Pokhara is a beautiful city located in the Gandaki Province of Nepal, known for its stunning lakes and mountain views. Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is a major cultural and administrative center in India. Traveling from Lucknow to Pokhara is popular among tourists and trekkers heading to the Himalayas.

This guide will help you understand the main travel options, step-by-step plans, practical tips, and what to expect on arrival. Whether you prefer trains, buses, driving, or flights, you will find detailed advice to plan your journey confidently.

Getting from Lucknow to Pokhara – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical option for the Indian part of the journey. However, there is no direct train to Pokhara, so you will combine train travel with road transport from the border.

• Take a train from Lucknow Charbagh station to Gorakhpur Junction, a major rail hub near the Nepal border, covering about 270 km in 5 to 7 hours with fares ranging from ₹150 to ₹600 depending on class.

• From Gorakhpur, you can catch a bus or taxi to Sunauli border, approximately 110 km away, which takes around 3 to 4 hours; buses run frequently but can be crowded during festivals.

• After crossing the Sunauli border into Nepal, you will find regular tourist buses to Pokhara from the Nepalese side, covering about 200 km in 6 to 8 hours on the Prithvi Highway with fares around NPR 700 to NPR 1200.

• Train travel is comfortable and affordable but involves multiple transfers and border formalities, so plan for at least 15 to 18 hours total travel time.

Bus

Direct bus options from Lucknow to Pokhara are limited, but you can travel by bus to the border and then take a Nepalese bus onward. This option suits budget travelers who prefer road travel.

• Board a Lucknow to Sunauli bus from the Kaiserbagh bus station; the journey covers about 320 km and takes 8 to 10 hours, with fares between ₹300 and ₹600 depending on the bus type.

• At Sunauli border, complete immigration and customs checks before boarding a tourist bus to Pokhara from the Nepalese bus terminal; these buses depart multiple times daily.

• The bus ride from Sunauli to Pokhara is scenic but can be slow due to hilly roads and occasional traffic jams, especially during monsoon season.

• Night buses are available but may be less comfortable; daytime travel allows you to enjoy views and stop at rest points with local food stalls.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Lucknow to Pokhara is an adventurous option for those who prefer flexibility and want to explore en route. The route covers both Indian highways and Nepalese roads.

• The total distance is approximately 530 km, including about 320 km on Indian National Highways (NH27 and NH730) and 210 km on Nepal’s Prithvi Highway; expect 12 to 15 hours of driving time depending on traffic and border delays.

• Cross the India-Nepal border at Sunauli, where you must complete immigration and customs formalities; carry all vehicle documents and permits, including a valid Indian driving license and vehicle insurance valid in Nepal.

• Road conditions in India are generally good on NH27, with toll plazas and rest stops; in Nepal, roads are narrower and winding, especially near Pokhara, so drive carefully.

• Fuel stations are available along the route, but it is wise to fill up before crossing the border; carry some cash in Nepalese rupees for tolls and small expenses.

• Driving allows you to stop at interesting places like Gorakhpur and Butwal, but be prepared for possible monsoon-related roadblocks and fog in winter mornings.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Pokhara from Lucknow, involving a connecting flight via Kathmandu or direct flights from nearby airports.

• Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport offers flights to Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, with airlines such as Air India and Nepal Airlines; the flight duration is about 1.5 hours.

• From Kathmandu, you can take a domestic flight to Pokhara Airport, which takes about 25 to 30 minutes; flights operate frequently but can be affected by weather conditions.

• Alternatively, you can travel by road from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which takes about 6 to 7 hours on the Prithvi Highway, offering scenic mountain views.

• Direct flights from Lucknow to Pokhara are rare, so plan for a layover in Kathmandu; book flights in advance to get better fares and confirm schedules, especially during monsoon and winter seasons.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Lucknow to Pokhara, combining train and bus options for a balanced journey.

• Book a train ticket from Lucknow Charbagh to Gorakhpur via the IRCTC website or app; booking early helps secure preferred class and seat.

• Upon arrival at Gorakhpur, head to the nearby bus station or taxi stand to reach Sunauli border; confirm bus timings locally as schedules may vary.

• Complete immigration and customs formalities at Sunauli; carry your passport, visa (if required), and Indian government-issued ID for smooth processing.

• From the Nepalese side of Sunauli, purchase a tourist bus ticket to Pokhara at the bus terminal; buses usually depart in the morning and afternoon.

• Carry snacks and water for the long bus journey on the Prithvi Highway; rest stops offer local food but can be crowded during holidays.

• On reaching Pokhara, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Pathao and Tootle for local travel; confirm fares before starting your ride.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a valid passport and check Nepal’s visa requirements for Indian citizens; Indian nationals can get a visa on arrival but carry multiple passport-sized photos for documentation.

• Drink bottled or boiled water during your journey to avoid waterborne illnesses; avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach, especially on long bus rides.

• Book train and bus tickets in advance during peak seasons like Dashain and Tihar festivals to avoid last-minute hassles and overcrowding.

• Use local transport apps like Ola, Uber, or Nepal’s Pathao for convenient and safe travel within cities; always prefer prepaid taxis at airports and bus stations.

• Pack light but include essentials like a power bank, raincoat, and comfortable shoes; monsoon rains can make roads slippery and cause delays.

• Keep some cash in both Indian rupees and Nepalese rupees, as not all places accept cards; currency exchange is available at border points and major towns.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Lucknow to Pokhara depends on weather and festivals. Avoid heavy monsoon months for safer and more comfortable travel.

Winter mornings can have fog causing delays, while summer heat in Lucknow can be intense. Planning your departure time can help you avoid traffic and enjoy a smoother journey.

• Avoid traveling during Dashain and Tihar festivals (September to November) when transport is crowded and prices rise sharply.

• Monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rains causing landslides and roadblocks, especially on Nepal’s hilly roads.

• Early morning departures from Lucknow help avoid city traffic and reach border points before peak immigration hours.

• Late afternoon travel in Nepal can be slower due to winding roads and reduced visibility; plan to arrive in Pokhara before dark.

Arrival at Pokhara & What to Expect

Pokhara’s bus terminal and airport are well connected to the city center. On arrival, you will find multiple transport options to reach your accommodation.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Pathao and Tootle are widely available and safer than hailing random taxis. Popular areas to stay include Lakeside, which is close to Phewa Lake and offers many hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Conclusion

Among the various options, flying via Kathmandu offers the fastest and most comfortable journey from Lucknow to Pokhara, especially for travelers with limited time. For budget travelers, combining train and bus travel provides an economical and authentic experience, though it requires more planning and time.

Plan your trip by booking tickets in advance, carry all necessary documents, and be mindful of seasonal weather conditions. With proper preparation, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable journey from Lucknow to the beautiful city of Pokhara.