Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurna region. It is a lakeside city with plenty of hotels and agencies, and it is where most Annapurna treks begin and end. From Kathmandu you can travel by road or air, and from Pokhara you continue to the trailhead for your chosen route.
Kathmandu to Pokhara
- By air: a flight of about half an hour is the fastest option, subject to weather and morning departure times.
- By tourist bus or private vehicle: the road is roughly 200 km and takes about six to eight hours depending on traffic and road works.
Trailheads
- Nayapul: the start for Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp. It is around one and a half to two hours by road from Pokhara, and shared jeeps or taxis run daily.
- Besisahar: the traditional start of the Annapurna Circuit, reached by road from Kathmandu or Pokhara in several hours. Some trekkers continue by jeep to Chame or Manang.
- Jomsom and Muktinath: reached by flight from Pokhara or by a long jeep ride, often used as the end of the Circuit or a start for the Muktinath pilgrimage.
Flights to Jomsom
Flights from Pokhara to Jomsom operate in the morning, because strong winds build up in the Kali Gandaki valley in the afternoon. They are weather dependent, so keep a spare day if you are connecting with other plans.
Road conditions
Mountain roads can be affected by landslides and construction, especially in the monsoon. Allow extra time, travel in daylight and ask your agency for current conditions.
Where to stay
Pokhara has a wide range of lodging, from budget guesthouses to comfortable hotels. Many trekkers spend a night before and after the trek there, using the time to rest, shop for gear and arrange logistics.
Planning your connections
Do not schedule a tight international flight on the day you finish. A buffer day after the trek protects you from road delays and weather-related flight changes.
Choosing between road and air
Buses and tourist coaches make the journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara in the daytime, taking several hours depending on traffic and road conditions. Private cars are faster and more flexible. A short flight takes less than an hour and offers mountain views, but it depends on weather and can be delayed. Choose according to your budget, schedule and tolerance for winding roads, and always keep a buffer if you have a tight onward connection.
Staying in Pokhara before and after
Pokhara is a relaxed place, with lakeside restaurants, small shops and views of Machapuchare on clear mornings. Use the day before your trek to collect permits, buy or rent final items and meet your guide. After the trek, a night or two in the same hotel allows you to rest, wash clothes and celebrate. Booking the same hotel for both ends allows you to store your extra bags.
Travelling from India
Travellers from India can reach Kathmandu by air or enter Nepal overland through border crossings in the plains, and then continue to Pokhara by road or on a short flight. Overland journeys take longer and are tiring, so allow extra time before your trek starts. Discuss the route with your operator, and make sure you carry the correct identification at every checkpoint.
Booking tips
- Reserve seats early in the busy autumn and spring seasons.
- Carry your passport and permits in your daypack, not in the luggage compartment.
- Arrange hotel pick-up in advance so you are not negotiating on arrival.
What our guests say
Excerpts from guest reviews of Himalayan Wonders, our parent company, on Tripadvisor.
“They took utmost care of our group of 5 friends from Kathmandu airport upto the completion of the trek”
