Route · Pokhara & the Annapurnas
Kathmandu to Gorkha
Kathmandu to Gorkha is about 140 km: the Prithvi Highway to Abu Khaireni, then 24 km up a paved road to Gorkha bazaar, about 5 hours by private car. Local buses run from Kathmandu's Gongabu bus park. The Manakamana cable car fits neatly on the way.
A private car follows the Prithvi Highway west from Kathmandu along the Trishuli River through Malekhu, Kurintar and Mugling, then turns off at Abu Khaireni for the 24 km climb to Gorkha. It allows a stop at the Manakamana cable car and arrival in time to climb to the palace for sunset. Expect delays leaving Kathmandu and around Mugling.
Direct buses to Gorkha leave from Kathmandu's Gongabu (New Bus Park) through the morning. They are inexpensive, crowded and slow, with frequent stops, but deliver you to Gorkha bazaar without changes. Keep luggage small and valuables with you. Book a seat a day ahead around Dashain, when demand peaks.
Take a Pokhara-bound tourist bus from Kathmandu and get off at Abu Khaireni, about 4 hours, then catch a local bus or jeep up to Gorkha, about 45 minutes. It combines tourist-bus comfort for most of the journey with a short local ride. Tell the conductor your stop when boarding.
Worth a stop on the way
- Naubise and the Trishuli valley
- Malekhu (river fish lunches)
- Kurintar and the Manakamana cable car
- Mugling
- Abu Khaireni junction
Local tip
Ride the Manakamana cable car on a weekday morning on the way, then reach Gorkha for an afternoon at the palace.
Questions
How far is Gorkha from Kathmandu?
Gorkha bazaar is about 140 km west of Kathmandu: about 115 km on the Prithvi Highway to Abu Khaireni, then 24 km up a paved road. By private car it takes about 5 hours, by local bus 5–6 hours. Traffic leaving Kathmandu and road works around Mugling can add time.
Can I visit Manakamana on the way to Gorkha?
Yes. The Manakamana cable car station is at Kurintar on the Prithvi Highway, on the way from Kathmandu to Abu Khaireni. The cable car ride takes about 10 minutes each way, and a temple visit adds 1–2 hours, more on Saturdays and festival days. It makes a good mid-journey break before continuing to Gorkha.
Is there a direct bus from Kathmandu to Gorkha?
Yes. Local buses run directly from Kathmandu's Gongabu (New Bus Park) to Gorkha bazaar, mostly in the morning, taking 5–6 hours. They are cheap but crowded. Alternatively take a Pokhara tourist bus to Abu Khaireni and a local bus or jeep up to Gorkha, about 45 minutes.
Can I go from Gorkha to Pokhara or Bandipur?
Yes. From Gorkha, drive back down to Abu Khaireni and continue west on the Prithvi Highway: Bandipur is about 2 hours away via Dumre, and Pokhara about 3.5–4 hours. Many travellers do Kathmandu, Gorkha, Bandipur and Pokhara over three or four days instead of the direct drive.