There are three types of buses that run from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu, just 200kms but it can be a big difference:

1) Local buses that run from the government bus stand. These are your standard old, decrepit dangerous over crowded third world buses. Very slow and crowded, actually worse than Indian buses. These buses will stop anywhere for anyone. Some might be a little more express than others. Journey will take 6 hrs+

2) Micro or mini buses, run from private stands, these run from early in the morning (5:30am to about 3:00pm) Should take 4-5 hours, fast but have good brakes and most are new. Used by more wealthy Nepalese and smart backpackers.  To get to the mini-bus stand in Kathmandu you have to go to Kalanki bus park about 150rs from Thame (check the map of Kathmandu on this site.) Most taxi driver will know the mini-bus stand, just say you want the mini-bus for Pokhara.  You can't buy these tickets from tourist travel agents! You have to buy tickets at the Colingee bus park. It cost 350rs and they fill the bus up with 10 people, but once it's filled they go all the way to Pokhara or Kathmandu with only a few stops.  Don't sit in the front, it's scary, but not as scary as the little bag boy who's sometimes is forced to ride on the roof! A Toyota minibus used in Nepal.

3) Tourist bus, gorras only, run from own private stands. Slow expensive. These are the same as the local buses just they send some to pickup the tourist. The Greenline and some are nice quality but cost much more, be careful you do get the right buses if you pay 20 usd for a ticket. These buses take from 7-10 hours because of length stops to various cheap road side restaurants. All these tourist (toutist) buses leave before 7:00 am, so if you miss it you will be stuck another day in Kathmandu. No wonder we call this service a scam!

Safety? I think the buses not used by the wealthy Nepalese are the most unsafe.

Taxi: about 5000Rs and not much faster than the mini bus.

Flight: around $100.  Maybe delayed by wealther conditions.

One trust Bus company is www.greenline.com.np $18 includes lunch and takes 7-8 hours, then again a fight is only $55 at of peak times.

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