Pokhara is a beautiful city located in central Nepal, famous for its stunning lakes and Himalayan views. It is a popular destination for travelers from India and around the world who want to explore nature and adventure activities.

This guide explains how to reach Pokhara from India using different transport modes. You will learn about trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical travel tips to help you plan your journey smoothly and confidently.

Getting from India to Pokhara – Main Options

Train

While there is no direct train to Pokhara, trains are useful to reach border towns near Nepal. From there, you can continue by road. This option suits travelers who prefer rail travel for comfort and affordability.

• Take a train from major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, or Lucknow to Gorakhpur or Raxaul, which are key railway stations near the Nepal border, with travel times ranging from 10 to 24 hours depending on your starting point.

• From Gorakhpur or Raxaul, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to the Nepal border towns of Sunauli or Birgunj, which are about 30-50 km away and take 1-2 hours by road.

• After crossing the border formalities at Sunauli or Birgunj, you can catch a direct bus or taxi to Pokhara, which is approximately 200-220 km and takes 6-8 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Train tickets can be booked via IRCTC or railway counters; trains are frequent but may be crowded during festivals or holidays, so book in advance to ensure a seat.

• Be prepared for last-mile challenges such as crowded local transport and waiting times at border customs, especially during peak travel seasons like Dashain and Tihar in Nepal.

Bus

Buses are the most common and economical way to reach Pokhara from India. Many private and government buses operate on this route, offering direct and connecting services.

• From Indian border towns like Sunauli, you can board direct tourist or local buses to Pokhara; the journey covers around 200 km and takes 7-9 hours depending on road and traffic conditions.

• MSRTC and private operators run buses from cities like Gorakhpur and Lucknow to Sunauli, where you can transfer to Nepalese buses heading to Pokhara.

• Buses are available throughout the day, but early morning departures are recommended to avoid delays caused by afternoon traffic and border crowding.

• Bus fares range from INR 500 to 1200 for the entire journey, with tourist buses offering more comfort and air conditioning compared to local buses.

• During monsoon season, roads can be slippery and landslides may cause delays, so check weather updates before traveling and carry water and snacks for the long journey.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from India to Pokhara is an adventurous option for those who prefer flexibility and want to explore en route. It requires proper documentation and preparation.

• The most common route is via NH27 to Sonauli border, then continuing on Nepal’s highways through Butwal and Bhairahawa to Pokhara, covering approximately 400-450 km and taking 10-12 hours depending on stops.

• Indian nationals need a valid passport and Nepalese visa on arrival; vehicle permits and insurance are required for cross-border travel, which can be arranged at the border or in advance.

• Fuel stations and rest stops are available along the route, with popular stops at Gorakhpur, Butwal, and Tansen for meals and refreshments.

• Road conditions vary; Indian highways are generally good, but some stretches in Nepal may be narrow or under repair, so drive cautiously especially during monsoon or foggy mornings.

• Toll plazas are present on Indian highways, so keep cash handy; also, local traffic rules differ, so familiarize yourself with Nepalese driving norms before starting your journey.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach Pokhara from India, suitable for travelers with limited time or those seeking convenience. Flights connect major Indian cities to Nepal’s capital, followed by a short domestic flight.

• Fly from Indian airports like Delhi, Kolkata, or Mumbai to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, with flight durations of 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the city.

• From Kathmandu, take a domestic flight to Pokhara Airport, which takes about 25-30 minutes and offers scenic views of the Himalayas.

• Several Nepalese airlines operate daily flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara; booking in advance is recommended as flights can fill up quickly during peak tourist seasons.

• Flight fares from India to Kathmandu vary widely, typically between INR 5000 to 12000, while Kathmandu to Pokhara flights cost around NPR 3000-6000 (INR 2000-4000).

• Be aware of weather disruptions, especially during monsoon and winter fog, which can cause flight delays or cancellations; always check flight status before departure.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from India to Pokhara, helping you navigate the journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets early using IRCTC or airline websites to secure seats and get better prices, especially during Indian and Nepalese festival seasons.

• Reach the nearest Indian border town like Gorakhpur or Raxaul well ahead of your train or bus departure time to avoid last-minute rush and secure reliable local transport to the Nepal border.

• Complete Nepalese immigration and customs formalities at Sunauli or Birgunj border carefully; keep your passport, visa documents, and vehicle papers ready to avoid delays.

• Choose your onward transport to Pokhara based on your budget and comfort preferences—tourist buses offer better amenities, while local buses are cheaper but crowded.

• Carry sufficient water, snacks, and a power bank for your phone, as the journey from the border to Pokhara can be long with limited stops, especially on less frequent buses.

• Upon arrival in Pokhara, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Pathao and Tootle for safe and affordable local travel; avoid unmetered taxis to prevent overcharging.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a copy of your passport, visa, and travel tickets separately from originals to avoid loss or theft issues during your journey.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water while traveling in Nepal to avoid stomach infections, and try local food from reputable restaurants or tourist areas for safety.

• Book bus or flight tickets in advance during peak seasons like Dashain, Tihar, and New Year holidays to avoid last-minute unavailability and inflated prices.

• Use local transport apps or prepaid taxis for safer and more transparent fares in Pokhara; negotiate fares beforehand if using local taxis without meters.

• Pack light but include rain gear and warm clothes, as weather in Pokhara can change quickly, especially during monsoon and early mornings.

• Be cautious of road conditions during monsoon; landslides and traffic jams are common, so allow extra travel time and check weather forecasts regularly.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel to Pokhara depends on weather and festival seasons. Clear skies and pleasant temperatures make the journey enjoyable.

Monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rain and slippery roads, causing delays and occasional landslides. Winter months can be cold with fog affecting flights and road visibility.

• Avoid traveling during major Nepalese festivals like Dashain and Tihar when transport is crowded and accommodation prices rise sharply.

• Early morning departures are best to avoid afternoon traffic jams and to catch flights or buses on time, especially during winter fog or monsoon rains.

• October to November and February to April offer the best weather for travel with clear mountain views and comfortable temperatures.

• During monsoon, check local news and weather apps for road and flight updates to avoid unexpected delays or cancellations.

Arrival at Pokhara & What to Expect

When you arrive in Pokhara, you will find a small but busy airport or bus station depending on your mode of travel. The city is well connected by local transport options.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Pathao and Tootle are widely available and recommended for safe travel to your hotel or guesthouse. Many hotels also offer pickup services if arranged in advance.

Popular areas to stay include Lakeside, which is close to the main attractions, restaurants, and shops. The city is compact, so local buses and taxis can quickly take you to trekking starting points or sightseeing spots.

Conclusion

Traveling from India to Pokhara offers several options depending on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. Flights via Kathmandu are fastest, while buses and trains provide economical and scenic routes. Driving offers flexibility but requires careful planning and documentation.

By booking tickets early, preparing for border formalities, and choosing reliable transport, you can enjoy a smooth journey to this beautiful Nepalese city. With the right planning and local knowledge, reaching Pokhara from India is a rewarding experience that opens the door to exploring the Himalayas and rich culture.