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

Should you visit Pushkar or Pokhara?

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 Pushkar and Pokhara can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Pushkar or Pokhara?

Pushkar

Pushkar is a city located in the state of Rajasthan, India. The city is considered a holy one; it's famous for its Brahma temple. It is also known for its ghats, its lake, and bazaar. Brahma is one part of the holy Hindu trinity and is known sit on a lotus flower (which is what 'Pushkar' translates to). In Hindu religion, Brahma is believed to be the creator of this world and Pushkar is the most important temple.

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 Sightseeing Tours in India, The Best Cultural Tours in India, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal.


Which place is cheaper, Pokhara or Pushkar?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Pushkar is $28, while the average daily cost in Pokhara is $19. 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 Pushkar and Pokhara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pushkar $12
    Pokhara $3.92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pushkar $24
    Pokhara $7.84
Compare Hotels in Pushkar and Pokhara

Looking for a hotel in Pushkar 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 Pushkar


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: Pushkar Hotel Prices and Pokhara Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pushkar $4.95
    Pokhara $7.65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pushkar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pushkar:

  • From Jaipur : Private Pushkar Transfer in AC Car: $66
  • From Pushkar : Private Transfer To Jaisalmer: $80
  • From Pushkar : Private Transfer To Jodhpur: $30
  • From Pushkar : Private Transfer To Ranthambore: $70
  • From Pushkar : Private Transfer To Udaipur: $65
  • From Private Transfer to Jaipur: $30
  • Jodhpur :Private Transfer to Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Pushkar: $50
  • One Way Transfer From Pushkar To Jodhpur: $36
  • Private One Way Transfer From Pushkar To Agra In AC Vehicle: $112
  • Private One Way Transfer From Pushkar To Jaipur In AC Vehicle: $45
  • Private One Way Transfer From Pushkar To Jodhpur In AC Vehicle: $71
  • Private One Way Transfer From Pushkar To Mount Abu In AC Vehicle: $112

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:

  • Pokhara Airport Shuttles & Private Transfer: $15
  • From Kathmandu: Luxury Sofa Seater Bus Transfer to Pokhara: $23
  • Pokhara Airport To Lakeside Transfer Service: $27
  • Ayurvedic Spa Retreat with Transfers: $48
  • World Peace Pagoda Guided Tour with Transfers: $51
  • 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
  • From Bungee Jumping with Hotel Transfers: $94
  • Private Transfer:- Pokhara to Chitwan (Sauraha) by car: $98

Is it cheaper to fly into Pushkar or Pokhara?

Prices for flights to both Pokhara and Pushkar 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
    Pushkar $10
    Pokhara $8.11
Typical Food Prices in Pushkar

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


  • Lunch
    $2.39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pushkar

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

  • Taste of Pushkar (2 Hour Guided Street Food Tour Experience): $24

Typical Food Prices in Pokhara

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


  • Dinner for Two
    $4.51
  • Dessert (for 2)
    $3.01
  • Pastries
    $1.50
  • Dinner
    $6.39

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
  • Nepali Cooking Class Experience and Momo Making: $28
  • 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
  • Typical Nepali Snack set cooking class in Pokhara: $74
  • 1 Day Momo making cooking class: $75
  • Tour with Dinner to Trout Fish Farm - Bhujung River : $98
  • Organic Farm Tour and Cooking Class at Durku: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pushkar $8.22
    Pokhara $7.28

Tours and Activities in Pushkar

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

  • Walking Sightseeing Tour With The Shine Pushkar: $6.26
  • City Walking Tour-THE Pushkar Route: $6.76
  • Spiritual City Walking tour -The Pushkar Route: $6.95
  • Temples Walk around 52 Ghats ( Spiritual Tour )-The Pushkar Route: $7.00
  • Afternoon Walk Tour with Sunset & Fire Ritual -The Pushkar Route : $7.00
  • Evening Walking Tour with Fire Rituals-The Pushkar Route: $7.19
  • Afternoon Walking tour with Sunset & Arti -The Pushkar Route: $7.19
  • Evening Walking tour with Fire Ceremony - The Pushkar Route : $8.00
  • Walking Sightseeing Tour - The Shine Pushkar: $8.23
  • Private Historical Walking Tour in Nasiyan Jain Temple: $9.82
  • Pushkar City Walking Tour : $9.83
  • Cultural Walk of Pushkar (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13

Tours and Activities in Pokhara

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

  • Tourist Bus Ticket (From Kathmandu Sofa Bus ): $0.12
  • Full Day Pokhara City Sightseeing by Sharing Bus Group Tour: $6.71
  • Guided Evening Walking Tour in Lakeside: $8.12
  • Sightseeing tour (Unguided) in Sharing Bus: $9.26
  • Visit Best Seven Tourist Destination by Sharing Bus: $10
  • Group Joining Sarangkot Sunrise Tour : 3-Hour From Pokhara: $10
  • Group Joining Sarangkot Sunrise Himalayas Tour: $11
  • Pokhara/Baidam: Himalayas Sunrise Views from Sarangkot Tour: $12
  • Sarangkot Sunrise Spectacle: Unforgettable Tour from Pokhara: $12
  • Budget Unguided Tour By Sharing Bus: $12
  • City Tour in Sharing Bus : $12
  • Pokhara to Kathmandu Tourist Bus Ticket : $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pushkar $6.68
    Pokhara $6.57


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


Which is Bigger, Pushkar or Pokhara?

Pokhara has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Pushkar. When comparing the sizes of Pushkar 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.