Enchanting Pokhara: The Gateway to the Himalayas

Getting There

• Car

  If you're traveling by car, you can hire a private taxi or rent a vehicle from the nearest town to where you finish your trek in the Manaslu Circuit. The most common route is to head towards Arughat, which is the starting point for many treks in the region. From Arughat, you can take the route to Dhading and then connect to the Prithvi Highway. Follow the Prithvi Highway south towards Pokhara. The journey can take approximately 6-8 hours depending on road conditions and traffic. Make sure to carry cash for tolls and taxi fares, which can range from NPR 8,000 to NPR 12,000.

• Public Transportation

  For public transportation, the most reliable option is to take a local bus or microbus from Arughat to Kathmandu. From Kathmandu, you can catch a tourist bus to Pokhara. Buses from Arughat to Kathmandu are frequent but can be crowded, so it's wise to arrive early. The bus ride to Kathmandu takes about 7-9 hours. Once in Kathmandu, head to the tourist bus park in Kantipath and buy a ticket to Pokhara, which typically costs around NPR 1,000 to NPR 1,500. The bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara takes roughly 7-8 hours and offers stunning views of the countryside.

• Combination of Transportation

  Another option is to take a combination of transportation. You can trek from the last point of your trek in the Manaslu Circuit to Soti Khola, where you can catch a local bus to Arughat. After reaching Arughat, follow the public transportation route by taking a bus to Kathmandu, and then from Kathmandu to Pokhara. This option allows for flexibility in your travel and can be a great way to experience local life along the way.