Kathmandu to Pokhara: Bus, Flight or Private Car?
You can get from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus, flight or private car. The tourist bus is cheapest, at roughly NPR 1,500 to 2,000, and usually takes 7 to 8 hours. The flight is about 25 minutes in the air and usually costs foreigners roughly USD 100 to 150 one way. A private car costs about USD 110 to 200 for the whole vehicle and takes 6 to 8 hours. Most trekkers take the bus. Fly if you’re short on time.
- Distance: about 200 km by road
- Road: Prithvi Highway, via Mugling
- Tourist bus: usually 7 to 8 hours, roughly NPR 1,500 to 2,000
- Premium bus: roughly NPR 2,500 to 3,500
- Flight: about 25 minutes in the air, roughly USD 100 to 150 for foreigners
- Private car: 6 to 8 hours, roughly USD 110 to 200 per vehicle
- Flights land at: Pokhara International Airport
- Prices: approximate, they vary by operator, season and availability
- Last updated: October 2026
Almost every Annapurna trek starts in Pokhara. So before you reach the trail, you need to get there from Kathmandu.
It’s only about 200 km, but the road is slow and winding. Your choice can mean a long day on a bus or a short hop on a plane. Here’s how the options compare.
Kathmandu to Pokhara at a Glance
| Tourist bus | Flight | Private car | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | 7 to 8 hours, longer with delays | 25 min in the air, 3 to 4 hours door to door | 6 to 8 hours |
| Approx. cost | NPR 1,500 to 2,000 | USD 100 to 150 | USD 110 to 200 per vehicle |
| Best for | Budget, most trekkers | Short trips, car sickness | Groups, families, flexibility |
Tourist Bus
This is how most trekkers travel. Tourist buses usually leave around 7am from the Sorhakhutte and Kantipath area near Thamel. Some operators use other pickup points, so check your ticket. Buses stop for breakfast and lunch and arrive at the tourist bus park in Pokhara in the afternoon. From there, Lakeside is a short taxi ride.
Standard tourist buses cost roughly NPR 1,500 to 2,000. Premium buses cost roughly NPR 2,500 to 3,500, with more comfortable seats and often lunch included.
The trip usually takes 7 to 8 hours. Traffic, road works and bad weather can make it longer.
Tip: carry some cash for meals. Cards often don’t work at the roadside stops.
Flight
The flight is about 25 minutes in the air. Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines fly the route several times a day, and flights land at Pokhara International Airport.
Foreigners pay a dollar fare, usually roughly USD 100 to 150 one way. Nepali citizens pay less. The baggage allowance depends on the airline and your ticket, so check it before you pack.
Door to door, plan on 3 to 4 hours once you add the drive to the airport, check-in and waiting. That still saves most of a day.
Tip: sit on the right side when flying to Pokhara. On a clear morning you may see the Himalaya out the window.
Cloud can delay flights, especially in the monsoon and on some winter mornings. Don’t book one on the same day as a tight connection.
Private Car or Jeep
A private car leaves when you want and stops where you want. Approximate prices for the whole vehicle:
- Car, 1 to 3 people: about USD 110 to 150
- Jeep or SUV, 4 to 6 people: about USD 135 to 180
- Hiace van, 7 to 14 people: about USD 160 to 200
It takes 6 to 8 hours. For a family or small group, the cost per person can come close to a flight.
You can also stop at Manakamana on the way. The cable car up to the temple adds about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Road Conditions
The Prithvi Highway follows the Trishuli River west from Kathmandu. It’s busy and slow, with lots of trucks and tight bends.
On 30 August 2026, a flood on the Trishuli washed away part of the road at Krishnabhir in Dhading. The highway was closed for 18 days. It reopened to two-way traffic on 17 September 2026 on a temporary track, and some other stretches were still down to one lane at that time. Allow extra time and check the latest news before you travel.
In the monsoon, June to September, landslides can close the road for hours or days. If you’re travelling then, leave a spare day before your trek or your flight home. See our guide to trekking in Nepal in the monsoon.
Road update as of October 2026.
Which Option Should You Choose?
- Take the bus if you’re on a budget and have the time. It’s what most trekkers do.
- Fly if you only have a few days, get car sick, or want to save energy for the trek.
- Take a private car if you’re a family or group, or want to stop at Manakamana.
Many people take the bus to Pokhara and fly back to Kathmandu when they’re tired at the end. If you’d rather skip mountain flights altogether, see Nepal treks you can do without flying.
Getting to Pokhara on a MountainKick Trek
On our Annapurna treks that start from Pokhara, the tourist bus is included both ways. If you’d rather fly or go by private car, ask us for a quote.
From Pokhara, we drive you to the trailhead. For that part, see our Kathmandu to Nayapul guide.
Treks that start from Pokhara:
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Annapurna Base Camp Express Trek
- Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
- Poon Hill Dhampus Village Trek
- Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek
Treks in this guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara?
Usually 7 to 8 hours. Traffic, road works and weather can make it longer.
How much is the tourist bus?
Roughly NPR 1,500 to 2,000 for a standard tourist bus, and NPR 2,500 to 3,500 for a premium bus. Prices vary by operator and season.
How much is a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara?
Foreigners usually pay roughly USD 100 to 150 one way. It depends on the airline, season and how early you book.
How long is the flight?
About 25 minutes in the air. With the airport transfer and check-in, plan on 3 to 4 hours door to door.
Which is better, bus or flight?
The bus is much cheaper. The flight saves most of a day and is easier if you get car sick.
Where does the tourist bus leave from?
Most leave around 7am from the Sorhakhutte and Kantipath area near Thamel. Some operators use other pickup points, so check your ticket.
Is the Kathmandu to Pokhara road open?
Yes. The road reopened on 17 September 2026 after flood damage at Krishnabhir. Some sections can still be slow, and monsoon landslides can cause delays.
Is transport to Pokhara included in a MountainKick trek?
Yes. On our Annapurna treks that start from Pokhara, the tourist bus is included both ways. Ask us for a quote if you’d prefer a flight or private car.
