NEPAL(6): How to travel by bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara? Or from Pokhara to Kathmandu?

This is a very useful article, for those who are travelling to Nepal, you might want to read this.

Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal, a must visit city where there sits 7 UNESCO world heritage sites (Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Baktapur Durbar Square, Bodnath Stupa, Pashupatunath Temple, Changu Narayan Temple and Lumbini). Your will land in the Tribhuvan International Airport from your country to Nepal. After a few days visits in Kathmandu, you will pay a visit to Pokhara as you might want to experience the world best Paragliding adventure, viewing the second largest lake in Nepal – Phewa Lake, Doing the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or doing a famous 4 days 3 nights trek to Poonhill to view the widest range of Annapurna Mountains.

You do not want to travel by domestic flight as the price for the flight ticket is USD109 per person. You do not want to hire a car either as the car rental fees from Kathmandu to Pokhara is at least at USD100 with distance of 220km. The driver will charge you 2 ways transportation fees as they will overnight in Pokhara with an additional overnight fees at USD18.00.

How much the bus ride cost?

So, the best alternative way is to travel by tourist bus. Price charged at USD10, with a ride of 8 hours on the hilly road in the valley of mountains. (I don’t know how many mountains, but we travel from mountains to mountains)

How to purchase the bus ticket to Pokhara from Kathmandu?

Don’t hesitate to purchase your bus tickets at any travel agencies or on the street or in your hotel. Let them handle your stress, you might pay an additional USD1 to USD2 as their admin charges. Please go ahead and pay it and you will save a lot of times and efforts searching for the bus station to purchase the bus tickets. You won’t find it, I dare you. You will see a lot of tourist busses park right at the dirty road side, you will have problems finding your bus if you do not let your travel agents or hotels arrange it for you.

In Kathmandu, the bus station is outside of Thamel area, 10 minutes’ walk. If you book with your hotel, they will arrange a taxi for you at additional cost of USD2 to USD4 only. Depart time is fixed at 7am from Kathmandu to Pokhara.

How to purchase the bus ticket to Kathmandu from Pokhara?

Same case as above. You might let your hotel and travel agent book it for you. Price for the ticket also at USD10.00. Distance at 220km, travel time at 8 hours.

Below are some photos I took during my bus ride from Pokhara to Kathmandu, I don’t have photos of Kathmandu Bus Station. Next time I will remember to take the photos.

Below: Pokhara Bus Station, at 7am in the morning

Below: What will you see in Pokhara Bus Station.

Below: You must know your bus operator’s name, or you wont find your bus. There are so many buses. Depart at 7.30am sharp everyday from Pokhara to Kathmandu.