Nepal

How to get from Nagarkot to Pokhara

Compare all transport options: bus, ferry, train, flight. Prices, durations and tips from a local expert.

⏱
FASTEST
2h 28min
💶
From
8€
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Distance
160 km
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There are 1 way(s) to get from Nagarkot to Pokhara

Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.

🚌 Departure from Nagarkot
📍Your journey from Nagarkot will start from the main bus stand in Nagarkot. This is a local hub where buses depart for Bhaktapur and Kathmandu. It's a small, open-air area easily accessible from anywhere in Nagarkot.
🚇From most hotels and guesthouses in Nagarkot, you can reach the main bus stand by walking 5-15 minutes, depending on your location. Taxis might be available but are often overpriced for short distances within Nagarkot. Just follow the main road.
⏰Local buses from Nagarkot to Kathmandu (Ratna Park/Kalanki) generally start early morning, around 6:00 AM, and run frequently until late afternoon, typically every 30-60 minutes.
💸 Transport from 8€ per person
⚡ Fastest: 2h 28min
🗓 Book now Secure payment · via 12go.asia

Practical tips

💡
Break Up Your Journey

Given there's no direct bus, plan your Nagarkot to Pokhara journey in two parts: Nagarkot to Kathmandu, then Kathmandu to Pokhara. This allows for a break and a smoother transition between bus types. Don't rush it.

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Book Tourist Coaches in Advance

For the Kathmandu to Pokhara leg, always book your tourist coach tickets a day or two ahead, especially during peak season. This guarantees a seat and avoids the stress of trying to find last-minute transport.

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Pack Snacks and Water

Bus journeys in Nepal, particularly longer ones, often have limited stops for food and water. Be prepared with your own supplies to stay comfortable throughout the trip, especially if delays occur.

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Choose Your Bus Wisely

While local buses are cheaper, tourist coaches offer more comfort with reclining seats and fewer stops, making the long journey to Pokhara much more bearable. Pay the extra for a better experience.

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Be Flexible with Time

Nepalese mountain roads can be unpredictable due to traffic, roadworks, or weather. Always factor in extra time for your journey and avoid tight connections, especially if you have a flight to catch.

🛣️ The journey experience

Navigating Nepal's stunning but challenging roads can be a bit of a puzzle, especially when you're moving between places like Nagarkot and Pokhara. You're looking for clarity on whether a leg is a tourist coach, a local bus, or perhaps even a flight, and crucially, how long these journeys genuinely take on the country's winding mountain routes. Getting from the tranquil hills of Nagarkot to the lakeside calm of Pokhara is a popular route, but it’s not always as simple as it looks on a map.

For the Nagarkot to Pokhara route, your primary option is a bus. While there isn't a direct tourist bus from Nagarkot, you'll first need to take a local bus from Nagarkot back to Kathmandu, specifically to the Ratna Park bus stand or Kalanki. From there, you can catch a tourist coach to Pokhara. Expect the Nagarkot-Kathmandu leg to take around 1.5-2 hours, followed by a 7-9 hour journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist coach, depending on road conditions and stops. Local buses can be cheaper but often take longer and offer less comfort.

Understanding these transitions is key to a smooth trip. While Lukla and Jomsom require flights, most major routes like this one are served by road. Don't assume a direct tourist coach from every small town; sometimes a local bus connection to a main hub like Kathmandu is necessary. Always book your tourist coach to Pokhara in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid a cramped local bus. This ensures a more comfortable and predictable journey, allowing you to relax and enjoy Nepal's incredible landscapes.

Frequently asked questions — Nagarkot → Pokhara

✨ Why visit Pokhara?

  • ✓ Trek to the World Peace Pagoda for panoramic views of Pokhara Valley and the Annapurna range.
  • ✓ Enjoy boating or kayaking on Phewa Lake, with views of Machapuchare (Fish Tail Mountain).
  • ✓ Experience paragliding from Sarangkot for an exhilarating bird's-eye view of the Himalayas.
  • ✓ Visit Devi's Fall, a unique waterfall where the Pardi Khola river disappears underground.
  • ✓ Explore the Lakeside area for vibrant shops, restaurants, and a relaxed evening atmosphere.
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Recommended stay
3 to 4 nights — Allows time for lake activities, a short trek, and adventure sports.

☀️ When to visit Pokhara?

SUBTROPICAL MOUSSON

October to April — Offers clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and excellent mountain visibility for trekking.

Jan 😐
Feb 😊
Mar 😊
Apr 😊
May 😐
Jun 😞
Jul 😞
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Sep 😞
Oct 😊
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Dec 😐
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In Pokhara — Plan your stay
Accommodation, activities and tips selected for you
🏨 Accommodation
Hotels in Pokhara
Compare the best rates available
via trip.com

What to do in Pokhara?

Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you

INCONTOURNABLE
🏞️
Boating on Phewa Lake
Paddle a colourful wooden boat on the serene Phewa Lake, enjoying the reflections of the Annapurna range. Renting a boat for an hour or two is a quintessential Pokhara experience. Best visited early morning for stunning views and fewer crowds. Expect to pay around 5-10€ for a boat with a rower.
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World Peace Pagoda Hike
Embark on a scenic hike or short boat ride across Phewa Lake followed by a climb to the World Peace Pagoda. This white stupa offers panoramic views of Pokhara Valley, the lake, and the Himalayas. Go for sunset to witness breathtaking colours. Entry is free.
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Sarangkot Sunrise Viewpoint
Wake up before dawn to reach Sarangkot viewpoint for a spectacular sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The changing light illuminates the snow-capped peaks in an unforgettable display. Arrange transport the day before; many hotels offer packages starting from 15€ including transport.
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Devi's Fall and Gupteshwor Cave
Witness the powerful Devi's Fall, where the Pardi Khola river disappears underground. Immediately adjacent is Gupteshwor Cave, a sacred cave housing a Shiva lingam. It's a fascinating natural wonder, but be prepared for a slightly damp and dim interior in the cave. Combined entry ticket is around 2€.
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Local Nepali Thali Experience
Indulge in an authentic Nepali Thali, a traditional meal consisting of rice, dal (lentil soup), vegetable curries, and often meat. Many local eateries around Lakeside offer excellent and affordable Thalis. Look for places frequented by locals for the best experience. A hearty meal costs around 5-8€.
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Exploring Lakeside Shops & Cafes
Wander through the vibrant Lakeside area, Pokhara's main tourist hub. Browse shops selling trekking gear, handicrafts, and souvenirs, or relax in one of the many cafes and restaurants. It's perfect for an afternoon stroll or evening entertainment. Many establishments offer free Wi-Fi; a coffee typically costs 2-4€.
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Yoga and Meditation Session
Immerse yourself in a yoga or meditation session amidst the tranquil surroundings of Pokhara. Many centres and guesthouses offer drop-in classes, providing a perfect opportunity to rejuvenate mind and body. It's a great way to unwind after trekking. Expect to pay around 5-10€ for a single class. Book in advance if possible.
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International Mountain Museum
Delve into the history of mountaineering and learn about the diverse ethnic groups of the Himalayas at the International Mountain Museum. It houses fascinating exhibits on peaks, mountaineers, and mountain ecology. Plan for 1-2 hours to explore. Entry fee is approximately 4-5€ for foreigners. Located a short taxi ride from Lakeside.

⏱️ How long to visit Pokhara?

2 to 5 days

For an independent traveler, plan 3-5 days to fully experience Pokhara. This allows for trekking, paragliding, and lake activities without rushing. If you're short on time, 2 days lets you hit the main sights, but more time ensures a deeper dive into its natural beauty and adventure sports.

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