Introduction
Pokhara, a vibrant city in Nepal, offers a well-connected network of local buses that can take you to various destinations within the area.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the intricacies of the public bus system in Pokhara, including fares, routes, and key locations. Whether you’re a tourist looking to explore the city’s sightseeing spots or a local resident seeking efficient transportation, this article provides valuable insights into navigating the local bus network in Pokhara.
Public Bus System in Pokhara
Pokhara boasts an extensive public bus system that covers almost every corner of the city. The buses operate at a relatively slow speed of around 20-25 kilometers per hour, allowing passengers to enjoy scenic views along the way. With fares starting at just Nepalese Rupees 25 ($0.20), the local bus network offers an affordable means of transportation, making it accessible to both locals and tourists alike.
Exploring Destinations from Lakeside
As a tourist in Pokhara, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the local bus routes and destinations. Starting from the Pokhara Tourist Bus Park, located near Rastra Bank Chowk, you can catch a local bus to Lakeside, the central tourist hub.
The journey takes approximately 5-7 minutes, passing through numerous hotels, travel agencies, restaurants, and shops. If you prefer to walk to Lakeside, you can continue straight ahead after crossing the 4-way junction at Rastra Bank Chowk.
Important Bus Stops and Routes
Hallan Chowk serves as a significant bus stop between Barahi Chowk and Lakeside, covering a distance of 700 meters. Buses departing from Hallan Chowk travel along Nareshwor, Jarebar, Zero Km, Srijana Chowk, Sabhagriha Chowk, and then turn left towards New Road, eventually stopping at BP Chowk near Chipledhunga. These buses operate at intervals of approximately 10 minutes.
For those planning to go trekking, getting off at Zero Km is recommended. From there, you can catch another local bus to Hari Chowk, passing through Prasyang, Baglung Bus Park, and Bindyabasini.
Hari Chowk serves as a major starting point for treks to Nayapul, Kande, Phedi, and Milanchowk, all located along the same highway.
You can also look through the map of the entire map of Pokhara with the Public Transportation System provided by KU University from here.
Additional Sightseeing Destinations
To visit popular attractions in Pokhara, such as Devis Falls and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, you can drop off at Birauta and catch a bus to Chhorepatan. These locations are in close proximity to each other and easily accessible by bus, with a total travel time of around half an hour.
To reach the World Peace Pagoda, you can walk a little further to Chhorepatan from Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave and catch a local bus. However, please note that buses to the World Peace Pagoda are less frequent.
For the International Mountain Museum, you can disembark at Birauta and reach the museum on foot.
Bindyabasini Temple is conveniently located near Prithwi Narayan Campus gate, just a 5-6 minute walk from the bus stop.
To visit Seti George, you can either walk for approximately 10 minutes from Bindyabasini Temple or get off at Bagar Bus Station, which is a one-minute walk to Seti George.
The Gorkha Museum is also easily accessible. If you disembark at Bindyabasini Temple or Seti George, you can reach the museum with a short walk.
For Mahendra Cave, buses stop directly at the cave’s entrance. However, not all buses travel to Mahendra Cave, so it’s advisable to inquire before boarding. The journey from Lakeside takes around 15 minutes. From Mahendra Cave, you can also walk for about 10 minutes to reach the Bat Cave.
Understanding Local Bus Parks
Pokhara has two local bus parks. If you arrive from Kathmandu, Lumbini, or Chitwan, you will most likely arrive at the Prithwi Chowk bus park.
To catch a local bus to Lakeside, simply walk to the roundabout without crossing the road after disembarking, then turn left and proceed about 50 meters. From there, you can find a local bus that follows the route from the Airport to Barahi Chowk, passing through Rastra Bank Chowk, Ambot, and Gaurighat.
If your hotel is located in the northern part of Lakeside, you can catch a local bus to Hallan Chowk. To do this, walk straight to the roundabout without crossing the road, then cross the main road once at the junction. Proceed straight to Sabhagriha Chowk, where you can find a local bus to Hallan Chowk in Lakeside, a journey of approximately 15 minutes along Srijana Chowk, Zero Km, and Jarebar. Some buses even travel further to Khahare, up to Sedi.
Also, Check Annapurna Region – The Best Trekking route of Nepal
