it might take 1.45 hours to get there.
How about a Local bus between Pokhara and Nayapul?
There is some local bus route between Pokhara and Nayapul, but you may need to change a couple of them. The first option is a shared jeep. There is local jeep available in Pokhara, which goes up to Hile (The first town after Nayapul/ Biryathanti) Which costs around NPR 500 (USD 5).
How much is the tourist bus?
There are different categories of tourist buses available between Kathmandu and Pokhara. The cheapest standard bus cost USD 7-8 while the deluxe bus is USD 15-20. Super deluxe buses are also in operation cost USD 30 per trip.
Where is the tourist bus departure point in Kathmandu?
North West of Thamel (Touristic town in Kathmandu Nepal), there is a place called Sorakhutte. All standard and deluxe tourist bus departure from here. While super deluxe bus (Jagadamba Travel) departure from Hotel De’La Annapurna Darbar Marga Kathmandu.
How to Book Bust ticket to Pokhara
There are not many safe gateways to reserve the ticket in advance. The most common way is to book upon arrival or ask a local company to do the job for you. If you are one of those looking for a group/private trek to Annapurna Base Camp, please let us know. We offer a reasonable price with a 5-star service.
How long will the journey take?
Pokhara is only about 204 km from Kathmandu. But due to the mountain terrain and the road condition, It might take up to 7-8 hours to reach Pokhara with lunch and breakfast break in the middle.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy the readings. If you have any questions, which I might have forgot to include them, please do not hesitate to include them in the comment below. Meanwhile, if you are not sure how to plan Annapurna Base Camp trek, let us know. We are more than happy to help you instruct.
NEST Adventure, as an established company with many years of legacy in the Himalayas, is rated 5 ot of 5 stars ratings in TripAdvisor. Who knows, I might be just the right person you are searching for a long time. Send us an email right now at nestadventure@gmail.com for the best offer for Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
