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Kathmandu to Pokhara
The journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara is a highlight for anyone visiting Nepal. The route from Kathmandu to Pokhara is one of the most traveled routes in Nepal. These two cities are known as top tourist cities as well. Kathmandu is the capital city, known for its ancient temples and rich cultural heritage. On the other hand, Pokhara is an entirely different vibe with its quiet lakeside, fresh air, and fantastic mountain views.
Kathmandu is the first place you’ll enter when arriving at the Tribhuvan International Airport, and Pokhara is the gateway for many trekking places in the Annapurna Region. But to get to Pokhara from Kathmandu, you will have to travel 203km all the way from Kathmandu. You can travel by road or take a short flight. Keep on reading to know more about the Kathmandu to Pokhara distance, route, and transport mode.
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How Far Is Pokhara from Kathmandu?
Pokhara is 203km far from Kathmandu. You can either travel by roadway or take a direct flight. Traveling by road takes 6 to 8 hours, while a flight takes only 25 to 30 minutes. Let’s discuss it briefly:
Traveling from Kathmandu to Pokhara by Flight
The flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara is the quickest and most convenient way to travel. The flight takes around 25 to 30 minutes, where you can enjoy stunning aerial views of green hills, rivers, valleys, and beautiful mountains. The flight departs from Tribhuvan International Airport and lands at Pokhara Airport. For your flight, you can book from major airlines such as Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Shree Airlines. Depending on the season, the ticket price usually ranges between NPR 11,000 and 15,000 per person for one way (for foreigners).
During the flight, you can enjoy a clear view of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) peaks, especially on sunny days. Traveling by flight saves a lot of time for trekkers. Those heading towards the Annapurna region can reach Pokhara within minutes and start their trek the same day instead of spending hours on the road.
Note: In the Monsoon Season, there is a high chance of delays or cancellations of flights due to bad weather. So, check the flight schedule carefully at the time of booking.
Traveling from Kathmandu to Pokhara by Tourist Bus
Tourist buses are a popular and affordable way to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara. There are different types of buses available, like standard, deluxe, and AC luxury buses. These buses from Kathmandu to Pokhara are comfortable and suitable for travelers.
Usually, buses depart in the morning and evening between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM or around 5:00 PM from Gongabu Bus Park. The ticket price from Kathmandu to Pokhara depends on the type of bus, typically ranging between NPR 1,000 and 2,500 per person. The journey takes around 6 to 8 hours, which is longer than a flight.
On the way, you can enjoy scenic views of hills, rivers, and small towns along the Prithvi Highway. The buses stop at Mugling and Malekhu for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, where you can enjoy riverside views and local food. During peak tourist season (Spring and Autumn as well as during festive season – Dashain and Tihar), it’s best to book tickets from Kathmandu to Pokhara in advance, so tickets get sold very fast. On other normal days, you can buy a ticket a day earlier or on the same day.
Private Vehicle or Car Hire Option
Another easy and most comfortable option is to hire a private jeep or car, which takes you around 6 to 7 hours of travel time. But it really depends on the road condition as well. The estimated cost ranges from NPR 9,000 to 15,000, which is for up to 4 passengers.
One major advantage of travelling by private car is that you can start your journey at your preferred time, which is flexible for many travelers. You can stop whenever you want to capture a scenic landscape, and also for meals. In a private vehicle, you can enjoy air conditioning and enough space for your luggage. Besides cars, you can also get SUVs and microbuses for larger groups.
You can book a private vehicle through car rental companies or travel agencies. Always check whether the vehicle condition is safe and compare prices from different companies before confirming your booking.
Treks You Can Do from Pokhara
As already discussed, Pokhara is the gateway to many amazing Annapurna region treks in Nepal. For trekking, you’ll need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). You can get it from the Pokhara or Kathmandu ACAP Office. Below, we’ll discuss some of the popular treks that start from Pokhara.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp is the most popular and longest trek in the Annapurna Region, which takes around 7 to 12 days to complete. The trek starts from Nayapul, which is about a 2-hour drive from Pokhara. The trail passes through beautiful Gurung villages like Ghandruk and Chhomrong. Also, throughout the trek, you pass through lush forests and beautiful landscapes before reaching the base camp.
You’ll also be mesmerized by the amazing views of various mountains like Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, which is also known as Fishtail, and so on. The highest point of Annapurna Base Camp is at 4,130m. So, you’ll need an acclimatization day to adjust your body. Either way, you can even start your trek from Jhinu Danda, as it is an alternative to Nayapul for a shorter version of the trek.
Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal Trek is a short and alternative trek to Annapurna Base Camp, which is perfect for anyone who doesn’t have much time. The actual trek usually starts from Kande. And to reach Kande from Pokhara, it usually takes about an hour’s drive.
The main highlight of the trek is to enjoy the panoramic view of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Hinchuli. Mardi Himal base camp is at 4,500m above sea level. You can enjoy the lush forest filled with rhododendron, oak, and bamboo trees. There are various camps, including the Forest Camp, the Low Camp, the High Camp, and the Mardi Himal Base Camp, for acclimatization. It is an ideal short trek that can be completed in about 4 to 6 days.
The best time to trek in Mardi Himal is in Spring and Autumn, when you can enjoy the view of the mountains even more, as the skies are clearer at that time. Mardi Himal Trek is less crowded than the Annapurna Base Camp and Ghorepani trek.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek also starts from Nayapul, just as Annapurna Base Camp, and takes around 3 to 5 days to complete the trek. Along the way, you’ll pass through beautiful villages like Ghandruk, Tadapani, and Ghorepani. The trails are filled with rhododendron forests and tea houses for rest. The highest point of the trek is 3,210m, from where you can view the golden hour sunrise view of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Hinchuli, and so on.
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Explore Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan
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Annapurna Base Camp Trek Via Poon Hill
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Mardi Himal Trek
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Australian Base Camp Trek
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Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
It is the most popular and easiest trek in the Annapurna Region. The trek is accessible as it is the shortest trek in the Region. If you want to explore other places and have more time, then you can definitely combine the trek with the Ghandruk Ghorepani Circuit Trek.
Conclusion
Whether you travel by flight or bus, the Kathmandu to Pokhara journey gives you a different experience full of scenic views and beautiful landscapes, hills, rivers, and farming villages. From Kathmandu to Pokhara bus ride, you will enjoy the sweeping green hills and farming villages, and from the flight, you will enjoy the aerial view of those. From the busier city life in Kathmandu to the peaceful lakeside in Pokhara, the journey is worth taking. So, get ready to explore two beautiful cities in Nepal.
