Buses to Pokhara - Routes, Options & Timings

Major Bus Routes to Pokhara

1. From Kathmandu to Pokhara

Option Departure Points Duration Cost (Approx.) Features
Tourist Bus Thamel (Sorahkhutte or Balaju) 6-8 hours NPR 1,000-2,500 A/C, comfortable seats, lunch stop
Deluxe Bus Kalanki or Gongabu 6-8 hours NPR 1,800-3,000 Reclining seats, Wi-Fi, USB
Night Bus Kalanki or New Bus Park 6-8 hours NPR 1,200-2,500 Reclining seats, night service
Local Bus New Bus Park (Gongabu) 7-10 hours NPR 800-1,200 Cheaper but less comfortable
Most tourist buses leave between 6:00-7:30 AM daily.
Night buses depart around 7:00-8:00 PM.

2. From Chitwan (Sauraha) to Pokhara

Option Departure Point Duration Cost Note
Tourist Bus Sauraha Bus Park 5-6 hrs NPR 900-1,500 Scenic via Mugling
Local Bus Tadi Bazar / Narayangarh 6-8 hrs NPR 600-800 Less comfortable

3. From Lumbini to Pokhara

Option Departure Point Duration Cost Note
Tourist Bus Lumbini Gate Area 7-9 hrs NPR 1,000-1,800 Book online or via agencies
Local Bus Bhairahawa 8-10 hrs NPR 600-900 Frequent stops, slower

4. From Butwal to Pokhara

Option Departure Point Duration Cost
Local Bus Butwal Bus Park 6-8 hrs NPR 500-800
Microbus Mahendra Highway ~6 hrs NPR 800-1,000

5. From Biratnagar / Eastern Nepal

  • No direct tourist buses available.
  • Options:
    • Take a bus to Kathmandu, then onward to Pokhara
    • Take a domestic flight directly to Pokhara

Booking & Tips

  • Pre-book online: busticketnepal.com, easynepalbus.com, or via hotel desks
  • Check weather & road conditions—especially during monsoon (June-Aug)
  • Bring snacks, water, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper
  • Choose left-side seats when heading to Pokhara for better views

Bonus: Flight vs. Bus?

Mode Pros Cons
Bus Scenic, cheaper, more flexible Longer travel time, delays possible
Flight Quick (25 min), stunning mountain views Expensive (NPR 5,000-15,000), weather-dependent