Trip Introduction
Pokhara, the second-largest city in Nepal, is a unique destination for tourists who intend to travel to Nepal. The vibrant city is 201 km away from the capital city, Kathmandu, and lies in the Gandaki Province of Nepal. The lakeside city of Pokhara is a popular choice for local and international visitors. Pokhara promises an opportunity to blend the cultural and spiritual aspects of Nepal with an exploration of various landmarks.
Top attractions in Pokhara
- Tal Barahi Temple
- Shree Bindhyabasini Temple
- Pumdikot Religious Area
- Mahendra Cave
- Begnas Lake
- Phewa Lake
- Devi's Fall Pokhara
- Sarangkot Sunrise Pokhara
- International Mountain Museum
Not only the major attractions, Pokhara is also home to various adventure sports and extra-curricular activities. Adrenaline enthusiasts, Photographers, Wildlife adventurers, and those seeking a relaxing or enjoyable night can visit Pokhara. As Annapurna Conservation Area is close to Pokhara, many travelers mark Pokhara on their bucket lists yearly. The best time to visit Pokhara is spring and autumn, considered the best seasons for traveling to Nepal.
Activities in Pokhara
- Bungee Jumping
- Paragliding
- Mountain Biking
- River Rafting
- Canoeing
- Zip Flying
- Microlight Flying
- Wildlife Sighting
- Wildlife Photography
Similarly, Pokhara is also the gateway to the Annapurna region. Trekkers and mountaineers from all over the world come to Pokhara to trek in the mountainous region of Nepal. Some major trekking routes in Pokhara are the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trekking, Mardi Himal Trekking, Ghandruk Village Trekking, Sarangkot Hiking, and many more. These trekking routes provide splendid views of snowcapped mountains like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, and Machhapuchre.
The 201 km towards Pokhara from Kathmandu can be covered by a tourist bus, which usually takes 8–9 hours, depending on the road conditions and traffic. As of 2024/25, the road conditions are under constant maintenance, due to which the driving hours are relatively longer; however, it is presumed to be shorter once the construction work is finished. Thus, taking a regular bus to Pokhara can be a rough experience, so for a better experience, taking a tourist bus to Pokhara, equipped with comfortable amenities, is the best option.
What does Kathmandu Pokhara Tourist Bus Service offer? Facilities of the Kathmandu Pokhara Tourist Bus?
Kathmandu Pokhara Tourist Bus Facility by Holiday Tours Nepal offers a wide range of transport facilities that ensure passengers have a comfortable and relaxing drive. The spacious seat provides enough leg space so that travelers won't hurt their knees, and the attached air conditioners are present to cool off during hot, sunny days. Tourist Bus Service for Pokhara ensures that the sanitary protocols are followed. Similarly, the Pokhara Tourist Bus is well-equipped with safety measures in case of unforeseen circumstances.
The Kathmandu Pokhara Sofa Bus has sofa seats that provide a VIP or luxury experience. It is a newly introduced bus service that accommodates modern luxury seats for passengers; however, they come with a cost. The Kathmandu to Pokhara tourist bus ride will showcase the beautiful scenery of mountain ranges and landmarks of Nepal along the Trishuli River.
Passengers on the Kathmandu-Pokhara route usually see through picturesque landscapes and terraced fields with glimpses of Himalayan peaks. All these facilities come with quite reasonable prices, making them an accessible option for both domestic and international tourists. The service also offers multiple departures throughout the day, allowing travelers to choose a time that best suits their schedule.
Holiday Planner Nepal operates different kinds of buses according to the cost of the ticket price. The bus tickets for Kathmandu to Pokhara Bus Services are given below:
| S.N | Bus service | Facilities | Cost |
| 1 | VIP Sofa Air Suspension | Air conditioning, heater, and a bottle of mineral water | $20 |
| 2 | Super Deluxe Bus | Air conditioning, a bottle of mineral water | $15 |
| 3 | Deluxe Bus | A bottle of mineral water | $10 |
Where and at What time does the bus depart from Kathmandu to Pokhara?
The bus station for the tourist bus to Pokhara is at Nayabazar, around 900 meters from Thamel, Kathmandu. The walk towards the bus station takes about 12-15 minutes, depending upon the pace. The bus leaves at 7 am every day from Nayabazar, also known as Sorhakhutte, arrive ten to fifteen minutes earlier to catch the bus. After that, the bus leaves at 7 pm. The location and departure time for Pokhara is given below:
| S.N | Location | Departure Time |
| 1 | Sorhakhutte | 7:00 am / 7:00 pm |
| 2 | Balaju | 7:05 am / 7:05 pm |
| 3 | Banasthali | 7:10 am /7:10 pm |
| 4 | Swayambhunath | 7:20 am / 7:20 pm |
| 5 | Sitapaila | 7:25 am / 7:25 pm |
| 6 | Kalanki | 7:30 am / 7:30 pm |
What can you expect during Kathmandu to Pokhara bus service?
Travelers who wish to take a bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara might be worried as it is a strenuous 8-10-hour trip. However, being a part of Holiday Tours Nepal will allow us to maintain comfort, safety, and convenience. We are here to ensure an exciting trip to the hilly region of Nepal.
Beginning from Kathmandu, passengers will leave the bus station in Nayabazar. After crossing Thankot, they will leave the bustling city and drive towards the more remote areas. On the way, passengers can see the Chandragiri Temple, which is the highest hilltop location of Kathmandu.
Immediately after crossing Thankot, the bus follows the Tribhuvan Highway towards Naubise. From Naubise, you will continue on the highway alongside the Trishuli River, a good option for rafting and canoeing. Passengers will reach Manakamana temple between Kathmandu to Pokhara ride located at Kurintar. Proceeding along the route, travelers will come across the small town of Khaireni, which separates the route towards Gorkha, Lamjung, and Pokhara. Moving straight on the highway, viewers can see shops, vendors, tea stalls, hotels, roadside shrines and temples, terraced farmlands, rivers, waterfalls, and various flora and fauna.
Watch for wandering monkeys, blooming rhododendron forests, and twittering of colorful birds. Pokhara's destination feels closer as the bus joins the Prithivi Highway after the Tribhuvan Highway. The ride from Khaireni will take about 5 hours to reach Pokhara. Passengers are going to have two to three stops along the way. During these stops, passengers can stretch their legs, take restroom breaks, and have food and refreshments. These stops are pre-determined based on the type of bus an individual books.
Similarly, as the bus reaches its destination, passengers can glimpse snow-capped mountains like the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. These views get better and better as the bus approaches Pokhara.
