Travel Tips
Pokhara to Chitwan: All Transport Options
Pokhara to Chitwan is one of Nepal's most popular travel legs, combining lakeside relaxation with jungle wildlife. Here are all the ways to make the journey.
The Pokhara to Chitwan run is so popular that multiple dedicated tourist services have grown up to serve it. The journey distance is about 150km via the most direct routes.
Tourist Bus (Most Popular)
Direct tourist buses run from the Pokhara tourist bus park to Sauraha (Chitwan's tourist village) once or twice daily in peak season. Journey time is 4 to 5 hours. Fares: NPR 600 to NPR 900. The route descends from Pokhara's 820m elevation through the Madi Valley, one of Nepal's prettiest stretches of hill farmland, before reaching the flat Terai.
Local Bus
Frequent local buses go from Pokhara's Baglung Bus Park toward Bharatpur (the nearest city to Chitwan). From Bharatpur or Tandi Bazaar you take a local vehicle to Sauraha (20 to 25 minutes, NPR 150 to NPR 200). Total cost: NPR 350 to NPR 500. Slower and more complex but very doable for budget travellers.
Private Car
Full private hire costs NPR 8,000 to NPR 13,000 one way. Around 3.5 to 4 hours depending on traffic at Tansen and the Butwal junction. Door to door, stops for lunch wherever you like.
Planning this trip? 🎒
Don't stress about transport or guides. Sajilo offers verified cabs, luxury tourist buses, and expert guides across Nepal.
Scenic Flight
Pokhara to Bharatpur by domestic flight takes 20 minutes on occasional services. Check current schedules -- this route is seasonal and frequency varies. Fares: NPR 4,000 to NPR 6,000.
Rafting Option (2 to 3 Days)
The Seti and Marsyangdi rivers offer raft trips that deposit you closer to the Terai over 2 to 3 days of white water. This adventure option combines transport and activity -- book through Pokhara rafting operators.
What to Know About Sauraha
Sauraha is the tourist hub for Chitwan -- a village of resorts, restaurants, and safari operators on the park boundary. All transport options should be booked to Sauraha specifically, not just Bharatpur or Chitwan district, to avoid an extra local journey.
FAQ
Can I buy a Pokhara-Chitwan tourist bus ticket the day of travel? In low season yes. In October and November, book at least a day ahead as buses fill quickly with trekkers heading to or from Annapurna routes.
Is there a direct bus all the way to Sauraha village? Yes -- tourist buses typically drive into Sauraha itself or stop at the Tandi junction with a short tuk-tuk connection (NPR 100 to NPR 150) to the village.
