Pokhara is a beautiful city in Nepal, known for its stunning lakes and mountain views. Patna, the capital of Bihar, is a major city in eastern India. Many travelers journey from Patna to Pokhara for tourism, pilgrimage, or adventure.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Patna to Pokhara. You will learn about train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical travel tips and step-by-step planning advice for a smooth journey.

Getting from Patna to Pokhara – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular option to cover the Indian side of the journey before crossing into Nepal. However, there is no direct train to Pokhara, so you combine train travel with road transport.

• You can take a train from Patna Junction to Raxaul Junction, which is the nearest Indian railway station to the Nepal border. The journey takes around 6 to 8 hours covering roughly 250 km, with fares between ₹200 to ₹600 depending on class.

• From Raxaul, you cross the border at Birgunj, Nepal, which is about 10 km away. Border formalities can take 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic and time of day.

• After crossing, you can take a bus or taxi from Birgunj to Pokhara, which is approximately 200 km and takes 6 to 8 hours by road. Buses run frequently but may be crowded during holidays.

• Train travel is comfortable and economical but requires coordination with road transport and border crossing times, especially during monsoon when delays are common.

Bus

Direct bus services from Patna to Pokhara are limited, but you can take buses to border towns and then connect to Nepalese buses. This option is budget-friendly but involves multiple changes.

• MSRTC and private buses run from Patna to Raxaul or Motihari bus stands, taking around 6 to 8 hours. Tickets cost between ₹150 to ₹400 depending on the bus type.

• From Raxaul or Motihari, you cross into Nepal at Birgunj and find local buses to Pokhara. Nepalese buses are frequent but can be crowded and less comfortable.

• The total road distance from Patna to Pokhara is about 450 km, and the entire journey by bus can take 14 to 18 hours, including border formalities and transfers.

• Bus travel is best suited for travelers on a budget who do not mind long journeys and multiple changes. Avoid traveling at night due to road safety concerns.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Patna to Pokhara is an adventurous option for those who prefer flexibility and want to explore en route. The route passes through scenic and cultural areas but requires careful planning.

• The distance by road is approximately 450 km, taking around 12 to 14 hours depending on traffic and border crossing times. The route mainly follows NH27 from Patna to Raxaul and then Nepal’s highways to Pokhara.

• Ensure your vehicle has valid permits for cross-border travel and carry all documents, including insurance and vehicle registration, as Indian vehicles need special permits to enter Nepal.

• There are toll plazas on NH27 and good rest stops with dhabas for food and refreshments. Fuel stations are available but plan refueling before border crossing as prices differ.

• Driving offers flexibility to stop at places like Valmiki National Park near the border or Chitwan National Park en route in Nepal. However, road conditions can vary, especially during monsoon.

• Be prepared for border checks at Raxaul-Birgunj, which may take time during peak hours or festivals. Carry local currency (Nepalese Rupees) for tolls and small expenses.

Flight

There are no direct flights from Patna to Pokhara. However, you can combine flights and road travel for a faster journey.

• Fly from Patna Airport to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Flights take about 1.5 hours and cost between ₹3,000 to ₹6,000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Kathmandu, you can take a domestic flight to Pokhara Airport, which takes about 25 to 30 minutes. Tickets cost around NPR 3,000 to 5,000 (₹2,000 to ₹3,500).

• Alternatively, from Kathmandu, you can take a tourist bus or taxi to Pokhara, which takes 6 to 8 hours by road through scenic mountain highways.

• This option is faster but more expensive. Flights can be delayed due to weather, especially in the monsoon or winter fog seasons.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is for first-time travelers from Patna to Pokhara, helping you manage transport, border crossing, and local travel smoothly.

• Book your train or bus ticket from Patna to Raxaul in advance using IRCTC or local bus booking apps to secure your seat and avoid last-minute rush.

• Reach Raxaul early to complete Indian exit formalities and prepare for the Nepal border crossing at Birgunj. Carry your passport, visa, and necessary documents ready for inspection.

• After crossing into Nepal, buy a local SIM card if needed to stay connected and arrange transport to Pokhara by bus or taxi from Birgunj bus stand or taxi stand.

• If you choose to drive, ensure your vehicle has Nepalese permits and carry a valid international driving permit. Plan your route with GPS and check road conditions before starting.

• If flying, book your Patna-Kathmandu and Kathmandu-Pokhara flights well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to get better fares and confirm schedules.

• Upon arrival in Pokhara, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Pathao or Tootle for safe and reliable local transport to your accommodation.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry multiple copies of your passport, visa, and ID proofs while crossing the India-Nepal border to avoid delays during document checks.

• Drink only bottled water and eat at clean, busy restaurants to avoid stomach issues, especially when traveling by road through rural areas.

• Book tickets online for trains and flights early to avoid unavailability during festivals like Dashain in Nepal or Chhath in Bihar.

• Use Ola or Uber within Patna and Kathmandu for safe local travel. In Pokhara, local taxis and motorbike rentals are common but agree on fares beforehand.

• Pack light but include essentials like a power bank, raincoat during monsoon, and warm clothes for Pokhara’s cooler evenings.

• Be cautious during monsoon (June to September) as roads can be slippery and landslides may cause delays, especially on Nepal’s mountain highways.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Patna to Pokhara is during the autumn (September to November) and spring (February to April) seasons. These months offer clear weather and comfortable temperatures.

Avoid traveling during the monsoon season due to heavy rains causing roadblocks and flight delays. Winter mornings can have fog affecting visibility on roads and flights.

• Peak travel periods include Nepal’s Dashain and Tihar festivals (September to November) and Indian festivals like Diwali and Chhath, when transport is crowded.

• Monsoon rains (June to September) can cause landslides on the Nepalese highways, leading to long delays and unsafe driving conditions.

• Early morning departures from Patna help avoid city traffic and ensure timely arrival at border crossings before peak hours.

• Flights to Kathmandu and Pokhara are often delayed during winter fog from December to January, so plan extra buffer time if flying.

Arrival at Pokhara & What to Expect

Pokhara Airport is small but well connected to the city center. After arrival, you will find prepaid taxi counters and app-based cab services like Pathao for easy local travel. The airport is about 2 km from the main city area.

Popular areas to stay include Lakeside, which is close to Phewa Lake and has many hotels, restaurants, and shops. Taxis and rental bikes are widely available for sightseeing. Always confirm taxi fares before starting your ride.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to travel from Patna to Pokhara depends on your budget and time. Combining train travel to Raxaul with a bus or taxi into Nepal is economical but takes longer. Flights via Kathmandu are faster but costlier.

Plan your journey considering seasonal weather, border crossing times, and transport availability. Booking tickets in advance and carrying all necessary documents will help you travel confidently. With proper preparation, your trip from Patna to Pokhara can be smooth and enjoyable.