Pokhara does not seem far from the capital city, but the nature of Nepal's terrain and road make a very long drive possible. The tourism capital of Nepal is just 204 km (126 miles) away from Kathmandu.
That's why a lot of passengers prefer to fly. Here we have enlisted your travel options between the two cities, either by air or by road.
By Air (30 minutes)
Travelling by plane is by far the most comfortable and most convenient way to the journey between Kathmandu and Pokhara, and is highly recommended if you are on time.
Pokhara Flight: Sky-High Adventure
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Numerous flights depart daily from Tribhuvan International Airport's domestic terminal and take just about 30 minutes. It is a very scenic trip, particularly if you are sitting on the plane's right side so you can see the Himalayas.
When you drive, you are expected to return feeling relaxed and have plenty of time for the next day's plans, something you can't tell if you're making the journey overland.
Flights regularly fly, with the last (either direction) flight departing at about 3:30 pm. Costs vary based on season, and how you purchase them.
If you travel online, you can plan to pay around USD 125, one route and these flights are usually easier to add as part of your package. (Keep in mind that airfare prices also change).
Drawback
Apart from the increased cost, the drawback to flying is that flights will always be postponed due to adverse weather, or due to incoming flight delays.
By Road (7-8 hours)
Both modes of road transport take you from Kathmandu to Pokhara along the same route, but one alternative isn't quicker than the other. Depending on the time of day, the critical thing that will affect your travel is traffic across the Kathmandu Valley.
The benefits of having a private car are that you can order the driver to stop anytime you want, and smaller cars appear to be able to travel a bit further through the traffic than bigger buses. Private drivers arrive with their cars.
Hire a Private Jeep
Jeeps have about 7-8 seats (approx) and are the largest private vehicle and the most spacious. Travelling by a private jeep to Pokhara might cost you $250 (one way).
Drive-by a Private Car
Private cars are accommodated with four seats, and a one-way to the tourism capital of Nepal might cost you $145. If you want an air-conditioned car, plan on spending a little more.
Freedom on Wheels, Exploring
Tourist Bus
The majority of tourist buses leave from Kantipath Road in Kathmandu (near Thamel) at 7 am and cost about $6.50 (Rs. 700).
Adventures on Wheels, Exploring
Pre-buying a ticket from the organisation or a nearby travel agent is not necessarily mandatory. Still, it is an advisable idea to do so in the peak season or if you are travelling with a big party.
While many businesses provide the same service, none of them offers the same level of comfort; a free bottle of drinking water, air conditioning, onboard Wi-fi (which typically doesn't work), and relatively frequent breaks for rest and food.
The luxury Greenline Bus leaves at 7.30 am from a small bus park away from Thamel's Garden of Dreams. Tickets amount to about $25, much much more than most other tourist buses.
This package includes a lunch menu and travel benefits and an enclosed waiting area at the bus station. Comfort stops are made in marginally better quality locations than the other tourist buses in the way.
Tourist busses aren't inherently quicker or slower than other road transport, but they're a much smoother choice because the driving quality is marginally higher than usual.
Travel by a Public Transport
Public buses are the cheapest one-way alternative, at about $4 (Rs. 450). A full-size bus or a smaller microbus may be caught. They travel all day long, about every half an hour, and usually from the Gongabu Bus Station.
City busses aren't usually slower than tourist busses they're a little quicker, so drivers don't appear to adhere to the speed limits, with fewer comfort stops.
Public Transport: Urban Mobility Scenes
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image-travelliYet they are much less spacious than tourist buses, with no air conditioning, old chairs, loud music, and generally lining the aisles with passengers and luggage.
However, if you are on a tight budget, it is worth choosing a commuter bus over a tourist one or if the early morning departure of the tourist buses is an issue.
