Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, is a vibrant cultural hub in northern India. Pokhara, located in Nepal, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning lakes and mountain views. Many travelers journey from Lucknow to Pokhara for adventure, sightseeing, and trekking.

This guide explains the main travel options from Lucknow to Pokhara, including train, bus, car, and flight routes. You will also find a step-by-step travel plan, practical tips, and advice on border crossing to help you plan your trip confidently.

Getting from Lucknow to Pokhara – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical choice for the first leg of the journey from Lucknow towards the Nepal border. However, there is no direct train to Pokhara, so you will combine train travel with road transport.

• Catch a train from Lucknow Junction (LKO) to Gorakhpur Junction (GKP), approximately 270 km away, which takes around 5 to 7 hours depending on the train service chosen. Fares range from ₹150 to ₹600 in sleeper or AC classes.

• Gorakhpur is a major railhead near the India-Nepal border, with frequent trains and good amenities including waiting rooms and food stalls. Trains run daily but book in advance via IRCTC to avoid last-minute rush.

• From Gorakhpur, you can take a bus or taxi to Sunauli border, about 100 km away, which takes 3 to 4 hours. The road is mostly on National Highway 27 with toll plazas and decent rest stops.

• After crossing the border at Sunauli, you will find shared jeeps or buses to Pokhara, approximately 200 km further. The road passes through hilly terrain, so expect travel time of 6 to 8 hours with fares around NPR 800 to NPR 1200.

Bus

Direct bus services from Lucknow to the Nepal border and onward to Pokhara are limited but possible with a combination of buses. This option suits budget travelers comfortable with multiple changes.

• Start with a Lucknow to Sunauli bus from the Kaiserbagh Bus Station, covering about 370 km in 9 to 11 hours. Buses run overnight and during the day, with fares between ₹400 and ₹700 depending on the bus type.

• At Sunauli border, cross immigration and customs, then board a local bus or shared jeep to Butwal, a major Nepalese transit point, about 90 km away. This leg takes 3 to 4 hours with fares around NPR 300 to NPR 500.

• From Butwal, take a tourist bus or local transport to Pokhara, approximately 110 km and 3 to 4 hours travel time. Tourist buses are comfortable and cost NPR 600 to NPR 900.

• Bus travel can be affected by monsoon rains causing landslides on Nepal’s hilly roads, so plan accordingly during June to September.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Lucknow to Pokhara offers flexibility and the chance to explore smaller towns en route. However, it requires careful planning due to border formalities and road conditions.

• The total distance is about 570 km, combining Indian highways NH27 and NH730 to the Sunauli border, then Nepal’s highways to Pokhara. Expect 14 to 16 hours of driving time excluding stops and border crossing.

• Indian side roads are mostly well-maintained with toll plazas near Lucknow and Gorakhpur. Plan rest stops at Gorakhpur and near the border for meals and fuel.

• At Sunauli, you must complete customs and immigration for both India and Nepal. Carry valid passports and visas; Nepal offers visa on arrival for Indian nationals but check current regulations.

• Driving in Nepal involves mountainous roads with sharp turns and variable road quality. Drive cautiously, especially during monsoon and winter fog seasons.

• Fuel stations are available but less frequent in Nepal’s hilly areas, so fill up before leaving major towns. Local SIM cards can help with navigation using GPS apps.

Flight

There are no direct flights from Lucknow to Pokhara. However, you can fly from Lucknow to Kathmandu and then travel by road to Pokhara. This option saves time but involves multiple transfers.

• Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport (LKO) offers flights to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, with airlines like IndiGo and Nepal Airlines operating daily flights. Flight time is about 1.5 hours.

• Flight fares range from ₹3500 to ₹7000 depending on booking time and season. Booking in advance is recommended for best prices.

• From Kathmandu, you can take a tourist bus or hire a taxi to Pokhara, about 200 km away. The road journey takes 6 to 8 hours through scenic hills.

• Alternatively, domestic flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara Airport (PKR) take about 25 minutes and are operated by several Nepalese airlines. Flights are frequent but can be delayed due to weather.

• Flight travel is ideal for those short on time or preferring comfort, but be prepared for possible flight delays due to fog or monsoon weather in Nepal.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Lucknow to Pokhara. It covers key actions to ensure a smooth journey across the India-Nepal border and onward travel.

• Book your train or bus ticket from Lucknow to Gorakhpur or Sunauli in advance via IRCTC or MSRTC websites to secure your seat and avoid last-minute hassles.

• Carry valid identification documents including passport and visa (if required) for Nepal entry. Indian nationals need a valid government ID and may get visa on arrival but check updated rules.

• Plan your arrival at the Sunauli border during daylight hours to avoid long waits and limited transport options. Border offices close in the evening.

• After crossing into Nepal, exchange some Indian Rupees for Nepalese Rupees at authorized money changers near the border for local expenses.

• Use shared jeeps or tourist buses from Sunauli to Pokhara. Confirm the vehicle’s schedule and fare beforehand to avoid overcharging.

• On arrival in Pokhara, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Pathao for safe and reliable local transport to your accommodation.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your belongings secure, especially at crowded railway stations and bus stands. Use lockable bags and avoid displaying valuables openly.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during the journey to avoid waterborne illnesses common in Indian and Nepalese border areas.

• Book tickets online early, especially during festivals like Diwali or Dashain, when travel demand spikes and seats fill quickly.

• In cities like Gorakhpur and Pokhara, use autorickshaws or app-based cabs for short distances. Negotiate fares or insist on meter use to avoid being overcharged.

• Pack light but include essentials like a power bank, snacks, and a raincoat or umbrella during monsoon season to stay comfortable on long road journeys.

• Be prepared for variable weather; mornings and evenings can be chilly in Pokhara, so carry a light jacket even in warmer months.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Lucknow to Pokhara depends on weather and festival seasons. Avoiding peak traffic and bad weather ensures a smoother journey.

Monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rains and possible landslides on Nepal’s roads, causing delays. Winter fog in December and January can disrupt flights and road visibility.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali in India and Dashain in Nepal, as transport services are crowded and prices rise.

• Plan departures early in the morning to avoid city traffic in Lucknow and to reach border points before closing times.

• October to November and February to April offer pleasant weather with clear skies, ideal for road travel and sightseeing in Pokhara.

• Check weather forecasts regularly during monsoon and winter to adjust travel plans and avoid unsafe road conditions.

Arrival at Pokhara & What to Expect

When you arrive in Pokhara, you will find a welcoming town with several transport options to reach your accommodation. The main bus stand and taxi stands are near the city center and Lakeside area.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Pathao are widely available and recommended for safe and fair-priced rides. Many hotels offer shuttle services, so confirm in advance. Walking is also pleasant around Lakeside, the most popular tourist area with shops, restaurants, and guesthouses.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to travel from Lucknow to Pokhara depends on your budget and time. Combining train travel to Gorakhpur with road transport across the border is economical and popular. Flights via Kathmandu offer speed and comfort but involve transfers.

Plan your journey carefully by booking tickets early, carrying valid documents, and choosing travel times that avoid peak traffic and bad weather. With proper preparation, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable trip from Lucknow to the beautiful city of Pokhara.