Pokhara Bus Parks Guide: Tourist, Prithvi Chowk & Baglung Terminals
Everything you need to know about Pokhara’s 3 major bus terminals—departure times, routes to Kathmandu, trekking gateways, and local taxi fares.
Navigating long-distance transport in Pokhara can be confusing because the city does not have a single central bus terminal. Depending on whether you are heading to Kathmandu on a VIP sofa bus, taking a local micro to Baglung/Nayapul for a trek, or hopping on a regional night bus, you will depart from one of three distinct terminals scattered across the valley.
This complete guide breaks down Pokhara’s major bus parks—Tourist Bus Park (Rastrabank Chowk), Prithvi Chowk Bus Park, and Baglung Bus Park—so you never miss a departure or end up at the wrong end of town.
1. Tourist Bus Park (Rastrabank Chowk)
Intercity & Luxury HubLocated just east of Rastrabank Chowk, the Tourist Bus Park is the primary gateway for travelers moving between Pokhara and Nepal's major tourist hubs like Kathmandu, Chitwan (Sauraha), and Lumbini. If you book a Deluxe, VIP Sofa, or AC Tourist Bus, this is where your journey starts or ends.
Rastrabank Chowk (Near Damside)
• ~1.5 km from Hallanchowk (Lakeside)
• 15–20 min walk or 5 min drive
• Morning departures: 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM (Kathmandu/Chitwan)
• Night departures: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM (VIP Sofa)
• Standard Tourist Bus: NPR 800 – 1,100
• VIP Sofa Bus: NPR 1,400 – 1,800
- Arrive 30 minutes early: Boarding starts around 6:30 AM for morning departures. Boarding queues can get crowded during peak season (Oct–Nov & Mar–Apr).
- Facilities on-site: Small tea stalls, snacks, and basic restrooms are available inside the station perimeter.
- Luggage Handling: Bus staff will load your large backpacks into the lower luggage compartment free of extra charge. Keep valuables in your daypack.
2. Prithvi Chowk Bus Park (Old / Central Terminal)
Local Transit & Highway HubLocated at the central transit node of Pokhara, Prithvi Chowk (often referred to as the Old Bus Park) is the heart of local transportation. It connects every corner of the city—from Lakeside to Mahendrapul, Birauta, and Lekhnath—while also serving as the main terminal for long-distance local buses across Nepal.
Prithvi Chowk Intersection
• ~3.5 km from Lakeside Pokhara
• 10–15 min taxi ride or direct city micro-bus
• City Micros: Lakeside, Begnas Lake, Birauta, Mahendrapul
• Regional: Syangja, Butwal, Birgunj, Narayangarh
• Operating Hours: 5:30 AM – 8:00 PM
• City Micro Fares: NPR 25 – 60 per ride
- Transferring to Begnas Lake: Take a local micro-bus from Lakeside to Prithvi Chowk, then switch to the dedicated Begnas/Lekhnath bus line at the main terminal counter.
- Identify Route Signals: Conductors shout destinations from open minibus doors. Just ask for "Lakeside" or "Mahendrapul" before hopping on.
- Keep Small Bills: Carry small NPR notes (10, 20, 50, or 100) as conductors often lack change for 1,000-rupee notes on quick local routes.
3. Baglung Bus Park (Trekking Gateway)
Annapurna Trailhead HubPositioned in northern Pokhara near Bindabasini Temple, Baglung Bus Park is the essential launchpad for trekkers heading into the Annapurna Conservation Area. If your itinerary includes Ghorepani Poon Hill, Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), Mardi Himal, or Mustang, this is where you catch local transport to the mountain trailheads.
Northern Pokhara (Near Baglung Chowk)
• ~6.5 km from Lakeside Pokhara
• 20–25 min taxi ride or city minibus transfer
• Short Treks: Nayapul, Birethanti, Ghandruk, Kimche, Ulleri
• Mountain Towns: Beni, Baglung, Tatopani, Jomsom
• Local Bus to Nayapul: NPR 250 – 350 per person
• Shared 4WD Jeep: NPR 500 – 1,200 per seat
- Early Departures for Trailheads: Mountain buses and shared jeeps operate heavily between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Arrive early to secure seats and maximize daylight on the trail.
- Shared Jeeps vs. Local Buses: For unpaved high-altitude mountain roads (like the steep drive to Kimche or Ghandruk), 4WD Scorpio jeeps offer better ground clearance and comfort compared to local buses.
- Permits Checkpoint: Ensure your ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) and TIMS cards are secured in Pokhara before departing, as you will present them at checkpoints in Birethanti.
4. Local Transport Logistics & Taxi Fares
Getting To The TerminalsNavigating between Lakeside (or your hotel) and Pokhara's three main bus terminals is straightforward once you know your transit options. Whether you prefer quick private transfers or budget city buses, here is how to get to each hub smoothly.
Street taxis are available 24/7 along Lakeside Road. Drivers rarely use meters for bus park trips, so agree on the fare prior to starting:
• To Tourist Bus Park: NPR 300 – 400
• To Prithvi Chowk: NPR 400 – 500
• To Baglung Bus Park: NPR 600 – 800
Using local apps like inDrive and Pathao is often 20%–40% cheaper than hailing street cabs.
• Motorbike Rides: NPR 100 – 250 (fastest option for solo travelers with light backpacks).
• App Taxis: NPR 250 – 550 depending on distance.
The most affordable way to travel across town. Micro-buses run every 5–10 minutes along Hallanchowk, Sahid Chowk, and Mustang Chowk.
• Fare: NPR 25 – 45 per ride.
• Best for: Quick hops to Prithvi Chowk or Mahendrapul.
- Early Morning Departures (6:00 AM – 7:00 AM): Pre-arrange a hotel taxi or book an inDrive cab 20 minutes prior, as local city micro-buses are sparse before 6:30 AM.
- Online vs. Counter Bus Booking: For intercity tourist buses to Kathmandu/Chitwan, you can book seats through your hotel desk, local agency counters, or online travel apps. Always confirm whether the ticket includes reserved seat numbers.
- Carry Local Cash: Ride-share drivers and street taxis accept cash (NPR) upon drop-off. Keep small bills ready for easy payment.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Essential Visitor Q&AWhere do tourist buses from Pokhara to Kathmandu depart from? +
All standard tourist buses, AC coaches, and VIP Sofa buses heading to Kathmandu (and Chitwan/Sauraha) depart from the Tourist Bus Park near Rastrabank Chowk. Most morning buses leave between 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM, while overnight sofa buses leave between 7:00 PM and 7:30 PM.
Which bus park in Pokhara goes to Nayapul for trekking? +
Local buses and shared 4WD jeeps to Nayapul, Birethanti, Ghandruk, and Kimche depart from Baglung Bus Park in northern Pokhara. Take a taxi or ride-hailing bike from Lakeside to Baglung Bus Park between 6:00 AM and 8:30 AM to catch early trailhead departures.
How do I get from Lakeside to Prithvi Chowk by local bus? +
You can catch a city micro-bus along Lakeside Road (Hallanchowk, Barahi Chowk, or Center Point) marked for Prithvi Chowk or Mahendrapul. The fare costs NPR 25–35, and buses run every 5–10 minutes throughout the day.
Is the travel time between Kathmandu and Pokhara still 6 hours? +
Due to ongoing highway expansion and roadwork along the Prithvi Highway, travel times currently range between 8 and 11 hours. Plan for a full day of travel, keep a power bank handy, and bring extra water or snacks.
How much does a taxi cost from Lakeside to Tourist Bus Park? +
A standard street taxi from Lakeside (Hallanchowk) to the Tourist Bus Park costs NPR 300 to 400. Alternatively, using ride-hailing apps like inDrive or Pathao can bring the price down to NPR 100–250 depending on whether you choose a motorbike or a cab.