The best way to reach Nayapul for the Poon Hill Trek is by shared jeep or private jeep from Pokhara, a 1.5 to 2-hour drive covering approximately 42 km from Baglung Bus Park. From Kathmandu, fly to Pokhara first (25 minutes) or take a tourist bus (6 to 7 hours), then take a jeep to Nayapul. Cost from Pokhara by shared jeep: NPR 500 to 700 per person. Nayapul at 1,070m is the standard starting point for all Poon Hill Trek itineraries.
Getting to Nayapul sounds simple. Then you arrive in Pokhara and someone offers you a taxi for four times the going rate, the local bus departures seem impossible to find, and you realise you are not sure which starting point your itinerary actually means some operators list Nayapul, others list Birethanti, and a few mention Hile. This guide cuts through the confusion with one honest breakdown of every transport option from both Kathmandu and Pokhara to the Poon Hill Trek trailhead, with verified costs and the practical advice that saves you time and money on Day 1.
Table of Contents
Nayapul: Key Facts Before You Travel
| Fact | Value |
| Nayapul location | West of Pokhara, Kaski District, Nepal |
| Altitude | 1,070m / 3,510 ft |
| Distance from Pokhara | Approximately 42 km / 26 miles |
| Drive time from Pokhara | 1.5 to 2 hours in normal road conditions |
| Distance from Kathmandu | Approximately 200 km / 124 miles by road |
| Nayapul to Ghorepani (trek) | Approximately 13 km / 5 to 6 hours walking |
| What is at Nayapul | Permit checkpoint, teahouses, trailhead, jeep stand |
| Alternate name nearby | Birethanti a 10-minute walk from Nayapul road end |
| Permits checked at | Nayapul / Birethanti ACAP checkpoint |
One important clarification before planning: Birethanti is a village approximately ten minutes’ walk from where vehicles stop at Nayapul. Many operators list Birethanti as the trek starting point. In practice, your vehicle drops you at Nayapul and you walk to Birethanti. They are the same starting zone for all practical purposes.
For the full Poon Hill Trek duration and what to expect once you start walking covers the day-by-day breakdown. For a broader overview of Annapurna region routes that begin from the same trailhead.
Step 1: Getting from Kathmandu to Pokhara
For trekkers beginning the journey in Kathmandu, reaching Nayapul is a two-stage trip. The first stage is Kathmandu to Pokhara. The second is Pokhara to Nayapul. This section covers Stage 1.
Domestic Flight Fastest Option
The fastest way from Kathmandu to Pokhara is by domestic flight. Multiple airlines operate this route including Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Shree Airlines, with several departures each morning.
Flight time is 25 to 30 minutes. Cost is USD 85 to 120 one way depending on airline, season, and how far in advance you book. Flights operate in the morning only typically between 6:00am and 11:00am as afternoon weather conditions over the Himalayan foothills frequently ground small aircraft.
Book at least three to five days ahead during peak season (October and April). Both airline websites and your trekking agency can handle bookings. The flight is worth the cost for anyone on a short three to four-day itinerary where every trekking day matters.
The downside is the weather. Delays and cancellations are common, particularly during monsoon and in early winter when cloud cover is unpredictable. Build a buffer day into your Pokhara arrival plan if your trek start date is fixed.
Tourist Bus Most Popular Budget Option
The tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara is the most widely used option for budget-conscious trekkers and those who want to see the Prithvi Highway scenery along the way.
Daytime buses depart from the Kathmandu Tourist Bus Park near Kantipath or Thamel at 7:00 to 8:00am and arrive in Pokhara in six to seven hours. Cost is NPR 1,200 to 2,000 (approximately USD 10 to 15). Overnight buses depart from Balaju Bus Park at 7:00 to 8:00pm and arrive by early morning, useful for trekkers wanting to save a night’s hotel cost.
Tourist buses are significantly more comfortable than local buses, air-conditioned, better seats, fewer stops. Book through any Thamel travel agency or online. One day in advance is usually sufficient; book three to four days ahead for October departures.
Road conditions during monsoon (June to August) can extend journey time due to landslide clearance. This is the main practical risk to plan for outside of peak trekking season.
Private Vehicle from Kathmandu
A private car or jeep hired from Kathmandu covers the same route in six to seven hours and costs NPR 15,000 to 25,000 for the whole vehicle. For groups of three to five people splitting the cost, this becomes competitive with tourist bus prices while offering door-to-door flexibility.
The most useful option for groups: book a private vehicle that drives directly from Kathmandu to Nayapul without stopping in Pokhara. This saves one to two hours of transit time in the city and gets you to the trailhead in a single journey. Confirm this route explicitly with the driver before departure and check road conditions beyond Pokhara.
Step 2: Getting from Pokhara to Nayapul
Once you are in Pokhara, Nayapul is 42 km to the west. This is the leg most trekkers need clearest guidance on; it is where the transport confusion and opportunistic pricing most commonly occur.
Shared Jeep from Baglung Bus Park Recommended for Most Trekkers
The shared jeep from Baglung Bus Park is the recommended option for solo trekkers and pairs. It is affordable, reliable, and runs regularly throughout the morning.
Baglung Bus Park is also called New Bus Park or Pokhara Bus Station and is located on the northern side of the city approximately 15 to 20 minutes by taxi from the Lakeside tourist area. This is not within walking distance of Lakeside, which is why many trekkers miss it.
Shared jeeps depart regularly from early morning. Cost is NPR 500 to 700 per person. Journey time is 1.5 to 2 hours. No advance booking is needed, arrive at the bus park, find the Nayapul-bound jeeps, and join the next departure when seats are filled. The last shared jeeps typically depart by 2:00 to 3:00pm.
The best departure time from Pokhara is 6:00 to 7:30am. This gets you to Nayapul between 7:30 and 9:30am and leaves a full day for trekking.
Private Jeep Best for Groups and Early Departures
A private jeep hired from Pokhara gives you door-to-door service from your hotel and complete departure time flexibility. Cost is NPR 3,000 to 5,000 for the whole vehicle, carrying up to six passengers. For a group of four to six people, the per-person cost works out similar to the shared jeep while offering significantly more convenience.
Book the evening before through your hotel or trekking agency and agree on a 6:00 to 6:30am departure. This is the best option for early starts, for trekkers with heavy packs, and for families with children.
Local Bus Cheapest Option
Local buses to Nayapul also depart from Baglung Bus Park and cost NPR 150 to 250 per person. They stop more frequently along the route, making the journey 2.5 to 3 hours rather than 1.5 to 2. They are crowded and managing large trekking packs is awkward.
For extreme budget trekkers with no time pressure and light luggage, the local bus is a viable option. For most international trekkers arriving with full trekking gear, the shared jeep is worth the additional NPR 300 to 500.
Taxi from Lakeside Pokhara
Taxis from the Lakeside tourist area can take you directly to Nayapul for NPR 4,000 to 6,000 for the whole vehicle. This is the most convenient option for trekkers staying in Lakeside who want to avoid the 15 to 20-minute taxi ride to Baglung Bus Park before catching a shared jeep.
Always agree on the price before the taxi moves. The NPR 4,000 to 6,000 range is the fair market rate knowing this figure gives you the negotiating position you need when a driver quotes NPR 8,000 as an opening number.
Full Cost Comparison All Transport Options
| Journey Leg | Transport Mode | Cost Per Person | Time | Best For |
| Kathmandu to Pokhara | Domestic flight | USD 85–120 | 25–30 minutes | Time-limited trekkers |
| Kathmandu to Pokhara | Tourist bus (daytime) | NPR 1,200–2,000 | 6–7 hours | Budget and scenery |
| Kathmandu to Pokhara | Tourist bus (overnight) | NPR 1,500–2,500 | 7–8 hours | Budget, saves hotel cost |
| Kathmandu to Pokhara | Private vehicle | NPR 3,000–5,000 | 6–7 hours | Groups splitting cost |
| Pokhara to Nayapul | Shared jeep | NPR 500–700 | 1.5–2 hours | Solo trekkers and pairs |
| Pokhara to Nayapul | Private jeep | NPR 3,000–5,000 (whole vehicle) | 1.5–2 hours | Groups and families |
| Pokhara to Nayapul | Local bus | NPR 150–250 | 2.5–3 hours | Extreme budget |
| Pokhara to Nayapul | Taxi from Lakeside | NPR 4,000–6,000 (whole vehicle) | 1.5–2 hours | Lakeside convenience |
| Kathmandu to Nayapul | Private vehicle direct | NPR 20,000–30,000 (whole vehicle) | 7–8 hours | Groups, maximum comfort |
All prices approximate as of May 2026. NPR 132 is approximately USD 1. Prices typically increase 10 to 20 percent during the October peak season.
Which Transport Option Is Right for You?
| Trekker Type | Recommended Route | Estimated Total Cost (Kathmandu to Nayapul) |
| Budget solo trekker | Tourist bus plus shared jeep | USD 12–17 |
| Time-pressed solo trekker | Flight plus private jeep | USD 105–145 |
| Group of four to five | Flight plus shared private jeep | USD 95–110 per person |
| Family or large group | Private vehicle direct from Kathmandu | USD 40–60 per person for six passengers |
| Budget backpacker | Overnight tourist bus plus local bus | USD 10–12 |
| First-time Nepal trekker | Tourist bus plus shared jeep | USD 12–17 |
For first-time Himalayan trekkers unsure about the full logistics of arriving and starting the trail, Annapurna Circuit Trek Beginner Guide covers the broader planning context. For safety questions about the region before you travel, is the Annapurna region safe for tourists given current conditions.
Nayapul vs Alternative Trailheads Which Start Point Is Right?
Nayapul is the standard starting point, but it is not the only option. Understanding the alternatives helps you match your starting point to your itinerary length and priorities.
Nayapul (1,070m) – The Standard Start
Nayapul is the correct starting point for all classic four to five-day Ghorepani Poon Hill itineraries. The first trekking day from Nayapul leads through the Modi Khola river valley, through Birethanti village at the ACAP checkpoint, and up to Tikhedunga (1,540m) or Ulleri (2,080m) depending on your pace.
This route gives you the full cultural and landscape experience of riverside walking, suspension bridges, traditional villages, and the famous stone staircase section leading up through terraced farmland. It is the version of the Poon Hill approach that most trekkers remember as the most rewarding.
Hile: The Time-Saving Alternative
Hile is approximately six kilometres further than Nayapul along the same road, reached in about two hours from Pokhara. Starting at Hile bypasses the flat lower riverside section from Nayapul to Tikhedunga and puts you into the climbing section of the trail immediately.
A shared or private jeep from Pokhara to Hile costs NPR 600 to 800 per person. This start point suits trekkers on short three-day itineraries who want to maximise time at altitude without spending half a day on the approach. The drawback is that the lower section of trail through Birethanti and along the Modi Khola is one of the more scenic and culturally interesting parts of the route; skipping it is a trade-off rather than an upgrade.
Ulleri – Reached by 4WD Jeep in Dry Season
In dry season, a 4WD jeep can navigate a rough track up to Ulleri at 2,080m bypassing the stone staircase section entirely. The drive from Pokhara takes 2.5 to 3 hours on rough road and costs NPR 5,000 to 8,000 for a private jeep by negotiation.
This option suits trekkers doing very short two to three-day itineraries or those with knee conditions that make the stone staircase section difficult. The honest note: driving to Ulleri bypasses the teahouses and local families who depend on foot traffic through the lower trail section. Most experienced guides recommend starting at Nayapul for any trekker who has the time, for both the cultural experience and the economic contribution to trail communities.
For a structured three-day itinerary that makes the most of a short timeframe, HimalayaHub’s Short Poon Hill Trek 3 Days covers the route with transport from Pokhara included.
Day Planning: What Time to Leave Pokhara
The timing of your departure from Pokhara determines how much trekking you can complete on Day 1. This table shows the practical relationship between departure time and Day 1 destination.
| Departure from Pokhara | Arrival at Nayapul | Trek Start | Realistic Day 1 Destination |
| 6:00 am | 7:30 –8:00 am | 8:00am | Tikhedunga (1,540m) comfortable |
| 7:00 am | 8:30 –9:00 am | 9:00am | Tikhedunga or Ulleri manageable |
| 8:00 am | 9:30 –10:00 am | 10:00am | Tikhedunga shorter first day |
| 10:00 am | 11:30 am –12:00 pm | 12:00pm | Tikhedunga, tight |
| 12:00 pm or later | 1:30 pm or later | 1:30pm | Not recommended for Day 1 |
The optimal departure window from Pokhara is 6:00 to 7:30am. If you are taking a private jeep, book it the evening before and agree on a 6:00 to 6:30am hotel pickup. If you are taking a shared jeep from Baglung Bus Park, plan to arrive at the bus park by 6:30am for the earliest departures. Jeeps fill faster early in the morning.
Permits: What You Need Before Reaching Nayapul
The Nayapul and Birethanti checkpoint is where all permits are checked on the way into the trail. You cannot obtain permits at this checkpoint; they must be arranged before you arrive.
Two permits are required for the Poon Hill Trek:
The ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) costs NPR 3,000 for foreign trekkers. The TIMS card (Trekkers Information Management System) costs NPR 2,000. Both are obtained at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Pokhara’s Lakeside area, open daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm during peak season. Bring your passport and two passport-sized photographs.
The most practical advice: get your permits the afternoon before your trek starts, not the morning of departure. Combining a 6:00am jeep departure with a permit office visit before 8:00am is not possible. Do it the day before.
For the full permit process and current costs, the Annapurna Trekking Permits Guide covers everything.
Practical Tips for the Journey to Nayapul
Negotiate before you board any taxi. Lakeside taxi drivers know that international trekkers often do not know the going rate. Knowing that NPR 4,000 to 6,000 is the fair range for a Lakeside to Nayapul taxi gives you immediate negotiating confidence when a driver opens at NPR 9,000.
Baglung Bus Park is not in Lakeside. It is a 15 to 20-minute taxi ride from the tourist area. Factor this into your morning timeline if you plan to catch a 6:00 to 7:00am shared jeep.
Carry small denomination notes. Shared jeep drivers and local bus conductors often cannot make change for NPR 1,000 notes. Carry NPR 100 to 500 notes for the Nayapul leg.
Leave non-essential luggage at your Pokhara hotel. Trekkers carrying a 35 to 45 litre pack rather than a 70-litre expedition bag will have a significantly more comfortable first day. Most Lakeside hotels store luggage for guests at no charge.
Avoid transport packages offered by touts in Lakeside. Some operators offer combined Nayapul transport and teahouse packages that include an inflated jeep cost bundled with accommodation at specific lodges. Going directly to Baglung Bus Park gives you the honest market rate and freedom to choose your own teahouses.
For gear decisions before departure, buying or renting trekking gear in Nepal covers what to bring from home versus what makes more sense to source in Kathmandu or Pokhara. For accommodation planning on the trail itself, the Annapurna accommodation guide covers teahouse options throughout the Poon Hill route.
The Return Journey: Getting Back to Pokhara from Nayapul
Most standard Poon Hill Trek itineraries end back at Nayapul on the final day, though some five-day routes exit via Ghandruk instead.
Return transport from Nayapul to Pokhara:
A shared jeep back to Pokhara costs NPR 500 to 700 per person and runs throughout the morning and early afternoon. The last shared jeep from Nayapul typically departs by 3:00 to 4:00pm plan your descent timing accordingly. If you reach Nayapul after mid-afternoon, arrange a private jeep through your guide the night before.
Private jeep back to Pokhara costs NPR 3,000 to 5,000 for the whole vehicle and can be pre-arranged through your guide or agency for a fixed departure time.
Local bus back to Pokhara costs NPR 150 to 250 and runs regularly but takes 2.5 to 3 hours with stops.
Ghandruk exit variant: Some five-day itineraries exit via Ghandruk rather than returning to Nayapul. Shared jeeps run from Ghandruk to Pokhara for NPR 600 to 800 per person. The road from Ghandruk is rougher than the Nayapul road; a 4WD jeep is standard for this section.
For a complete four-day guided itinerary that includes transport from Pokhara in both directions, HimalayaHub’s Poon Hill Trek 4 Days is the most popular structured package for this route. The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek package covers the extended version including the full Ghorepani section.
Getting to Nayapul Final Advice
The logistics of reaching Nayapul are genuinely straightforward once you know the correct names, locations, and price ranges. Baglung Bus Park rather than a Lakeside tout. NPR 500 to 700 for a shared jeep rather than NPR 8,000 for whatever a stranger at the hotel suggests. Permits from the Lakeside TIMS office the afternoon before, not the morning of departure.
The two-stage journey Kathmandu to Pokhara, then Pokhara to Nayapul suits the large majority of trekkers well. Fly if your time is short and your budget allows it. Take the tourist bus if your budget is tight and you have an extra day. Either way, you arrive in Pokhara and catch a shared jeep from Baglung Bus Park the following morning.
Leave Pokhara by 7:30am at the latest. Carry small denomination notes. Get your permits the day before. Drop non-essential luggage at your Pokhara hotel and carry only what you need for the trail.
After that, everything that follows makes the logistics of getting there completely irrelevant.
For further planning, Annapurna region major attractions give the complete picture of what the Poon Hill route fits into across the broader region. Annapurna famous guide provides useful context on what makes this part of Nepal worth the journey. For guide cost planning, Annapurna guide cost covers current rates for licensed guides on the Poon Hill route.
Frequently Asked Questions: Getting to Nayapul for Poon Hill
What is the best way to reach Nayapul for the Poon Hill Trek?
From Pokhara, the best option is a shared jeep from Baglung Bus Park NPR 500 to 700 per person, 1.5 to 2 hours. From Kathmandu, fly to Pokhara (25 minutes, USD 85 to 120) then take the shared jeep. Budget trekkers can use the tourist bus from Kathmandu (NPR 1,200 to 2,000) plus shared jeep for a total of around USD 12 to 17.
How far is Nayapul from Pokhara?
Nayapul is approximately 42 kilometres west of Pokhara by road. The drive takes 1.5 to 2 hours by shared or private jeep from Baglung Bus Park in normal traffic conditions.
How do I get from Kathmandu to Nayapul?
Travel in two stages. First, go from Kathmandu to Pokhara by domestic flight (25 minutes, USD 85 to 120) or tourist bus (6 to 7 hours, NPR 1,200 to 2,000). Then take a shared jeep from Baglung Bus Park to Nayapul (1.5 to 2 hours, NPR 500 to 700). Groups can hire a private vehicle to drive directly from Kathmandu to Nayapul in 7 to 8 hours.
Where do shared jeeps to Nayapul depart from in Pokhara?
Shared jeeps depart from Baglung Bus Park on the northern side of Pokhara approximately 15 to 20 minutes by taxi from Lakeside. Jeeps depart regularly from around 6:00am. No advance booking is needed arrive and join the next departure when seats fill.
How much does it cost to get to Nayapul from Pokhara?
Shared jeep: NPR 500 to 700 per person. Private jeep: NPR 3,000 to 5,000 for the whole vehicle. Local bus: NPR 150 to 250 per person but takes 2.5 to 3 hours. Taxi from Lakeside: NPR 4,000 to 6,000 for the whole vehicle. The shared jeep from Baglung Bus Park is the best value for most trekkers.
Can I start the Poon Hill Trek from somewhere other than Nayapul?
Yes. Hile is further along the same road and bypasses the flat lower riverside section suitable for short three-day itineraries. Ulleri can be reached by 4WD jeep in dry season, skipping the stone staircase section. Nayapul remains the best starting point for the full cultural and trekking experience on any itinerary of four days or more.
Do I need permits before arriving at Nayapul?
Yes. Permits must be obtained before the checkpoint not at Nayapul itself. You need the ACAP permit (NPR 3,000) and TIMS card (NPR 2,000), both available at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Pokhara’s Lakeside area. Get them the afternoon before your trek starts, not the morning of departure.
How long does the drive from Pokhara to Nayapul take?
The drive takes 1.5 to 2 hours in normal conditions. Departing Pokhara by 6:00 to 7:30am gets you to Nayapul by 8:00 to 9:30am with a full first day of trekking ahead.