Pokhara is Nepal's second city, and a favorite with many travelers. It's easy to get to from many other places in Nepal, including Kathmandu, Lumbini, and Chitwan. However, it's often more common to go to those places from Pokhara, rather than the other way around.

By Air

Several flights operate each day between Kathmandu and Pokhara. The flight time is around 30 minutes, so this is by far the quickest and easiest way of traveling between the two cities. When flying to Pokhara, ask for a seat on the right-hand side of the plane, for the chance to see some spectacular Himalayan views. Pokhara is also connected by air to Jomsom, Bhairahawa (Lumbini), and Bharatpur (Chitwan). 

At present, Pokhara is served by Pokhara Airport, a couple of miles from Lakeside. A new Pokhara International Airport is under construction, due to open in 2021. Flights on all routes in Nepal are frequently delayed or canceled due to weather conditions. Find out more in the following article: Domestic Flights in Nepal.

By Private Transfer

Pokhara can be reached by private transfer from many places popular with travelers throughout Nepal, including Kathmandu, Chitwan, Bandipur, and Lumbini. Besides flying, private transfers are the most comfortable way of getting to Pokhara, as the vehicles are usually in good condition and you can stop wherever you like. Nepal's highways are notoriously traffic-clogged and in poor physical condition, but if you're in a comfortable private car the experience will be much improved.

By Bus

Pokhara is well connected to other towns and cities throughout Nepal by bus. Tourist buses are the safest and most comfortable types of bus. While you still have to travel along the same stretches of road as every other vehicle, the buses themselves are usually not overcrowded and tend not to speed, and they stop frequently enough for toilet and meal breaks. Tourist buses travel from Kathmandu and Chitwan (Sauraha) to Pokhara, and you can also hop onto a passing bus from Bandipur to Pokhara.

To get to Pokhara by bus from anywhere else, including Lumbini, you'll have to take a local bus. As few Nepalis outside the cities have their own cars, local buses go almost anywhere you might want to go (that has a road, that is). However, you may need to change vehicles multiple times, and put up with crowded, uncomfortable conditions.