Kathmandu to Pokhara
| Option | Time | Cost (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist bus | 6–8 h | USD 10–25 | Leaves around 7:00 from central Kathmandu; lunch stop; road works cause delays |
| Deluxe / sofa bus | 6–8 h | USD 20–25 | More legroom, sometimes a meal included |
| Private car / jeep | 5–7 h | USD 120–180 per vehicle | Flexible stops; good for groups |
| Flight | 25 min | USD 100–130 | Several daily; sit on the right side heading to Pokhara for mountain views |
The Prithvi Highway runs along the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers. Traffic and road works have made journeys slower in recent years, so allow a full day. The flight is the quickest option but is sometimes delayed by morning fog in winter or cloud in the monsoon.
Pokhara International Airport
Pokhara International Airport opened in January 2023 on the eastern side of the city, about 20–30 minutes by taxi from Lakeside. It handles the domestic flights from Kathmandu. Most international travellers still arrive at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, where you get your visa on arrival.
Jomsom flights
Pokhara–Jomsom flights (about USD 125–140, 20 minutes) leave early in the morning, before the Kali Gandaki winds pick up, and are often delayed or cancelled by wind or cloud. Keep a spare day in your plan.
Pokhara to the trailheads
| Trailhead | For treks | Transport | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nayapul / Birethanti | Poon Hill, Ghandruk, ABC | Taxi / jeep or local bus | 1.5–2 h |
| Kande | Australian Camp, Mardi Himal | Taxi / local bus | About 1 h |
| Phedi | Dhampus, Australian Camp | Taxi | 30–45 min |
| Siwai / Jhinu area (via Kimche road) | Annapurna Base Camp (short start) | Jeep | 3–4 h |
| Besisahar | Annapurna Circuit, Tilicho, Nar Phu | Bus / jeep | 4–5 h (then jeep up the valley) |
| Jomsom | Jomsom–Muktinath, Upper Mustang, Circuit (reverse) | Flight or bus / jeep via Beni | 20 min flight, or 8–10 h by road |
| Beni | Mohare Danda, Khopra, Kali Gandaki valley | Bus / jeep | 3–4 h |
Taxis from Lakeside to Nayapul or Kande charge a fixed fare per vehicle, so they're good value for two to four people. Local buses leave from Baglung Bus Park and are much cheaper, but slow and crowded.
Where to stay in Pokhara
- Lakeside (Baidam): the main traveller area, with hundreds of guesthouses, gear shops, cafés, ATMs and trekking agencies along Phewa Lake.
- North Lakeside: quieter and greener, a 10–20 minute walk to the busy centre.
- Damside: close to the Nepal Tourism Board permit office and slightly cheaper.
Guesthouses start at around USD 10–20 a night and comfortable mid-range hotels at USD 30–60. Most will store your extra luggage free while you trek, which is useful if you arrived with city clothes.
Pokhara as your trekking base
- Permits: the ACAP counter is at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Pardi, Damside, and TIMS is issued through agencies.
- Gear: rent down jackets, sleeping bags and poles in Lakeside.
- Cash: draw rupees at Lakeside ATMs before you leave. There are few on the trails.
- Guides: meet your guide in person, or share one with other trekkers you meet in town.
- Rest: come back between treks, recover by the lake and set off again.
Arrive a day early
Plan one full day in Pokhara before your trek for permits, gear and cash, and a spare day at the end in case of transport delays.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Kathmandu to Pokhara?
Take a tourist bus (6–8 hours, USD 10–25) or a domestic flight (25 minutes, USD 100–130). Buses leave early in the morning from central Kathmandu. Flights land at Pokhara International Airport, about 20–30 minutes from Lakeside.
Is it better to fly or take the bus to Pokhara?
The bus is much cheaper and gives you a scenic day through the river valleys. The flight saves most of a day and has mountain views. Many trekkers take the bus one way and fly the other.
Can I fly directly to Pokhara from abroad?
Pokhara International Airport opened in 2023, but it has very few international routes. Almost all visitors arrive in Kathmandu and connect by bus or domestic flight.
How far is Nayapul from Pokhara?
Nayapul is about 40 km west of Pokhara, a 1.5–2 hour drive by taxi or jeep. It is the trailhead for Ghorepani Poon Hill, Ghandruk and the classic route to Annapurna Base Camp.
How do I get from Pokhara to Jomsom?
Fly in about 20 minutes for roughly USD 125–140, with morning departures only. Or take a bus or jeep via Beni, which takes 8–10 hours. Flights are often delayed by wind, so allow a spare day.
Where should I stay in Pokhara before a trek?
Lakeside, by Phewa Lake, is the most convenient area. It has guesthouses, gear rental, ATMs and trekking agencies within walking distance. Most lodges store your spare luggage while you trek.
Treks to read next
Annapurna · from Pokhara
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
3–5 days · Moderate · max 3,210 m
Annapurna · from Pokhara
Australian Camp & Dhampus Trek
1–3 days · Easy · max 2,060 m
Mustang · from Pokhara
Jomsom Muktinath Trek
4–11 days · Moderate · max 3,900 m
Pokhara Valley · from Pokhara
Sarangkot & World Peace Pagoda Hikes
1–2 days · Easy · max 1,592 m
Got a question we didn't answer?
Our team in Pokhara answers trip-planning questions for free by email. If you'd like us to arrange your trek — licensed guide, permits and transport — we can quote that too.