Ever dreamt of how to get to Pokhara, the adventure hub of Nepal where the Himalayas meet lakes? Whether travelling by road, air, or train, you will find that reaching this beautiful city is easier than you think—and we're here to help you navigate your way to the heart of Nepal!
By Road: The Scenic Route
If you feel like embarking on a scenic drive, then by bus or private vehicle is one of the most common ways how to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu. It is quite an exhilarating journey that takes you through winding mountain roads, lush greenery, and small villages.
Distance: The Kathmandu to Pokhara distance is around 200 kilometres (124 miles).
Time Taken: The drive is generally around 6 to 8 hours depending upon road conditions and traffic.
Ticket Price: Traveling by tourist bus, you can expect to pay NPR 700 to NPR 1,000. Deluxe buses or private vehicles are the better option and cost you NPR 2,000 to NPR 5,000.
Toll: Not much in terms of major tolls, but depending on your route, you might see a few minor road fees.
The scenic views of rivers, valleys, and terraced fields are amazing while you travel by road from Kathmandu to Pokhara; it becomes part of the fun!
By Air: Swift and Efficient
Flying will always save a lot of your precious time if there's nothing else. This is how to reach Pokhara from Delhi in the least possible time can easily be covered while reaching the lakeside of Pokhara in the shortest route and by staying 10 minutes far away from the airport itself- Pokhara International Airport.
Distance: The aerial distance measured between Kathmandu to the place called Pokhara is approximately around 200 kilometres.
Time: Around 25-30 minutes.
Ticket Price: The flight tickets are pretty much on the higher side, but it is around NPR 3,500 to NPR 7,000, which depends upon the airline and how far before you have booked the ticket.
Airlines: Popular domestic airlines include Yeti Airlines, Saurya Airlines, and Buddha Air.
There is also the facility of flying from various centres to Pokhara. This is quite feasible in case of lack of time, to avoid the long stretch that drives. One thing about the aerial view surrounding mountains and valleys—certainly unforgettable.
By Train: Slow and Steady
Even though there is no railway station in Pokhara, you can take the train up to Sunauli, the border town just before Lumbini. Then you can move from Sunauli by bus or private car to Pokhara.
Distance: The train travel from Kathmandu to Sunauli is 200 km
Time taken: The train journey itself may take anywhere from 7-10 hours. From Sunauli it takes approximately 4-5 hours by bus or taxi to reach Pokhara.
Ticket Price: Train tickets are quite inexpensive, NPR 500 to NPR 800 per seat. And then, of course, you need to top this with a bus ride from Sunauli to Pokhara that would put you anywhere in the range of NPR 500 to NPR 1,000.
Although it's the speediest means of transport from Kathmandu to Pokhara, taking a train is one fun way to get an eye out of rural Nepal.
Now that you know how to reach Pokhara, the decision depends on how much time you have and your budget. If you are in a hurry, flying is the fastest. If you want an unforgettable road trip with scenic views, the bus ride is perfect. And if you enjoy slow travel with a hint of adventure, the train and bus combo offers a great experience. For an even more hassle-free journey, you can book Pokhara Tour Packages through Nepal Tourism. With road, air, and train, it awaits with its beauty, and possibilities are endless for adventure.