Driving from Kathmandu to Pokhara by private car or jeep takes most of a day on the Prithvi Highway, about 200 km and usually 6 to 8 hours with short stops. A private car leaves when you are ready, stops where you want, and drops you at your hotel door in Pokhara.
Last checked: November 2026.
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Private car prices, Kathmandu to Pokhara
Prices are per vehicle, one way, hotel to hotel. Prices on request: send the form or WhatsApp us for a quote.
| Vehicle | Passengers | One way |
|---|---|---|
| Car (sedan) | 1 to 3 | On request |
| SUV or jeep | 3 to 5 | On request |
| Hiace van | 6 to 12 | On request |
| Coaster | Larger groups | On request |
If you want to stop at Bandipur or Manakamana, or stay a night on the way, tell us when you enquire and we will include it in the quote.
Car, tourist bus or flight?
The bus and flight figures below are general market information at the time of writing, not our prices.
| Private car | Tourist bus | Flight | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | 6 to 8 hours | Usually 7 to 9 hours, sometimes longer | About 25 minutes in the air, plus airport time |
| Cost | Per vehicle, on request | Per person; fares vary with bus class, roughly NPR 800 to NPR 2,500 at the time of writing | Per person; foreigners pay a US dollar fare, often around US$100 to US$130 one way, varying by airline and date |
| Departure | When you choose, from your hotel | Around 7 am from the tourist bus stop at Sorhakhutte, near Thamel, fixed time | Scheduled, weather permitting |
| Stops | Anywhere you like | Fixed meal and rest stops | None |
| Luggage | Plenty of space | Hold luggage | Weight limit applies |
| Best for | Families, groups, people who want stops | Solo travellers on a budget | Short trips, tight schedules |
For a group, the cost of one vehicle is shared between everyone, and you see the countryside on the way. Ask for a quote and compare it with the airfare for your group.
The route: Prithvi Highway
The road leaves the Kathmandu valley to the west, drops down to Naubise, then follows the Trishuli River to Mugling, where the road to Chitwan branches south. From Mugling it follows the Marsyangdi River west through Dumre and Damauli to Pokhara.
The Mugling to Pokhara section has largely been widened to four lanes. Widening work between Naubise and Mugling is still under way and behind schedule, and this causes dust and delays on that section. An early start avoids the worst of the Kathmandu exit traffic.
Stops worth making
Kurintar and the Manakamana cable car
Near Kurintar, a cable car climbs from the highway to Manakamana temple, one of Nepal’s most visited Hindu shrines. The ride takes about 10 minutes each way. Foreigners pay a US dollar fare, last reported at around US$20 for a return ticket; check the current fare at the station. Allow around two hours for the visit. Saturdays and festival days are busy.
Bandipur
A Newar hill town with a car-free main street and old houses, reached by a side road from Dumre, about 30 minutes uphill. Many travellers stop for lunch, and some stay overnight and continue to Pokhara the next morning. The car can wait or return to collect you.
Riverside lunch stops
The highway has many roadside restaurants along the Trishuli. Your driver will know which ones are clean and quick.
Arriving in Pokhara
The driver drops you at your hotel in Lakeside or wherever you are staying. If you are starting a trek, the same vehicle can continue to the trailhead the next morning, or you can arrange a local car there. See car and jeep hire in Pokhara for trailhead drops and Sarangkot trips. For the Annapurna treks, see our Annapurna Base Camp Trek (12 days) and Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
FAQ
How long is the drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara?
Usually 6 to 8 hours by private car, including short stops. Roadworks, traffic and monsoon landslides can make it longer.
Is a jeep needed for this route?
No. The highway is paved. A sedan, SUV or van is fine. A jeep only matters if you continue to rough roads beyond Pokhara, such as the road to Jomsom; see jeep hire in Nepal.
Can we stop at Bandipur and Manakamana on the same day?
It is possible with an early start, but the day becomes long. Many people choose one, or stay a night in Bandipur.
Can you also drive us back from Pokhara to Kathmandu?
Yes. Book a return transfer on a later date, or keep the car for your whole stay if you plan day trips.
Is it safe to drive this road in the monsoon?
The road stays open most of the time, but landslides can cause delays of several hours, and night driving is sometimes stopped during heavy rain warnings. Leave a spare day before an international flight.
For other vehicles and routes, see vehicle rental in Nepal. Tell us your date, group size and any stops, and we will send a fixed price.