A Travel Price Comparison for Nepal Pokhara vs. Kathmandu for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Pokhara or Kathmandu?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pokhara and Kathmandu can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Pokhara or Kathmandu?

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.

Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital and largest city in the country of Nepal. Its metropolitan area forms one large urban area that includes the area of Patan to the south. As of 2011 there were 2.5 million residents in the Kathmandu metropolis and over 3 million in the entire metropolitan area. Kathmandu is likely to be your entry point into Nepal and is a great place to pick up supplies and arrange the details for any treks you hope to do. Many travelers rush through Kathmandu, turned off by the pollution and crowds, but to skip Kathmandu is to miss a major cultural, financial, and influential part of what defines the country of Nepal. The city itself is quite fun to explore if you allow it enough time and an open mind.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Nepal, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nepal.


Which place is cheaper, Kathmandu or Pokhara?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Pokhara is $19, while the average daily cost in Kathmandu is $54. 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 Pokhara and Kathmandu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pokhara $3.92
    Kathmandu $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pokhara $7.84
    Kathmandu $76
Compare Hotels in Pokhara and Kathmandu

Looking for a hotel in Pokhara or Kathmandu? 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 Pokhara


Hotels in Kathmandu


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: Pokhara Hotel Prices and Kathmandu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pokhara $7.64
    Kathmandu $6.95
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pokhara

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


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.75

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pokhara

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pokhara:

  • Private Transfer: Pokhara Hotels to Pokhara Airport: $13
  • Pokhara Airport Shuttles & Private Transfer: $15
  • Pokhara Airport Private Transfers: $20
  • Pokhara Airport To Lakeside Transfer Service: $27
  • Ayurvedic Spa Retreat with Transfers: $48
  • World Peace Pagoda Guided Tour with Transfers: $51
  • Intercity transfer by private car all over Nepal: $54
  • Whitewater River Rafting Tour with Hotel Transfers: $69
  • Comfortable One-Way Car Transfer from Pokhara to Lumbini: $78
  • Private Transfer to Kathmandu by Car, Jeep & Hiace: $78
  • Private Transfer to Kathmandu by Car: $78
  • One way transfer To or From Chitwan: $78

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kathmandu

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $1.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kathmandu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kathmandu:

  • Airport & Hotel Transfer in kathmandu by Luxury Vehicle: $40
  • Day Trip to Water and Amusement Park and Kirtipur sightseeing with Transfer : $87
  • Deluxe Toyota Coaster Mini Bus Transfer From Kathmandu to Pokhara or V. V. : $22
  • From Kathmandu To Ramechhap Airport - Private Transfer: $172
  • From Bungee Jump over Bhotekosi River & Transfer: $160
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to Pokhara: $149
  • Kathmandu - Arrival transfer from airport to hotel : $12
  • Kathmandu - Private departure transfer from Hotel to Airport : $15
  • Kathmandu Airport Arrival Transfer(Airport-Hotel): $22
  • Kathmandu Airport Private Transfer Service: $17
  • Kathmandu Airport Private Transfers: $14
  • Kathmandu Airport Transfer: $16

Is it cheaper to fly into Pokhara or Kathmandu?

Prices for flights to both Kathmandu and Pokhara 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
    Pokhara $8.10
    Kathmandu $8.48
Typical Food Prices in Pokhara

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


  • Dinner for Two
    $4.50
  • Dessert (for 2)
    $3.00
  • Pastries
    $1.50
  • Dinner
    $6.38

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
  • Nepalese Momos/ Dal Bhat Cooking Class (Cook with Delight): $25
  • Nepalese Kitchen in Momos or Dal Bhat Cooking Class: $39
  • Nepalese Kitchen in Pokhara Momos or Dal Bhat Cooking Class: $40
  • MoMo or Dal Bhat Cooking Class at Aama Kitchen in Pokhara: $41
  • 3 Hour Authentic Nepali Thakali Dish Cooking Class: $45
  • From Pokhara:3 Hour authentic fish curry cooking class: $51
  • 3 Hours Momo Cooking class in Pokhara: $60
  • 3 Hours Momo Cooking class in Pokhara: $70
  • Typical Nepali Snack set cooking class in Pokhara: $74
  • 1 Day Momo making cooking class: $75
  • Organic Farm Tour and Cooking Class at Durku: $115

Typical Food Prices in Kathmandu

Some typical examples of dining costs in Kathmandu are as follows:


  • Dessert
    $1.35
  • Dinner for Two
    $3.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kathmandu

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

  • Momo Making and Cooking class in Kathmandu: $9.46
  • Half Day cooking class in Thamel Kathmandu by Local Chefs: $10
  • Nepali Cooking Class & Hotel Pickup: $11
  • Best Half day cooking class in Thamel Kathmandu: $11
  • Cultural Dinner Show with Traditional Dance: $17
  • Private Cooking class in Thamel Kathmandu - 4 Hours: $22
  • Half Day Cooking Class in Thamel with Local Market Visit: $23
  • Half-Day Immersive Nepali Cooking Class in Thamel with pickup: $25
  • Nepal: Dinner at a Local Home with a Local Family: $26
  • Private Cooking Class with Transfers and Lunch: $27
  • Kathmandu Culinary Adventure: A Cooking Class Experience: $27
  • Embark on a Culinary Voyage: Cooking Class in Kathmandu: $28

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pokhara $7.27
    Kathmandu $8.03

Tours and Activities in Pokhara

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

  • Full Day Pokhara City Sightseeing by Sharing Bus Group Tour: $6.72
  • Sightseeing tour (Unguided) in Sharing Bus: $9.26
  • Quick Devi’s Water Fall Tour: $9.26
  • Visit Best Seven Tourist Destination by Sharing Bus: $10
  • Group Joining Sarangkot Sunrise Tour : 3-Hour From Pokhara: $10
  • Pokhara City Tour in Sharing Bus: $10
  • Group Joining Sarangkot Sunrise Himalayas Tour: $11
  • Pokhara/Baidam: Himalayas Sunrise Views from Sarangkot Tour: $12
  • Budget Unguided Tour By Sharing Bus: $12
  • City Tour in Sharing Bus : $12
  • Pokhara to Kathmandu Tourist Bus Ticket : $13
  • Tour Bus Unguided Day Trip: $13

Typical Entertainment Prices in Kathmandu

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kathmandu are as follows:


  • Monkey Temple for Two
    $1.50
  • Patan Durbar Square Entrance for Two
    $3.75
  • Swayambhunath Stupa
    $1.50

Tours and Activities in Kathmandu

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kathmandu are as follows:

  • Discover Kathmandu on a day cycling tour! (Minimum 4 people): $0.20
  • Old A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.40
  • City Highlights Bus Tour: $9.58
  • Sarngkot Sunrise Himalayas Tour in Pokhara: $10
  • Kathmandu TO Gorkha Bus Ticket: $11
  • Skywalk Adventure in Nepal: $11
  • Discovering Full-Day City Highlights Bus Tour: $12
  • Tourist Bus Intercity Hassle free Shuttle all over Nepal: $12
  • Kathmandu to Pokhara Tourist Bus- MNS: $13
  • Bandipur Tourist Bus Ticket: $13
  • Chitwan To Kathmandu Tourist Bus: $13
  • Kathmandu to Pokhara bus ticket : $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pokhara $6.57
    Kathmandu $5.72


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pokhara and Kathmandu, we can see that Kathmandu 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 Kathmandu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kathmandu 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 Pokhara Expensive? and Is Kathmandu Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Pokhara or Kathmandu?

Kathmandu has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Pokhara. When comparing the sizes of Pokhara and Kathmandu, 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.