Traveling between Pokhara and Kathmandu by tourist bus is a common option for many visitors to Nepal. This convenient service departs early in the morning, whisking passengers on a 7-hour journey through the stunning Himalayan landscape. While the bus itself may not be the newest, skilled drivers ensure a safe and comfortable ride. With affordable fares and group discounts available, this mode of transport offers an economical way for friends and families to explore the country. However, what exactly can travelers expect from this popular service? Let’s take a closer look.

Key Points

Pokhara to Kathmandu By Tourist Bus - Key Points

  • The tourist bus service from Pokhara to Kathmandu takes approximately 7 hours, departing at 7:15 am, with a base cost of $14.94 per person.
  • The buses feature comfortable reclining seats and a maximum capacity of 30 travelers, with wheelchair accessibility and availability for infants.
  • The service includes pick-up and drop-off at designated locations in Pokhara and Kathmandu, but meals are not included in the fare.
  • Group discounts are available, ranging from 5% for 2-5 people to 15% for 11 or more people, but the booking is non-refundable.
  • Reviews of the service highlight mixed experiences, with some issues reported regarding bus condition and staff behavior, though the driver’s skill is praised.

Overview of the Service

Travelers can book an economical tourist bus service to travel from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

The journey takes approximately 7 hours, with the bus departing at 7:15 am from the Tourist Bus Park in Pokhara and arriving at Nayabazar in Kathmandu.

The price starts at $14.94 per person, varying based on group size.

The bus features 2×2 push-back folding seats and reclining seats for comfort, with a maximum capacity of 30 travelers.

The service includes meeting and pickup at designated locations, but meals aren’t included, and travelers must pay for their own breakfast and lunch.

Bus Features

The tourist buses feature 2×2 push-back folding seats, providing travelers with a comfortable journey. The reclining seats allow passengers to relax and unwind during the approximately 7-hour trip from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

These buses have a maximum capacity of 30 travelers, ensuring a spacious and uncrowded experience. Plus, the buses are wheelchair-accessible, although infants must sit on their parents’ laps.

While the overall features aim to make the trip pleasant, some travelers have reported issues with the bus condition, such as broken curtains and seats, which may affect the quality of the journey.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Pokhara to Kathmandu By Tourist Bus - Inclusions and Exclusions

The tourist bus service includes meeting and pickup at the designated locations in Pokhara.

However, meals like breakfast and lunch aren’t covered and must be paid for separately by the travelers.

The bus service operates with a maximum capacity of 30 passengers and is wheelchair accessible, though infants must sit on laps.

The service provides a convenient and economical way to travel from Pokhara to Kathmandu, with features like reclining seats for a more relaxed journey.

Travelers should be aware that the service has a non-refundable policy, and no refunds are provided for cancellations.

Reviews and Feedback

To date, the tourist bus service has received an overall rating of 3.5 based on a limited number of 2 reviews.

Some passengers have reported issues with the bus condition, such as broken curtains and seats. There have also been concerns about the staff’s behavior regarding seating assignments. Plus, a few travelers mentioned discrepancies between the advertised and actual drop-off locations.

On a positive note, the bus driver is described as skilled, which helps ensure a safe journey.

Booking Information

Confirmation is received at the time of booking for the tourist bus service from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

The booking policy is non-refundable, so there are no refunds for cancellations. To avoid potential issues at the bus station, it’s best to book the service in advance rather than trying to negotiate on the spot.

The bus has a maximum capacity of 30 travelers, and seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Advance booking ensures a seat and a smooth departure, avoiding the hassle of dealing with any seating discrepancies reported by previous passengers.

Departure and Arrival Details

Departing from the Tourist Bus Park in Pokhara at 07:15 am, the tourist bus service takes passengers on the approximately 7-hour journey to Nayabazar in Kathmandu.

The bus arrives at its destination in the capital city, providing travelers with a convenient and economical way to travel between the two locations.

The service features:

  1. Departure from the Tourist Bus Park in Pokhara at 07:15 am.
  2. Arrival at Nayabazar in Kathmandu.
  3. Approximately 7-hour journey between the two cities.
  4. Convenient pick-up and drop-off locations for a seamless travel experience.

Accessibility and Seating

The tourist bus service offers 2X2 push-back folding seats for passenger comfort, with reclining functionality to ensure a relaxed journey.

The bus has a maximum capacity of 30 travelers, making it suitable for groups of various sizes. For those who require accessibility, the bus is wheelchair-friendly. However, infants must sit on laps during the trip.

Passengers can expect a smooth and comfortable ride, as the bus features skilled drivers to navigate the journey from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

While the overall seating and accessibility options are satisfactory, some reviews have mentioned issues with the bus condition, such as broken curtains and seats, which may impact the overall travel experience.

Cost and Group Discounts

The cost for the tourist bus service from Pokhara to Kathmandu starts at $14.94 per person.

This base price can vary depending on the size of the group:

  1. Solo travelers pay the full $14.94 price.
  2. Groups of 2-5 people receive a 5% discount.
  3. Groups of 6-10 people receive a 10% discount.
  4. Groups of 11 or more people receive a 15% discount.

Booking in advance is recommended to avoid any haggling or price fluctuations at the bus station.

The non-refundable policy means no refunds are provided for cancellations, so travelers should plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring Extra Luggage on the Bus?

The bus service allows passengers to bring extra luggage, but there may be additional fees or space limitations. It’s best to inquire about the specific policy when booking to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Is There a Toilet Facility Available on the Bus?

The tourist bus service does not have a toilet facility on board. Passengers should plan their restroom needs accordingly during the approximately 7-hour journey from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

How Often Does the Bus Stop for Breaks?

The bus typically stops for breaks every 2-3 hours during the journey. Passengers can use restrooms and purchase snacks or meals at these designated stops to stretch their legs and refresh themselves.

Is There Wi-Fi or Entertainment Available on the Bus?

The bus does not offer Wi-Fi or entertainment. It’s a basic tourist bus service focused on providing a comfortable and affordable transportation option between Pokhara and Kathmandu, without additional in-bus amenities.

What Is the Procedure for Requesting a Special Assistance?

To request special assistance, travelers should contact the bus operator in advance. They’ll make reasonable accommodations, such as helping passengers board and providing space for wheelchairs, though infants must sit on laps during the journey.

Recap

Traveling from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus is a convenient and budget-friendly option. The service provides comfortable seating, with group discounts available. Although the bus conditions may vary, skilled drivers ensure a safe journey. With an early morning departure and a 7-hour travel time, this tourist bus service is an attractive choice for travelers seeking an economical way to explore the scenic route between the two cities.