Travel Guide for Yoga Students
Getting to Pokhara
Everything you need to know about reaching Pokhara, Nepal. From international flights to local transport, we've got you covered.
Getting to Nepal
Most international travelers fly into Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, Nepal's only international airport. From there, you have two main options to reach Pokhara: a 25-minute domestic flight or a 6-7 hour scenic drive/bus ride through the mountains.
Kathmandu airport handles 30+ international airlines including major carriers from Asia, Middle East, and some European connections. Common routes: Bangkok (3hr), Delhi (1.5hr), Singapore (5hr), Doha (5hr), Dubai (4hr). Most nationalities receive visa on arrival - no advance application needed.
We can arrange airport pickup in Pokhara for all retreat and teacher training participants. Just let us know your arrival details at least 24 hours in advance.
Step-by-Step: Your Journey to Pokhara
Here's exactly what to expect from international arrival to reaching our yoga center
1. Arrive at Kathmandu Airport
Land at Tribhuvan International (KTM). Follow signs for "Visa on Arrival" before immigration. Fill arrival card (available on plane or at kiosks). Pay visa fee at counter ($30/15 days, $50/30 days, $125/90 days). Proceed through immigration with stamped passport. Collect baggage and exit.
2. Domestic Transfer or Tourist Bus
Domestic terminal is separate from international - about 10-minute walk or free shuttle. If flying to Pokhara, check in at domestic terminal (Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines most reliable). If taking tourist bus, exit airport and taxi to tourist bus station (Sorhakhutte area, NPR 500-800 from airport). Tourist buses depart early morning (7-8 AM typically).
3. Journey to Pokhara
Flight: 25 minutes, spectacular Himalayan views (sit on right side for best mountains). Domestic flights run 6-7 times daily. Bus: 6-7 hours along scenic Prithvi Highway following Trisuli River. Tourist buses have reclining seats, AC, bathroom stops. Private car option also available with pre-booking.
4. Arrive in Pokhara
If flying: Pokhara Airport is small and easy to navigate. Exit and find taxi/our driver. If by bus: Tourist buses arrive at Pokhara bus station (near Mustang Chowk). From both arrival points, our yoga center in Ghachowk is 20-30 minutes by vehicle.
5. Reach Ghachowk
We arrange complimentary pickup for retreat/YTT participants. For drop-in students, taxis from Lakeside cost NPR 800-1,200 (~$6-9). The journey climbs from Lakeside through beautiful countryside to our mountain location. Road is paved throughout.
Flight vs Bus: Which Should You Choose?
| Factor | Domestic Flight (KTM → Pokhara) | Tourist Bus (KTM → Pokhara)Better for |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 25 minutes flight time✓ | 6-7 hours drive |
| Cost | $100-150 one way | $10-20 per person✓ |
| Mountain Views | Spectacular aerial Himalayan panorama✓ | River valleys, terraced hillsides |
| Comfort | Small aircraft, some turbulence possible | Tourist buses have AC, reclining seats |
| Frequency | 6-7 flights daily (weather dependent) | Multiple departures daily (early morning) |
| Weather Risk | Delays/cancellations in bad weather | Operates rain or shine (may be slow)✓ |
| Experience | Thrilling mountain flight | See rural Nepal, village life |
Duration
Cost
Mountain Views
Comfort
Frequency
Weather Risk
Experience
Our Verdict
Choose flight if time matters and budget allows - it's an experience itself. Choose bus if budget-conscious or you want to see countryside. Both options are safe and well-established.
Transport Options Explained
Domestic Flight
25 minutes Kathmandu to Pokhara. Airlines: Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines (most reliable), Shree Airlines, Simrik Airlines. Book online or through travel agencies. Baggage: 15kg included, 5kg hand carry. Best views on right side of aircraft (when flying KTM → PKR). Morning flights usually have clearest mountain visibility. Peak season (Oct-Nov): book 1-2 weeks ahead. Off-season: often available day-of.
Tourist Bus
6-7 hours on the scenic Prithvi Highway. Comfortable tourist buses around $15-20 (book at Thamel travel agencies or bus station). Standard departure: 7:00-8:00 AM from Kathmandu, arriving 2:00-3:00 PM in Pokhara. Includes bathroom breaks, lunch stop. AC buses with reclining seats. Greenline Bus and other tourist operators offer better comfort than local buses. Journey follows Trisuli River through mountain scenery.
Private Car/Taxi
5-6 hours by private vehicle. Cost: $100-150 for the entire car (not per person). Flexible timing - leave when you want. Scenic stops possible (waterfalls, viewpoints, local restaurants). Good for groups of 2-4 splitting cost. Pre-book through your accommodation or yoga school. Driver will meet you at airport. Comfortable option with most flexibility.
Our Pickup Service
We arrange Pokhara airport pickup for all program participants (retreat/YTT). Free service included with booking. Share your flight number, arrival time 24+ hours ahead. Driver meets you with sign at arrivals. Direct transport to Ghachowk accommodation. For Kathmandu arrivals needing help, we can connect you with trusted drivers/bus services.
Airlines Flying to Kathmandu
Nepal is well-connected internationally, though most routes require at least one connection. Major hubs: Delhi (Air India, IndiGo), Bangkok (Thai Airways), Singapore (Singapore Airlines), Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai (Emirates, FlyDubai), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia).
From Europe: Typically connect through Doha, Dubai, or Delhi. From USA/Australia: Connect through Bangkok, Singapore, or Hong Kong. From Asia: Many direct options. Budget tip: Flying to Delhi first then taking bus/flight to Nepal is often cheaper than direct international flights to Kathmandu.
Nepal Visa Information
15 Days
$30 USD
Ideal for short retreats and weekend yoga workshops
30 Days
$50 USD
Perfect for 200-hour YTT programs and month-long retreats
90 Days
$125 USD
Best for extended training, 300-hour YTT, or sabbaticals
Visa Extension Rates
- Extension fee: $3 USD per day
- Maximum stay: 150 days per calendar year
- Processing time: 1-2 business days
- Where to extend: Immigration offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara
Visa on Arrival Process
Nepal offers visa on arrival for most nationalities at Kathmandu airport. The process takes 20-40 minutes depending on queue length. You'll need: passport (6+ months validity), passport photo (or use kiosk), visa fee in cash (USD preferred, also accepts EUR/GBP). Credit cards accepted but cash is faster.
Process: (1) Fill arrival card on plane or at airport, (2) Optional: Use electronic kiosk to pre-fill details, (3) Pay fee at visa counter, (4) Present passport + receipt at immigration for stamp, (5) Collect baggage and exit. Extensions possible at immigration offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara if you want to stay longer.
Complete visa guide for yoga travelersJourney At a Glance
Kathmandu to Pokhara domestic flight
Scenic drive through mountain highways
30-day tourist visa on arrival (most common)
Multiple flight options throughout the day
Travel Tips by Season
Peak Season (Oct-Nov, Mar-Apr)
- • Book domestic flights 1-2 weeks ahead
- • Tourist buses fill up - book day before
- • Best weather for travel, clearest mountain views
- • Higher prices but best conditions
Winter (Dec-Feb)
- • Flights may have fog delays in morning
- • Bus travel comfortable, roads clear
- • Less crowded, easier bookings
- • Cold mornings, bring layers
Monsoon (Jun-Sep)
- • Flights more reliable than in fog season
- • Bus travel slower, landslides possible
- • Lowest tourist numbers, best prices
- • Limited mountain views, daily afternoon rain
What to Bring for the Journey
Keep passport, visa cash, and phone easily accessible. Small bag with water, snacks, entertainment for bus journey. Layers for temperature changes (AC on bus/flight, but can get warm). Motion sickness medicine if prone (winding roads). US dollars for visa fee. Arrival card pen.
Don't overpack carry-on for domestic flight - strict 5kg limits. Check large bags. Bus has luggage compartment underneath - keep valuables with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by
Swami AnandaSwami Ananda is the founder of Yoga in Pokhara, with over 10 years of teaching experience. Trained at ashrams in the Himalayas, he brings authentic yoga traditions to Pokhara, Nepal.
Ready to Visit?
We're happy to help with travel logistics. Contact us with any questions about getting to Pokhara.