Nepal from Pakistan: Stuck 3 Days in Sharjah, a 14-Hour Bus to Pokhara and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Nearly offloaded at Faisalabad airport, three days stuck in Sharjah while Nepal was in turmoil, a closed Kathmandu, 12–14 hours by bus to Pokhara and six days to Annapurna Base Camp.
By Hafiz Tayyab · 22 October 2026 · 2 min read
The route
- FaisalabadtoSharjahAir Arabia · stuck 3 days
- SharjahtoKathmanduAir Arabia
- KathmandutoPokhara12–14 hours
- PokharatoAnnapurna Base Camp6 days
- PokharatoKathmandu
Faisalabad airport
Nearly offloaded before the trip began.
Paragliding
Over Pokhara. The feeling is unreal.
Annapurna Base Camp
Six days on foot into the Himalaya.
My Nepal trip almost ended before it started, and then it got stuck halfway. It was still one of the best trips of my life.
Faisalabad airport: nearly offloaded
I flew from Faisalabad on Air Arabia. At the airport, an officer started the process of offloading me. The way she behaved was really bad. Eventually I was allowed through, but I want every Pakistani traveller to be ready for this.
Carry: your return ticket, hotel bookings, proof of funds and a clear plan. Answer calmly.
Three days stuck in Sharjah
I landed in Sharjah for my connection to Kathmandu. At that time there were riots and unrest in Nepal, and I couldn't go on. I stayed in Sharjah for three days, waiting for things to settle.
Kathmandu, closed
When I finally reached Kathmandu, the city was shut down. I stayed one day and then left for the mountains.
12 to 14 hours by bus to Pokhara
The bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara took 12 to 14 hours. Long, bumpy and absolutely worth it when the lake and mountains appear.
In Pokhara I went paragliding. Floating above the valley is a feeling I still can't describe properly.
Six days to Annapurna Base Camp
From Pokhara I did the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek, six days on foot into the Himalaya. Villages, stone steps, cold mornings, and then the base camp surrounded by peaks.
I'd planned to visit Lumbini too, but I didn't make it. I took the bus back to Kathmandu.
From Nepal to Indonesia
From Kathmandu I flew on to Indonesia. That part of the journey is in Bali to Jakarta by road.
Tips for Pakistanis going to Nepal
- Prepare for airport questions in Pakistan. Have every document printed.
- Watch the news before you fly. Plans can change overnight.
- Book flexible tickets if there's any unrest.
- Take the day bus to Pokhara so you see the road.
- Train a bit before ABC. It's six days of steady climbing.
The full Nepal vlogs are coming. Follow the Nepal series page and see every flight of this trip in every flight I've taken.
Questions people ask
How do you fly from Pakistan to Nepal?
Hafiz Tayyab flew Air Arabia from Faisalabad to Sharjah, then Air Arabia from Sharjah to Kathmandu.
How long is the bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara?
His bus took 12 to 14 hours.
How long is the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
He did it in 6 days from Pokhara.
Can Pakistanis be offloaded at the airport?
Yes, it nearly happened to him at Faisalabad airport. Carry your hotel booking, return ticket and enough funds, and stay calm with officers.
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