Kathmandu to Pokhara Bus

Attention! This is one of the most up-to-date and comprehensive guides you’ll find online, covering every major travel option between Kathmandu and Pokhara. Enjoy reading!

200 km (124 miles) west of Kathmandu, Pokhara is known as the City of Lakes. A complete destination surrounded by the natural beauty of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayas, with a lake in the middle of the town, waterfalls, gorges, caves, and more. Pokhara is also the gateway to many popular trekking routes, such as Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill Trek, and several village hikes. Ideally, whether or not you are planning a high-altitude trek, the Kathmandu–Pokhara Tour is highly recommended. In this article, we are giving you some ideas on how to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu; there are a few options to get to Pokhara from Kathmandu:

Kathmandu to Pokhara by Flight

Every day from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, various airlines operate flights to Pokhara. As one of Nepal’s most popular tourist cities, Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Shree Airlines operate multiple daily flights. The flying time from Kathmandu is roughly 25 to 30 minutes. This is by far the fastest and easiest way to reach the city. If you wish, a Pokhara City Tour can even be done in one day from Kathmandu by choosing the flight option.

For some travelers with limited time in Nepal who are looking to visit Pokhara, the good news is that you can actually fly there. And it will probably be the shortest flight you have experienced, at only about 25 to 30 minutes. The waiting time at the airport and the time to find a cab and drive to the airport would probably take much longer.

The Domestic Airport in Kathmandu

Before we dive into the details of the Pokhara flight, let me first orient you to Nepal’s aviation capabilities. There is only one international airport currently operating in the country: Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, and it is likely one of the smallest international airports in the world. You could say it is only half, since it needs to share the runway with domestic flights, too. The airport is very simple yet functional. The good thing is that you don’t have to walk miles and miles to get to your gate, and I can assure you you won’t get lost.

The airport may be tiny, but there is always someone to assist you everywhere. It is also very cultural, and I like that, upon arrival, the airport bus takes you directly to the immigration section where travelers get their visas, then one escalator down, you are in the baggage area, and then, about a 5-minute walk later, voilà, you are outside!! Yes, there isn’t much inside the airport, which is a good thing! Anyways, who wants to spend time at the airport when there is so much to see and experience outside! Now, back to the Pokhara flight.

How to Connect to a Domestic Flight After Arriving in Nepal?

If you just arrived in the country and need to take a domestic flight in a short timeframe, you are in luck: as mentioned above, the domestic terminal is located next to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). When you exit the main arrival gate, turn right and follow the road uphill. You will see a small red building – this is the domestic terminal. It is only about 7–10 minutes’ walk from the international arrivals terminal.

Read More: How to Get from Kathmandu Airport to Thamel

How Much is the Kathmandu to Pokhara Flight Fare?

Unlike in other countries, flight fares in Nepal are generally stable, meaning they don’t vary much from day to day. An exception to this would be when fuel costs are unstable. They do allow for some year-on-year inflationary increases, but you should generally find it similar on any day of the year. Although the cost is expected to be relatively stable, ticket prices may vary in the market if you buy through an agency. I think I am being too honest here.

Okay, let me explain the standard cost first. There are 2 types of flight costs: local and foreign. The standard local cost for a one-way ticket is around USD 45–50 per person, and this cost applies to all Nepali and Indian citizens (Note: Indian tourists are treated as locals in Nepal). Other nationalities usually pay around USD 127 (as of 14 July 2026) for a one-way ticket. However, different agencies offer varying discounts based on the season.

How to Book a Cheap Kathmandu-to-Pokhara Flight?

I will share the secrets of the trade with you. If you go online, for example, Buddha Air, you may have to pay the published fare of around USD 127 (around USD 45–50 for Nepali/Indian citizens) for a one-way ticket. But if you wish to get the same flight at a lower cost, then you should approach a local travel company. The reason is that airlines track how many flight tickets each travel company, like ours, purchases from them annually. As a result, some agencies receive discounted or commission-based rates, and we pass on part or all of the savings to our clients. Usually, the discount is greater during the low season (January–February, May–September, and December).

How and Where to Book a Kathmandu-to-Pokhara Flight?

Any travel company in Nepal could sell you a flight ticket. But the question is: how much of a discount can they offer? Of course, not everyone can offer discounts of 10%–20%. We advise that you do your research and check with them how much the price would be. Please also note that not all travel companies in Nepal have online payment facilities. Please don’t expect a booking platform such as Expedia.com or Skyscanner.com. By online, this means you can inquire with them via email or messaging apps, and they can process your order (assuming you provide a form of payment via PayPal or bank transfer). As far as I know, Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Shree Airlines offer online ticket reservations using major debit and credit cards.

How Can We Offer Kathmandu-to-Pokhara Flights at Lower Prices?

We are not a big company, but because of the number of ticket sales we have throughout the year (and our strong partnership with the airlines), we are able to provide up to a 10–15% discount on a round-trip flight ticket to Pokhara from Kathmandu, along with one of the easiest and safest payment methods. We accept USD bank transfers for USD account holders, GBP bank transfers for GBP account holders, and PayPal for the rest of the world, with a 0% service fee on our side. If you think this is the easiest way to book your flight, please send us your requirements by email, and we can agree on the best payment method. We will also be able to confirm your ticket within a couple of hours and email it to you.

Note: The discount offer only applies to foreign travelers. It doesn’t apply to Nepali or Indian citizens, who already receive local fares. The discount may also vary by season and month.

What to See and How Many Days to Spend in Pokhara?

As mentioned above, Pokhara is less than 30 minutes by plane. Although it is very short to fly, traveling there by road could take 6–8 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions. Of course, the most cost-efficient way to get there is by bus. However, if you have a short timeframe and do not have the full day to travel, the flight option is probably the best for you.

During the main trekking seasons (March–April and October–November), when the weather is clear, a one-day Pokhara tour from Kathmandu is possible and worth a try. The mountains are usually visible in the morning and often become covered by clouds in the afternoon, especially during spring and the monsoon season. Having said that, we would still recommend spending at least one night in Pokhara. This allows you to see more of the city, including short hikes around Pokhara, sunrise views (for which the city is famous), and panoramic views of the Himalayas. Watching the sunset over Phewa Lake or from the World Peace Pagoda, and visiting Tal Barahi Temple in the middle of Phewa Lake, are some of the things you shouldn’t miss in Pokhara. If you want us to suggest an itinerary based on the number of days you have, please feel free to contact us at nestadventure@gmail.com or leave a comment below.

Kathmandu to Pokhara by Tourist Bus

If you are traveling from Kathmandu to Pokhara, the Tourist bus is probably the best option, economically speaking, without compromising comfort, especially if your hotel is near Thamel. More or less 50 tourist buses operate the Kathmandu–Pokhara route every day during the peak season. Here are some general facts you should know about this option.

Where is the Tourist Bus Station in Kathmandu?

If you live in or around Thamel, the tourist bus station is within walking distance. North/West of Thamel, the place is called Sorhakhutte, where most tourist buses depart, and it is only about a 10–15-minute walk from Kathmandu Guest House (Central Thamel). If the street names confuse you, you can ask the guesthouse for a free city map, which might make it easier. Or get a taxi or rickshaw. (The tourist bus departure point used to be on Kantipath, but please note this is no longer the main departure point). If you made a reservation with a night tourist bus, the departure point is New Bus Park (Gongabu) or Balaju (in front of Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket). Please confirm the departure point with your travel agency when booking a bus ticket.

What Time Does the Tourist Bus Depart from Kathmandu?

If you choose a tourist bus option to go to Pokhara from Kathmandu, the essential thing you shouldn’t forget is time. Although many companies operate tourist buses, most tourist buses depart between 7:00 AM and 7:30 AM. The bus leaves at 07:00 AM, but you are required to be at the tourist bus station 15 minutes before departure time. If you miss this time, you may have to travel by private car or local bus, or perhaps wait until the following day if you still prefer this option.

How Long Does the Tourist Bus Take from Kathmandu to Pokhara?

Pokhara city is only 200 km (124 miles) from Kathmandu by road, but due to the hilly road conditions, it will take more time than you might expect. Travel time is about 6 to 7 hours. However, it is worth noting that the view is simply breathtaking, and you get to experience Nepal’s scenic highways as you drive through hills, river valleys, and mountain landscapes.

How Much is the Tourist Bus Fare from Kathmandu to Pokhara?

This might be the first question you may want to know. There are different fares for different buses. The cost depends on the service the bus provides to tourists. For example, a standard tourist bus costs approximately US$10–US$15. Most tourist buses provide air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and complimentary bottled water. A luxury bus (also called VIP Sofa Bus) costs US$15–US$25 and includes lunch, VIP sofa seats, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, water, Tea/Coffee, USB charging ports, and onboard toilet facilities (I heard that some operators have removed the onboard toilet or no longer use it due to maintenance and odor concerns). If I were you, I would go with the standard bus fare to save some money. Here is the list of companies for your reference (note that prices are subject to change):

Standard Tourist Bus

• Swift Holidays
• MnS Adventures
• Baniya Travels
• Global Vacation
• Baba Adventure
• New Road Travels
• Reliable International

Super Deluxe Tourist Bus

• Pokhara Jagadamba Travels

Kathmandu to Pokhara Super Deluxe Tourist Bus

If you are willing to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara by super deluxe bus, Pokhara Jagadamba Travels offers another good option. The company operates 21-seater super deluxe buses on the route. The company claims to offer one of the best bus services between Kathmandu and Pokhara. The bus features VIP sofa seats with extra legroom, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, complimentary bottled water, tea/coffee, and onboard washroom facilities. Some departures may also include lunch and soft drinks. The company’s official website offers online reservations for around USD 25 for foreign tourists and around USD 20 for Nepali and Indian passengers (one-way), depending on the season and availability.

Night Tourist Bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara

Most of the tourist buses depart early in the morning, as the journey can take up to 8 hours. While the scenery is indeed worth it, you could lose a whole day if you take the morning buses. Travelers may want to save time (and money) by taking night buses instead. And the good news is that this is possible. Pokhara Jagadamba Travel operates overnight buses departing at 7:30 PM from New Bus Park and at 7:40 PM from Balaju (roughly 2 km from the city center, Thamel). While this is not the same super-deluxe bus mentioned above, which has limited seating, it is still comfortable. The bus is equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, an onboard toilet and washroom, and drinks and snacks along the way. The bus company also provides blankets to help with sleep on the night journey. Balaju is a local area and may be difficult to find. We recommend taking a cab to the bus station instead.

Which Tourist Buses to Pokhara Have Onboard Toilets?

Lately, I have been getting a lot of questions from travelers and clients about whether there are buses from Kathmandu to Pokhara with a toilet and washroom on board. The answer is yes, and the bus is called Pokhara Jagadamba Travel.

However, please note that due to road conditions, the toilets/washrooms may be out of service at times. The bus company assured us that they do their best to make these amenities available to passengers where possible (without causing health hazards to everyone on board!). There are times when, due to the bumpy roads, it is unfortunately not possible. While there may be a toilet/washroom on the bus, there are also regular stopovers and bathroom breaks along the way.

Can You Smoke on Tourist Buses to Pokhara?

Previously, a few tourist bus companies offered buses with a separate smoking room on board. Routes such as Kathmandu to Pokhara and Kathmandu to Lumbini take around 7–10 hours, so this facility was introduced for smokers. While it sounded convenient for smokers, it was not always pleasant for non-smokers. However, the separate smoking chamber allowed smokers to enjoy a cigarette while other passengers used facilities such as the washroom, mini bar, Wi-Fi, and other onboard amenities. Today, this facility is no longer available, as most operators have closed the smoking rooms and smoking is generally prohibited inside tourist buses.

How to Book a Tourist Bus Ticket to Pokhara?

It is not difficult to book a tourist bus ticket. You will find many options upon arrival. It is also 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 Kathmandu’s backpackers’ haven. You can also ask your hotel to arrange your bus ticket if you wish. Or if you can’t find anyone else, feel free to email us at nestadventure@gmail.com or WhatsApp us at +977 9851070401, and we will be more than happy to help arrange this for you.

Kathmandu to Pokhara by Local Bus

Local buses to Pokhara also depart every hour from New Bus Park (Gongabu) station or Kalanki Bus Stop in Kathmandu. It will be a different experience to try a local bus in Kathmandu, as it allows you to mingle with friendly local Nepalese (and some chickens and goats, if you are lucky!). Again, some facts about local buses to Pokhara:

Where is the Local Bus Station in Kathmandu?

New Bus Park (Gongabu) is the local bus station for buses to Pokhara. If you are staying in Thamel, Gongabu New Bus Park is not very far; by taxi, it takes about 10–15 minutes, or by another local bus, approximately 15–30 minutes, depending on traffic. The taxi ride will cost around NPR 300–500, and the local bus only NPR 25. If you insist on walking, it might be difficult to find your way, and be prepared to walk for roughly 30 minutes (so yes, it is possible to walk there!).

What Time Do Local Buses Leave Kathmandu for Pokhara?

Generally, buses leave every 30 minutes. This is a good option if you miss the Tourist bus in the morning! Or if you are like me, who prefers to sleep as much as possible and leave Kathmandu whenever I want. But make sure you get there before 5 PM.

How Much is the Local Bus Fare to Pokhara?

The cost of the local bus to Pokhara is around NPR 800-1000, which is slightly cheaper than the tourist bus. But of course, it is not as comfortable as a tourist bus, and sometimes safety can be an issue for tourists too. For example, they generally drive faster or less safely than a tourist bus. It is also smaller and has less space. But it is still worth experiencing – you will mostly be joined by locals, so expect to hear local music and stop at more authentic places for lunch, and this ride itself will give you a different taste of Nepal. I would highly recommend it if you are up for an adventure and would like to experience the real Nepali way of traveling.

How Long Does the Local Bus Take from Kathmandu to Pokhara?

That’s difficult to answer as the road conditions and the number of stopovers will vary. The bus can stop anywhere to allow local passengers to get off. Also, as the road conditions are not very smooth, it is slightly longer. You may want to allow about 9-10 hours.

Where Does the Local Bus Stop in Pokhara?

It really depends on which bus you took. The easiest way is to stop at Prithivi Chowk (you may want to ask the driver to let you off at this stop) and get a taxi or another local bus to Pokhara Lakeside or wherever your destination is. Lakeside is about a 20-minute walk from Prithivi Chowk or NPR 300–500 by taxi (or NPR 25 by local bus).

What is the Difference Between the Tourist Bus and Local Bus?

The answer is simple. The tourist bus is designed primarily for tourists, so it is generally more expensive and more comfortable than a local bus. But to help you decide, we are sharing our experience:

In the Tourist Bus:

• Departure is on time (always around 7 AM). Passengers are not allowed to get off at any point during the journey.
• There are stopovers for breakfast and lunch only at tourist restaurants, so costs are higher than at local places.
• The seats are more comfortable and have more legroom.
• As a tourist bus, it is mostly (if not all) tourists.
• The last stop is the Pokhara Tourist Bus Park very near Lakeside.
• More expensive than a local bus, but faster and hassle-free travel.
• Wi-Fi and air conditioning are also available on some buses.

In a Local Bus:

• Departure and arrival times are not certain. It has several stops throughout the journey, either to pick up passengers or to let them off.
• They also have stopovers for food and toilet breaks.
• The local bus seat is very small and probably not enough legroom if you are tall.
• You can taste the real local food and can mingle with local people.
• You will have to get off at a local area called “Prithivi Chowk,” then continue by bus/taxi or on foot if you wish to reach “Lakeside”.
• Cheaper than the Tourist Bus, but could take about 1-3 hours longer.
• Don’t expect Wi-Fi or air conditioning.

Kathmandu to Pokhara by Private Car

This is probably the next easiest way to get to Pokhara if you decide not to fly. You can simply find a car rental company. The cost depends on the car model and capacity. If you are traveling in a group and need to get back to Kathmandu in just a couple of days, renting a car might be a good idea. Typically, a drop-off from Kathmandu to Pokhara will cost around USD 120-150. Note that companies generally charge a two-way fare because the car needs to return to Kathmandu the same day.

If you are looking for a one-day tour of Pokhara with a return to Kathmandu the same day, this should be the full cost of the trip. It is also possible to request the car to stay overnight in Pokhara. But this will require an overnight surcharge. This is still a cheaper option if you are returning to Kathmandu the following day instead of hiring a different car. If you travel by car to Pokhara, it is much faster than the tourist bus. In approximately 5-6 hours, you will reach Pokhara.

Kathmandu to Pokhara by Private Jeep

This is probably the best option for families or small groups traveling together. If you are planning to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara with 4 to 6 people, hiring a private jeep offers excellent value. You can simply book a jeep through a travel company. The cost depends on the vehicle model and seating capacity. If you are traveling with family or friends and need flexibility along the way, renting a private jeep might be the best idea. Typically, a one-way private jeep from Kathmandu to Pokhara costs around USD 180–200, depending on the season and vehicle type. Note that companies generally charge a two-way fare if the jeep needs to return to Kathmandu on the same day.

Kathmandu to Pokhara by Train

Travelers in Nepal are looking for ways to take a train from Kathmandu to Pokhara. One thing to note in Nepal is that there is currently no train service connecting Kathmandu and Pokhara. The capital, Kathmandu, or any other major city, such as Pokhara, has no railway connection at all. However, there is a 35 km railway service from Janakpur to Jayanagar, a town near the Indian border, which has been in operation since 2022. Nepal, India, and China have serious proposals to also build a rail link from Kerung (Gyirong), near the Tibet border, to Nepal and potentially to India. Hopefully, in the future, tourists can travel across Nepal by train and feel the “Switzerland of Asia.”

Conclusion

Getting from Kathmandu to Pokhara is easier than ever, with a wide range of transportation options to suit every budget and travel style. Whether you choose the speed of a 25–30 minute flight, the comfort of a tourist bus, the affordability of a local bus, or the flexibility of a private car or jeep, each option offers a different experience on one of Nepal’s most popular travel routes.

If you are short on time, flying is the quickest and most convenient choice. For most travelers, however, the tourist bus provides the best balance of comfort, price, and convenience. Families and small groups may find a private jeep or car more practical, while adventurous travelers looking to experience local life may enjoy the journey by local bus.

No matter which option you choose, the journey to Pokhara is part of the adventure itself. As you travel through Nepal’s hills, river valleys, and countryside, you’ll gain a glimpse of the country’s natural beauty long before you reach the City of Lakes. We hope this guide has helped you choose the best way to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara. If you have any questions or need assistance with flight tickets, bus reservations, or private transportation, feel free to contact NEST Adventure. We’re always happy to help make your journey smooth and memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling from Kathmandu to Pokhara