Pokhara is a beautiful city located in central Nepal, known for its stunning lakes and Himalayan views. It is a popular destination for travelers coming from India, especially from northern and eastern states.

This guide explains the main ways to reach Pokhara from India, covering trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will find practical travel tips, step-by-step plans, and advice on what to expect on arrival.

Getting from India to Pokhara – Main Options

Train

Direct train travel to Pokhara is not possible since it is in Nepal, but trains can take you close to the border. This option suits travelers who want a budget-friendly and scenic route combined with road transport.

• You can take a train from major Indian cities like Delhi, Lucknow, or Gorakhpur to the border town of Raxaul or Nautanwa, which are key entry points to Nepal. These trains run frequently and offer various classes.

• From Raxaul or Nautanwa railway stations, you can hire shared jeeps or buses to cross into Nepal via Birgunj or Sunauli border posts, which are well connected to Pokhara by road.

• The train journey from Delhi to Raxaul takes around 12 to 16 hours, with fares ranging from INR 300 to INR 1500 depending on class. Booking via IRCTC is recommended to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Be aware that train travel can be crowded during festivals like Diwali or Holi, and monsoon rains may cause delays on some routes.

• Once in Nepal, you can take a tourist bus or taxi from the border to Pokhara, which is about 200 to 220 km away, taking 6 to 8 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to reach Pokhara from India, especially from border towns. This mode suits travelers who want direct road travel and do not mind longer journey times.

• From Indian border towns like Sunauli (Uttar Pradesh) or Raxaul (Bihar), you can board direct tourist buses to Pokhara. These buses are often run by Nepalese operators and depart early morning.

• The bus journey from Sunauli to Pokhara covers about 200 km and takes 6 to 8 hours, with fares typically between INR 600 and INR 1200 depending on bus type and season.

• Buses are generally comfortable with air conditioning, but can get crowded during peak tourist season from September to November and during Nepalese festivals.

• Rest stops with food and washrooms are available along the Tribhuvan Highway, but options may be basic. Carry snacks and water for convenience.

• During the monsoon season (June to September), landslides on the highway can cause delays, so check local weather and road conditions before traveling.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Pokhara from India is an adventurous option for those who prefer flexibility and want to explore en route. It requires careful planning and valid permits for crossing the Nepal border.

• The most common route is via Raxaul or Sunauli border posts, using National Highways NH27 or NH28 to reach the border, then continuing on Nepal’s Tribhuvan Highway (NH1) to Pokhara.

• The total distance from northern Indian cities like Lucknow or Gorakhpur to Pokhara is approximately 400 to 450 km, taking around 10 to 12 hours depending on traffic and border crossing time.

• Indian nationals need a valid passport and Nepalese visa, which can be obtained on arrival at the border. Ensure your vehicle documents and insurance cover Nepal travel.

• Road conditions in Nepal vary; the highway to Pokhara is mostly paved but can have potholes and narrow stretches. Drive cautiously, especially during monsoon season.

• Fuel stations are available en route, but it is wise to fill up before crossing the border. Toll plazas exist on Indian highways, so keep cash handy.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Pokhara from India, suitable for travelers with limited time or those preferring convenience.

• Pokhara Airport (PKR) has direct flights from Kathmandu, which is well connected to Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata via Tribhuvan International Airport.

• From Delhi or Mumbai, you can fly to Kathmandu in 2 to 3 hours with airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, or Nepal Airlines. From Kathmandu, daily flights to Pokhara take about 25 to 30 minutes.

• Flight fares from Indian cities to Kathmandu typically range from INR 4000 to INR 8000 one way, while Kathmandu to Pokhara flights cost around NPR 3000 to NPR 6000 (INR 2000 to INR 4000).

• Flight frequency may reduce during the monsoon due to weather conditions, so book flexible tickets and check flight status before travel.

• Pokhara Airport is small but has basic facilities. From the airport, taxis and local buses are available to reach city centers and hotels.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from India to Pokhara, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common issues.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through official platforms like IRCTC or airline websites to secure confirmed seats and avoid last-minute price hikes.

• Plan your arrival at the border during daytime to avoid difficulties with transport and visa processing, as night crossings can be challenging and less safe.

• Carry valid identification documents, including your passport and visa for Nepal, and keep photocopies handy for checkpoints and hotel check-ins.

• Arrange your onward transport from the border to Pokhara in advance if possible, either by booking tourist buses online or contacting taxi services to avoid waiting times.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a power bank, especially for long bus or car journeys where stops may be limited.

• Download offline maps and translation apps to help navigate local areas and communicate with drivers or hotel staff who may not speak English fluently.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Pathao or Tootle in Pokhara to avoid overcharging, especially when arriving late or carrying luggage.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during your journey and avoid street food until you are sure of its hygiene to prevent stomach issues common among travelers.

• Book bus or flight tickets at least a week in advance during peak tourist seasons (September to November) to ensure availability and better prices.

• Local transport in Pokhara includes taxis, rickshaws, and rental bikes. Negotiate fares beforehand or use meters where available to avoid confusion.

• Carry your luggage securely and avoid leaving valuables unattended, especially in crowded bus stations or train platforms common in border towns.

• Be cautious during monsoon months as landslides and roadblocks can disrupt travel plans; check weather updates and have contingency plans ready.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

Pokhara’s travel conditions vary with the seasons, affecting road safety and comfort. The best time to visit is during the dry months when the weather is clear and roads are safer.

Monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rains, causing landslides and delays on the highway from the Indian border to Pokhara. Winter months can be cold but generally clear, while spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and good visibility.

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

• Early morning departures are recommended to avoid traffic jams and reach Pokhara before dark, especially on winding mountain roads.

• Fog can reduce visibility during winter mornings, so allow extra travel time and drive carefully if self-driving.

• Peak tourist season from September to November offers the best weather but expect higher fares and busier transport.

Arrival at Pokhara & What to Expect

When you arrive in Pokhara, whether by bus, car, or flight, you will find a welcoming city with good transport options to reach your accommodation. The city is compact and easy to navigate.

From Pokhara Airport or bus station, prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Pathao are readily available. Most hotels and guesthouses are located near Lakeside, the main tourist area, which is about 6 km from the airport.

Local buses and rickshaws also operate within the city, but for convenience and safety, especially with luggage, taxis are preferred. The city center has many restaurants, shops, and travel agencies to assist you further.

Conclusion

Traveling from India to Pokhara offers several options depending on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. Flights via Kathmandu provide the fastest and most comfortable journey, while trains combined with buses offer a scenic and economical route.

Proper planning, early bookings, and awareness of seasonal conditions will help you avoid common travel challenges. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip to Pokhara and enjoy the natural beauty and adventure that this Himalayan city offers.