How to get to Pokhara
By road, by bus or by plane, from Kathmandu, India and the airport.
From Kathmandu, Pokhara is about 200 km west by road, usually 6 to 8 hours by car, or about 25 minutes by plane. From India, the nearest border crossing is Sunauli to Bhairahawa, about 6 to 7 hours from Pokhara by road. Pokhara International Airport is a short drive from Lakeside, where most hotels are.
Every way in
From Kathmandu by private car or jeep
About 200 km on the Prithvi Highway, usually 6 to 8 hours with stops; traffic and road works can add time. Our one-way price from Pokhara: NPR 15,600 by car, NPR 20,400 by SUV, NPR 26,400 by tourist van. Good stops on the way: Bandipur, the Manakamana cable car at Kurintar, and fried river fish at Malekhu. For a pickup in Kathmandu, ask us.
From Kathmandu by tourist bus
Tourist buses leave Kathmandu early in the morning and take about 7 to 8 hours. We can book your seats; see bus tickets.
From Kathmandu by plane
Flights take about 25 minutes and the mountain views on the right side are worth it. We can book the tickets (air tickets) and send a car to meet you.
From India via Sunauli and Bhairahawa
The closest crossing for Gorakhpur, about 2.5 to 3 hours from Gorakhpur to the border. From Bhairahawa to Pokhara is usually 6 to 7 hours on the Siddhartha Highway: NPR 16,800 by car, NPR 21,600 by SUV.
From India via Raxaul and Birgunj
From the Birgunj border to Pokhara is usually 7 to 8 hours via Narayangadh: NPR 19,200 by car, NPR 25,200 by SUV.
From Chitwan or Lumbini
Chitwan (Sauraha) to Pokhara is usually 4 to 5 hours (NPR 13,200 by car); Lumbini to Pokhara 6 to 7 hours (NPR 18,000 by car).
Arriving at Pokhara airport
A driver can meet you at arrivals: NPR 1,200 by car to Lakeside, NPR 1,800 by SUV, NPR 2,400 by van. See Pokhara taxi and airport pickup.
| Trip | Carup to 4 people | SUV / jeepup to 6 people | Tourist van10 to 15 people | Mini bus20 to 30 people |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pokhara International AirportArrival / departure | NPR 1,200 | NPR 1,800 | NPR 2,400 | NPR 4,800 |
| Pokhara to KathmanduTransfer | NPR 15,600 | NPR 20,400 | NPR 26,400 | NPR 48,000 |
| Pokhara to Sunauli / BhairahawaTransfer | NPR 16,800 | NPR 21,600 | NPR 27,600 | NPR 54,000 |
| Pokhara to BirgunjTransfer | NPR 19,200 | NPR 25,200 | NPR 32,400 | NPR 60,000 |
| Pokhara to Chitwan (Sauraha)One way | NPR 13,200 | NPR 16,800 | NPR 20,400 | NPR 42,000 |
| Pokhara to LumbiniTransfer | NPR 18,000 | NPR 24,000 | NPR 30,000 | NPR 57,600 |
Guide prices in Nepali rupees, per vehicle with a driver, VAT excluded. We confirm the final price in writing before you book. All 36 routes and prices
Questions people ask
How far is Pokhara from Kathmandu by road?
About 200 km on the Prithvi Highway. By car it usually takes 6 to 8 hours with a tea and lunch stop.
What is the best way to get from Kathmandu to Pokhara?
The quickest is a 25-minute flight. A private car or jeep is the most comfortable by road and lets you stop at Bandipur or the Manakamana cable car on the way. Tourist buses are the cheapest.
How much is a private car from Kathmandu to Pokhara?
Our one-way price is NPR 15,600 by car, NPR 20,400 by SUV and NPR 26,400 by tourist van, per vehicle with a driver. Ask us for a Kathmandu pickup.
How do I get to Pokhara from Gorakhpur or Delhi?
Cross the border at Sunauli to Bhairahawa (about 2.5 to 3 hours from Gorakhpur), then drive about 6 to 7 hours to Pokhara. From Delhi, most travellers take a train or flight to Gorakhpur first, or fly to Kathmandu and on to Pokhara.
Can you pick us up at the Indian border?
Yes. A car from Bhairahawa (Sunauli border) to Pokhara is NPR 16,800 and from Birgunj NPR 19,200. Send us your crossing time on WhatsApp.