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

Should you visit Udaipur or Pokhara?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Udaipur and Pokhara. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Udaipur or Pokhara?

Udaipur

Udaipur, also known as the "Venice of the East," is becoming increasingly popular as an Indian wedding destination as well as with travelers searching for a romantic and picturesque city, rich with history, scenic areas, and palaces.

The "City of Lakes" is located in south of Rajasthan. There are a total of ten lakes in the lake system, which are connected and sustain water for drinking, irrigation and industrial use, which contributes to another reason for Udaipur's booming tourism: alcohol.

Udaipur has ideal climate and available water to support a liquor plant while a number of other Indian states ban the consumption of liquor altogether. Many local tourists, such as those from the neighboring dry state of Gujarat on the west, visit Udaipur specifically for this reason, especially considering that Gujarati alcohol prices are much higher and liquor must be purchased through the black market. It's no wonder why Udaipur is the destination for celebrations and vacation.

Udaipur has tropical weather and three main seasons, which are summer, monsoon, and winter. Winter, which takes place between September to March, is the most pleasant time to visit for sunny and warm days and cool nights.

Udaipur was also made famous in the James Bond film Octopussy. Several local hotels show the film nightly.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India, The Best Adventure Tours to India, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal.


Which place is cheaper, Pokhara or Udaipur?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Udaipur is $33, 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 Udaipur and Pokhara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Udaipur $16
    Pokhara $3.92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Udaipur $32
    Pokhara $7.84
Compare Hotels in Udaipur and Pokhara

Looking for a hotel in Udaipur 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 Udaipur


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: Udaipur Hotel Prices and Pokhara Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Udaipur $6.98
    Pokhara $7.65
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Udaipur

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Udaipur:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $0.48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Udaipur

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Udaipur:

  • Airport Transfer: Maharana Pratap Airport to Hotels in Udaipur: $22
  • Dilwara Temples & Mount Abu: Private Day Trip with Transfer: $105
  • From Udaipur : Private Transfer To Jaipur Via Pushkar: $85
  • From Udaipur : Private Transfer To Mount Abu: $48
  • From Udaipur : Private Transfer To Ranthmbore: $118
  • From Udaipur Transfer To Jaisalmer Via Ranakpur Jain Temple: $101
  • From Half Day tour of Udaipur with Transfers: $80
  • From Private Transfer to Delhi, Jaipur, or Pushkar: $180
  • Guided Tour to Kumbhalgarh on Udaipur to Ranakpur Transfer: $61
  • Jagmandir Island And Sunset Boat Ride On Lake Pichola, Udaipur Without Transfers: $146
  • Jodhpur To Udaipur Transfer: $85
  • Jodhpur to Udaipur one Way Transfer: $49

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:

  • Comfortable One-Way Car Transfer from Pokhara to Lumbini: $78
  • Direct Transfers Your Private Ride Between Pokhara & Chitwan: $156
  • From Kathmandu: Luxury Sofa Seater Bus Transfer to Pokhara: $23
  • From Bungee Jumping with Hotel Transfers: $94
  • From Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek with Transfers: $249
  • Kathmandu to 1-Way Car Transfer: $131
  • Kathmandu: Private Transfer From or To Pokhara: $117
  • Pokhara Airport Shuttles & Private Transfer: $15
  • Pokhara Airport To Lakeside Transfer Service: $27
  • Pokhara to Kathmandu: One Way Private Transfer: $170
  • Ayurvedic Spa Retreat with Transfers: $48
  • One way transfer To or From Chitwan: $78

Is it cheaper to fly into Udaipur or Pokhara?

Prices for flights to both Pokhara and Udaipur 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
    Udaipur $11
    Pokhara $8.11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Udaipur

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

  • Private Traditional Dinner with an Indian Family in Udaipur: $8.99
  • 4-Hour Indian Food Cooking Class with full Meals: $12
  • Enjoyable,homely & mom 's delicious cooking classes: $16
  • Durga Cooking Class: $17
  • mamta cooking class awarded by tripadvisor : $23
  • Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $25
  • Culinary Adventure: Make Pizza, Sip Wine At Royal Repast: $39
  • Secret Cooking Session with the bheel Tribe: $44
  • 3 Hours Indian Cooking Session at Local Home (Udaipur): $50
  • Private Rajasthani Cooking Class in an Udaipur Home: $51
  • Jodhpur to Osian camel safari / Dinner At Dhani: $60
  • Jodhpur, Osian camel ride &Dinner At Dhani (country side): $60

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.
    Udaipur $10
    Pokhara $7.28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Udaipur

Here are a few typical costs in Udaipur for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Palace Entrance Fee
    $1.20
  • Lake Boat Tour
    $2.39

Tours and Activities in Udaipur

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

  • Private Udaipur Sightseeing Tour by Tuk-Tuk or Car with Driver: $7.99
  • Udaipur Half Day City Tour by Tuk Tuk: $9.60
  • Jaipur: Immerse yourself in a full day private tour by tuk-tuk: $9.83
  • Udaipur Night Walk (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $9.83
  • Udaipur Walking Tour(2 Hours Guided Walk): $9.83
  • Experience Indian Food: Learn To Cook with Rekha with full meals: $11
  • Non Touristy Walk, old city & local market walking tour: $11
  • Local Market Walking Tour: $11
  • Udaipur Guided sightseeing Tour in Three wheeled Tuk Tuk : $12
  • Udapiur: Night Walking Tour: $13
  • Guided Night Walking Tour in Udaipur - Explore the best nightlife with a local: $13
  • Lake city loop countryside bike tours: $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
    Udaipur $8.92
    Pokhara $6.57

Sample the Local Flavors in Udaipur

Also in Udaipur, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Uaipur (3 Hours Guided Nightlife Experience): $20
  • Pub Crawl Udaipur (3 Hours Guided Nightlife Experience): $35
  • 3-Hour Pub Crawl: $39
  • Pub Crawl Udaipur: $39


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


Which is Bigger, Udaipur or Pokhara?

Udaipur has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Pokhara. When comparing the sizes of Udaipur 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.