Pokhara is a beautiful city located in Nepal, known for its stunning lakes and mountain views. Siliguri is a major city in West Bengal, India, serving as a gateway to the Northeast and Nepal. Many travelers journey from Siliguri to Pokhara for tourism and adventure.

This guide explains the main ways to travel from Siliguri to Pokhara. You will learn about train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical travel tips to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Getting from Siliguri to Pokhara – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train from Siliguri to the Nepal border is a popular choice for budget travelers. However, there is no direct train to Pokhara, so you must combine train and road transport.

• You can take a train from Siliguri Junction or New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Panitanki station, near the India-Nepal border, which takes about 2 to 3 hours covering around 70 km, with fares ranging from ₹50 to ₹150 depending on class.

• From Panitanki, you cross the Mechi River border checkpoint on foot, which can take 30 to 60 minutes depending on queues and document checks; carry your passport and Nepal visa if required.

• After crossing, local buses and taxis are available from Kakarbhitta to Pokhara, approximately 200 km away, taking 6 to 8 hours by road with fares between NPR 800 to NPR 1500 (₹500 to ₹900).

• Train frequency is good with multiple daily trains, but monsoon season may cause delays due to track conditions near the border.

• Food options at Siliguri stations are basic but available; carry snacks for the border crossing and onward journey, as stops are limited on Nepal’s hilly roads.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and affordable way to travel from Siliguri to Pokhara, favored by budget travelers and locals. The journey is long but scenic.

• State-run and private buses depart from Siliguri’s Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus and New Jalpaiguri Bus Stand, heading towards Nepal via the Panitanki border; ticket prices range from ₹400 to ₹700.

• After crossing the border, you board Nepalese tourist or local buses to Pokhara, which takes 6 to 8 hours covering about 200 km on the Mahendra Highway, with fares around NPR 700 to NPR 1200.

• Buses run frequently during the day but may be crowded during festivals and holidays; booking a day in advance is advisable to secure a seat.

• The route passes through hilly terrain after the border, so expect winding roads and occasional delays during monsoon due to landslides.

• Rest stops with tea stalls and basic food are available en route, but hygiene standards vary; carry bottled water and dry snacks for comfort.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Siliguri to Pokhara offers flexibility and comfort, ideal for families or groups who prefer private travel and sightseeing en route.

• The route covers approximately 270 km via NH27 to Panitanki border, then Nepal’s Mahendra Highway to Pokhara, taking around 8 to 10 hours depending on traffic and border formalities.

• You can hire a private taxi or self-drive if you have an international driving permit valid in Nepal; cross-border vehicle permits and insurance are mandatory and must be arranged in advance.

• The road is mostly two-lane highways with toll plazas on the Indian side; Nepal roads are narrower and winding, so cautious driving is essential, especially during monsoon.

• Fuel stations are available along the way, but it is wise to fill up before crossing the border as prices and availability vary in Nepal.

• Stops for meals and rest are possible at Siliguri, Kakarbhitta, and along the highway; popular food options include local dhabas and Nepali restaurants.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach Pokhara from Siliguri but involves connecting flights and border crossing, suitable for travelers prioritizing time over cost.

• Siliguri’s Bagdogra Airport has flights to Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, operated by airlines like Nepal Airlines and Buddha Air; flight duration is about 1 hour with fares ranging ₹3000 to ₹6000.

• From Kathmandu, you can take a domestic flight to Pokhara Airport, which takes about 25 to 30 minutes; tickets cost around NPR 3000 to NPR 5000.

• Alternatively, you can travel by road from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which takes 6 to 7 hours via tourist buses or taxis.

• Flight schedules may be affected by weather conditions, especially fog in winter and monsoon rains, so plan with buffer days.

• Airport transfers in Siliguri and Kathmandu are available via taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber; pre-booking is recommended during peak seasons.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Siliguri to Pokhara, helping you manage each stage confidently.

• Step 1: Book your train or bus ticket from Siliguri to Panitanki or directly to the border; use IRCTC for trains or local bus counters for buses to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Step 2: Prepare your travel documents including passport, Nepal visa, and any required permits; keep photocopies and digital scans handy for border officials.

• Step 3: Arrive early at Siliguri station or bus stand to secure your seat and avoid rush, especially during festivals or weekends.

• Step 4: Cross the India-Nepal border on foot at Panitanki; follow signage, carry small change for local transport, and be patient during peak hours.

• Step 5: After crossing, board a bus or taxi to Pokhara; confirm fares before boarding and keep your belongings secure during the long journey.

• Step 6: On arrival in Pokhara, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Pathao for local travel; negotiate fares upfront if using regular taxis.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a valid passport and Nepal visa; Indian citizens can get a visa on arrival but check current rules to avoid delays at the border.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during the journey to prevent stomach issues; carry your own water bottle and refill at trusted stops.

• Book tickets in advance during peak seasons like Dashain and Tihar festivals to avoid sold-out situations and overcrowding.

• Use local transport apps or prepaid taxi counters in Pokhara to avoid overcharging and ensure safe rides.

• Pack light but include essentials like a raincoat or umbrella during monsoon, and warm clothes for early mornings and evenings in Pokhara.

• Be cautious with your luggage at border crossings and crowded bus stations; keep valuables close and avoid flashy displays.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Siliguri to Pokhara is during the dry seasons, avoiding heavy monsoon rains and winter fog that can delay journeys.

Peak tourist seasons in Pokhara are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when weather is clear and pleasant but transport can be crowded.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Dashain and Tihar due to heavy traffic and fully booked transport services.

• Monsoon season (June to September) often causes landslides and roadblocks on Nepal’s highways, leading to delays and cancellations.

• Winter mornings can have dense fog in Siliguri and along the border, so start early to avoid missing connections.

• Depart Siliguri early in the morning to complete border formalities and reach Pokhara before dark, as night driving in Nepal’s hills is challenging.

Arrival at Pokhara & What to Expect

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

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Pathao are reliable for local travel. Many hotels offer pickup services if informed in advance. The city center near Lakeside is the most popular area to stay, with easy access to restaurants and tourist attractions.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Pokhara from Siliguri depends on your budget and time. Taking a train or bus to the Nepal border followed by a bus or taxi to Pokhara is economical and common. For faster travel, flights via Kathmandu are available but costlier.

Plan your journey by booking tickets early, preparing travel documents, and choosing departure times that avoid peak traffic and weather challenges. With these tips, you can confidently enjoy a smooth trip from Siliguri to the beautiful city of Pokhara.