A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mumbai vs. Pokhara for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Mumbai or Pokhara?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mumbai or Pokhara, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Mumbai or Pokhara?

Mumbai

Mumbai is the largest city in India and the capital of Maharashtra state. It is still occasionally referred to as Bombay, but most people know it now as Mumbai. It's the commercial capital of the country and is a major port city. It's also famous for Bollywood, which is the movie capital of the country and famous for it's music filled Bollywood flicks that have become popular around the world. Mumbai is arguably the most cosmopolitan city in India and has some of the most liberal views of an otherwise conservative country. Many immigrants and expats live in Mumbai and it's easy to see the blend of cultures.

Pokhara

Pokhara is the second largest city in Nepal and is strategically located near the popular Annapurna Circuit. The Annapurna Circuit, or the "Apple Pie Trail", is a popular trek through the Annapurna Valley that makes a circular route through stunning mountainous landscapes. Several other trekking options can be found in this region, too. Many people use Pohkara as a place to prepare or recover from their recently completed treks because it is less intimidating than the larger city of Kathmandu.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Mumbai, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal.


Which place is cheaper, Pokhara or Mumbai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mumbai is $75, while the average daily cost in Pokhara is $21. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Mumbai and Pokhara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mumbai $29
    Pokhara $3.37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mumbai $58
    Pokhara $6.74
Compare Hotels in Mumbai and Pokhara

Looking for a hotel in Mumbai or Pokhara? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Mumbai


Hotels in Pokhara


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Mumbai Hotel Prices and Pokhara Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mumbai $6.37
    Pokhara $6.58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai

Also for Mumbai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfer: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai by Business Car: $63
  • Arrival Transfer: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai by Luxury Van: $97
  • Departure Private Transfers: Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Business Car: $63
  • Dharavi Slum Tour in Mumbai with Combo Packages & Transfers: $11
  • Dharavi Tour Including Car Transfer: $39
  • From Prabalgad Fort Trek with Meals and Transfers: $165
  • From Sondai Fort Guided Trek with Meals & Transfers: $179
  • Mumbai - private arrival transfer from Airport to Hotel: $39
  • Mumbai - private departure transfer from Hotel to Airport: $39
  • Mumbai After Dark: Private Night Tour with AC Transfers: $25
  • Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Mumbai - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
  • Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Mumbai - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $50

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pokhara

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Pokhara:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pokhara

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pokhara:

  • Pokhara to Kathmandu: One Way Private Transfer: $295
  • Transfer to Lower Mustang (Jomsom): $205
  • "Exclusive Round-Trip Transfer: Pokhara to Jomsom & Muktinath": $191
  • Kusma Swing Jumping Experience with Transfer: $150
  • Paragliding Experience with Hotel Transfers: $139
  • From 4-Day Poon Hill Trek with Transfers: $130
  • Paragliding and Rafting Adventure with Transfers: $129
  • Private Transfer from Pokhara to Kathmandu: $120
  • Pokhara to Kathmandu One Way Transfer by Private AC Car: $80
  • Private Transfer: Kathmandu ↔ Pokhara by Car, Jeep & Hiace: $73
  • One way transfer To or From Chitwan: $73
  • White Water Rafting Half Day with Hotel Transfers: $70

Is it cheaper to fly into Mumbai or Pokhara?

Prices for flights to both Pokhara and Mumbai change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Mumbai $38
    Pokhara $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mumbai

For Mumbai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Bollywood Studio Tour & Indian Cooking Class: $11
  • Private Evening City & Street Food Tour with AC Car: $11
  • Best Steet Food Tour & Marekt with Train Ride Tour: $14
  • Discover Mumbai's street & beach with Vegetarian food tour: $14
  • Mumbai Street Food Tour with Evening Bazaar Walk: $14
  • Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Mumbai with a Local Family: $16
  • Mumbai Food Tour: $20
  • Vegetarian Indian Cuisine Virtual Cooking Class Experience from Mumbai: $20
  • Indian Cooking Class & Cultural Delights: $23
  • Private Dharavi Walking Tour & Indian Cooking Class: $25
  • Safe Food Tour in Mumbai for 2 hours: $27
  • Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $29

Typical Food Prices in Pokhara

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Pokhara:


  • Dinner for Two
    $3.88
  • Dessert (for 2)
    $2.59
  • Pastries
    $1.29
  • Dinner
    $5.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pokhara

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pokhara.

  • Nepali cultural dinner night in Pokhara: $21
  • Nepali Nights: Dinner & Cultural Dance Delight in Pokhara: $26
  • MoMo or Dal Bhat Cooking Class at Aama Kitchen in Pokhara: $29
  • Nepalese Kitchen in Momos or Dal Bhat Cooking Class: $29
  • 3 Hour MoMo cooking class: $31
  • Nepali Cooking Class and Momo Making Workshop: $42
  • 3 Hour Authentic Nepali Thakali Dish Cooking Class: $45
  • Thakali food Cooking Class in Pokhara: $50
  • Nepali Cooking Class in Pokhara with a Local Family: $60
  • 1 Day Momo making cooking class: $75
  • Tour with Dinner to Trout Fish Farm - Bhujung River: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mumbai $2.31
    Pokhara $6.26

Tours and Activities in Mumbai

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.

  • From 6 Days Golden Triangle (Delhi Agra Jaipur) Tour: $1.56
  • Dharavi Slum Walking Tour by First Female Tour Guide: $3.37
  • Dhobi Ghat Laundry and Dharavi Slum Tour with Local: $3.43
  • Dharavi Slum and Dhobi Ghat Laundry Tour: $3.92
  • Tour In Book Mumbai Sightseeing With Top Highlights: $3.94
  • Dharavi Walking Tour & Dhobi Ghat Laundry Train Ride: $4.00
  • Best Dharavi Tour -See the real Slum with a Local: $4.09
  • Mumbai Slum Tour - Visit Dharavi Slum with Local Guide: $4.15
  • Private Mumbai City Tour + Dharavi Slum Slumdog Millionaire Tour: $4.32
  • Slum Tour Dharavi & Dhobi Ghat Laundry with a Local: $4.36
  • Dharavi - Asia's larget Slum Tour with a Local Guide: $4.69
  • Mumbai Malabar Self-Guided Walking City Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.00

Tours and Activities in Pokhara

Here are a few actual costs in Pokhara for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • "Pokhara Day Bus Sightseeing 8 points": $20
  • "Pokhara Pumdikot Tour: Eagle Eye Views of Stunning Pokhara": $29
  • "Sunrise and Scenic Day Hike in A Perfect Adventure: $84
  • 1-Day Private Dhampus Trekking Tour: $67
  • 110 Meters Bungee Jumping Tour in Pokhara: $105
  • 2 Day Private Panchase Trek Tour from Pokhara: $140
  • 2 Days Palpa-Tansen Hill station tour from Pokhara: $260
  • 2 Iconic Suspension Bridge Tour in Pokhara: $29
  • 2-Day Private Trekking Tour to Australian Camp & Dhampus: $99
  • 2-Day Scenic Mustang Tour: Pokhara to Jomsom, Kagbeni & Muktinath: $239
  • 3 Day Pokhara and Himalayan Sunrise Private Tour: $239
  • 3 Days Hiking Tour in Astam, Hyanjakot & Dhampus from Pokhara: $245

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mumbai $3.20
    Pokhara $5.65

Sample the Local Flavors in Mumbai

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mumbai:

  • Sula Vineyards Wine Tasting Day Trip from Mumbai by Train or Car: $131


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mumbai and Pokhara, we can see that Mumbai is more expensive. And not only is Pokhara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pokhara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pokhara and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Mumbai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mumbai than you might in Pokhara.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mumbai Expensive? and Is Pokhara Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mumbai or Pokhara?

Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Pokhara. When comparing the sizes of Mumbai and Pokhara, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.