How To Find A Tourist Bus From Kathmandu To Pokhara

The most common mode of transport for tourists to go to Pokhra and return is the ‘Tourist Bus'.  These buses depart once every day at 7 am from the tourist bus park along ‘Sorhakhutte’ just outside of Thamel. Before 2018 tourist buses used to leave from Kantipath, afterward, Kantipath bus stop has been closed and all tourist buses now leave from Sorhakutte.

There are more than 25 bus companies delivering frequent service in the Kathmandu-Pokhara section. Some of them are even long-term companies which will be listed below.

The bus journey is about 6-7 hours depending upon traffic conditions. So, better be prepared with extra water bottles and snacks.

There are a couple of other "Deluxe Tourist Bus" companies that also depart in the mornings. However, they are more expensive.

Where to get a Kathmandu-Pokhara tourist bus ticket?

You can buy a tourist bus ticket for Kathmandu to Pokhara from local travel agents or hotels. They are the best place to get a tourist bus ticket to go to Pokhara and return to Kathmandu. You don't have to go to the main bus ticket offices.  Usually, they are based far away from the main tourist areas and they will charge you even more.

Local travel agents and hotels get discounts from the bus companies on the ticket price as they act as an agent. They then can offer this discount to tourists. However, sometimes they add on 100-200 rupee to profit - it's still cheaper than purchasing directly.

On the other hand, tourists can directly go to Sorhakhutte where the buses depart from and buy a ticket directly with the bus conductors there. In that case, tourists should arrive in Sorhakhutte a little early between 6:15 to 6:30 am. So, they can find empty seats and have enough time to bargain the price. However, tourists must know how to bargain in Nepal. Bus seats rarely get sold out on this route.

Tourists are suggested to buy tickets in advance if they are traveling during the local festival period as bus seats get sold out due to heavy occupancy.

Some of the bus companies offer online ticket sales. Any company that is offering this is simply a reseller and probably charging a premium. The result can likely bring a lot of confusion to the buyer. It's always better to buy from a local travel agent or hotel directly. Again, bus tickets rarely get sold out on this route.

How much does it cost to buy a bus ticket for ‘Kathmandu-Pokhara’?

Kathmandu to Pokhara or Pokhara to Kathmandu, currently the average price for a Standard Tourist Bus ticket is 1000-1200 rupees. But, the ticket price also differs from where and with whom you book the ticket. Deluxe/Premium buses will cost around 3000 rupees or USD$25. They offer more services than standard tourist buses such as “sofa-style seat”, relatively better wifi, breakfast and lunch.

Which are the better companies for Kathmandu-Pokhara?

They are all about the same in their category. Common services offered:

• Free Wifi (does not work often)
• Air-conditioning (they run AC during the summer only, not in the winter so wrap up yourself well)
• Free mineral water bottle (not all of them)
• All of them place your bag in a rear or side cargo bay with no charge. However, no ticket system. You can carry a small bag on board.

Here is the name list of some recommended bus companies below:

1: Standard Tourist Bus

• Mountain Overland (this company has a long-running service record. However, they charge about 400-500 rupees more than regular tourist buses with good seat numbering)
• Global Vacation Tours
• Baba Adventure Tours
• Blue Sky Travels & Tours
• Holiday Adventure
• Rainbow Adventure
• World Touch Salvation Adventure Travels
• Swiss Travel
• Explore Pokhara Travel
• Reed Travels & Tours
• Debit Travel
• Metro Inn Tourist Express
• Benchmark Tours & Travels
• Travel one Nepal

2: Deluxe/Premium Tourist Bus:

• Jagadamba Travels - Cost USD$ (Includes; Mineral water, WiFi, Breakfast and Lunch)
• Greenline Intercity Bus Service - Cost USD$25 (this company has a long-running service record) (Includes: Mineral water, WiFi and Lunch)

Where do tourist buses for Kathmandu to Pokhara depart?

• All standard tourist buses depart from Sorhakhutte at 7 am sharp. Simply walk to the end of Paknajol road and take a left to reach the bus station known as "Sorhakhutte". Walk down this road and you'll see the buses lined up. Best to get there around 6.30 am.
• Jagadamba Travels bus departs from the Annapurna Hotel, Durbarmarg at 7.30am.
• Greenline Intercity Bus Service bus departs from Tri Devi Marg, Thamel at 7.30 am.

Note: Sometimes, due to ongoing road works or traffic issues, departure times may be changed. Please enquire about departure time with your local travel agent or hotel.

What's the Kathmandu to Pokhara bus journey like?

The most frequently asked question is ‘What's the Kathmandu to Pokhara bus journey like?’ Frankly speaking, for first-time travelers on this route, it's a shaky journey. The most unpleasant part of the journey is the very beginning while jumping on board and discovering the seat portion isn't followed as well.

Your luggage will go either in the back storage of the bus or the side storage area. There is no ticket allocation for bags (Deluxe bus services sometimes issue luggage tickets). The baggage theft case on a tourist bus is very rare. You are allowed to bring a small handbag on board along with some drinks or snacks. Taking a seat on the right-hand side provides you views of the river and valley while you take a bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara.

All of the tourist buses stop around 9.30 am for breakfast alongside the highway at small restaurants. Some of you may find the restaurant is slightly overpriced. Sometimes, the bus companies have a deal with the restaurant and get a commission out of the restaurant sales. Which place they stop at will depend on the bus company's current arrangements. Breakfast portions are usually not common for tourists. Dal Bhat, chowmein (Fried Noodles) and Mo:Mo are commonly found in these restaurants. Cereals or the like are harder to find and overpriced.

Traffic jams usually occur between Kalanki and Nagdhunga sections. If you suddenly come across a long row of traffic then you may be in for a 1-5 hour delay. The same thing could happen between Nagdhunga and Muglin sections. "Anything" can be causing delays such as landslides, traffic accidents, breakdowns and so on are the usual causes.

It is possible to go out of the bus when getting stuck, but don't go too far from your bus as they'll often take off quickly. Most delays occur during the monsoon season (June-August) due to landslides blocking the road. Once you go further from Mugling, it's usually alright and shortly after you will stop for lunch at the same type of restaurant you stopped for breakfast in the morning.

After lunch, the drive is much smoother all the way to Pokhara. The last leg of the journey is often a bit slow as the bus will stop for local passengers to get off several times before the main Tourist Bus Station. The final stop is the Pokhara Tourist Bus Station which makes it easy to know when to get out.

How to go to Lakeside from Pokhara Tourist Bus Station?

Pokhara Tourist Bus Station is just an open rock-strewn square. Approximately half an hour walk to the tourist center of Lakeside. You should expect a dozen or so hotel and taxi men once you come off the bus offering a ride or a room. The first-time traveler may find this harassing. It’s the best way to ask for the shuttle in advance from your hotel in Pokhara to avoid hassle at the bus station.

If you have not asked for a shuttle from your hotel then simply negotiate a taxi fare. The real taxi fare to Lakeside is 250-300 rupees. But it's not so easy to get that price if you are not sure about your hotel location. If you decide to walk, then exit the main gates and turn right. Follow the main road to the first junction and turn to the left. This is the main road to Lakeside. Locals will happily suggest you in the right direction.

Some Useful Tips:

• Buy your ticket from a trustable source
• Take a photo of the ticket just in case
• Do bring an extra water bottle with you
• If you have a weak stomach then pack your own lunch
• Pack snacks just in case the bus is delayed
• If you hate the heat then bring a small portable hand fan
• If it's the winter then wrap up warmly in layers
• If you are buying your ticket directly at the bus stop then get there around 6.15-6.30 am. or a minimum of 45 mins before the bus is scheduled to depart

For more detail: https://www.amazingnepaltrek.com/