How to Travel to Gorkha, Nepal (By Bus, Minivan)

Are you looking for information on how to travel to Gorkha?

You’ve come to the right place! Gorkha is not as touristy as other destinations in Nepal so it can be hard to find information. I live in Nepal and visited Gorkha, so here is everything you need to know on how to get there.

Despite Gorkha not being very touristy, it is very easy to get there. There are many minivans and buses that connect Gorkha with other cities in Nepal.

Gorkha is 142 km from Kathmandu and takes around 5-6 hours to get there by bus or minivan. While, Gorkha is 107 km from Pokhara and takes 4-5 hours to get there by bus.

There are direct minivans from Kathmandu and Pokhara to Gorkha. Alternatively, you can also take a tourist bus from Kathmandu or Pokhara to Aanbu Khaireni and then change to a local bus from Aanbu Khaireni to Gorkha.

How to Travel to Gorkha

There are many minivans and buses that connect Gorkha with other cities in Nepal.

Gorkha is 142 km from Kathmandu and takes around 5-6 hours to get there by bus or minivan. While, Gorkha is 107 km from Pokhara and takes 4-5 hours to get there by bus.

The minivans go directly from Kathmandu and Pokhara to Gorkha, while if you take the bus you will have to change in Aanbhu Khaireni. There are many tourist buses that go from Kathmandu/Pokhara to Aanbu Khaireni and then you can change to a local bus from Aanbu Khaireni to Gorkha.

How to Travel from Kathmandu to Gorkha

Kathmandu to Gorkha Distance

Gorkha is 142 km from Kathmandu and takes around 5-6 hours to get there by minivan or bus.

Kathmandu to Gorkha Minivan (Hiace)

Minivan (Hiace) Station by Lotse Mall (Gongabu Bus Park), Kathmandu

The minivans go directly from Kathmandu to Gorkha and there is a frequent daily schedule of the minivans. Usually, they start around 6 am and then there is one minivan every hour.

The minivan (Hiace) station is next to the Lotse Mall by the Gongabu Bus Park. It is recommend to buy the ticket the day before but you can even just buy the ticket on the spot in the morning.

The price of the minivan (Hiace) ticket from Kathmandu to Gorkha is Rs. 585.

Kathmandu to Gorkha Bus

There aren’t any (tourist) buses going directly from Kathmandu to Gorkha. If you prefer to travel by bus, you can take a tourist bus from Kathmandu to Aanbhu Khaireni and then change to a local bus from Aanbhu Khaireni to Gorkha.

The tourist bus from Kathmandu to Aanbhu Khaireni takes around 4-5 hours and then the local bus from Aanbhu Khaireni to Gorkha takes 1 hour.

The price of the tourist bus ticket from Kathmandu to Aanbu Khaireni costs Rs. 1,200-1,600. Then, the local bus from Aanbu Khaireni to Gorkha costs around Rs. 50.

How to Travel from Pokhara to Gorkha

Pokhara to Gorkha Distance

Gorkha is 107 km from Pokhara and it takes 4-5 hours to get there by bus.

Pokhara to Gorkha Bus

There aren’t any tourist buses going directly to Gorkha but there are other options on getting there.

The easiest way to get from Pokhara to Gorkha is by taking a tourist bus to Aanbhu Khaireni (basically, any bus that goes from Pokhara to Kathmandu will pass by there) and then get off at Aanbhu Khaireni. It takes about 4 hours from Pokhara to Aanbu Khaireni.

Once you are in Aanbhu Khaireni, you will be able to catch a local bus going to Gorkha. It takes about 1 hour from Aanbu Khaireni to reach Gorkha.

The price of the tourist bus ticket from Pokhara to Aanbu Khaireni costs Rs. 1,200-1,600. Then, the local bus from Aanbu Khaireni to Gorkha costs around Rs. 50.

How to Travel from Chitwan to Gorkha

Chitwan to Gorkha Distance

Gorkha is 85 km from Sauraha, Chitwan and takes around 4 hours to get there by bus.

Chitwan to Gorkha Bus

To get from Chitwan to Gorkha, first you will have to take a tourist bus to Aanbhu Khaireni.

If you are staying in Sauraha (Chitwan), you can take any tourist bus that goes from Sauraha to Pokhara. Then get off at Aanbhu Khaireni and take a local bus to Gorkha.

Minivan Vs Bus: Which One is Better for You?

Taking a minivan (Hiace) is the fastest way to travel to Gorkha. — Minivan (Hiace), Nepal

The minivans have about 18-20 seats and most of the Nepali people just book the ticket on the spot/the time of the journey. The seats are basic and not as comfortable as on the tourist bus but the journey to Gorkha is not so long so it makes it okay.

As it is a local transportation, the minivans often take on more people than the number of seats. So it can happen that there will be people standing or 2 people sharing one seat.

The buses are more comfortable than the minivans, especially if you book a tourist bus ticket to Aanbhu Khaireni, that’s the most comfortable way to go.

On the other hand, Gorkha is considered easy to reach in comparison to some other locations in Nepal, so it won’t be such a long journey, even if you take the minivan.

How to Buy the Bus/Minivan Ticket to Gorkha

If it’s your first time in Nepal, the easiest way to get a bus ticket is if you buy it at a travel agency or ask your hotel to arrange it for you.

Travel Agency: There are many travel agencies in big cities in Nepal (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Sauraha/Chitwan) selling tourist bus tickets. It is quick and easy to buy bus tickets through an agency. The bus ticket bought from travel agencies is a little bit more expensive as they also add commission to the price but it is generally the most convenient option.

At Your Hotel: Most of the hotels can also arrange a bus ticket for you. Just ask at the reception and they will be able to get the bus ticket for you.

At The Bus Park: The easiest to get to Gorkha is by minivans from Kathmandu or Pokhara and you can get the tickets at the Gongabu Bus Park in Kathmandu or the Tourist Bus Park in Pokhara.

Hotels in Gorkha

There are not many hotels available for online booking in Gorkha. Gorkha is not a massive tourist town and you can even book a place in person even after arriving in Gorkha.

Budget Hotels

Cafe de Gorkha Chautari: There is no online booking available but you can call ahead to book. The price is starting from Rs. 1,000/night.

Universal Hotel and Lodge: check prices and book here!

Things to Do in Gorkha

Gorkha Durbar in Nepal. — Sunrise at Gorkha Durbar

Gorkha Museum in Gorkha, Nepal. — Gorkha Museum

Gorkha is not the usual tourist town in Nepal but has some nice sunrise and sunset views. Here are some of the best things to do in Gorkha:

Sunrise by the Gorkha Durbar
Gorkha Museum
Hike to he View Tower

Nepal Transport Guide

Looking for information on how to get to other destinations in Nepal? Check out my transport guides:

FAQs: How to Travel to Gorkha

How do I get from Kathmandu to Gorkha?

You have 2 options to get from Kathmandu to Gorkha.

You can either take a direct minivan (Hiace) from Kathmandu to Gorkha. Alternatively, you can take a tourist bus from Kathmandu to Aanbu Khaireni, then change to a local bus to Gorkha.

How far is Gorkha from Kathmandu?

Gorkha is about 142 km from Kathmandu and takes around 5-6 hours to get there by bus or minivan.

How much is the bus ticket from Kathmandu to Gorkha?

The price of the minivan (Hiace) ticket from Kathmandu to Gorkha is Rs. 585.

While, the price of the tourist bus ticket from Kathmandu/Pokhara to Aanbu Khaireni costs Rs 1,200-1,600. Then, the local bus from Aanbu Khaireni to Gorkha costs around Rs. 50.

Where is the Kathmandu to Gorkha Micro Counter?

The Micro Counter is by the Lotse Mall (Gongabu Bus Park) in Kathmandu.

If you are standing on the main road in front of Lotse Mall, the micro bus station is to the right hand side. Once you walk down to the right, you will see all the minivans and ticket counter booths.

What is the travel time from Gorkha to Kathmandu?

It takes about 5-6 hours from Gorkha to Kathmandu by the minivans.

How far is Gorkha from Pokhara by bus?

Gorkha is 107 km from Pokhara and takes 4-5 hours to get there by bus.

You have options to take a direct minivan from Pokhara to Gorkha. Alternatively, you can also catch a tourist bus to Aanbu Khaireni (all tourist buses going to Kathmandu will pass by here) and then change to a local bus to Gorkha.

While the tourist bus is more comfortable, the minivans go drectly to Gorkha.

Conclusion

In conclusion, travelling to Gorkha is fairly easy and quick. There are many minivans and buses that connect Gorkha with other cities in Nepal.

Gorkha is 142 km from Kathmandu and takes around 5-6 hours to get there by bus or minivan. While, Gorkha is 107 km from Pokhara and takes 4-5 hours to get there by bus.

How to Travel to Gorkha, Nepal (By Bus, Minivan)

How to Travel to Gorkha