Hi.
How reliable is it to fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara? I only have 13 days in Nepal. Would like to spend 7-8 days trekking from Pokhara and the rest in Kathmandu.

I'm trying to decide whether it would be worthwhile to fly to Pokhara or take the bus? Also is it safe to take the bus with a suitcase?

Flying is just fine. You have to imagine something when you fly - when QEII was fairly young, she flew in to Pok and they did not have an airport or airstrip. They had to make one & bring in military vehicles to move her around. So we have it easy. I flew out & took the bus back and I recc that too as it was v. beautiful & should not be missed. There can be roadblocks due to rocks, constrctn, accidents & the trip can take a couple of hrs longer than planned. But bus is a nice way to go.

It is very common for flights to be delayed due to poor visibility. There is often morning fog in the valley (more so at some times of the year). During December, for instance, flights can rarely take off before 11 am or noon. So expect delays.

In terms of bus travel... the common form of protest against the government is the "general strike" in which no buses, trucks or taxis are allowed to move. While I thought those strikes would go away after the elections, they still get called from time to time. There was a strike called, then called off, while I was in Kathmandu in late October.

So be flexible, allow plenty of time for the unexpected and you'll be fine.

Should I then wait to buy flight or bus tickets depending on the situation at the time? How early would I need to get flight tickets?

Secondly, how is it for storing suitcases on the buses? Is there a compartment below for luggage, or is it put on a rack on top of the bus? Or would I have to carry it on the bus with me? I read somewhere that luggage is not safe when you stop for a lunch break due to thefts. Is this accurate?

Thanks!

gtrekker, I'd just wait and buy plane or bus tickets a couple of days in advance. Any of the agencies in Thamel can do this for you. I don't know about luggage safety on busses, but the other travelers you talk with can probably tell you.