KTM Car Service
Annapurna Trekking Transport Guide
Nearly every Annapurna region trek — the Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill, and others — starts with getting from Kathmandu to Pokhara or a nearby trailhead. Here's how that leg of the journey actually works.
Step One: Kathmandu to Pokhara
Pokhara is the staging point for almost all Annapurna treks. It's roughly 200 km from Kathmandu, about a 6–7 hour drive by private car along the Prithvi Highway. See our full Kathmandu to Pokhara distance and travel time guide for a breakdown of car, bus, and flight options.
Step Two: Pokhara to the Trailhead
- Nayapul: The most common starting point for Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill treks, about 1–1.5 hours from Pokhara by road.
- Kande / Phedi: Alternate starting points slightly closer to Pokhara, used for some Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal routes.
- Besisahar: The classic starting point for the Annapurna Circuit, reached either directly from Kathmandu or via Pokhara.
A private car can take you directly from Kathmandu (or from the airport) all the way to your trailhead in one trip, skipping the wait times and transfers involved in public transport.
What to Bring for the Road
Trekking permits for the Annapurna region — typically an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permit and a TIMS card — are usually arranged in Kathmandu or Pokhara before you set off; check current requirements with your trekking agency, as rules and fees are updated periodically. Pack trekking gear in a duffel bag or backpack that's easy to load into a car, and keep permits and passport copies accessible for checkpoints along the way.
Private Car or Shared Jeep?
A private car lets you leave on your own schedule, stop when you want, and arrive rested and ready to start trekking. Shared jeeps and local buses are cheaper but involve waiting for a full vehicle, more stops, and less control over timing — worth weighing against how tight your itinerary is.