Pokhara is a beautiful city located in Nepal, known for its stunning lakes and mountain views. Bangalore, a major tech hub in southern India, is a popular starting point for travelers heading to Pokhara. Many travelers choose this route to explore Nepal's natural beauty and adventure activities.

This guide will help you understand the main travel options from Bangalore to Pokhara, including trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will also get practical tips and a step-by-step plan to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Getting from Bangalore to Pokhara – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is not a direct option to Pokhara but can be part of the journey to reach the India-Nepal border. It suits travelers who prefer a budget-friendly and scenic route combined with bus or taxi travel.

• You can take a train from Bangalore City Railway Station to Gorakhpur Junction, which is one of the closest major Indian railway stations to Nepal, covering about 2,300 km in approximately 36-40 hours with fares ranging from ₹800 to ₹2,500 depending on class.

• From Gorakhpur, you can take a bus or taxi to Sunauli border (about 110 km, 3-4 hours), the main crossing point into Nepal, which is well connected and has frequent services.

• After crossing the border, local buses or taxis are available from Bhairahawa to Pokhara, about 200 km and 6-7 hours by road, with fares between NPR 500 to NPR 1,000.

• Train travel can be affected by seasonal delays, especially during monsoon months (June to September), so plan accordingly and check IRCTC for train availability and booking.

Bus

Bus travel is a popular and economical way to reach Pokhara from Bangalore, though it involves multiple segments and border crossing. It suits travelers with flexible time and a sense of adventure.

• Direct buses from Bangalore to Nepal are not available, so you need to take a bus to a northern Indian city like Gorakhpur or Lucknow, which takes about 36-40 hours and costs ₹1,200 to ₹2,000.

• From Gorakhpur or Lucknow, you can take a bus to Sunauli border, which takes 3-4 hours and costs around ₹150-₹300, with frequent daily services.

• After crossing into Nepal, tourist buses run regularly from Bhairahawa to Pokhara, taking 6-7 hours and costing NPR 500-1,000, with stops at major towns and food options en route.

• Bus travel can be crowded during Indian and Nepalese festivals like Diwali and Dashain, so book tickets early and expect delays during monsoon season due to road conditions.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Bangalore to Pokhara is an adventurous option for those comfortable with long-distance driving and border formalities. It offers flexibility but requires careful planning.

• The driving distance is approximately 2,600 km via NH44 and NH27, taking around 45-50 hours of driving time, usually split over 3-4 days with overnight stops.

• You will cross the India-Nepal border at Sunauli or Raxaul; ensure you have valid vehicle permits and insurance for Nepal, as Indian vehicle documents are not valid there.

• Major highways include NH44 from Bangalore to Delhi and NH27 from Gorakhpur to the Nepal border; toll plazas and highway rest stops are available along the route for meals and breaks.

• Driving through monsoon season can be risky due to landslides and slippery roads, especially near the Nepal border; plan your trip in dry months and check weather forecasts regularly.

• Local fuel stations are available along the route, but carry some cash for tolls and small expenses in rural areas where digital payments are less common.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Pokhara from Bangalore. It suits travelers who want to save time and avoid long road journeys.

• There are no direct flights from Bangalore to Pokhara; you need to fly via Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, with airlines like IndiGo, Air India, or Nepal Airlines offering connecting flights.

• Typical flight routes are Bangalore to Kathmandu via Delhi or Kolkata, with total air travel time around 6-9 hours including layovers, and fares ranging from ₹8,000 to ₹15,000 depending on season and booking time.

• From Kathmandu, you can take a domestic flight to Pokhara, which takes about 25-30 minutes and costs NPR 3,000 to NPR 5,000; flights are frequent but can be delayed due to weather conditions like fog or rain.

• Alternatively, from Kathmandu, you can take a tourist bus or taxi to Pokhara, which takes 6-8 hours by road, offering scenic views but longer travel time.

• Book flights well in advance during peak tourist seasons (spring and autumn) to get better fares and seat availability.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Bangalore to Pokhara, helping you organize each stage of your journey with practical tips.

• Book your train or flight tickets early using IRCTC for trains or airline websites for flights to secure the best prices and preferred timings.

• If traveling by train or bus, plan your route to reach the India-Nepal border at Sunauli or Raxaul during daylight hours for easier border crossing and better transport options.

• Carry valid identification documents like your passport and visa for Nepal, and keep photocopies handy, as these are required at the border and hotels.

• Arrange local transport from the Nepal border to Pokhara in advance by booking tourist buses or taxis through trusted operators or apps to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a power bank, especially if you are traveling by road where stops may be limited.

• Stay updated on weather forecasts and road conditions, especially during monsoon or winter months, to adjust your travel plans if needed.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a mix of Indian Rupees and Nepalese Rupees, as border areas and local vendors may prefer cash transactions; ATMs are available but can be unreliable in remote areas.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during your journey to avoid waterborne illnesses, and try local food at reputable restaurants or dhabas for safe and tasty meals.

• Use official prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Bangalore and Kathmandu to avoid overcharging and ensure safety.

• Book your tickets online for trains and flights to avoid last-minute ticket unavailability and long queues at stations or airports.

• Keep your luggage secure and avoid carrying valuables openly during bus or train travel; use locks and keep important documents in a separate bag.

• During monsoon season, expect delays and roadblocks on highways and near the Nepal border; carry rain gear and plan extra travel time.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Bangalore to Pokhara depends on weather and festival seasons. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer pleasant weather and clear mountain views.

Avoid traveling during the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rains, landslides, and road disruptions. Winter months (December to February) can be cold, especially in Nepal, with occasional fog affecting flights.

• Avoid major Indian and Nepalese festivals like Diwali and Dashain, as transport services are crowded and prices rise during these times.

• Early morning departures are recommended for flights and trains to avoid delays caused by afternoon fog or traffic congestion.

• Road travel is smoother during dry months; avoid night driving on highways near the Nepal border due to poor lighting and wildlife crossings.

Arrival at Pokhara & What to Expect

When you arrive in Pokhara, you will find a relaxed and scenic city with several transport options to reach your accommodation. The main bus terminal and domestic airport are well connected to the city center.

Local transport includes taxis, rickshaws, and rental scooters. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Pathao are available and recommended for fair pricing. Popular areas to stay include Lakeside, which is close to restaurants, shops, and the Phewa Lake.

Conclusion

Flying via Kathmandu is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Pokhara from Bangalore, especially for travelers with limited time. However, train and bus journeys offer budget-friendly options with a chance to experience Indian and Nepalese countryside.

Plan your trip carefully by booking tickets early, carrying necessary documents, and considering seasonal weather conditions. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable journey from Bangalore to the beautiful city of Pokhara.