Pokhara is spread out, but the part you’ll spend most time in is not. Lakeside is a long, flat strip you can walk end to end; everything else is a short taxi away.
At a glance
- Lakeside
- On foot
- City & sights
- Taxi / app
- Apps
- Pathao, inDrive
- Own wheels
- Scooter, bicycle
- Meters
- Rarely used — agree first
On foot
Lakeside from Damside in the south to Khahare in the north is around four kilometres of flat road with the lake on one side. Everything on it is walkable. Beyond it — the city centre, the caves, the airport, the viewpoints — you need wheels.
Taxis
Small white or green taxis wait at every junction on Lakeside. Meters exist but are rarely used for tourists; agree the fare before getting in. Your hotel will tell you what a fair fare is to the bus park, airport, Sarangkot or the caves — ask them first, then negotiate from there. Sunrise runs to Sarangkot are a standard product and every driver knows the price. TODO: add indicative fares for the common runs.
Ride-hailing apps
Pathao and inDrive both operate in Pokhara for motorbike and car rides, and they take the negotiation out of it — the fare is on the screen. You need a local SIM or wifi to book; see SIM & wifi. Bike rides are the cheapest way across town for one person.
Local buses
City buses and microbuses run between Lakeside, Prithvi Chowk (near the bus park), Mahendra Pul (city centre) and the old bazaar, and out to Begnas Lake. Fares are tiny, routes are unmarked in English, and it's the local way to do it. Ask the conductor, who leans out of the door calling the destination.
Scooters and bicycles
Scooters and motorbikes are rented along Lakeside by the day. Technically you need a licence valid for motorcycles; in practice rental shops ask only for a passport or a deposit. Traffic is lighter than Kathmandu but still Nepali — drive defensively and wear the helmet. Bicycles and e-bikes are a lovely way to do the lake road to Pame and Begnas. TODO: add indicative daily rates.
Questions I get asked
How far is Lakeside from the airport?
The new international airport is roughly 20–30 minutes by taxi, south-east of the city. TODO: confirm distance and typical fare.
Is Uber in Pokhara?
No. Pathao and inDrive are the local equivalents.