Getting There and Away

Written by Lorraine Aust, Santosh Thapa
11/08/2025
Tranquil scene of Phewa Lake with reflections and Himalayan mountains in Pokhara, Nepal.
Subash Thapa, Pexels

Pokhara is served by Pokhara International Airport (PHH/PKR) for air travel, and a dedicated Tourist Bus Park located conveniently near Lakeside for ground transportation.

Flights:

The fastest way to travel is by air, with flights typically taking 20-30 minutes, primarily from Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). One-way ticket prices for domestic flights can range from approximately $100 to $160 USD, with round-trip options starting from around $498 USD for international connections. Airlines like Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines operate multiple daily flights. It is important to note that flight delays and cancellations can occur, especially due to weather conditions.

Tourist Buses:

Many travelers choose tourist buses for a cost-effective journey. These buses offer various comfort levels, including standard, deluxe, and VIP/sofa options, with prices typically ranging from $10 to $25 USD (NPR 800-2500). The trip from Kathmandu generally takes 6 to 8 hours, though road conditions and traffic can extend it to 10-12 hours. Buses usually depart from Sorhakhutte or Kalanki/Balaju in Kathmandu and arrive at the Pokhara Tourist Bus Park near Lakeside.

Local Buses:

A more budget-friendly option, local buses are typically less comfortable, more crowded, and make frequent stops, extending travel time to up to 10 hours. Fares are generally around $8 to $10 USD.

Private Vehicles:

For a more comfortable and flexible experience, private cars, jeeps, or vans can be arranged. This option allows for stops along the way and is more direct, with a travel time of 6-8 hours. Costs for a private vehicle can be around NPR 9,000 (approximately $67 USD) one-way, with an additional charge for air conditioning.

Check out our other pages on Pokhara

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