Pokhara is the starting point of treks to the Annapurna. Even if you are not planning to trek, you will probably want to get into the cleaner air and experience the laid-back ambiance of Pokhara after the hectic Kathmandu.
But first, you have to travel 206 km between the two cities. No problem, you say? Well, 206 km in Nepal is no trip down the autobahn!
Traveling by road will take you approximately eight hours through villages, along the Trisuli River, and over winding roads with a steep drop on one side. You might want to stop off at the historic Newari town of Bandipur, situated on a ridge about 700m above the Marsyangdi River Valley, 143 km west of Kathmandu and 80 km east of Pokhara.
You might even want to add more adventure and take a white-water rafting trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara. You cannot raft all the way – the rafting company will organize transport by bus to the put-in point and from the take-out point to Pokhara. You can either make a one-day or two-day trip with overnight camping on the riverbank.
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1. KATHMANDU TO POKHARA BY FLIGHT

If you are short of time or just prefer the convenience, Pokhara is a 20-minute flight from Kathmandu.
There are several different airlines, with Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines being the most popular. All the airlines have small propeller aircraft which carry around 20 passengers at a time. Buddha Air, however, does have bigger jets with a larger capacity, which operate during the busy periods.
Prices are more or less the same between the airlines but there are different prices for locals (including Indians), foreign residents and tourists. Tourists are required to pay in US Dollars.
All flights originate from TIA domestic terminal and check-in is one hour in advance. Delays are frequent, however, given the mountain weather conditions, and cancellations are not infrequent, particularly in the monsoon and for morning flights in the winter.
Tip: If you have an international flight, do not book your domestic flight on the same day, or even, if it is possible, for the day before, in case of cancellation.
See Also,
How to go from Tribhuvan International Airport to Thamel ?
Kathmandu Pokhara Flight FAQ
What are the most recommended airlines for Kathmandu to Pokhara?
I am an Indian citizen, what will be my fare?
I am an expat living in Nepal, what will be my fare?
I have a child flying with me, what is the cost of a child’s fare?
I have an infant, is there a charge?
I am a refugee; do I have to pay the full fare?
I am an NRN (Non-Residential Nepali). What do I pay?
I am married to a Nepali, do I have to pay the full fare?
What document is needed at the time of check-in?
What is the baggage weight limit?
Y Class Fare:
10% cancellation charge if you cancel 11 hours before the flight time.
33% cancellation charge if you cancel within 11 hours from the flight time.
You cannot cancel 2 hours before the flight time.
You can reschedule anytime 11 hours before the flight.
A Class Fare:
25% cancellation charge if you cancel 11 hours before the flight time.
50% cancellation charge if you cancel within 11 hours of the flight time
You cannot cancel 2 hours before the flight time.
One time rescheduling can be done up to 11 hours before the flight and subject to availability of the same class of seat.
An open ticket cannot be issued for Apex fare ticket.
B Class Fare:
The only fuel charge is refundable if you cancel 11 hours before the flight.
The open ticket cannot be issued for Bravo fare ticket.
It will be sold on a first come first serve basis.
C, D & E Class Fares:
Open tickets cannot be issued for these fare classes.
It will be sold on a first come first serve basis.
No cancellation and no rescheduling is available.
What if I need to cancel and reschedule my flight?
What if the flight is canceled by the airlines?
Can I transfer my ticket to my friend?
What is the check-in time for domestic flights?
2. KATHMANDU TO POKHARA BY ROAD
If you are traveling by vehicle there are three options, tourist bus, local bus, and private vehicle.
Kathmandu to Pokhara by Tourist Bus

Most tourists and middle-class Nepalis use this option as they are safer than the local buses, and there is no overcrowding. They stop more often and at better restaurants with better toilets!
As with everything, there are different prices for the tourist bus. Most buses are more or less the same, with a one-way ticket of around Rs 800. There are two somewhat more upscale buses, Greenline and Jagadamba.
Greenline leaves at 7.30 am from its own premises on Thamel and costs approximately Rs 2,500, including lunch at Riverside Spring Resort – which is, as its name suggests, a pretty resort on the banks of the river. Jagadamba leaves at 7:30 am from Annapurna Hotel Durbar Marg and costs around Rs 2500. Included in the price are luxury seats, wifi, and steward service.
The rest of the tourist buses leave from Kantipath, near Thamel, every day at 7 is. There will be many buses going to Pokhara and Chitwan lined up simultaneously, so pay attention to the name of your bus company to ensure you get on the right one. Give yourself 15 minutes to find it among the many!
Kathmandu to Pokhara by Local Bus

Some travelers like to feel they have the ‘real taste of Nepal’ by traveling on a local bus or mini-bus. We do not recommend you do this to save a few rupees. These buses are overcrowded and drive too fast, and therefore are frequently involved in fatal accidents. In addition, they stop less frequently and may stop on the side of the road (for the men) and not at a toilet. You will also be entertained by very loud music en route!
If you really do want to take this option, you can catch any bus going to Pokhara from the New Bus Park or at Kalanki (where the road out of the valley junctions with the Ring Road). Listen out for the conductor shouting, “Pokhara, Pokhara.”
Kathmandu Pokhara Bus FAQ
Do local and tourist buses depart from the same station in Kathmandu and Pokhara?
Where do the tourist buses depart from?
Please ask your travel agent when buying your tickets. In Pokhara, there is a tourist bus station near Lakeside. Check at the time of buying your ticket.
Where do local buses depart from?
How far is the hotel area in Pokhara from the tourist bus station?
How far is the hotel area in Pokhara from the local bus station?
How far is the tourist bus station in Kathmandu from Thamel?
How far is the local bus station in Kathmandu from Thamel?
Is it the same station for both arrival and departure?
Is there any map that I can follow for the city?
How frequently does the bus depart?
How long does it take to travel between Kathmandu and Pokhara?
Can I travel overnight by bus?
Important Note: While the local buses might look attractive in terms of their price and speed compared to tourist buses, please remember the reason for that is overcrowding (hence lower prices) and high speed (hence shorter travel time). In addition, the tourist buses stop at ‘better’ restaurants/ toilet facilities. But mainly, tourist buses are safer!
Kathmandu to Pokhara by Private Vehicles
Private vehicles can be arranged by your travel or trekking agency. Expect to pay around Rs 9,000 one way, with 25% extra for air conditioning.
However, this is a very comfortable way to travel and you can stop anywhere to take photographs, linger over lunch etc.
Kathmandu Pokhara Car FAQ
What kind of cars is available for traveling in between Kathmandu and Pokhara?
How many people can fit in one car?
How long does it take?
Can I rent a car without a driver?
Do cars come with aircon?
How much does it cost to use an aircon?
How much does hiring a car, SUV, and 14 seaters Toyota cost?
Can I stop along the way when I want in private vehicles?
What if I want to stay a few days (2 or 3) and want to drive back to another city?
For example, you rent a car from Kathmandu to Pokhara; if you pay an overnight charge, you can return to Kathmandu without additional cost! But do check this is indeed the case with the company you are using and check the overnight charge in advance.
If you want to drive, say Kathmandu to Pokhara overnight, then on to Tansen. Then yes, you will have to pay an additional car hire fee.