Car rentals from Kathmandu to Pokhara are one of the best means of transportation to get to the beautiful city of Pokhara. While there are several other means of transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara, including Flights, Public Buses, and others, renting a car might be more affordable. And it comes to be more comfortable than public buses and time-saving as well.
Renting a car for the beautiful journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara allows travelers to set their own pace and delve into a personalized itinerary. It also allows travelers to have the freedom of making the routine to explore the scenery that comes along the way. It does not include any strict schedules like flights or public buses, and it allows you to explore the off-beaten path attractions and linger at several amazing viewpoints. Most of the time, travelers tend to take an unplanned tour to the nearest destination along the Prithivi Highway while traveling to Pokhara from Kathmandu.
Overall, renting a car for your journey to Pokhara, the city of Lakes, is the best option you have if you do not opt to fly directly from Kathmandu. So what are you waiting for? Here are some tips for renting a car from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
How to rent a car from Kathmandu to Pokhara?
Here is the step-by-step process of renting a car from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Make sure that you are aligned with these tips to make the most out of your journey on a car from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
Research Car Rental Agencies: Several agencies offer renting cars in Kathmandu. You can research such agencies online and book one that meets your expectations and preferences. Always look for an agency that has a better review and customer experience. You can take recommendations from your travel agency or someone locally acknowledged for these car rental agencies’ comfortable services.
Compare Prices and Services: Of course, the cost becomes one of the important factors in choosing which car rental agency to book. For this, travelers can check the rental rates and compare the prices between one rental agency to another. But before even comparing the prices, travelers are urged to review the available car models and the comfort they come with. You must know what sort of comfortness you want in a car during your travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Services like friendly and hospitable drivers, insurance coverage, and GPS might be the choice of travelers. So make sure you are well-aligned with these services while booking the car from car rental agencies.
Make a Reservation: Once you lock your decision to rent a car from car rental agencies after an insightful background check and research, it’s time to make a reservation. We recommend travelers make a reservation in advance. This can be done either by visiting the car rental office physically, or you can apply for a reservation via online booking portals. On top of that, travelers are urged to check the rental agencies’ websites and try calling their customer service center for more information.
Confirm the Details: Once you make a reservation for the car, you need to lock your details with the rental agencies. The rental agencies will ask for the details like booking details, including the rental period and pick-up/drop-off locations. Generally, the pick-up location is at your hotel in Kathmandu, and the drop-off location is at your hotel in Pokhara. You need to follow up with these details and make sure they offer the services of pick-up/drop-off at your hotel. Once you complete all these steps, double-check the booking details to ensure you have not made any mistakes while booking a car rental.
Check Required Documents: This is the important part while renting a car from Kathmandu to Pokhara. All the car rental agencies demand and have the process of offering the service. Travelers must have essential documents that must be submitted for the rental process. This includes a valid driver’s license, passport, and a security deposit in advance.
Pick up the Car: When the day of pick-up comes, visit the car rental office in Kathmandu to pick up the rental vehicle. If you have booked the service online, you must go through some paperwork and submit the required documents and fees.
Inspect the Car: One of the great ways to make your journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara blissful is to have a well-functioning and comfortable car. You have already booked the car and visited the rental office to pick up the vehicle. But you must not forget whether the vehicle is functioning well or not. Inspect the car thoroughly for damages, scratches, or technical issues. If the vehicle has such problems, seek the attention of the rental company. It will allow you to avoid misunderstandings and disputes late.
Drive to Pokhara: After you successfully get a well-functioning car from Kathmandu to Pokhara, you are set to start your journey. You will travel through the countryside part of Kathmandu and reach Dhading district, where the picturesque Trishuli River and lush green forest await you. Travelers will traverse Prithvi Highway for 4 to 6 hours traversing across Dhading and Tanahun districts before reaching their destination, Pokhara.
Drive Safely: Safety is the main priority during any trip. So while you embark on a car ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara, you must be careful with the vehicle. Drive safely on the road, and do not consume any alcoholic or hallucinating products before the trip. Having knowledge of the traffic on Nepalese roads will make your trip even better.
Return the Car: Upon reaching Pokhara, hand over the vehicle to the rental office as agreed upon drop-off time. The agency will go through an inspection to verify whether the car is in good condition. Generally, they will look for any new damages or issues with the vehicle.
Settle Payments: After you return the rental car to the office, make your final payment and settle the additional cost. But remember to receive the security deposit you had deposited before booking the car rental service.
Why rent a car for a journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara?
There are several reasons to rent a car for your journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Here are some of them:
Flexibility and Convenience: As discussed earlier, renting a car allows you to plan your schedule. Since the pick-up and drop-off location and time depend on you, you can start your journey whenever you want.
Comfort: If you compare traveling via car and public bus, the comfortness of a car is far better than the public buses. Whether it’s the seat quality or other amenities like air conditioning and personal space, renting a car always comes higher than buses.
Scenic Drive: If you travel by bus, there is a high chance you could miss the picturesque beauties of the stunning landscapes. It’s not always that you can get the window seat. So if renting a car is a better option as you can make your stops to cherish the stunning views of terraced fields, green hills, and snow-capped peaks.
Time-Saving: The time is all yours when you drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. And applying the honest review here, traveling via car is more time-saving than the bus. If you travel by bus, the average drive duration is around 6 to 7 hours, but traveling via car cuts the time and brings it to around 4 to 6 hours.
Privacy: Travelers will have privacy when traveling via car. Whether you are traveling with your family, partner, or friends, renting a car always ensures privacy for you.
Alternative Vehicle Renting Services from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Bus Rental Services:
There is also a service of bus rental from Kathmandu to Pokhara. This is much budget-transport option and is an ideal choice for group travel. These are cost-effective as well and comfortable but can be time-consuming. The rental office also provides professional drivers for the bus, so travelers do not have to worry about driving.
Reasons to rent a bus:
- Ideal for Group Travel
- Cost-Effective
- Comes With Comfort and Amenities
- Professional Drivers Services
- Customized Itineraries
- Storage Space
- Best for Corporate Transportation
- Best for Wedding Transportation
- Ideal for School and Sports Trips
Hiace Van Rental
Hiace Van Rental services are also available from Kathmandu. Hiace Vans offer more space than a car, so if you are traveling with your medium-sized groups, then it is an ideal choice of transportation service. They are also cost-effective compared to rental cars or flights. They come with comfortable seatings and other amenities like air conditioning and spacious seating.
Why choose Hiace Van Rental?
- Comfort Seating and Amenities
- Reliable Source of Transportation
- Safety features, such as airbags and stability control.
- Ease of Driving
- Ideal for Family and Group Travel
- Ideal for Corporate Events
- Customizable itinerary including time for tourism and sightseeing
Jeep Rental Services
Jeeps are one of the most versatile vehicles that anyone wants to opt for traveling. Whether it’s a black-topped or off-road trip, jeeps are the ideal choice of transportation means. Not only it has off-road advantages, but also it is reliable and comfortable and comes with several features to ensure your safety and privacy.
Several jeep rental agencies offer versatile and customizable jeep renting services in Kathmandu. Here are some reasons to choose a jeep rental for your next journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
- Off-Road Capability
- Customizable Itinerary [Depends on Rental Office]
- Ideal For Group Travel
- Freedom and Flexibility
- Ideal for Photography and Wildlife Viewing
- Spacious Space and Ensures Safety & Privacy
Cost of Vehicle Rental from Kathmandu to Pokhara
The cost of vehicle rental from Kathmandu to Pokhara differs from one rental agency to another. Other aspects, such as the time of year, weather conditions, group size, and the services they come with, also have a heavy influence on its budget.
The average cost of renting a car from Kathmandu to Pokhara is over NRs. 14,000. Similarly, if you opt to rent a Hiace or a Jeep, the cost comes to around NRs. 20,000 and NRs. 18,000, respectively. The price tag of renting a bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara is around NRs. 35,000.
| From | To | Vehicle | Cost | Duration |
| Kathmandu | Pokhara | Car | Rs 14000 | 6-7 Hours |
| Kathmandu | Pokhara | Jeep | Rs 18000 | 6 Hours |
| Kathmandu | Pokhara | Hiace | Rs 24000 | 6-7 Hours |
| Kathmandu | Pokhara | Bus | 454500 | 7-8 Hours |
Things To Consider
Now you already have meant to rent a car or any other vehicle for your trip to Pokhara. But there are a few things to consider before embarking on this journey. Here are some of them:
Road Conditions: Kathmandu to Pokhara has a distance of around 200 kilometers, and not all road sections are well-maintained. Some areas around Dhading and Tanahun District feature rugged roads with twists and turns. If you are unfamiliar with Nepalese terrains, you might face some issues in driving. But a slow drive will make the trip more fruitful and safe.
Driver’s License and Permit: Travelers must have a driver’s license and permit to drive a rental car from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Ensure you have packed a valid International Driver’s License and follow the local traffic rules and regulations. The best option is to hire a local driver with extensive route knowledge.
Fuel and Safety: This is one of the most important things to consider during the journey. Travelers must plan for fuel stops or carry extra fuel by themselves for a thorough journey.
Weather Conditions: Travelers must be acknowledged of the weather conditions in Nepal. They are recommended to review the weather forecast before starting their journey. Especially during the monsoon season, heavy rainfall brings landslides around the route, blocking the whole transportation system. So travelers should be mindful of the weather conditions.
Vehicle Conditions: Vehicle conditions must be good to ensure your safety during your journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara. You must check for technical issues that might hamper and can lead to accidents during the trip. Moreover, other aspects you must be very mindful of are the state of seatings and the comforting amenities they come with. If the vehicle has any issues in it, make sure you contact your Car Rental Agency before starting the journey.
You may also like: