Nepal travel
Kathmandu to Pokhara: Bus, Flight or Private Car?
How to travel the 200 km between Kathmandu and Pokhara — tourist bus, flight or private car — with typical journey times, tips and what we arrange for our trekkers.
By Shiva GiriPublished 5 min readFacts checked
Pokhara, Nepal's lakeside city and the gateway to the Annapurna treks, is about 200 km west of Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway. There are three ways to make the journey.
| Option | Typical time | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist bus | 6–8 hours (can be longer with roadworks or monsoon landslides) | Budget travellers, river and hill scenery |
| Domestic flight | 25–30 minutes in the air; allow 2–3 hours door to door | Short trips, saving a day |
| Private car or jeep | Around 6–8 hours, with stops when you like | Families, groups, flexibility |
Tourist bus
Tourist buses leave Kathmandu early in the morning, mostly from the Sorhakhutte area near Thamel, and follow the Trishuli river through the hills, with breakfast and lunch stops at roadside restaurants. They are the cheapest option and the scenery is lovely, but the highway is busy and journey times vary. If you are staying with us, we can book your ticket and arrange an early taxi to the bus park.
Flying
Several domestic airlines fly between Kathmandu and Pokhara, and on a clear day the views of the Himalaya are spectacular. The flight itself is short, but allow time for the transfer to the domestic terminal, check-in and possible weather delays, especially in the monsoon.
Private car or jeep
A private vehicle costs more but lets you leave when you want, stop for photos and travel comfortably with children or a group. It is also useful if you are combining Pokhara with Chitwan or Lumbini.
Tips
- If you are prone to motion sickness, take precautions — the road is winding.
- Carry water, snacks and some cash for the stops.
- In the monsoon (June–September), build in extra time: landslides can close the road for hours.
- Trekking to Poon Hill or Annapurna Base Camp? The trailheads are a short drive from Pokhara.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara?
Usually 6–8 hours, but it can take longer if there are roadworks, traffic or landslides.
Is it worth flying to Pokhara?
If you are short of time, yes — the flight is 25–30 minutes and the mountain views can be superb. Weather delays are possible, so don't schedule it too tightly before a trek or an international flight.
