For most international visitors, Nepal begins in Kathmandu. You land at Tribhuvan International Airport, step out into the noise and color of the capital, and start thinking about the mountains. The Mardi Himal Trek, however, lies far to the west, in the hills above Pokhara, roughly 200 kilometers away by road. Getting from the capital to the trail is part of the journey, and how you do it, whether by tourist bus through the river valleys, a short flight past the Himalaya or a private car, shapes the first days of your trip.
This guide explains how to travel from Kathmandu to the Mardi Himal Trek and back, compares the transport options, lays out a sample itinerary, and covers permits, timing and practical tips. For the complete trip from Kathmandu as a package, see the 9-day Mardi Himal Trek.
The Journey at a Glance
| Stage | Options | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu to Pokhara | Tourist bus, flight or private car | 25 minutes by air; 5–8 hours by road |
| Pokhara to Kande or Phedi | Jeep, taxi or local bus | 45 minutes to 1.5 hours |
| The trek | On foot, Kande to Base Camp to Siding | Usually 4–5 days |
| Siding to Pokhara | Jeep | 2–3 hours |
| Pokhara to Kathmandu | Tourist bus, flight or private car | 25 minutes by air; 5–8 hours by road |
Arriving in Kathmandu
Kathmandu, at around 1,400 meters, is a busy, fascinating city and the arrival point for almost all international flights into Nepal. Most trekkers spend at least one night here to recover from the flight, change money, buy a SIM card and perhaps visit a few heritage sites. Thamel, the tourist district, is packed with hotels, restaurants, trekking shops and agencies, and it is the usual base for trekkers. See arriving at Kathmandu airport, where to stay in Kathmandu and the Thamel guide.
Option One: Tourist Bus
The tourist bus is the most popular way to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Buses leave early in the morning, typically around 7 a.m., from the Kantipath area near Thamel and follow the Prithvi Highway west through the Trishuli and Marsyangdi river valleys. The journey takes six to eight hours, depending on traffic and road works, with stops for breakfast and lunch at roadside restaurants. Tourist buses are more comfortable and reliable than local buses, with reserved seats and luggage storage. The scenery is varied, from terraced hillsides to river gorges, and on clear days you may glimpse the Himalaya. See the Kathmandu to Pokhara tourist bus.
Option Two: Flight
Flying is by far the fastest option. Several domestic airlines operate frequent flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara, taking about 25 minutes. Sit on the right side of the plane when flying to Pokhara for views of the Himalaya on clear days. Flights are weather-dependent, and delays or cancellations are common in the monsoon and on foggy winter mornings, so allow a buffer in your plans. Flying costs more than the bus but saves a full day of travel. See the Kathmandu to Pokhara flight and flight delays and cancellations.
Option Three: Private Car or Jeep
A private vehicle follows the same highway as the bus but offers more comfort and flexibility. You can leave when you like, stop for photos, meals or sightseeing, and avoid the bus schedule. The journey takes five to seven hours. It is more expensive than the bus, but it is a good choice for families, small groups splitting the cost, or anyone who wants to break the journey at a place like Bandipur. See Kathmandu to Pokhara by private vehicle.
Comparing the Options
| Tourist bus | Flight | Private car | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | 6–8 hours | About 25 minutes plus airport time | 5–7 hours |
| Cost | Lowest | Highest | Moderate to high |
| Comfort | Moderate | High | High |
| Reliability | Good, but traffic delays | Weather-dependent | Good, but traffic delays |
| Scenery | River valleys and hills | Himalayan views on clear days | Same as bus, with stops |
| Best for | Budget trekkers | Short on time | Families, groups, flexibility |
What the Bus Journey Is Like
The road journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara is an experience in itself. Leaving the Kathmandu valley, the highway climbs over the valley rim and drops steeply in a series of bends to the Trishuli River, where it follows the river west through a deep valley lined with terraced hillsides, small towns and roadside stalls. Rafting companies launch boats from the riverbanks, and trucks, buses and motorbikes share the narrow road. Breakfast is usually taken at a riverside restaurant. Beyond Mugling, where the road to Chitwan branches south, the highway follows the Marsyangdi River and then climbs gently through farmland toward Pokhara, with the Annapurna range appearing on the horizon on clear afternoons.
The road is paved but busy and often under repair, and traffic jams near Kathmandu and at road works can add hours to the journey. Sit on the side away from the edge if steep drops make you nervous, carry water and snacks, and bring something to read or listen to. Despite the length, many trekkers enjoy the chance to see rural Nepal from the window. See strikes and road disruptions.
Luggage and What to Bring
You do not need to take all your luggage on the trek. Most hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara will store bags free or for a small fee while you are away. A common approach is to leave city clothes and souvenirs in Kathmandu, travel to Pokhara with your trekking gear, and leave anything not needed on the trail at your Pokhara hotel. Tourist buses and domestic flights have luggage allowances; domestic flights are stricter, often around 15 to 20 kilograms including hand luggage, so check before you fly. See luggage storage in Pokhara and how to pack your backpack.
Traveling in Peak Season and Festivals
October and November are the busiest months for trekking, and they also coincide with Nepal's biggest festivals, Dashain and Tihar. During these festivals, many Nepalis travel home to their families, and buses, flights and roads out of Kathmandu become very crowded, especially in the days before the main festival days. Book tourist bus seats and flights well in advance, and allow extra time for travel. The same applies, to a lesser extent, in spring. See trekking during Dashain and Tihar and when to book.
Kathmandu or Pokhara as Your Base?
Some trekkers wonder whether to base themselves in Kathmandu or Pokhara. For the Mardi Himal Trek, Pokhara is the natural base, as it is close to the trailheads and has everything you need for trekking. Kathmandu is the arrival point and has more to see culturally, so most visitors spend time in both. If you have limited time and are flying into Nepal, consider whether you can fly directly to Pokhara, or fly between Kathmandu and Pokhara to save a day each way. See Kathmandu or Pokhara as your base.
Pokhara: The Night Before the Trek
Whichever way you travel, we recommend spending at least one night in Pokhara before starting the trek. It gives you time to rest after the journey, meet your guide for a briefing, check or rent gear, and store extra luggage. It also provides a buffer if your bus is slow or your flight is delayed. Pokhara's Lakeside area has hotels for every budget, and the lake and mountain views make it a pleasant place to relax. See where to stay in Pokhara and the arrival day briefing.
From Pokhara to the Trail
On the first trekking day, a jeep or car takes you from your Pokhara hotel west along the Baglung highway to Kande, about an hour to an hour and a half away. From Kande, the trail climbs to Australian Camp and continues to Pothana and Pitam Deurali for the first night. Some itineraries start at Phedi and walk via Dhampus instead. See Pokhara to Mardi Himal door to door and Phedi vs Kande.
A Sample 9-Day Itinerary from Kathmandu
| Day | Plan | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Kathmandu | Kathmandu |
| 2 | Tourist bus or flight to Pokhara | Pokhara |
| 3 | Drive to Kande, trek to Pitam Deurali | Pitam Deurali |
| 4 | Trek to Forest Camp | Forest Camp |
| 5 | Trek to High Camp | High Camp |
| 6 | Sunrise at Base Camp, descend to Badal Danda | Badal Danda |
| 7 | Descend to Siding, drive to Pokhara | Pokhara |
| 8 | Tourist bus or flight to Kathmandu | Kathmandu |
| 9 | Departure | — |
This is the structure of our 9-day Mardi Himal Trek. It includes all transport between Kathmandu, Pokhara and the trail, and it builds in a night in Pokhara at each end. See the 9-day itinerary in detail.
Shorter and Longer Options
If you have less time, you can shorten the trip by flying between Kathmandu and Pokhara and choosing a faster trekking itinerary, such as the 5-day trek from Pokhara or the 3-day Short Mardi Himal Trek. With more time, you can add rest days, a village stay, sightseeing in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or other destinations such as Chitwan or Bandipur. If you are flying into Pokhara directly from abroad, you can skip Kathmandu altogether with the 7-day trek for direct flights to Pokhara. See Mardi Himal in 5 days from Kathmandu and how many days you need.
Breaking the Journey
If you travel by road, it is possible to break the journey between Kathmandu and Pokhara with a stop in Bandipur, a beautifully preserved Newar hill town just off the highway, with traditional architecture, a relaxed atmosphere and views of the Himalaya. Others stop at Gorkha, the historic seat of the Shah dynasty, or at Manakamana, a hilltop temple reached by cable car. These stops add a day but make the journey more interesting. See Mardi Himal and Bandipur.
Permits
You need an ACAP entry permit and, where required, a TIMS card for the Mardi Himal Trek. Both can be arranged in Kathmandu before you travel or in Pokhara before the trek. You will need your passport and passport photos or digital copies. Most agencies arrange permits on your behalf. Foreign trekkers must also be accompanied by a licensed guide. See getting permits in Kathmandu and Mardi Himal permits.
Kathmandu Before or After the Trek
With a spare day in Kathmandu, visit some of its extraordinary heritage sites, several of them on the UNESCO World Heritage list: the great stupa of Boudhanath, the hilltop temple complex of Swayambhunath, the Hindu temples and cremation ghats of Pashupatinath, and the royal squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. A day of sightseeing is a good way to recover from jet lag before the trek or to fill time before your flight home. See the Kathmandu heritage tour.
Health and Jet Lag
A long-haul flight followed by a long bus journey can leave you tired, dehydrated and out of sync. Spending a night or two in Kathmandu and a night in Pokhara before the trek helps you recover, adjust to the time zone, and start walking fresh. Drink plenty of water, eat carefully, and get some sleep. Kathmandu's air pollution can irritate the throat; a mask helps on dusty days. See beating jet lag and staying healthy in Kathmandu.
Travel Tips
- Book tourist bus seats or flights a day or two in advance, especially in peak season.
- Choose a seat on the right side of the plane to Pokhara for mountain views.
- Carry snacks, water and motion sickness medication on the bus.
- Allow a buffer day at the end of your trip for flight or road delays.
- Keep valuables and documents in your hand luggage.
- Withdraw cash in Kathmandu or Pokhara; there are no ATMs on the trail.
See bus travel for trekkers, domestic flights in Nepal and motion sickness on Nepal's roads.
Returning to Kathmandu
After the trek, most itineraries spend a night in Pokhara before returning to Kathmandu, either by tourist bus or flight. This gives you time to rest, celebrate and deal with any delays on the road from Siding. Once back in Kathmandu, allow at least one night before your international flight, as domestic flights from Pokhara can be delayed by weather and road journeys by traffic. That final evening is a good time for a farewell dinner, last-minute souvenir shopping in Thamel, or a quiet walk around one of the city's stupas as the lamps are lit. See souvenir shopping.
Travel from Kathmandu with Us
Our 9-day Mardi Himal Trek takes care of the whole journey from Kathmandu to the trail and back, with transport, hotels in Pokhara, permits, guide, porter and lodges. Contact us to plan your dates, or ask about flights instead of the bus.