Kathmandu To Pokhara – The Best Ways To Travel
If you are planning to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara, then this article will help you choose the best way to travel.
Pokhara is a beautiful destination to explore and has become a very popular tourist destination to visit in Nepal. There are so many things to do and see in Pokhara but what mainly attracts visitors is its natural beauty.
So here we wanted to go through some of the things about Pokhara and the best way to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara mainly via road and air.
The journey to Pokhara is definitely worthwhile and we highly recommend it, especially going through some of the most stunning scenery in Nepal.
Pokhara is known as the city of lakes (the famous lake, Fewa Lake, Phewa Tal also called Fewa Lake) and is located 200 km west of Kathmandu, the second largest city in the country in terms of population and area.
Pokhara is one of the most visited places in Nepal attracting thousands of tourists from all over the world, booming in tourism making it the first and final stop to many adventurous destinations in Pokhara mainly for trekking, such as the famous Annapurna Base Camp.
The Nepal tourism industry is increasing each year and has been a very important part of the economy, heavily relying on its large source of foreign exchange and revenue. People have become very interested not only in visiting beautiful touristy places in Pokhara but also for its history and culture.
Pokhara is home to many exciting adventure activities such as bungee jumping and paragliding. For those seeking a more chill laid back experience but still wanting to view the Himalaya range then Pokhara is the place to be!
If you are planning to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara, this guide will help you with how to prepare for the journey which will also include some helpful tips during your travel to Pokhara from Kathmandu.
There are mainly two ways to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara and that is by road and flight.
Kathmandu to Pokhara By Road
The road from Kathmandu to Pokhara is around 200 km which takes about 5 and a half hours, that too on a good day. But realistically it will take up to 8 hours depending on the traffic situation.
How is the road from Kathmandu to Pokhara? The roads are single lane and windy and not the best road condition, therefore, can get quite dangerous especially on a wet day or if you are travelling by local bus.
Most local bus drivers are running on a tight schedule where they are expected to reach their final destination as well as stopping and setting off passengers along the way therefore it may feel fast paced and rushed.
If you decide to travel by road, there are four options. You can take a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, hire a private car, travel by a standard public bus or travel by a luxurious tourist bus. However, you decide it is totally up to you what your preference is.
The scenery along the way is absolutely stunning passing through small towns and villages and stopping for lunch at one of these towns for an authentic Nepali lunch which consists of Dahl (lental), Bhat (rice) and Tarkari (vegetable, meat).
Private Car
This is the safest and the best option if you are considering travelling from Kathmandu to Pokhara on the road. You can travel at your own pace and comfort while enjoying some of the best views Nepal has to offer.
The drivers are reliable which allows you the flexibility of seeing and enjoying doing the things you want to do while stopping at some of the most charming scenic places along the way. They will also work with you and will recommend some of the must-see places to visit.
Most private drivers do not charge per hour, they charge you according to the day and the destination. Hiring your very own driver with a car will be a bit more expensive compared to other options as you are paying for a private driver.
For larger groups depending on the number of people, there is also an option where you can hire a bigger vehicle and share the cost.
You can contact Seek To Travel to discuss the best options available.
Tourist Bus
If you want to travel by bus, then we recommend a tourist bus such as Greenline. It is safer, easier and reliable and a lot more comfortable compared to the standard buses. The bus also includes air conditioning (which is a bonus) as well as charging ports.
Kathmandu to Pokhara tourist bus ticket for one way trip will cost you around USD $25 which includes a buffet lunch at one of the restaurants on the way with a back drop view of the valley and river. With tourist bus service travel insurance is also included.
It is best to book in advance as the demands are high for these buys especially in the peak season.
Standard Public Bus
This is great especially for those travelling on a budget and if you are not seeking anything luxurious then this may be an option for you. Ticket prices for the public buses are relatively cheaper compared to a tour bus. One way trip ticket prices cost around USD $4.
This bus ride is not for the faint hearted, the journey can be quite rough and don’t expect the drivers to stick to the speed limit. Seats are very basic more on the uncomfy side and overall a very unique experience travelling in Nepal like a true local.
Also, most of these buses may not have air conditioning, therefore, can make that a tad more uncomfortable on a warm day.
Most of the people on board are locals who are either returning back home or visiting families hence can be quite crowded especially during the festive season. Therefore this may not be the option for you if you are especially seeking comfort.
Flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Plane
Flying on a plane from Kathmandu to Pokhara is the most comfortable and the quickest way to get to Pokhara. You can take the flight from Tribhuvan Domestic Airport that will take around 30 minutes to reach Pokhara.
Do keep in mind, there may be some delays at Kathmandu airport due to weather conditions, especially the domestic terminal. The domestic terminal is known for its delay in flight schedule.
If you are flying out to Pokhara then we do suggest booking a flight as early as possible.
There are several flights (around 20 flights) that leave from Kathmandu to Pokhara so you should not have any issues getting a flight.
However, it is recommended to still book in advance. Flight to Pokhara can cost around $125 USD per person.
This is a fast scenic journey and you can expect to see stunning views of the Himalaya range making the trip worthwhile so do get a window seat if you can and have your camera ready!
There are a few airlines that covers the Kathmandu to Pokhara route, Buddha air and Yeti airlines being the popular and cheapest airlines.
When travelling by air, there can often be delayed flights hence plan accordingly. Especially if you are thinking of early morning departure, just be mindful due to poor weather conditions like fog or rain.
To get the best deals and to find out what you should expect to pay, contact us or a travel agency before you book tickets.
Helicopter
Another way to get to Pokhara on air is by a helicopter. If you are looking for the ultimate fun to get to Pokhara from Kathmandu has to be by a helicopter.
It is also the most expensive way to get to Pokhara. To charter a helicopter, it will cost around USD $2500 or per person will cost around USD $500.
There are a few companies where you can hire a helicopter to get to Pokhara. If you are looking for once in a life time experience and you always wanted to experience helicopter, then you can consider a helicopter trip to Pokhara.
FAQs
What is the safest way to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara?
Hiring a private driver to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara will be the safest way to travel as they will be experienced driver and will not be in a rush to reach the destination.
Is it worth going to Pokhara?
Is Pokhara worth it? Yes, if you are in Nepal, you should visit Pokhara. It is worth going!
Pokhara, a city nestled in the picturesque valleys of Nepal, has long been hailed as a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. With its breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayan peaks, serene lakes, and lush green forests, it is no wonder that Pokhara attracts thousands of tourists each year.
Pokhara offers an array of adventurous activities that will leave adrenaline junkies craving for more. Paragliding over the stunning Phewa Lake or soaring high above the Annapurna Range will give you an unparalleled thrill unlike any other destination.
How many days are enough in Pokhara?
Well, that depends on your interests and the activities you wish to indulge in.
If you are an adventure seeker and want to explore Pokhara’s thrilling outdoor activities such as paragliding, trekking through the Annapurna Circuit or bungee jumping over the Seti River Gorge, then allocating at least five days would be ideal. This will allow you ample time for acclimatization, organizing permits if required, and enjoying these adrenaline-pumping adventures at your own pace.
However, if you would like to visit Pokhara to visit the Phewa Lake and the town and a couple of activities, then two nights should be fine.
Conclusion
So there you have it a summary of the ways of getting to Pokhara from Kathmandu. How you choose to travel all depends on what you are looking for during the journey.
If it is comfort and safety you require then the tourist bus is the way to go whereas for the budget travellers the local standard bus may be the option for you. On the other hand, hiring a private driver with a car gives you the flexibility and the comfort and lastly, the flight to Pokhara saves you travel time.
Whatever you decide, each of them offers you a unique experience and one to remember.
Have you visited Pokhara? How did you get there? How was your experience? Perhaps you could also share your experiences with us?
We hope this article has given you an idea and provided some information on how to get to Pokhara from Kathmandu. Also, if you have any questions or would like to share your feedback, please leave a comment below.
Have a safe trip and happy travels!
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