Kathmandu Pokhara Tourist Bus Ticket: The Ultimate Complete Guide for Your Journey
Traveling between Kathmandu and Pokhara is one of the most popular routes in Nepal, attracting thousands of tourists and locals every year. This guide will help you understand everything about taking a tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara — how to buy tickets, what to expect, travel time, costs, comfort levels, and tips to make your journey smooth and enjoyable. Whether you are a solo traveler, a family, or a group, this guide will help you prepare for your trip with confidence.
Table of Contents
Overview of Kathmandu to Pokhara Route
Why Choose the Tourist Bus?
Types of Buses Available
Where and How to Buy Tourist Bus Tickets
Ticket Prices and Booking Tips
Departure Points and Timings
What to Expect During the Journey
Road and Scenery Highlights
Safety Tips for Bus Travel in Nepal
Alternatives to Tourist Bus: Flights, Private Cars, and Local Buses
Arriving in Pokhara: From the Bus Park to Lakeside
Connecting Treks and Tours from Pokhara
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact and Booking with Safe Holiday Adventure Pvt. Ltd.
1. Overview of Kathmandu to Pokhara Route
The road distance between Kathmandu and Pokhara is approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles), and the route follows the famous Prithvi Highway, one of Nepal’s busiest and most scenic highways. The drive offers a blend of river valleys, rolling green hills, terraced fields, small villages, and glimpses of the Himalayan foothills.
Pokhara is Nepal’s second-largest city and a gateway to the Annapurna mountain range. It is famous for its serene lakeside area, stunning mountain views, and trekking opportunities. Travelers often use Pokhara as a base to start treks like Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, and Ghorepani Poon Hill.
The road journey takes around 6 to 10 hours, depending on the type of bus, traffic, and weather conditions, while flights take just about 25 minutes but can be more expensive and sometimes delayed due to weather.
Kathmandu Pokhara tourist Bus
2. Why Choose the Tourist Bus?
Nepal offers many transport options between Kathmandu and Pokhara, including flights, local buses, private cars, and tourist buses. Among these, the tourist bus is one of the most popular choices because:
Affordable yet comfortable: Tourist buses offer better seating, air conditioning, and often cleaner environments compared to local buses.
Reliable schedules: Tourist buses usually follow fixed schedules and depart from dedicated terminals.
Scenic route: The road trip allows you to enjoy Nepal’s natural beauty up close, which you miss on flights.
Good for groups and solo travelers: Seats can be booked in advance, and buses are spacious.
Stops for meals and toilets: Many tourist buses stop at clean restaurants or rest areas.
Overall, tourist buses strike a balance between comfort, affordability, and adventure.
3. Types of Buses Available
When booking a tourist bus ticket, you will find several types of buses to choose from:
a. Luxury Sofa Bus
Offers cushioned, sofa-style seats with ample legroom.
Equipped with air conditioning, sometimes Wi-Fi, and clean toilets.
Ideal for travelers who want a comfortable, hassle-free journey.
Ticket price ranges from NPR 1,200 to 1,600 (~USD 10–16).
Travel time: 7 to 9 hours.
b. Deluxe Tourist Bus
Slightly less luxurious but still comfortable.
Air conditioning may or may not be available.
Fewer amenities compared to luxury buses, but still better than local buses.
Cost is usually a bit lower than luxury buses.
c. Local Bus and Microbus
Much cheaper, but less comfortable and more crowded.
Seats are basic, often without air conditioning.
Stops frequently to pick up and drop off passengers.
Fare ranges from NPR 700 to 1,000 (~USD 6–9).
Travel time: 6 to 8 hours.
d. Private Jeep or Car
Door-to-door service, perfect for groups or families.
More expensive, but flexible schedules and route stops.
Cost ranges from USD 100 to 250, depending on the vehicle and negotiation.
Travel time: 6 to 8 hours.
4. Where and How to Buy Tourist Bus Tickets
In Kathmandu
Tickets are commonly sold at Sorhakhutte and Balaju Tourist Bus Parks.
Many travel agencies and hotels also offer ticket booking services.
Booking online is becoming popular through trusted travel websites and agencies.
Booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons (September to November and March to May).
In Pokhara
You can also buy return tickets at the Pokhara Tourist Bus Park near Prithvi Chowk.
Early booking helps secure preferred seats and bus type.
Tips for Booking
Check bus departure time, bus type, and ticket price carefully.
Carry cash in Nepali Rupees as most counters do not accept cards.
Confirm the departure terminal and boarding point.
Keep your ticket safe for inspection during the trip.
5. Ticket Prices and Booking Tips
Transport Type
Price Range (NPR)
Approximate Cost (USD)
Travel Time (Hours)
Luxury Tourist Sofa Bus
1,400 – 1,800
11 – 15
7 – 8
Deluxe Tourist Bus
1,000 – 1,300
8 – 12
7 – 8
Local Bus / Microbus
700 – 1,000
6 – 9
6 – 8
Private Jeep or Car
15,000 – 27,000
120 – 250
6 – 8
Booking Tips:
Peak travel days: Book 2-3 days in advance during festivals or tourist seasons.
Early morning buses tend to avoid traffic and arrive earlier.
If you want a window seat for the best views, book early.
6. Departure Points and Timings
Kathmandu
Sorhakhutte Bus Park: Main hub for tourist buses departing to Pokhara.
Balaju Bus Park: Another busy terminal with several departures daily.
Gongabu (New Bus Park): Primarily for local buses and microbuses.
Pokhara
Tourist buses arrive at and depart from the Tourist Bus Park near Prithvi Chowk.
Typical Timings
Most tourist buses leave at 7:00 AM to avoid afternoon traffic and reach Pokhara in about 3 hours.
Evening buses are rare and not recommended due to road safety concerns during the monsoon, but you can still get a Sofa luxury bus at 7 pm from Kathmandu.
7. What to Expect During the Journey
Trisuli River while driving to Pokhara
The Kathmandu to Pokhara journey offers a mix of winding mountain roads, riverside views, and local life.
Comfort & Facilities
Tourist buses offer cushioned seats and air conditioning, but expect some bumps due to road conditions.
Toilets are available at scheduled stops, often at clean restaurants or rest areas.
Some buses provide bottled water and snacks; otherwise, bring your own.
Stops
Buses typically stop 1-2 times for short breaks, meals, and restroom use.
Popular stops include towns like Zero Kelo,Malekhu, Mugling, and Damauli or Ghashikuwa.
Scenery
Majestic river valleys like the Trishuli River and the Marsyangdi River.
Villages with terraced farms, green hills, and occasional mountain peaks.
Small local markets and roadside tea stalls where you can stretch your legs.
8. Road and Scenery Highlights
Naubise: Starting point for the highway, views of terraced fields.
Mugling: Major junction town where roads from Kathmandu meet those to Pokhara and the west.
Trishuli River: Famous for white-water rafting, the bus crosses the river multiple times via hanging bridges.
Damauli: Another riverside town with markets and eateries.
Terraced Hills and Villages: Traditional farming communities showcase Nepal’s rural lifestyle.
Views of Annapurna Foothills: Closer to Pokhara, you start to see the snowy peaks on clear days.
9. Safety Tips for Bus Travel in Nepal
Always keep your belongings close and locked.
Choose reputable bus companies recommended by travel agents or locals.
Avoid traveling at night due to poorly lit roads and wildlife.
Stay hydrated, but be cautious with roadside water or food.
If you feel motion sickness, carry medication.
Keep emergency numbers and your hotel contact handy.
10. Alternatives to the Tourist Bus
a. Flights
Quickest option (25 minutes).
Airlines: Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Surya Air.
More expensive and sometimes delayed due to weather.
airplane ticket costs $100 roughly to go to Pokhara one way.
b. Private Cars or Jeeps
Car rental in Kathmandu Nepal
Flexible schedules and door-to-door service.
Higher cost but ideal for groups or families wanting comfort. ( Car Cost $120-$140) & Jeep cost ($180-220)
c. Local Buses and Microbuses
Cheapest but least comfortable.
Often crowded with frequent stops.
11. Arriving in Pokhara: From the Bus Park to Lakeside
Once you arrive at the Tourist Bus Park near Prithvi Chowk in Pokhara:
Taxi or Rickshaw: 10-15 minutes to the Lakeside area, the main tourist hub.
Fare: NPR 300 to 400 (about USD 2-4).
Many travelers book hotels or trekking tours from Lakeside, so it’s a lively area full of restaurants, shops, and guesthouses.
12. Connecting Treks and Tours from Pokhara
Pokhara is the gateway to some of Nepal’s most famous treks. After your bus journey:
Our experienced team ensures you get the best seats, safe travel, and personalized services for your Nepal adventure.
Conclusion
Traveling from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy Nepal’s natural beauty affordably and comfortably. With proper planning and booking, your bus journey will be a memorable start or end to your Himalayan adventures. Whether you choose a luxury sofa bus or a private car, knowing the options, costs, and travel tips will help you prepare well.
Start your Nepal trip with confidence — book your Kathmandu-Pokhara tourist bus ticket today and enjoy the scenic road that connects the heart of Nepal to the gateway of the Himalayas!
