my travel experience to pokhara essay

A short trip to Pokhara with my gang

• April 5, 2018 April 5, 2018

By: Pravesh Pradhan

After picking up all of us from various localities, we finally left the capital at around 8 in the morning. On our way to Pokhara , we stopped over at River Side Spring Resort for lunch, which is a decent destination, some 3 hours from the capital, where people visit there for a refreshing break, rafting, etc. In about 3 more hours’ drive and just when we had reached Pokhara, we were welcomed by a mesmeric breath-taking glance of the Himalayas. It was not my first view of the Himalayas but this was something special, as the evening drizzle had given an amazing look. Leave alone my foreign friends, even I was awed and dazzled by it. We reached our Hotel in the evening at around 5, which was on the way to the top of the hill (Sarangkot). Later in the evening, we went down to the Lakeside area for dinner, where we had the group’s favourite Chinese Hotpot. We ended the night early since we had planned to go to the top of the hill the next morning for Sunrise view. After waking up quite early, we reached the top of the Sarangkot Hill (View Top) just in time for the sunrise. The sunrise view didn’t last long due to a bit of cloudy weather, nevertheless, the view of the Annapurna range and fishtail from close was breath-taking. An hour or so later after enjoying the views and taking lots of snaps, we returned back to our hotel to rest for a while, followed by breakfast. The kids in the group enjoyed playing in the garden, whereas, we adults had sunbath with the IMAX view of Annapurna range, which was excellent from the hotel.

We then headed to the paragliding spot, from where most of our friends had a tremendous thrill in the sky, viewing the city, Fewa Lake, Hills and the Himalayas from the top.One of our friend’s 3-year-old daughter was also one of the paragliders (together with her mother) and that was an attraction point for all the people there. After that, we drove down where the paragliders were to land and then headed to the Lakeside area again for Nepali cuisines. Now, it was the turn of visiting other touristic spots: Davis Fall and then to Gupteshwor Cave. Davis fall was pretty dry, as the place looks completely different and amazing during monsoon season. The cave, on the other hand, was pretty good, as it was my first visit to the place and also due to the fact that it was any cave trip for me after more than two decades. Whereas the morning time was for the sunrise view from Sarangkot hill, we dedicated our evening to view the sunset from another hill, where World Peace Pagoda is located. Just like in the morning, we had to walk around 15 minutes up the hill from the vehicle parking area. Both the walking journeys were of worth though, as the views of sunrise and sunset, along with other sights were wonderful. Lakeside area and the long walking street is such a delight in Pokhara that we again decided to go there. This time though, we walked along the street for some shopping (mainly for our visiting friends) and finally to a Vietnamese restaurant. Since, it was not much of a drinking, clubbing group, we were back to our hotel quite early yet again.

Next morning, after yet another sunbath with the view and breakfast, we headed to the Lakeside, before making a short stopover at Bindabasini Temple. We visited yet another temple (Barahai Temple), which was hardly 15/20 minutes boating from the shore, which is situated in a very small island. Finally, we boated back to our vehicle and drove back to Kathmandu, making a lunch stopover in Mugling. The other interesting part on my side of this trip is that I can now guide anyone visiting most of the tourist destination places in Pokhara to let them know about all the toilet whereabouts, as I had a terrible stomach problem from the very second day of the trip. The trip was still a wonderful one. At least, now I am also well informed about all the nature call locations.

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A Complete Travel Guide to Pokhara, Nepal: All You Need To Know

The start of a great adventure.

You travelled to Nepal for adventure, right?

Well, Pokhara might just be where it really starts.

Kathmandu is fascinating but Pokhara is lovely . Kathmandu is where to go as a tourist. Pokhara is where to stay .

You can easily laze the days away in Pokhara by eating amazing food and enjoying the lake and mountain views .

Break it up by going on beautiful half-day trips.

Or use the city as a base for more remote treks into the Himalayas – and beyond.

Pokhara was our favourite city in Nepal and we ended up staying a few more days than intended.

Let this travel guide show you why and how you can get the most out of your stay.

Where to stay in Pokhara:

• Luxury: The Pavilions Himalayas – Probably the best place to stay in Pokhara.
• Value for money: Three Jewels Boutique Hotel – Comfortable rooms at great value.
• Budget: Sacred Valley Inn – Cheap but without private bathrooms.

Search for the best value accommodation in Pokhara here .

Table of contents

Why visit Pokhara

What to do in pokhara, where to stay in pokhara, where to eat in pokhara, how to get around in pokhara, how to get to pokhara, when to visit pokhara, our best tips for visiting pokhara.

At first glance, it may seem counterintuitive to travel to Pokhara from Kathmandu.

If all you intend to do in Nepal is to catch a glimpse of Mount Everest and then head back to safety, then yes, Pokhara is in the wrong direction.

But if you want to experience authentic Nepalese culture and feel like you’re on vacation at the same time, Pokhara is exactly the place to be.

The treks in this part of the country are outstanding. Many are beginner-friendly , but experts won’t be disappointed, either.

Lakeside tourism

Comfort is key to Pokhara’s success.

The Lakeside district is more or less made for tourism and for some reason it’s not awful . It’s great, actually.

Heavily touristed areas in countries that depend on tourism have a general tendency to be filled with annoying touts, scammers and loud, obnoxious offerings.

Pokhara is not like that.

Pokhara is a quaint town on the edge of a lake where you can chill out after an amazing trek while planning your next one.

Or don’t trek and just enjoy life slowly .

Relax by the lake, join a yoga class, shop for handicrafts and eat great foods.

Either way, Pokhara might be just what you needed.

Pokhara is located around 200 kilometres west of Kathmandu.

The city of Pokhara is situated a little lower than the capital with the elevation of the popular Phewa Lake being only about 800 metres above sea level .

In comparison, the average elevation of Kathmandu is about 1,400 metres above sea level.

Lakeside is where most tourists spend the majority of their time in Pokhara.

You don’t have to “do” anything in Pokhara, but there are plenty of options if you wish to get active and try something new.

Trekking in the nearby hills and mountains are obviously a huge drawcard for Pokhara. We went on the Panchase Trek and to Mardi Himal Basecamp .

Catch stunning mountain views

• On clear days it’s possible to watch the Annapurna range of the Himalayas from Pokhara if you have a good vantage point. We could see the peaks of the humongous mountains from our hotel’s roof.
• The views from the World Peace Pagoda are even better. Going here by sailing across the lake and hiking up is a popular option but you can also drive all the way.
• Sarangkot is nearby and offers one of the most spectacular sunrises you’ll ever see.
• You won’t get a better vantage point than by paragliding . Tours are safe and readily available.

The lake is the focal point of Pokhara for most tourists. Boats line up perfectly for photographs and it’s pretty easy to hire one to sail around the calm waters .

Tal Barahi Temple is located on a small island close to shore and is worth a visit.

Explore nearby caves

Check out Gupteshwar Mahadev , Bat Cave and Mahendra Cave for some spelunking action.

Get an adrenaline rush

If you’re into that kind of thing, it’s possible to go white water rafting , zip-lining or bungee jumping near Pokhara.

Your hotel or tour offices will be glad to assist you with booking.

Visit a museum

The International Mountain Museum for mountaineering achievements and The Gurkha Museum for British/Nepali military history.

• Options for local shopping are plentiful on Lakeside Road.
• Watch a classic film at The Movie Garden under the stars.
• Take a break by getting a massage from Seeing Hands .
• Relax even more by taking a yoga or meditation class . Or consider going on an extended retreat or become a teacher yourself with teacher training.

Read our guide to The 12 Best Things to Do in Pokhara, Nepal (That Isn’t Trekking) .

Most people will find it convenient to stay in or near Lakeside as this is where most shops, restaurants and tour offices are located.

Air conditioning shouldn’t be needed unless you visit Pokhara in the summer.

There are a lot of guesthouses in Pokhara and new ones spring up all the time.

The best ones tend to get booked early for the high seasons of autumn and spring, though. But it should always be possible to get a room somewhere if you just show up.

Search for the best value accommodation in Pokhara here (adlink) .

The Pavilions Himalayas

The Pavilions Himalayas is located in picture-perfect settings among layered rice terraces.

From the looks of it, it’s the most luxurious place to stay in Pokhara.

Each house comes with a private day bed and amazing views. The infinity pool is stunning, too.

Check prices and availability at The Pavilions Himalayas (adlink) .

Value for money

Three jewels boutique hotel.

Three Jewels Boutique Hotel offers a basic but comfortable place to stay in Pokhara at an unbeatable price .

It’s clean, has a beautiful garden and is located perfectly near to the lake and all of the activities.

Check prices and availability at Three Jewels Boutique Hotel (adlink) .

Sacred Valley Inn

If Three Jewels is fully booked or you just want something even cheaper , Sacred Valley Inn might be it.

Here it’s possible to save money by not having your own private bathroom , although ensuite rooms are available, too.

People rave about the high level of service (organise treks, do laundry, arrange transport etc.) and we really like the look of all the surrounding greenery .

The rooms are spacious and there’s a big rooftop area.

Check prices and availability at Sacred Valley Inn (adlink) .

Eating in Pokhara is a delight.

The restaurants and cafés in this city are great and we feasted on everything from Nepali food, Indian masala dosas and Middle Eastern falafels to vegan buddha bowls, smoothie bowls and raw desserts.

We can recommend visiting:

• am/pm organic cafe for smoothie bowls and coffee.
• Umbrella Cafe for their huge vegetarian and vegan-friendly menu.
• Little Windows for tasty quality foods.
• The Juicery Cafe for lake views and cold-pressed juices.
• Ayurvedico Cafe for their delicious cakes.
• OR2K for Middle Eastern food.
• Marwadi Restaurant for Indian food and masala dosa.

Read our vegan eating guide to Pokhara with the best restaurants and cafes .

You can easily walk around Pokhara if you’re staying by the lakeside.

There are broad sidewalks on Lakeside Road and the quieter side roads feel safe.

Hiring a motorbike

If you feel comfortable driving yourself in Nepal, it’s possible to hire a scooter or motorbike in Pokhara.

If you wish to visit Sarangkot or the World Peace Pagoda, make sure to ask the rental place if the engine is strong enough as the roads are quite steep.

Grabbing a taxi

Taking a taxi is generally quicker and more comfortable than a bus if you’re going outside of town.

Make sure to negotiate the fare – the better the car, the higher the price.

Pokhara doesn’t have an international airport (yet), so you need to touch ground in Kathmandu first if you’re travelling to Pokhara from outside Nepal.

Driving can take anywhere from 6 to 9 hours , depending on the traffic conditions.

From Kathmandu to Pokhara, we whizzed by and the trip only took 7 hours.

On the way back, we got stuck in a traffic jam going into Kathmandu and the trip was much closer to 10 hours.

Bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara

Taking the bus is the cheapest and most popular option for reaching Pokhara from Kathmandu.

• Tourist buses cost around 7 USD / 6 EUR and usually have air conditioning. If you’re travelling in high season (autumn or spring), it can be a good idea to buy a ticket in advance.Most tourist buses leave Kathmandu from Kantipath Road just north of Thamel early in the morning. This is the option we chose.
• Greenline Bus is a more luxurious bus option at around 25 USD / 22 EUR with an indoor waiting room, buffet lunch and included travel insurance.
• Public buses are the cheapest way to get from Kathmandu to Pokhara at around 4 USD / 3.5 EUR. If you don’t get a seat on one of the tourist buses, you can go with a public bus later in the day. But be prepared for a less comfortable journey.

The tourist bus stopped halfway for a lunch break where the obvious choice is a buffet with dal bhat. It was actually really good. The “toilet” facilities weren’t though… Remember to bring your own toilet paper.

Private transport

If hiring private transport, you’ll drive the same road to Pokhara as the big busses so it won’t be much quicker.

The advantage might be that you can squeeze in between traffic that the bigger busses can’t and take breaks when you need to.

Private cars are around 150 USD / 133 EUR (up to four passengers) and jeeps with room for a few more people run about 250 USD / 222 EUR per one-way trip.

It is possible to fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara.

Flights leave from Tribhuvan Airport and the trip only takes around 30 minutes .

Prices generally hover around 100-150 USD / 89-133 EUR but can vary greatly.

Be aware that flights are often delayed by weather conditions.

Search for the cheapest flights on Momondo (adlink) .

When to visit Pokhara is very much dependent on your desire to go trekking.

Summertime in Pokhara is rainy and winters are very dry.

Autumn and spring are the most popular times to visit Pokhara but consider winter as well. Especially if you don’t need to go up high in the Himalayas.

Summer monsoon (June, July, August)

80% of the yearly rainfall falls in the monsoon season between June and September. So remember to bring a raincoat!

Foliage is very green, and if you don’t intend to trek a lot there might be great reasons to visit Pokhara in summer.

It’s hot and you can get great deals on accommodation.

Autumn (September, October, November)

The autumn months are the most popular time to visit Pokhara (and Nepal in general). And for a good reason.

Trekking conditions are optimal for most treks with mild temperatures, dry conditions and clear mountain views.

We visited Nepal in early October and experienced little rain ourselves and loved the mild climate.

Winter (December, January, February)

If you want fewer people on the trails , the winter months are supposedly amazing.

Just bring some extra layers if you intend to go up high as temperatures quickly drop below freezing.

Maximum temperatures in Pokhara can still reach 20°C in winter.

Spring (March, April, May)

With average temperatures going up and the snow melting from the high trails, spring is the second most popular season to visit Nepal and Pokhara (after autumn).

Rhododendrons are blooming making the trails super beautiful at this time of year.

• The electrical outlets in Nepal generally feature two or three round prongs, fitting most European appliances. The standard voltage is 230 volts and 50Hz. We always travel with a universal power adapter (adlink) .
• How long to stay in Pokhara really depends on your travel tempo. We really loved the city and decided to stay longer than we intended. Spend at least two days here and more if you use it as a base to some awesome treks in the area. If you’re a digital nomad looking for a temporary home in Nepal, Pokhara is a great bet.
• Pokhara is beautiful. Make sure to bring a good camera ! Here’s our guide to lightweight photography gear for high-quality travel content .
• Wifi in Pokhara is widely available. Most hotels and restaurants are connected but it’s not super fast. If you need to stay connected while on the road, consider buying a local SIM card with data.
• Credit cards are mostly used at upscale places, so you’ll need to carry cash for restaurants, shops and services. You’ll seldom be far away from an ATM and/or a place to exchange money.
• Pokhara sometimes experiences power outages/blackouts . Most hotels have backup generators but it’s worth planning to charge both the camera and phone when the power is on.
• The tap water in Pokhara is not drinkable . It’s fine for showering or brushing your teeth but for drinking water, you can bring your own water filtration system (adlink) or buy filtered water. If you go for the latter, we recommend you have a refillable bottle (adlink) and then buy the biggest water containers (to save on the plastic).
• Respect the local culture and remember to be respectful when photographing people , especially people in the mountain villages and around places of worship.
• Don’t support animal exploitation . You can also go vegan (it’s really easy in Nepal). Start by visiting some of these amazing restaurants and cafes with vegan options .

Thanks for reading

Thanks for getting all the way to the end!

We hope this Pokhara guide has been useful.

What do you think about Pokhara?

If you’ve visited already, it would be awesome to hear your best tips in the comments.

If you haven’t been yet, please don’t hesitate to ask us anything! We’re glad to help.

Pin for later:

Our favourite travel resources:

• Booking.com for cheap hotels.
• Momondo for the best flight deals.
• SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like World Nomads and True Traveller . All three compared here .

Our camera gear:

• Panasonic GH5 . Used for all of our photos and videos.
• DJI Mavic 2 Pro . Best drone out there!
• Sirui Tripod . Lightweight and strong.
• See all of our camera gear here .
• A Vegan Eating Guide to Pokhara, Nepal: The Best Restaurants & Cafés - Everything you need to know about finding the most delicious vegan and vegetarian places in Pokhara, Nepal
• Review of Dwarika’s Resort in Dhulikhel: Relax Body and Mind Near the Himalayas - We review our stay at Dwarika’s Resort in Dhulikhel, Nepal
• The Best Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads and Long-Term Travellers (That You Can Buy On the Road) - We review and compare three different travel insurances that you can buy on the go
• Video: Staying Amongst the Clouds at Dwarika’s Resort - Luxury Himalayan views at Dwarika's Resort in Dhulikhel
• Video: Escape the Buzzing Streets of Kathmandu - The Dwarika's Hotel in Nepal's capital

5 thoughts on “ A Complete Travel Guide to Pokhara, Nepal: All You Need To Know ”

What an amazing article.

What an beautiful article. I really impress by your writing skills. I learned new things from you. I really appreciate for it.

Wonderful & very informative blog. Thanks for sharing such a informative and useful travel post. Thank you for such detailed description of the destination. Good you explained everything in detail it has been a great help. Excellent Explanation.

Nice to see how Pokara is now. I traveled in 1976 -1977 by our own self made camper from The Netherlands to Azië and visited Pokhara .We went by feet to Sarangkot and there was no car road then. We were there alone and sleep there in our tiny tent. We left our car by the lake. Where we stayed a few days. i was 23 years then. now I am 70.

That’s amazing Willeke, thanks so much for sharing! Pokhara has certainly changed a lot since then – but it still has that special Nepalese charm.

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A Complete Travel Guide To Pokhara City

Nepal, being a massive tourist drawing country, has some of the most beautiful and naturally blessed places located at its different regions. And there is no surprise that Pokhara is one of them.

According to the Forbes Magazine , one can stay in Pokhara at the cost of $15.84 US dollar per day. That caused Pokhara to top the Forbes list of No. 1 destinations for budget travellers.

Pokhara is Nepal’s second largest city in Nepal and is one of the enjoyable tourist destinations. It is the starting point for most of the treks in the  Annapurna region , including the famous Annapurna Base Camp Trek .

Many tourists visit Pokhara Valley to see the Himalayan range and lakes. It is also famous for boating, trekking, rafting and extreme sports like rafting, canoying and bungee jumping.

We Have Covered

Getting to Know Pokhara City

Located some 200km west of Kathmandu, it is situated at an altitude of 827m from the sea level and directly under the Annapurna mountain range.

Despite being smaller than Kathmandu geographically, its geography varies within just few kilometers from north to south.

If you are not looking for some adventures, then Pokhara also offers some of the most scenic locations to relax in. From sitting by the lake reflecting the Annapurna mountains to visiting cultural villages, there’s plenty to enjoy.

The ambience of peace and magic this place gives is truly felt by the people who visit here the very first time. The experience is unreal.

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What to See in Pokhara City?

There are many natural and cultural things to see in Pokhara. Without much explanation let’s get into the places you should visit.

Lakes and waterfalls

• Phewa Lake : One of the most beautiful spots, Phewa lake is surrounded by the forests and white peaks. The clear reflections on the water is something you must see when visiting here.
• Begnas Lake : Away from all the city hustle lies another beautiful lake. Begnas Lake is quite and very peaceful. The walk along this lake is quite rejuvenating.
• Rupa Lake : This should be a visit to every nature lover. It is one of the remote lakes and very peaceful as well.
• Devi’s Fall : Locally known as Patale Chhango ( Hell’s Fall ), it’s a waterfall lying about 2 km south-west of Pokhara. Modern legend says a guy named David fell into the waterfall and was never seen again.
• Mahendra Cave: It is a very famous cave located in Batulechaur, the northern end of the city.
• Bat Cave : Locally knows as Chamero Gufa, it is ten minutes away from Mahendra Cave. The cave is so famous for its bats hanging on the walls.
• Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave : This cave is more like a religious place for pilgrims to visit. It is opposite Devi’s fall and ongoing its underground stairwell depth one comes across the waters of Devi’s Fall.

Temples/Monasteries

• Barahi Temple : This is the most religious place in Pokhara. It is built almost in the middle of Phewa lake and can only be reached by boating to its shore.
• Bindbyasini Temple : It is the center of religious activity in the old bazar. Dedicated to goddess bhagwati, worshippers come here to perform sacrifices.
• Bhadrakali Temple : This is also one the very few important monuments which is a must visit for anyone who loves travelling.
• Matepani Gumba : This is a beautifully designed Buddhist monastery on top of a hill above Matepani. The images of Buddha and other artifacts are truly breathtaking.
• World Peace Pagoda : The pagoda is a massive Buddha stupa and situated on top of a hill on the southern shore of Phewa Lake. This shrine is a great point which offers spectacular views of Annapurna range and Pokhara city itself.
• Sarangkot: This is the perfect pre-trek warm-up. You can rent a motorcycle and take yourself up to the top to experience the great view and beautiful nature. If you plan overnight stay, carry a warm backpacking sleeping bag .

The magnificent Annapurna panorama that’s visible on the northern skyline of Pokhara is quite incredible. The main mountain peaks are Annapurna I to IV and the beautiful Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain).

Things You Must Do

Adventure sports:.

• Hiking/Trekking : Most trekking routes of Annapurna region starts from Pokhara including Annapurna Base Camp / Sanctuary, Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, TAAN Model Trek, Khopra Ridge Trek and Jomsom – Muktinath .
• Boating/Canoeing: Just hire a boat or canoe and go out in the water for a day. Canoes can be difficult to steer on the flat lakes. Row boats are extremely overpriced at NPR 400 ($4) per hour .
• Paragliding: You don’t want to miss soaring around Lake Pokhara and the Annapurnas with Lammergeyer eagles or huge Gryffon vultures to guide the way!

Where to Eat?

‘Where to eat?’ A question that you ask yourself probably throughout the day. Here’s a list of some really amazing places with good food, good ambience at affordable prices.

• Asian Teahouse : It is located along the main road through Lakeside on the opposite side from the lake. The only way you’ll be able find this place is to look out for the handwritten signs. The food is really good compared to more expensive restaurants serving Dal Bhat and Chai. And, very good value for money.
• Pokhara Thakali Kitchen: The awesome versions of Daal Bhat which is considered the best type of Daal Bhat.
• Busy Bee Café : A nice outdoor garden bar. Cover bands playing famous rock n’ roll songs take the stage around 8pm.
• Mike’s Breakfast : A Pokhara branch of the famous Kathmandu’s Mike’s breakfast which serves the best food in town. If you’re having trouble as to where to eat breakfast, you definitely should go here.
• Café Fusion Restaurant & Bar : The place with best combination of food with the Sarangkot, Phewa, Peace Pagoda and fishtail view. Delicious and hygienic food : Indian, Chinese, Continental, whole live fish on order, Pasta, Lasagne, Mexican, Green MoMo & Noodles, Sandwich & Burger, and Typical Nepali Food.
• Pokhara Beach Club: Located on the outside of Lakeside area, it is a very calm and remote bar-restaurant serving amazing wild boar burger for your taste buds.
• Oxygen Lounge Bar : Situated opposite of Hotel Meera, it’s a great place located in the center of lakeside with beautiful view of lake and mountains from the garden of the bar. Live band every night. Late night camp fire. Varieties of drinks and cocktail.
• Pema Tibetian Restaurant: A local joint for Thukkpa (Tibetan Soup Noodles), Mo:Mo (Tibetan style dumplings) with great taste, with sukuti, sekuwa and locally brewed liquor. Amazing experience.

If you are vegetarian or vegan , you may want to try veg Mo:Mo and veg Dal Bhat.

Travel Itinerary Around Pokhara

One-day itinerary.

Since one day is a very short amount of time, start your day super early.

• Take a cab and trip up to Sarangkot for spectacular sunrise.
• Head back to Lakeside for breakfast on a rooftop overlooking the Annapurnas.
• Take a boat across the lake and climb up the hill to see Peace Pagoda. Take a light lunch at the top café.
• Come back down and visit Devi’s Fall.
• Take a taxi and shop for souvenirs.
• Spend the evening in a pleasant lounge/bar with live music.
• Finish the night with the best drink you could possibly find.

Two-day Itinerary

There’s plenty above in the one day itinerary that can be broken up over a few days while adding some of the following.

• Visiting the famous Caves for more adventure.
• A long walk along the lakeside will be very rejuvenating.

Three-day itinerary

If you want to experience the best Pokhara has to offer and have three days off, you can do the following:

• Take paragliding class and go for the surreal experience.
• Enroll in Nepalese cookery class.
• Take a motorbike trip. It’s an amazing experience.
• Boating/Canoeing is unlike anything here.

You can’t truly feel the magic unless you’re really in Pokhara. A nature and adventure lover will always want to come back over and over again. Pokhara has that effect on people.

If you’re here solely for food then you’ve found yourself a magnificent place. If you’re here solely for adventure, you’ve found yourself to the right place.

Book yourself a hotel, eat different cuisines, and meet different people every day. Trust me it’s something you will never forget until your last breath.

And the language won’t be much of travel. Tourists flock here every now and then so majority of people know English.

Overall, the place provides everything a travel junkie can need throughout his/her travel.

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Exploring Pokhara: A Journey of Nature, Adventure, and Tranquility

Table of Contents

Introduction to Pokhara: An Oasis of Serenity and Adventure

Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, Pokhara is a charming city that offers a unique blend of nature, adventure, and culture. Known as Nepal’s adventure capital, this city has something for everyone – from breathtaking mountain views to adrenaline-pumping activities like paragliding and rafting. However, Pokhara is not just about adventure. It is also a city of peace and tranquility, with its serene lakes, lush forests, and vibrant temples. In this article, we will take you on a journey of exploring Pokhara and discovering its hidden treasures.

The Natural Wonders of Pokhara: Lakes, Mountains, and Waterfalls

Pokhara is blessed with an abundance of natural wonders that are sure to leave you spellbound. The city’s most famous attraction is the Phewa Lake, a tranquil body of water surrounded by majestic mountains. Take a boat ride on the lake and witness the surreal beauty of the Annapurna range reflecting on the crystal-clear water. If you’re feeling adventurous, trek to the World Peace Pagoda, a Buddhist stupa atop a hill that offers panoramic views of Pokhara and the surrounding mountains. You can also visit the Davis Falls, a stunning waterfall that cascades into an underground cave system.

Adventures in Pokhara: Paragliding, Rafting, and Trekking

For adrenaline junkies , Pokhara is a paradise of adventure sports. The city’s most famous activity is paragliding, where you can soar above the mountains and lakes like a bird. If you’re up for a challenge, go for a whitewater rafting trip on the Seti River, which offers rapids ranging from class III to IV. Pokhara is also the gateway to some of the most famous treks in Nepal, including the Annapurna Base Camp and the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.

Cultural Exploration in Pokhara: Temples, Museums, and Festivals

Pokhara is not just a city of nature and adventure but also a hub of cultural richness. Visit the Bindhyabasini Temple, a revered Hindu shrine that dates back to the 17th century, and seek blessings from the goddess Durga. Take a stroll through the Old Bazaar, a traditional market that showcases the city’s rich heritage and crafts. You can also visit the International Mountain Museum, which showcases the history, culture, and biodiversity of the Himalayas. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the city’s vibrant festivals, such as the Teej Festival and the New Year’s Day.

 Getting to Pokhara: Transportation, Accommodation, and Food

Pokhara is easily accessible by air, road, and bus from major cities in Nepal, such as Kathmandu and Chitwan. The city has a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious resorts. Try the local cuisine, which includes Nepali staples like dal bhat, momo, and thukpa, as well as international cuisine like pizza and pasta.

 Best Time to Visit Pokhara: Weather, Seasons, and Festivals

Pokhara is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is from September to November and from March to May, when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear. During this time, you can enjoy clear views of the mountains and indulge in outdoor activities like trekking and paragliding. The monsoon season, from June to August, can be challenging as heavy rainfall can cause landslides and affect transportation. However, the monsoon also brings lush greenery and beautiful waterfalls. If you’re interested in experiencing the city’s vibrant festivals, plan your visit during the Teej Festival in August or the New Year’s Day in April.

 Sustainable Tourism in Pokhara: Supporting the Local Economy and Environment

As a responsible traveler, it’s important to be mindful of the impact of your actions on the environment and the local economy. When visiting Pokhara , support the local community by staying in locally-owned hotels and guesthouses and buying souvenirs from local artisans. Respect the natural environment by not littering and following sustainable tourism practices. You can also participate in community-based tourism initiatives that promote sustainable development and benefit the local community.

Conclusion: Embracing the Magic of Pokhara

In conclusion, Pokhara is a city that will capture your heart with its natural beauty, adventure sports, and cultural richness. Whether you’re seeking serenity or adrenaline, Pokhara has something to offer. Immerse yourself in the magic of this vibrant city and create memories that will last a lifetime. Remember to travel responsibly and embrace the local culture and traditions. Pokhara is waiting for you !

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Top tourist attractions and things to do in pokhara (nepal).

Popular tourist destination Pokhara is the main tourism hub and the capital of tourism in Nepal. Every year the majority of tourist travel Pokhara to experience the ultimate adventure. Pokhara became a famous tourist destination for trekking (Annapurna Mountain Trek). Besides trekking, there are many reasons which made Pokhara a must-visit destination for all in South Asia. This tour guide will inspire you some best things to do in Pokhara, the peaceful destination in Nepal .

Pokhara became my favorite destination in Nepal since my first trip here in 2014. I found Pokhara is lovely, peaceful, and safe to travel solo. You can say Pokhara is a popular solo travel destination as well as in Nepal. This second largest city is safe to move around alone at any time. Here locals are friendly, generous, and cooperative.

The climate is cold, never too hot. The city is quiet, neat and clean as well. What I love most about Pokhara are the calmness and serenity. Just a perfect destination to stay long for a calm seeker or an adventure or nature lovers. Whether you love adventure or not you’ll enjoy your holiday or leisure time by staying even at the hotel while enjoying the Annapurna view.

A glimpse of top tourist attractions in Pokhara, Nepal before you going through the tour guide.

Table of Contents

• 1 Best Time To Visit Pokhara
• 2 How To Travel Pokhara?
• 3 Where To Stay in Pokhara?
• 4.1 Annapurna Mountain Trek
• 4.2 Annapurna Mountain Sunrise
• 4.3 Paragliding
• 4.4 Rafting on the Trishuli River
• 4.5 Bungee Jumping
• 4.6 Tihar Celebration
• 5.1 Boating on Phewa Lake or Phewa Tal
• 5.2 Tal Barahi Temple
• 5.3 World Peace Pagoda
• 5.4 Boating on Begnas Lake
• 5.5 Davis Falls
• 5.6 Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave
• 5.7 International Mountain Museum
• 6 Places To Eat in Pokhara
• 7 And Lastly
• 8 Are You On Pinterest? Click to Save This For Later Read!

Best Time To Visit Pokhara

Pokhara is beautiful in almost all seasons. But September to November is the best time to visit Pokhara. The reason is during this time the whole of Nepal is in a festive mood for Tihar. And the perfect time for hiking, trekking, and mountaineering. The unobstructed view of Machapuchare (Fish Tail Mountain) in the Annapurna you’ll get or enjoy during this season. You’ll love your Pokhara trip at this time.

How To Travel Pokhara?

Nepal offers the most accessible tourist visa service (on arrival visa) for almost all SAARC countries (No Visa for Indian). According to different countries, the visa duration is 15-90 days. And free on arrival visa service is there for Bangladeshis, but don’t forget to carry PP size photo with you else ready to pay $5 for that. 😉 Nepal offers on arrival tourist visa for almost all nations, and it is easy to get.

Either by road or air, you can travel Pokhara from Kathmandu. It takes 6-8 hours by bus and just 30 mins by air to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu.  There are many reputed public bus services (Greenline, Delux) which run every day at 7 am (Nepal time) from Thamel, the central tourist zone in Kathmandu.  And there are many domestic airlines (Buddha Air, Yeti Air, Tara Air) fly everyday morning to noon from Tribhuvan International Airport to Pokhara Airport.

And the bonus part of your journey is the scenic beauty from the adventurous road to the beautiful sky. In my first Nepal tour, I enjoyed the long trip by bus. And this time by airplane loved the spectacular view of Annapurna Mountain from the sky 11500 feet high.

World’s 10th #highestmountain #Annapurna from 11500 feet above the #sky. How beautiful! @buddhaairnepal ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• In case you miss to visit Sarangkot, you should not miss the chances to enjoy the spectacular view of #annapurnarange while flying Kathmandu to #Pokhara. #myownwaytotravel #buddhaair #nepal #visitnepal ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #travel #travelgram #adventuretravel #beautifulsky #airplane #airplanewindowshot #airplanewindowview #nikoncoolpixp600 #travelphoto #travelphotography #travelblog #travelblogger #trip #bbctravel #lonelyplanet #lonelyplanetnepal #tlpicks #mountainview #annapurnamountain #travelnepal #nepalgram myownwaytotravel.com A photo posted by My Own Way To Travel (@nafisa_habib) on Dec 17, 2016 at 9:04pm PST

Where To Stay in Pokhara?

The famous tourist zone in Pokhara is Lakeside; this is the Northern side of Phewa Lake. Pokhara Lakeside is best for all kinds of accommodations. Here you’ll get many budget hotels to 2-star/ 3-star hotels ranges to start from 18$ to more.

I loved my stay at the Hotel Grand Holiday and Hotel Orchid. Both hotels run by Janak Karki. He is very cooperative and friendly towards his guests. Both hotels are best regarding range, standard service, environment, and excellent communication. I enjoyed the view of Annapurna from hotel room window, rooftop, and balcony. Who will not love to wake up with the stunning sunrise view of Annapurna?

Many top destinations in Pokhara are close to Lakeside, Peaceful road, and Damside. The most beautiful Fewa Lake is just within walking distance. Pokhara airport is only 10-15 mins from Lakeside.

Top Things To Do in Pokhara

So, what to do in Pokhara? When Nepal is worldwide famous for Mount Everest, Pokhara itself is world famous for Annapurna. And so Pokhara is the best destination for trekking. All kinds of adventure are possible from Pokhara or nearby Pokhara. Different tour companies also offer many Pokhara adventure packages.

Annapurna Mountain Trek

There are many trek and tour companies in Pokhara you can rely on to take their package to enjoy 7-10 days trek. The most popular are Annapurna Base Camp Trek for 8-10 days from Pokhara. You can go for short trekking as well.

Australian Camp Trek for two days from Sarangkot is the easiest one. Poon Hill trek from Pokhara for five days is also famous these days. I enjoyed the short trek to reach Annapurna for paragliding.

Annapurna Mountain Sunrise

What if you don’t like trekking or can’t go trekking? And so you must-visit Sarangkot. The best Annapurna Mountain Sunrise you can enjoy from Sarangkot. The Fish Tail mountain view is superb from Annapurna. You can even take a rented bike to enjoy the ride as well as to reach Sarangkot. It is much adventurous and fun.

Paragliding

Sarangkot is the perfect zone for paragliding not only from Pokhara but also in Nepal. Many reputed paragliding companies offer different packages per duration. I went for 30 mins paragliding with Golden Heaven Paragliding under ABC Trek & Tour. It was fabulous. In fact, who doesn’t love flying? The beautiful Annapurna is just the behind you while flying and how about flying above the beautiful Phewa Tal? Yes, you just got to try, no point to imagine. 😉

Rafting on the Trishuli River

On the way to Pokhara, you can take a short break to enjoy white water rafting on the Trishuli River . You’ll see the beautiful Trishuli river and many rafting points while crossing the road to Pokhara. Either you can go for one or three hours rafting to enjoy the rapids and the real adventure on the Trishuli river.

I went for three hours rafting on the way to Chitwan. The words will be less to describe the beautiful Trishuli, high view, and all adventure on the spot. You got to try in real to experience it.

Bungee Jumping

Bungee jumping is also possible from Pokhara, and the location is Hemja, which is just 11 km from Lakeside Pokhara. You can go to the Water Touch Bungee Jumping. It is safe and more details you can get from many tour agencies or directly from the location itself.

You might like to book Nepal tours, attractions, and activities online or check out some of the options below. Also, it is worth going through some of the recommended books before travelling Nepal .

Tihar Celebration

It was nice to be familiar with the culture of Nepal during my trip to Pokhara. I came to know about Tihar for the first time in Pokhara. Tihar is the festival of lights, and if you visit Nepal during Autumn, then you’ll love to celebrate this one of the most popular festivals with Nepalese. Pokhara became in a festive mood during this time. So how about Tihar celebration in Pokhara ?

Top Tourist Attractions in Pokhara

There are some top landmarks and tourist attractions in Pokhara to explore. Here is the list of places to visit in Pokhara during your Nepal tour.

Boating on Phewa Lake or Phewa Tal

Boating on Fewa Lake is the must do activity for all tourists. To me, Pokhara is so beautiful for Fewa Lake. You can take a boat and start rowing as long as you like until the evening. You’ll get the list of different boating activities to hire a boat from the lake counter. A group boating with the help of boatman is enjoyable as well. You’ll enjoy the scenic view of Annapurna and the beautiful sunset moment at Fewa Lake. Will you like to go swimming? Fewa Lake is safe to swim, and it is fun as well.

Tal Barahi Temple

You can go for a visit to Tal Barahi Temple which located in the middle of the Fewa Lake. It seems like a small island where is this beautiful Hindu temple to pray. Many tourists those don’t go for boating, take a boat and make a visit here from the Fewa Lake. I took a boat for one hour and also explored this temple. The lake view from this place is so serene that you’ll love.

World Peace Pagoda

World Peace Pagoda is another must-visit destination in Pokhara. This pagoda is the sacred destination and free for all to visit. How beautiful is Pokhara! You’ll love the city view from this destination. Shanti Stupa or Peace Pagoda is a stunning architect, and there is one in Lumbini also. But very far away and so one should not miss visiting Peace Pagoda in the city of Pokhara.

Boating on Begnas Lake

Begnas Lake is a bit away (16 km) from Pokhara and located in Lekhanth. But definitely, a worthy one to visit and you’ll enjoy boating as well. On the way, you will see the Seti river while passing one bridge. The mountain peak of Annapurna is also visible and beautiful from Begnas Lake.

READ ALSO:  Natural Beauty of Nepal in Sarangkot and Nagarkot

Davis Falls

Davis Falls is the famous waterfall in Pokhara. Monsoon is the best time to explore Davis Falls. This beautiful waterfall is one of the top attraction in the city.

Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave is much famous among tourists for the view of Davis Falls inside the longest cave. I loved the architectural design of this oldest cave. You must have to buy the entry ticket to enter the cave. There is also one temple of Shiva to worship inside the cave.

International Mountain Museum

There are some museums to visit in Pokhara, but International Mountain Museum is the exceptional one and must-visit for all mountain lovers. You will come to know all the history of the Himalayas and all details about all highest peaks in Nepal.  This museum is open every day for all and has to buy the entry ticket to enter.

Places To Eat in Pokhara

The staple food in Nepal is Dal Bhat (Rice with Lentil). I found most Nepalese are non-veg. They like to eat chicken curry with rice and vegetables. I loved the way they decorate all the dishes in the middle of the rice. I had a great dinner with dear buddies Janak and Manju at their home (Hotel Grand Holiday) where we had together various Nepalese Dishes.

There are also many Tibetan Shops in Pokhara. The best things to buy from Pokhara are many artistic souvenirs, handicrafts, carpet, organic coffee, green tea, and pashmina. For all kinds of trekking equipment, you must visit Yak & Yeti Trekking Shop in the Lakeside.

Even a single walk in the Lakeside you’ll enjoy with the view of Fewa Lake. A morning walk to the Damside is recommended as well near the Fewa Power House.

And needless to say, almost everywhere in Nepal you can be connected to wifi network by Nepal Telecom. And Ncell is the best mobile company to be always connected no matter where you go to Nepal. So it is still a great stay in Pokhara as well as Nepal for any digital nomad or online freelancer around.

You can communicate with all in English, Hindi besides Nepalese. You can also use directly Indian Rupees to eat or shop.

How beautiful and welcoming is Pokhara! This city will always give you many reasons to visit or revisit.

Are You On Pinterest? Click to Save This For Later Read!

Share your favorite things to do in Pokhara. You can even leave comments to know more about Pokhara.

Nafisa Habib

Nafisa Habib loves nature and often got fascinated by old beautiful architecture. Here she is with My Own Way To Travel to share her adventures on the road. To her nothing is so interesting than exploring new destinations around. And knowing a new culture and meeting new peoples on the road? Oh, yeah she just loves that too.

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Places to visit in Pokhara – Travel Guide

Last Updated on: Jan 31, 2020  

Where is Pokhara?

Pokhara is located about 200 km west of Kathmandu in the Gandaki Zone of central Nepal. From Kathmandu, you can get tourist buses to reach Pokhara, the second-largest city in Nepal. Pokhara has been quite an attraction for western tourists since 1970’s, even more than that of Kathmandu. And when the Annapurna region was opened first time for foreigners in 1977, there was no looking back. Tourism boomed and Pokhara became one of the most important tourist hubs of Nepal.

VISITING  NEPAL FOR THE FIRST TIME? READ OUR NEPAL TRAVEL GUIDE TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP.

Kathmandu to Pokhara: How to reach Pokhara?

There are a number of ways to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Tourist buses, deluxe buses, local and micro buses are all available as well as flights and private cars and taxis.

Tourist buses from Kathmandu to Pokhara

Tourist buses depart every morning at around 7-7:30 from the tourist bus parks near Thamel in Kathmandu. The journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara takes about 7-8 hours depending on the amount of traffic you face on the roads. Most of these buses stop for breakfast and lunch at the roadside eateries. The ticket price ranges from NPR 500-1000. Deluxe buses costs about NPR 1500-2000 per ticket.

There are night buses from Kathmandu to Pokhara. These buses start from Balaju Bus Park in Kathmandu (2 km from Thamel on the Ring Road) and at Hallan Chowk in Pokhar a. These buses are quite comfortable having pushback seats and AC. They also provide snacks on the bus. Tickets cost about NPR 1500. There is another super deluxe bus also (Ticket price is NPR 2200). The bus tickets can be arranged by any travel agent or your hotel. But they will probably charge a commission.

Local Buses and micro-buses from Kathmandu to Pokhara

Local buses and minibuses leave from Kalanki Bus Park in Kathmandu and Prithvi Chowk Bus Park in Pokhara. These buses depart every hour or when they are full from 6AM until 5PM. The microbuses take 6-7 hours to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu and the price of tickets is about NPR 500. Local buses take a little more time and cost a bit less. But local buses are not comfortable.

Private car and taxi

This is perhaps the most comfortable way to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara while enjoying the beautiful scenery on the Prithvi Highway. Cars can take about NPR 10,000 one way including driver and petrol.

There are daily flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara run by domestic airlines like Buddha Airs, Sita Airways and Yeti Airways (if you want to do it on your own). Flight tickets can also be booked by any travel agents or by your hotel. But they will probably charge you a commission.

Pokhara from the border towns

You can also reach Pokhara from the Indo-Nepal border towns like Kakarbhitta and Sunauli by tourist buses. We saw tourist buses available from Kakarbhitta to Pokhara. There are buses available from Sunauli as well.

Pokhara is also connected by buses to other towns of Nepal like Sauraha (Chitwan National Park) and  Lumbini.

Pokhara and Lakeside Pokhara is not the same

Lakeside Pokhara is the main tourist area surrounding the Phewa Lake. The more laidback, serene and beautiful place where major tourist and trekking activity takes place.

Pokhara town, on the other hand, does not have much to offer to travellers and tourists. The town part is as crowded and chaotic like Kathmandu, but on a smaller scale. There are a large supermarket, some general stores and a cinema hall showing mainly Hindi and international movies.

Places to visit in Pokhara and some awesome things to do in Pokhara

Pokhara is complete laidback and undemanding. Although Phewa Taal (Lake) is the top attraction of the place, there are a few beautiful places to visit in Pokhara as well for a couple of day’s trip. But the main attraction of Pokhara lies beyond these places. Pokhara is heaven for adventure enthusiasts.

The town is the trekkers’ gateway to a number of popular trails in Nepal. Pokhara is the starting and ending point of the popular Annapurna circuit trek, the Mustang Valley Trek and several other treks in Nepal . So here is our list of places to visit in Pokhara.

World Peace Pagoda | Places to visit in Pokhara

The World Peace Pagoda is perhaps our favourite place in Pokhara. Perched on top of the Ananda hill at the south of Phewa Lake, this white structure exudes serenity. You can see the white pagoda atop the hill from the Phewa Lake and we think it is quite iconic Buddhist stupa in Pokhara just as the Shanti Stupa in Leh.

The dome structure is the symbol of peace and has four gilt images of Lord Buddha facing the four cardinal directions. From the Peace Pagoda, you can also get an all-encompassing view of Pokhara and the Phewa Lake.

Peace Pagoda was no doubt our favourite place in Pokhara. That day was a strike in Nepal. So we had to abandon our plans to visit Bandipur and stayed back at Pokhara. A few cars were taking tourists around in Pokhara, but they were charging an exorbitant amount. So we simply decided to visit the Peace Pagoda and spend time there. We sat there for hours seeing people come and go. Some were also meditating peacefully there. Oh, it was truly a wonderful time we spent there!

How to reach Peace Pagoda

There are a number of ways you can reach the Peace Pagoda

By Boat and foot: This is the most popular way to visit the Peace Pagoda. Take a boat ride from the lakeside to the other side of the lake. From there, follow the hiking route to the Peace Pagoda. The trail begins after the Lychee Garden Hotel beside the lake and then passes through the Raniban forest. The hike is quite a pleasant one. You can also return by the same way. Ask your boatman to wait for you.

The charges for a boat trip is NPR 550 one way and NPR 800 both ways.

Taxi: You can take a taxi from the Lakeside taxi stand to the Peace Pagoda. The taxi will drop you to the foothill and you have to climb up a number of stairs to the Peace Pagoda. You can also ask the taxi to wait for you for return journey. Please note that the taxi will wait for fixed hours. More than that, they might charge you extra money.

You can combine a trip to the Peace Pagoda with other places in Pokhara like Devi’s falls, Gupteswor Mahadev temple and others.

By foot: This is a longer hike and starts from the Damside. Cross over the dam and follow the path through Raniban all the way upto the Peace Pagoda.

You can also hire motorbike, scooters and bicycles to visit the Peace Pagoda.

Phewa Lake | Places to visit in Pokhara

The entire tourism of Pokhara is based around Phewa Lake. The second largest lake in Nepal, it is the centre of attraction in Pokhara. You should definitely spend a day to explore around the lake, the villages nearby, the Barahi Temple and shops and market around the lake. The brightly painted boats on the lake shore looks beautiful. It is a great place to stroll around in the evening. There are a number of shacks, restaurants along the shores of Phewa Lake. Get into one of them, relax and view the fantastic sunset along the lake.

You can also take a boat ride across the lake.

Rates for Boat ride at Phewa Lake

Bindhyabasini Temple | Places to visit in Pokhara

Bindhyabasini Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples of Pokhara located atop a hill. The white dome like structure looks quite beautiful from a distance. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati, a manifestation of Goddess Durga. The Goddess is said to be the guardian deity of Pokhara.

The temple is quite an important one in Pokhara as we could see from the many ceremonies and rituals that were going on. A few marriages were being held in the temple. We saw some beautiful brides and nervous grooms in the temple, all ready to start their new life. Families and friends had gathered there to be in their good times and to bless them. Infact, one father of the bride invited us to stay for the marriage! We stopped for some time to see all the rituals of Nepali marriage. It was quite interesting to see the rituals, some so different and some so similar to ours. The best thing I liked was the garland worn by them.

How to reach Bindhyabasini Temple?

Taxi: You can take a taxi from the Lakeside. A return trip will cost about NPR400.

Local Bus: You can take a bus from Hallan Chowk to Zero Kilometer and then another bus towards Baglung Highway. Ask the driver to stop at Bindhyabasini Temple.

Barahi Temple | Places to visit in Pokhara

This is a quaint temple located on an island in the Phewa Lake. The temple was built in the 18 th century and is dedicated to Goddess Ajima. The Hindu Goddess is the boar manifestation of the force of Shakti, the mother goddess who is the origin of universal creativity and power. Large numbers of Hindu devotees visit this two-storeyed pagoda style temple on Saturdays which is a special day for veneration of the deity.

You can reach the Barahi Temple only by taking a boat ride from Phewa Lake. Boats are available from Barahi Chowk and cost NPR 50 for a return trip in large public boats. You can also hire a small boat from anywhere in the Lakeside for yourself and visit the temple.

Sarangkot | Places to visit in Pokhara

Sarngkot is known for its breathtaking and panoramic views of the Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri ranges, Pokhara Valley and the Phewa Lake. Located at an altitude of 1592 m on the north of Phewa Lake, you can see the panoramic views of the mountain ranges from the Sarangkot watchtower. You can also enjoy a beautiful sunrise from the Kaski fort.

If you have more time, then you can explore the nearby farming villages also. If you wish to stay somewhere near, there are a few guesthouses in the village just beneath the summit.

Entry Fees: NPR 200 to visit the tower

How to reach Sarangkot?

Cars: you can hire a car from Lakeside to Sarangkot. The car will take you to just below the hilltop. It will take about 30-40 minutes to reach Sarangkot.

Price: NPR 1000 for one way and NPR 1500 for both ways.

Motorbike: you can rent a motorbike and visit the place.

Local buses: you will local buses towards Sarangkot from Baglung Bus Park in Pokahara. Buses take about 1 hour to reach and a ticket will cost you around NPR 50.

Hiking to Sarangkot: If you want to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings and also crave for some activities, you can hike from Lakeside towards Sarangkot. You can ask your way towards the Sarangkot viewpoint. The locals are quite friendly and are ready to help. It will take about 2-3 hours to hike to Sarangkot.

Devi’s Falls or Davis Falls | Places to visit in Pokhara

Located on the Siddhartha Highway about 2 km from Pokhara Airport, Devi’s Falls is one of the tourist attractions of Pokhara. The name is actually a corrupted form of Davis Falls following a sad legend following the place. It is said that a Swiss couple went swimming in the place. But Lady Davis was carried away by the strong and swift waters of the falls and lost her life.

The Pardi Khola River coming from Phewa Lake disappears underground, travelling for about 1 km before gushing out at the Devi’s Falls. This is quite a popular place for the locals.

Opening Time of Devi’s Falls: 5 AM to 7 PM daily

Entry Fees: NPR 30

How to reach: You can take a taxi from Hallan Chowk (will cost NPR 400 for a return trip). You can also visit the place by motorbike or bicycle. There are no direct local buses to the falls. You have to take a bus to Birauta Chowk and then take another bus towards Devi’s Falls. I think changing bus is quite a hassle for visiting the falls.

Daily sightseeing trips in Pokhara are run by most of the travel agents in Pokhara. If you wish to do a sightseeing trip to Pokhara, it is quite convenient to book seats on these trips. They will take you around a few of the attractions in Pokhara. They also have an English speaking guide who will explain the significance of the places you visit.

Gupteswor Mahadev Cave | Places to visit in Pokhara

There are a number of caves around Pokhara and if caves are something that you fancy, you can definitely take a visit to Mahendra & bat caves and Gupteswor Mahadev Cave.

Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave is located just opposite to the Devi’s Falls. The inside of the cave was a bit disappointing as there was only a huge Shiva linga inside the cave. There was a signpost saying cowshed and we followed it thinking there might be something interesting there. But there was only a plastic made cow in the shed! Well, it was a tad disappointing.

You cross the Shiva Linga and follow the path towards the end of the cave. There are some stairs that will lead you to the end from where you can see a waterfall. I think it is the Devi’s Falls on the otherside that comes gushing out from the top of the cave. This was something interesting that we saw in the cave. You will hardly require about 15 minutes inside the cave. The interiors are slippery, so make sure you hold on to the railings.

Opening Time: 9 AM – 6 PM

Entry Fees: NPR 100

Mahendra and Bat caves | Places to visit in Pokhara

Well, these are another pair of caves in Pokhara. Located in north Pokahara in Batulechaur about 10 km from Lakeside, Mahendra Cave is the larger one famous for its stalactites and stalagmites. You are supposed to take a torch inside the caves.

The Bat cave, another limestone cave is just nearby and is inhabited by hundreds of bats. You can see those bats hanging down the ceiling. Both Mahendra and Bat caves will take around 15-20 minutes each.

Personally, we are not so much fond of caves. All the caves look almost the same and the scope of photography is quite less inside the caves. But if you are fond of them, you can definitely visit these two.

Opening Time: 9AM-5PM

Entry Fees: NPR 50 each for Mahendra cave and Bat Cave

How to reach: You can take a taxi from the taxi stand near Lakeside. I don’t think local buses come here. If you have rented a motorbike, you can visit these caves. The road is through some beautiful villages in Pokhara. Also, as I mentioned before, you can avail a Pokhara sightseeing trip from any of the travel agents and visit these caves.

Begnas and Rupa Lake | Places to visit in Pokhara

The Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake are two lakes located 15 km from Pokhara lakeside and is a beautiful place to visit. The lakes are beautiful and quite serene place to visit. Of the two lakes, Begnas lake is the bigger one. There are a few guesthouses nearby from where you can get a stunning view of the lakes.

You can reach Begnas Lake by local buses going to Begnas Bazar that leave from Prithvi Chowk and Barahi Chowk. Bus tickets cost NPR 50 per head.

Tibetan Refugee Settlement | Places to visit in Pokhara

Following the exile of His Holiness Dalai Lama from Tibet in 1959, over 20,000 Tibetan refugees migrated from Tibet to Nepal. Since then a number of them had migrated to India while many settled around Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Tibetan Refugee settlements are interesting places to visit. It is always difficult to leave ones homeland. These people have come to a new country and settled down here. While the settlement has grown around in Pokhara, the Nepal government has agreed not to recognize the Tibetan refugees, mainly because of their trade agreement with China. We would not want to comment on this sensitive topic here in the Pokhara Travel Guide. Maybe, in some other post!

Things to do in Pokhara | Travel Guide

Apart from taking a visit to the above interesting places, there are much more things to do in Pokhara. It is not in vain that Pokhara is known as the adventure hub of Nepal. The list of activities that Pokhara offers is a long one. For trekkers, Pokhara is the gateway to the famous Annapurna Circuit having Nepal’s most popular trails. For paragliders and mountain bikers, this is one of the best spots. Pokhara also does not disappoint the rafters and kayakers with sprightly rivers. From paragliding to white water rafting, kayaking to mountain biking, bungee jumping to zip lining, Pokhara has all the thrills that the adrenaline junkies seek. So here is a list of things that you can do in Pokhara.

Adventure in Pokhara : Trekking and hiking

The Annapurna massif can be clearly visible from Pokhara town on a clear day. The panoramic view can simply blow your mind. When we visited in April, the weather was not all clear, but a glimpse of the Macchapuchhare Peak (Fishtail Peak) was enough to make us smile.

Annapurna Circuit trek is the classic trek in Nepal starting from Pokhara. It can be done within 18 days starting from Besisahar. Infact Annapurna Circuit Trek and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek are the main reasons for foreign tourists visiting Pokhara.

There are a number of travel agents in Pokhara just beside lakeside who can cater to your every trekking needs from arranging permits, guides, porters to arranging of buses. If you are taking the help of a travel agent, be sure to check the prices from different places, as the prices may vary.

Even if you do not have time for long treks, you can go for shorter treks from Pokhara. There are mini overnight treks from Pokhara where permits are not required as well. Here is a list of treks that can be done from Pokhara.

• Dhampus Trek
• Panchase Trek
• Poon Hill Trek
• Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC Trek)
• Annapurna Circuit Trek
• KopraDanda Trek
• Mardi Himal Trek
• Upper and Lower Mustang Treks

Paragliding in Pokhara

Just imagine yourself soaring over the Phewa Lake, rivers, villages and terraced mountains while gazing at the mighty Annapurna range in awe! No wonder Pokhara is considered being one of the world top 5 places for paragliding.

There are a number of operators in lakeside who offer tandem flights with professional pilots. All the operators offer 15-10 minutes flight daily as well as 30-45 minutes flights. There are a number of packages available. Prices are usually fixed across all the paragliding operators, but they are subject to changes. If you want photos and videos to be made during the flight, that will incur additional cost.

• Price for 15-10 minutes flight: NPR 10,000
• Price for 30-45 minutes flight: NPR 13,000

Rafting and Kayaking

Whether you want to enjoy kayaking along the Phewa Lake or want to negotiate the rapids of Seti River, you have it all at Pokhara. You can enjoy kayaking along Phewa Tal and Begnas Lake. Whitewater rafting is another popular adventure in Pokhara. Several of Nepal’s rivers run along  the surrounding areas of Pokhara.

There are a number of operators who offer rafting and kayaking trips. There are whitewater rafting adventure at Upper Seti River, only 20 minutes from Lakeside, or you can also go for expeditions down the Kali Gandaki, Marsyangdi and Lower Seti. The grades of the rapids vary from +2 to +5 depending upon the rivers and the season.

Rafting at Upper Seti River is just perfect for beginners. It can take a half day for it. You also do not need to have any prior rafting experience. You just have to follow the instructions of the guide and captain.

For kayaking around the Phewa Lake, you can rent kayaks from all the major rafting and kayak rental shops in Lakeside for an hour or half a day at reasonable prices.

Bungee Jumping

Bungee jumping is one of Pokhara’s extreme sports. It has a 70m vertical drop and a 3 second free fall amidst the valley of Pokhara. How extreme can it get? Highground Adventures offer bungee jumping along with zip-lining, just what you need for a perfect day of adventure in Pokhara.

Pokhara is the home to the craziest ziplining. The zipline is huge 1.8 km long, has a 2000ft vertical drop and takes you to 120km/hr all in the space of 2 minutes. It is the tallest, longest and steepest zipline in the world.

Well, I did not want to do the bungee jumping, but wanted to do the zip-lining. Bad weather played spoilsport and again we could not do it. Maybe next time when we visit Pokhara!

Take the ultralight flight at Pokhara

This is one of the unique adventures in Pokhara. There are a few companies that offer ultralight flights around Pokhara. Shorter flights will take you around for a bird’s eye view of Phewa Lake and Peace Pagoda, while longer flights will take you closer to Mt.Fishtail and the Annapurnas.

Mountain Biking

You can hire a good quality mountain bike, be a little more adventurous and go biking around Pokhara. Visit Sarangkot during sunrise for a spectacular view or ride up to the Peace Pagoda. You can even bike upto Begnas Lake. Mountain biking is another way of experiencing the adrenaline thrill at Pokhara.

You can also rent motorbikes and scooters on daily basis top explore around Pokhara. The rates of renting are given. The rates are subject to changes.

Motorbikes (125cc to 200cc) : NPR 600-1000 per day

Royal Enfield (350cc & 500cc) : NPR 3000-4000 per day

Yoga & Meditation in Pokhara

Pokhara is Nepal’s home for yoga. You can attend single yoga classes in Pokhara and also long term yoga retreats. Meditation courses are also offered.

Shopping in Pokhara

Pokhara is actually a shoppers’ delight. There are many shops in the Lakeside area selling a variety of products from traditional Nepalese pashminas, paper products, books, leather bags and handmade clothings. There are many shops selling handicraft items as well. Also being the adventure hub of Nepal, you will get a lot of trekking gear shops in Pokhara. Starting from fleece and jackets to gloves and trekking poles, you will get everything that you need for doing a Himalayan trek in Pokhara. There are products from western brands as well as local made trekking gears. Sometimes, these local gears are made imitating a North Face or Columbia Asia product. You might not be able to differentiate between the original and the local one. However, a local made does not essentially mean it is of bad quality. Sometimes they last as long as original brands, if not more. We have a couple of “NorthFace” trousers that have lasted for 5 years now and is still going strong!

The main local market is in Chipledunga area. Here you will get a number of shops selling items for local and everyday use. For collecting souvenirs, we think Lakeside is a great place to shop.

Where to stay in Pokhara?

No matter what your budget is, you will probably find a place to spend night at Pokhara. There are plenty of hotels, hostels, guesthouses and resorts in Pokhara to choose from. Whether you want to spend $10 or $100, you will find a place in Pokhara.

Most of the accommodations for tourists in Pokharais spread from Damside to North Lakeside. Most of the hotels have a great view, either of the mountains or the lake.

Where to eat in Pokhara?

There are a number of restaurants, cafes, bistros and bars along the Lakeside. Most of them have a superb location overlooking the Phewa Lake. These places also serve a variety of cuisines like Nepali, Italian, Continental and Indian.

In addition to dining, Lakeside also has a vibrant nightlife with many bars, pubs and clubs. Most of these are located at Central Lakeside overlooking the Phewa Lake. Many of these places provide live Western music and Nepali cultural programmes.

Best Time to visit Pokhara

The peak season is March and April (spring) and October to November (autumn) for the trekkers. This is the time when the hikers flock the area for Annapurna trek.

May to early June is also good for general tourists and travellers. Late June to September is monsoon season and is not the ideal time for trekking. Also, mountain views are not good during this time due to cloudy weather. But this is a good time for doing the Lower and Upper Mustang treks as it falls in the rain shadow area.

Winters are quite cold and chilly. But you will get great views of the mountains.

Money matters: Are there ATMs in Pokhara?

You will find a number of ATMs in Lakeside Pokhara. There are a number of money changers as well in Pokhara. Most of the money changers in Pokhara do not charge commission and the exchange rate is also good.

Did you find this article useful? Please let us know by commenting below. Please share this with others who is planning to visit Nepal. Pin it for a later read!

Agni Amrita

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I still can not forget the day I visited Pokhra for the first time in 2009. We all the way travelled from Chitwan to Pokhra by road. The Sunrise view of Himalayas from the top was the bestest moment of my life. Thank you for reminding me about those wonderful days.

Sunrises are always special. Thank you for stopping by!

have visited pokhakara twice ,but my eyes have opened up after going through your beautiful,descriptive blog which surely inspires me to go again .Thanks for being so informative.Keep inspiring more through your writing.

Thank you so much!

That was quite informative & interesting! Looking forward to visit this place after this covid situation is over. Thank you for your tips

one of nature beautiful craft, i loved the pokhara and very soon my team will be there for holidays. Thanks for sharing magnificent photos of pokhara.

Thank you so much Ravin.

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Nepal Travel Blog

40 Places To Visit in Pokhara: Museums, Adventure Sports, Day Trips & More

Cities in Nepal , Destinations in Nepal / May 28, 2022 by fulltimeexplorer / 12 Comments

The list of places to visit in Pokhara is endless. Walk in any direction, and you’re surrounded by beauty. It’s a haven for trekking and adventure sports, but for those  who don’t fancy themselves “thrill seekers” there’s tons of places to sit back and relax as well. Take in some culture at the museums, visit a temple, relax at the spa, or enjoy a night out on the town. There’s something for everyone. The best part is it’s not expensive. Below is a list of all the places to visit in Pokhara that I really enjoyed.

Map of Places to Visit in Pokhara

Download my offline map through GPSmyCity for an easy way to locate the best places to visit in Pokhara that are mentioned in this article.

Adventure Sports in Pokhara

Paragliding.

Cost: Peak season will cost up to 12000 rupee (about $100 USD), while off season will only be 5000 rupee (about $40 USD)

See Lake Phewa and the Annapurna range from above. You’ll take off from Sarangkot and land in North Lakeside. Depending on the conditions, your ride could last from 15 minutes to a half hour. You get to soar through the sky like a bird while your guide takes you in circles up above. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, you can ask them to do tricks on the way down. For those who don’t want to run off a mountain, you can watch from the takeoff location which is interesting to see. Read more about my paragliding experience .

Cost: 5000 rupees (about $40 USD) per person for one zipline

Ziplining has been on my bucket list for a long time. For some reason, I’ve just never gotten around to crossing it off, but Nepal was the place to do it. A quick 30 minute drive outside of the city is one of the world’s longest, fastest, and highest ziplines. Dropping out of the gate was terrifying, but after that it was fun, and dare I say, relaxing. It only lasts less than two minutes, so it’s a tad on the expensive side, but I’m glad I did it regardless. Read more about my zipline experience . Update: they recently lowered the price from $68 to $40, so it’s not as expensive anymore.

Bungy Jumping

Cost: 7000 rupees at The Cliff (about $58 USD)

There are three options for bungy jumping near Pokhara. They include HighGround Adventures

, Go Bungy Nepal , or The Cliff which is the highest bungy jump in Nepal. I went to the Last Resort in Nepal which is on the other side of the country, so I can’t recommend a place in Pokhara. I’ve been told The Cliff is great because it’s so high, but I can’t speak from experience. If you want a short but intense adrenaline rush, then bungy jumping is the right choice for you.

Tandem Swing

Cost: 12000 rupees per couple (about $100 USD)

If bungy jumping isn’t your thing, you can consider a tandem swing with a friend or your partner. I haven’t tried the swing as I was looking forward to being disoriented and upside down in the bungy jump. To me, the swing looks scarier. You can try a tandem swing at The Cliff in Kusma, just outside of Pokhara.

ATV Adventure

Cost: 9500 rupees (about $80 USD)

One of the newest activities being brought to Nepal by HighGround Adventures is an ATV tour. Honestly, why did no one think of this sooner? Nepal is the perfect place to off-road in an all-terrain vehicle! Now, you can take a two hour off roading tour to Sarangkot where you get to enjoy a lovely lunch.

WISH – West Indoor Sport Hub

WISH is a sports hub and climbing wall located near Lakeside in Pokhara. They offer an awesome rock climbing wall that’s great for everyone from beginners to experts. You have the option to do bouldering or be roped into a belay to climb higher. The floor has mats to protect you if you fall. This is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon doing something different.

Go Kart Pokhara

Go Kart Pokhara is a great adrenaline rush for the entire family. If you’re looking for a fun way to spend the morning with kids, then this is it. It’s located on the north side of Lake Phewa and could be combined with a trip to Pame Beach (it’s not actually a beach) which has lots of restaurants to choose from on the water. The only downfall is that you’ll need to hire a car to take you there.

Kayaking on Lake Phewa

Cost: 200 rupee per hour or 1,000 rupee a day (about $2 USD or $10 USD)

I’m a huge fan of kayaking, but it always seems too expensive to rent one. Luckily, here it’s fairly cheap. I grabbed one for an hour right before dinner when the sun was setting. It’s way too hot to be on the lake in the middle of the day, so 4:30pm was perfect. The only downfall was trying to carry the kayak from the store to the water and back by myself. If you have a group, you can rent a rowboat which is already in the water and easier to get to.

Religious Sites in Pokhara

Pema dechenling monastery.

I couldn’t find much information about the Pema Dechenling Monastery other than it’s a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery overlooking Phewa Lake. You have to climb some stairs to get to the top, but it’s worth the walk. There’a a large golden Buddha statue overlooking the lake with lovely views of the water below. Although the Buddha is huge, I’ve noticed this is one of the lesser known places to visit in Pokhara.

Boat to Tal Barahi Temple

While you’re out boating, check out the Tal Barahi Temple located on a small island near Dam Side on the lake. My friends and I rented a boat for an hour, and it took us longer to get there than we anticipated so we didn’t have time to go inside. The temple is sometimes used for weddings and you can see masses of locals visiting it daily. The Tal Barahi Temple is a popular destination for local tourism as it’s one of the holiest places to visit in Pokhara.

Attempt to See Devi Falls

Cost: 30 rupee entrance fee (about $0.30 USD)

I say attempt because it’s almost impossible to see the actual falls. For some reason, there is a tall fence that feels like a prison surrounding it. No matter where you stand, the view is only meh. We had a good laugh at how bad of a view it was, and I got mad at websites who recommended seeing it. If you are in the area, you can check it out, but don’t go out of your way to see Devi Falls.

Explore Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

Cost: 100 rupee entrance fee (about $1 USD)

Right across from Devi Falls is Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave. Unlike the falls, this is pretty cool. As you descend the large stairs, you almost feel like you are in ancient Greece. Once underground, you’ll duck through man made tunnels until you can see the Devi Falls from below. This is a good place to stop on route to the World Peace Pagoda.

Museums in Pokhara

Visit the international mountain museum.

Cost: 400 rupees for foreigners (about $4 USD)

I’m not usually big on visiting museums in other countries because I’m always so busy trying to see the culture firsthand. That being said, the International Mountain Museum was interesting. It showed what village life is like in the mountains including traditional clothing from each caste. My favorite part was seeing all the equipment used to summit some of the highest mountains in the world and reading about the first people to make it to the top. Some of the equipment looked so archaic that I honestly have no idea how people survived their treks. It was amazing to see in person.

Gurkha Memorial Museum

The Gurkha Memorial Museum focuses on showing the history of Gurkha soldiers who worked in the British Army and India Army and those impacts on Nepal. The exhibit has photographs, uniforms, and medals on display and would be interesting for those fascinated with history and the military.

Annapurna Museum (Annapurna Natural History Museum)

The Annapurna Museum is located in the Prithvi Narayan Campus in Pokhara. It was established in 1965, and the exhibits were meant to entertain children and educate them about the area. The museum focuses on natural history including how the area was formed with tectonic plates, fossils found in the area, as well as some of the flora and fauna found in the area.

Food Related Activities in Pokhara

Eat tibetan momos at a refugee camp.

After asking several locals where their favorite momos were, they all seemed to agree that the Tibetan’s make them the best. I got to visit two refugee camps (one on the way to Kusma and another near Devi Falls). Both were the best momos I had in my entire stay. You can tell they are going to be amazing because there’s usually a wait for a table and everyone eating there is a local. They also tend to sell out so get there early.

Elevated Dining at Sky Cafe

The Sky Cafe is located outside of Pokhara at The Cliff in Kusma. It’s not a meal for the faint of heart because your table is pretty much floating in the air. Those who want to dine with a little bit of a rush would enjoy this daring meal. This is also the kind of activity that could be enjoyed by all ages as it doesn’t require jumping off a bridge and is a low key rush compared to other activities at The Cliff.

Enjoy the Lake Walk

There’s a gorgeous little pathway that runs along the water in Lakeside that everyone has to walk down at least once. The first time I came to Nepal, it was just a dusty dirt path, but over time it has evolved into a cute park-like area on the water with grass, pathways, and benches. I like to walk here at night when all the restaurants turn on their neon signs. This is by far one of the most popular places to visit in Pokhara for locals and tourists.

Learn to Make Momos

Cost: 1250 rupee per person (about $12 USD)

Try your hand at dumpling making. While most of the class is spent learning how to seal a dumpling in different styles, it certainly brings out your artistic flare. A bit of cooking class, and a bit of arts and crafts (think playdough), it’s a lot of fun to learn this art form. Read more about my cooking class experience .

Drink Chai in a Local Village

You can hike to a few small villages around Pokhara. One of my favorite things is sitting down to have some tea in someone’s home. Sometimes locals will offer it to you free of charge, especially if you know a little Nepali. Sometimes, they’ll charge for it. Regardless, it’s always fun to take a break from a hike to enjoy the spectacular views. You can grab chai on the way to Sarangkot, the Peace Pagoda, or any little village you stumble upon even if it’s in the middle of nowhere.

Relaxing in Pokhara

Get a massage.

I recommend the spa at Middle Path Hotel & Spa. I’ve had a lot of massages in Nepal, and the ones I’ve had there are some of my favorites. The price varies depending on the type of massage and how long it is, but they range from $25 – $50. You can get a massage somewhere cheaper, but the quality and facilities are not as good.

Take a Yoga Class

Yoga classes and retreats are popular around Pokhara, especially in the Lakeside area. Some restaurants and hotels offer classes for free, but most places charge around 500 rupees (about $5 USD) per class. I’m told Purna Yoga Retreat Center is nice, but it’s been a few years since I took a yoga class in Pokhara, so it’s hard for me to recommend a specific place.

You can also try your hand at meditation while you’re in town. There’s an Osho Divine Zone near lakeside which offers an array of interesting types of meditation to try including kundalini and dynamic meditation which can sometimes involve screaming. If you’re looking for one of the more interesting places to visit in Pokhara, this is it. You can read about my experience with the Osho Divine Zone in Kathmandu .

Rent a Bicycle

Cost: 100 rupees an hour (about $1 USD)

One of the things I found most relaxing was hiring a couple of bicycles and just wandering around town on them. There isn’t too much traffic in Lakeside and you can ride your bike to Pame Beach (towards the north of Lake Phewa) for lunch if you want a bit more of a challenge. If you keep going past Pame, you’ll end up riding along the rice fields outside of town. It’s fairly flat, but you’ll want to rent a mountain bike with gears as there are some hills.

Night Life in Pokhara

Catch a live band at the office bar.

Cost: Varies based on food and drink

The Office Bar , a local hang on North Lakeside, is the perfect place to grab a beer and enjoy some live music. My friends happened to know the owner, and I was invited over on numerous occasions. If you want to relax in a laid back bar with the locals, this is the place to do it. You’ll find people just chilling, playing cards, and catching up after work. I’d recommend the veggie burger or veg pakora if you’re looking for food or just grab a drink. Some nights they even have a famous local jazz band playing.

Kick Back at the Movie Garden

Cost: $3.50 for the movie plus you can order food and drinks

The Movie Garden is an outdoor cinema located in Lakeside. It’s a little hard to find since it’s tucked away up a hill off the main street, but once you’re there, you’ll feel like you’re in another world. The small pathway is illuminated by candlelight, and the seating area is under a giant canopy. It’s probably one of the cutest places to visit in Pokhara, if not all of Nepal. They play a different movie every night. We caught Life of Brian when we visited.

Day Hikes Around Pokhara

Sunrise hike to sarangkot.

Cost: 50 rupee entrance fee (about $0.50 USD)

My friends and I attempted to hike up Sarangkot almost every day for a week. Every morning at 4:00am we’d wake up to find a sky full of clouds and zero visibility. We’d all roll back into bed and try again the next day. Eventually the clouds cleared up, and we made the two hour hike to see the sunrise. It was well worth the wait and the short but steep trek. If you aren’t into hiking, you can also take a taxi up most of the way. Sarangkot is one of my favorite places to visit in Pokhara.

The World Peace Pagoda

Cost: Donation

The World Peace Pagoda boasts beautiful views of the city, the lake, and Annapurna on a clear day. There are two routes to hike. One is over an hour while the other is only 20 minutes. I found the views on the hour trek to be very pretty. Most of the time you’re on an unpaved road so it wasn’t too difficult to navigate or climb. I’ve been told it’s also a beautiful place to watch the sunset. The World Peace Pagoda is one of the most popular places to visit in Nepal.

Lord Shiva Statue

Past the World Peace Pagoda and on the way to Pumdikot is the 51 foot tall Lord Shiva Statue which was recently constructed and finished in 2021. It’s a strenuous hike to get here, but it’s one of the few day hikes in the area and it doesn’t require a conservation area permit. This is also one of the days of the Panchase Hiking Route which I’ll mention in this article as well. That route takes 2-3 days and goes around the southwest side of Lake Phewa.

Day Trips from Pokhara

Annapurna cable car.

Cost: About $9 USD

The Annapurna Cable Car opened in 2022 and takes you for a ride up to Sarangkot. You can make this a half day or overnight trip by riding the car up in the morning (for half day) or afternoon (for overnight), enjoying breakfast or lunch with a view from the top, watching the paragliders take off, and then coming back down on the cable car later.

Cost: Varies depending on type of transportation and time of year

If getting off the beaten path is your main goal, hire a bike to take you to Kusma. It’s about two to three hours outside of Pokhara. I was fortunate enough to have a friend take me to this adorable little city. There were no other tourists in sight, and the locals were thrilled to see us visiting. Kusma is known for having the longest and highest suspension bridge in Nepal. You can test your fear of heights by crossing it. Despite being terrified, the views from the middle are spectacular. There is also a beautiful cave in the area. Unfortunately, we went after the monsoon season, so the water was too deep for us to enter.

Update: Kusma is now a hot spot destination because The Cliff established a mecca of adventure sports facilities.

Begnas Lake

While Pokhara is beautiful, the surrounding areas offer so much as well. About an hour drive outside of the city is a less touristed lake. On a clear day, you can see the Himalayas towering over the water. While most tourists visit the west side of the lake, the east side has a beautiful viewpoint with barely anyone around. There’s a small restaurant right on the water that makes some of the best fish I’ve ever had. Just look for “Begnas Lake Viewpoint” on Google Maps to find it. From here you can rent a boat to take out on the water.

For more info: Check out my Begnas Lake: City Guide

Dovilla is about a 20 minute ride outside of Lakeside, Pokhara. The area became famous after several Nepali tiktokers posted videos of the gorgeous swimming hole there. Unfortunately, we went in September after the monsoon and the beautiful watering hole had turned into a raging river. Therefore, you’ll need to ask if it’s worth visiting before hiring a car to take you there. We were told October and November were better times to visit.

Treks Near Pokhara

Panchase trek.

The Panchase Trek is a 2 to 3 day trek at low altitudes surrounding the southwest side of Lake Phewa. This is an easier trek which is perfect for beginners and families. It’s a great warm up for harder treks and doesn’t require a conservation permit, however you may want to take a guide as the path isn’t as well worn.

Poon Hill Trek

The Poon Hill Trek is a 4 to 5 day trek inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. Although it’s a shorter trek which doesn’t go too high in altitude, it is extremely difficult due to the amount of stairs you need to climb to get there.

You can read more about my experience in these Poon Hill Blogs .

Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek is a 5 day trek that gets you up close with the Annapurna Mountain Range. This is one of the newer and more popular treks within the Annapurna Conservation Area because of its short time frame and epic views.

You can read more about my experience in these Mardi Himal Blogs .

Khopra Danda Trek

Khopra Danda is an off-the-beaten-path trek within the Annapurna Conservation Area. We went during monsoon and didn’t get many views, but I’m told it’s epic on a clear day. This trip takes between 5 and 8 days depending on your itinerary.

You can read more about my experience in these Khopra Danda Blogs

The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek takes between 7 and 8 days and is rather difficult. This trek involves a lot of steep uphill climbs despite never reaching 5,000 meters but the views are worth it. This is one of the first trekking routes in Nepal!

You can read more about my experience in these ABC Trek Blogs

Tilicho Lake Trek

The Tilicho Lake Trek is usually combined with the Annapurna Circuit and takes an additional 3 days from that route. This was my favorite part of the circuit and is worth walking out of the way for.

You can read more about my experience in this post about Tilicho Lake .

Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit was one of the first treks I ever did in Nepal, and it was the first one where I carried my own bag, so it holds a special place for me. This trek takes most people 12 days, but I did a longer version and spent several days in villages I liked. It took me 30 days to complete, but it was an incredible month in the mountains.

You can read more about my experience in these Annapurna Circuit Blogs

My Top Picks for Hotels in Pokhara

Budget hotel.

Forest Lake Backpacker

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$12 a night – Located on the quiet northern side of Lakeside, this hostel has everything you need including lockers, outlets near the bed, privacy curtains, individual reading lights and more. I stayed here for an entire month and loved it!

Comfort Hotel

Hotel Middle Path

$50 a night – This is my go to hotel when I visit Pokhara. There’s an on site pool, large clean rooms, a beautiful garden, a spa, and friendly staff. It’s located in the heart of Lakeside close to all my favorite restaurants. I can’t recommend it enough!

Luxury Hotel

The Pavilions Himalaya

$200 a night – If you want luxury, The Pavilions is the place to be. Visiting here feels like an escape into a private paradise. I felt so relaxed during out stay and can’t wait to go back. The hotel is sustainable without compromising luxury!

Transportation to Pokhara

You can save time by booking your tickets to Pokhara online. Often if you book a bus ticket in person, you aren’t able to choose the company you go with. Online, you can pick which bus you want including VIP buses. You can also book a car, SUV, or flight to Pokhara.

Have any questions about the best places to visit in Pokhara? Feel free to reach out to me in the comments!

You might also like…

Michelle della giovanna.

Writer at Full Time Explorer

I’m just your average New Yorker who quit her job in the fashion industry to explore the world. Come find out what it’s like to trade in five-inch heels for squat toilets.

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Reader Interactions

December 14, 2017 at 7:26 pm

I’ve spent hours reading some really cool blogs on your site. Thank you! Love this one particularly. I’ll take the advice when I’m next there.

December 14, 2017 at 8:15 pm

Thanks so much Ben! I’m really glad you enjoyed this post.

December 14, 2017 at 8:38 pm

Ah I was so torn between going to Nepal or Tibet, but this settles it! Can’t wait to try some momos haha!

December 14, 2017 at 9:04 pm

You definitely won’t regret it. Nepal is by far my favorite country!

December 14, 2017 at 10:26 pm

Just found your blog and really enjoyed reading it. Just came out from a self-imposed travel blogging hiatus and am really inspired by your journey especially in Nepal. If I could have a chance to visit that country, I would love to do the 17 activities you’ve done. But, I would also try to hear straight from the locals about what I read about polyandry being practised by the early Nepalese.

December 14, 2017 at 11:06 pm

Interesting you should mention that. One of my guides spoke about it briefly. He said that usually the husbands were never home at the same time, and the wife would control their schedules (telling them when to work, etc). She’d then be in charge of all the money and run the household.

December 14, 2017 at 11:40 pm

Yeah, am curious at the dilemma of the siblings as they would not know their biological father more so that DNA testing was not yet around. At any rate, that’s the essence of culture which everybody ought to respect.

December 15, 2017 at 12:00 am

Wow didi it was great I love it your trip writing.

December 15, 2017 at 2:31 pm

Dhaenabaht bai!

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Suggestions, the unforgettable memories of pokhara in my travel dairy.

As a trekking and tour guide, I often travel to Pokhara, sometimes starting the trek and sometimes finishing the treks. For me, Pokhara is the best place to chill out and enjoy the surrounding. So that I have so many unforgettable memories of Pokhara in my travel diary. Pokhara is the base camp of the Annapurna region treks; such as Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Mardi Himal Trek , Annapurna Circuit Trek, and many more.

Pokhara is not only the gateway of trekking to Annapurna Himalayas. It is the home of adventure activities such as Bungee Jumping, Paragliding, Zip Lying, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Rafting, etc. Beautiful lakes such as Fewa Lake, Begnas Lake, Rupa Lake, and many more. Caves and waterfalls are also the attraction of the Pokhara and these are natural attractions.

On the other hand, the beauty of the cultural heritage and cultural phenomenon. Temples, monasteries, and the daily lifestyle of the local people. This is one of the biggest towns in Nepal so there are living around 1.5 million people. Different caste, different religions, and different cultures are also the attraction of the Pokhara.  But here I am going to write the most unforgettable memories of Pokhara.

Lost my bag and bought all the trekking gear in Pokhara – Expensive memories of Pokhara in my travel diary. 

Well, I was traveling by Bus to Pokhara for Annapurna Base Camp Trek . Unfortunately, I lost my bag on the bus while traveling to Pokhara from Kathmandu. I knew that when I got off in the Pokhara Bus Park. I was absolutely mad when I can’t find my bag.

On that day they promised they will see how that happened and the staff of the bus suggested me to write a complaint to the bus company. I complained to the bus company and their service, from their side they checked everything how that happened. And they found CCTV footage of stealing my bag pack at Damauli while they stopped for a break.

For me was a very tough time, because the next day I have to go to Annapurna Base Camp Trek. And, I don’t have any trekking equipment except my trekking shoe. So that I have no other option to buy new trekking clothes. I bought a Jacket, fleece, trousers, a pair of socks, and needed trekking gear in Pokhara. Therefore, this is one of the miserable memories of Pokhara in my travel diary.

The first time was in Pokhara and walking around Lakeside.

I traveled throughout Pokhara several times but I never stayed in Pokhara overnight and look around Pokhara. When I become the first-time assistant guide and then I got an opportunity to stay in Pokhara for two days. We drove back from Jomsom to Beni and then Pokhara after done Annapurna Circuit Trek .

We arrived in Pokhara in the evening time and I did not see the surroundings properly. I was so excited to see Pokhara, especially the lakeside and Phewa Lake. Because I used to read and heard a lot about Lake and Lakeside. After dinner with the trekking members, I, and the first guide walk around Lakeside.

He showed me Lakeside after dinner while we were walking, I was thinking it was a bit different than Thamel Kathmandu. Because I found Pokhara is cleaner than Kathmandu and lightful and colorful. After some time, we went to sleep but I could not sleep because I was overexcited to see Pokhara. Somehow, I fell asleep for a while and then woke up very early.

Early in the morning, I woke him up and we walked around the Lakeside. First time in my life I was seeing such a huge lake and the one which I read about that in the books. So, I was very pleased to see that beautiful Phewa Lake; and we walked for an hour from one end to another end.

And spend the whole day traveling around Pokhara with guests. Because on that day we have to make a whole day Pokhara tour for those trekkers who did Annapurna trekking with us. To sleep in the Pokhara for the first time is also one of the most unforgettable memories of my travel diary.

Swam in the Phew Lake at midnight.

After finishing the Poon Hill Trek, we were staying in Pokhara. We did a party because we finished the trek and we wanted to celebrate that. During the party, he drank a lot of beer and he was a bit drunk and he challenged me to swim in the Lake. I accepted his challenge to swim and we went to the lakeside.

First, he drove into the lake, and then I follow him. While we were swimming in the lake and there are some people are looking at us. We were enjoying our swim but suddenly some police came there and shouted at us to come out of the Lake. We came out and the police started to shout at us why you are swimming here?

Because that area is not for a swim and also, we were swimming in the night time. We apologized for our mistake and then the police let us go to sleep. So that swimming in the Lake at the midnight was a kind of fun and as well as miserable experience because I broke the rules.

Sleep the whole night on the Bus – one of the worse memories of Pokhara

After finishing the trek I took the night bus to Kathmandu from Pokhara. As their time bus will leave at 8:15 PM. Before leaving Pokhara I ate dinner in a local restaurant in Prithivi Chowk Pokhara. Well, things are going well. The bus left on time and I plugged the headphone into my ears. Because that was a very long drive to Kathmandu.

After half an hour bus stopped because there was a big Jam which was occurred by an accident. I thought this problem will solve soon but things turned out differently. Because of the accident, two people were dead and locals are doing strike and burnt that bus which was involved in that accident.

Waiting was going and going. All the vehicles are on the road and that queue was very long. Till 12 noon I was looking around and hoping to clear the road and move the vehicles. But that was not going to happen. Because of the accident bus stopped and there is no place to go anywhere because that was a kind of Jungle and no residences nearby.

There was no choice but to sleep on the Bus. So I tried to sleep on the bus but that was not possible to sleep that easily. I listened to the music for some time and then I fell asleep for a few hours. The next day at 10: 00 am the road slowly cleared up and we drove to Kathmandu. So that spending a whole night on a bus in the same place in Pokhara was also one of the unforgettable memories of Pokhara in my traveling life.

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Top Things to Do in Pokhara, Nepal

Pokhara , the second-largest city in Nepal, offers a refreshing contrast to the frenetic streets of the capital, Kathmandu. Its setting on the shore of Phewa Lake, with the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna mountains on the horizon, could hardly be more idyllic. Whether you’re looking to spend a relaxing few days soaking up the laid-back atmosphere, or planning an adrenaline-pumping adventure, it makes an ideal inclusion to your Nepal itinerary. To help you plan your visit, we’ve picked out the best things to do in Pokhara.

Keen to visit Pokhara? It’s just one of several fantastic destinations, along with Kathmandu and Chitwan National Park, featured as part of Culture Trip’s exclusive 11-day Nepal trip.

1. Row across Phewa Lake

Hiking Trail, Natural Feature

One of the best ways to appreciate the serene surroundings of Pokhara is to glide across Phewa Lake on a colourful paddleboat. Head down to the shore and you’ll find plenty of lakeside stalls, where you can either rent a boat to take out yourself for a specified amount of time, or with a dedicated driver who’ll show you the best parts. Expect to pay around 500 Nepali rupees (£3/$4) per hour. Alternatively, join a guided tour which includes a visit to Tal Barahi Temple – a two-storey pagoda temple on an island in the lake.

2. Watch the sunrise from Sarangkot

Architectural Landmark

The tiny, hilltop village of Sarangkot, just north of Pokhara, offers a spectacular vantage point for panoramas of the Annapurna range. As such, it’s one of the best spots to watch the sunrise in Nepal, as the mountains are bathed in a golden glow. It takes around three hours to hike there from Pokhara, but given sunrise occurs between 5am and 7am (depending on the time of year) a more convenient option is to take a taxi to the top and hike back down – or continue to the Gurung village of Naudanda, traversing farmland and rice terraces en route.

With Culture Trip, you can stay overnight at a mountain lodge in Sarangkot, and enjoy a sunrise yoga session, as part of our specially curated 11-day Nepal adventure – led by our Local Insider.

4. Go white-water rafting on the Upper Seti River

Sports Center

Keen for a thrilling adventure but not quite sure if paragliding is for you? Pokhara’s proximity to the Upper Seti River makes it an excellent white-water rafting destination. Bounce along exhilarating class III-IV rapids, and glide through gentler sections, taking in the dreamy mountain scenery as you go. Most tours depart from the lake shore in Pokhara and include transport to and from the rafting entry point, around 30 minutes outside the city. Expect to pay around 6,000 NPR (£37/$50) for a half-day excursion, such as the one offered by Paddle Nepal .

5. Tuck into delicious food

Cafe, Coffee

There are few better places to experience authentic Nepali and Tibetan cuisine than in Pokhara, which has an extensive selection of superb cafes and restaurants, many of which line the lakeside road. Byanjan, Pokhara Thakali Kitchen and Potala Tibetan Restaurant are among the standout options where you can try momo dumplings and dal bhat – a hearty lentil stew served with rice that’s the national dish of Nepal. In the mood for pizza? Caffe Concerto is the place to go. If vegan-friendly juices, smoothie bowls and salads are calling, opt for The Juicery Cafe, a great lunch spot by the lake.

6. Hike to the World Peace Pagoda

The gleaming white, 35m (115ft) tall World Peace Pagoda, also known as Shanti Stupa, is arguably the most impressive religious building in Pokhara. Sitting at an altitude of 1,100m (3,600ft) atop Ananda Hill, the pagoda, constructed during the 1970s by Japanese monks, has a platform with magnificent views of Pokhara, Phewa Lake and the Annapurna mountains. Getting there is a rewarding experience itself; either take a boat for around 800 NPR (£5/$6.70) and walk 45 minutes to the top, or take a taxi from the city centre – around 1,500 NPR (£9.45/$12.60) for a return trip.

7. Visit the International Mountain Museum

Given that Nepal has eight of the 14 highest mountains in the world, with summits exceeding 8,000m (26,250ft) high, it’s a fitting home to the International Mountain Museum. Here, you can learn all about the history of mountaineering worldwide, with a particular focus on the geology of the Nepali Himalaya, and the techniques and equipment used in ascending them. There are also sections dedicated to the cultural heritage of Nepal’s indigenous mountain people, and the flora and fauna of the Himalaya. It’s open daily from 9.30am-4pm, and entry costs 500 NPR (£3.15/$4.20) for adults.

8. Explore the nearby cave systems

Natural Feature

The hills around Pokhara contain a myriad of cave networks, which are well worth venturing out of town to explore. Mahendra Cave, with hundreds of stalagmites and stalactites, and the Bat Cave (Chameri Gufa), home to thousands of horseshoe bats, are both popular attractions. If you only visit one cave, though, make it Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, on the road to the World Peace Pagoda. Accessed via a twisting staircase, it contains a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the underground section of the Devi’s Falls waterfall. Entry costs 100 NPR (£0.60/$0.85).

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Travel Itineraries | Luxury Travel | Travel Tips

A Guide To Spending 2 Days in Pokhara, Nepal

Pokhara,  a Backpacker’s paradise, nestled along the massive Lake Phewa, and surrounded by the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges, is Nepal’s most popular adventure and leisure destination , with activities suitable for all age groups.

Pokhara is the gateway to many treks in the Annapurna regions, and on clear mornings, you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the 8000m + Annapurna and Manaslu ranges, from anywhere in Pokhara, and also acts as the relaxing spot for the trekkers, after completing the Everest Base Camp Trek.

I consider myself fortunate to have  the opportunity of exploring Pokhara and other gems of Nepal, along with a bunch of like-minded travellers from all over the world. And all credits for this goes to  Tourism Board , and PATA – Nepal Chapter , without whom this  7 Day Nepal Experience wouldn’t have been possible.

PS – An extended Weekend in Pokhara fits perfectly in this 10 Day Nepal Travel Itinerary .

We stayed in Pokhara just for 2 nights, and still managed to indulge in a plethora of things, that too staying almost 10 KM away from the lakeside central boulevard at this amazing Mountain Glory Forest Resort and Spa.

Before reaching the resort, I was apprehensive, as proximity to the city center was a huge warning signal, but the moment we reached Mountain Glory Forest Resort and Spa, I realised how wrong I was. Staying at Mountain Glory Forest Resort and Spa , in a way became a highlight of my brief stay in Pokhara.

Despite being a good 10 KM away from the Pokhara lakeside promenade, I would definitely recommend everyone to stay at Mountain Glory Forest Resort and Spa . Keep reading to know why do I say so!

A Weekend in Pokhara – All You Need To Know 

How to Reach Pokhara

Best time to visit pokhara, mountain glory forest resort and spa, pokhara, start the day by seeing the sun rise from sarangkot, peace out at the world peace pagoda in pokhara, go boating in lake phewa, time to go shopping in pokhara, go café hopping at the main lakeside promenade in pokhara, put on the chef’s hat, and take some cooking classes, experience the beauty of pokhara, on a cycle, indulge in some adventurous activities, in and around pokhara, share this:.

In case you are wondering how to reach this backpackers’ paradise known as Pokhara, the best way is flying in or taking the road.

By Air:  You can fly to Pokhara directly from Kathmandu. The travel time is about 40 minutes. You may choose to fly either Yeti Air , or Buddha Air , to and fro from Kathmandu. While the flight schedules in Nepal are uncertain due to the weather conditions, the experience of flying the narrow-bodied jets, is one amazing experience!

By Rail:  Railways are not available in Nepal. If you are planning to travel fromIndia, make your way by train to Jayanagar or New Jalpaiguri, cross the border and then board a bus to Kathmandu which takes about 12 – 14 hours from the border.

By Bus:  Buses are very easily available from Kathmandu to Pokhara and the travel time is about 7 hours. They leave early morning around 6 – 8 AM. Check out Bookaway and get your tickets sorted with ease!

However, be warned, that the roads in Nepal, are not the ones  you would enjoy being on for 7 – 8 hours, as there are a lot of segments of the roads, which need a major rework. Having said that, travelling by road, is by far the cheapest way of exploring Nepal, if you are ready to withstand a back breaking yet picturesque road journey.

Just to give you an idea

Kathmandu to Pokhara, by Air: 150 Km | 45 – 50 minutes

Kathmandu to Pokhara, by road: 220 Kms | 7 – 8 hours

Pokhara is one city, which will surprise you no matter, which part of the year you visit, which is why it shouldn’t surprise you when we say that spending a Weekend in Pokhara , is indeed one of the Best Things to do in Nepal.

However, the best months to visit Pokhara are March – May, and September – November.  While, June – August is the time when the rain gods bless Pokhara with their showers, which has a charm of its own, December – February are the coldest months, with temperatures dipping as low as 5-degree C.

Where to stay in Pokhara?

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Arnav Mathur (@theetlrblog)

Trust me, there’s no better place than, Mountain Glory Forest Resort and Spa to stay in Pokhara.

Yes, the hotel is 10 KM away from the lakeside.

there’s an amazing infinity pool, overlooking the mighty Himalayas.

All the rooms, be it Deluxe, Suite or the Presidential Suite, have massive floor to ceiling glass doors and windows, opening to the unobstructed panoramic views of the valley, and the Himalayan Ranges

Dining with a view, has a different meaning altogether here.

The views of the Annapurna ranges, on a clear morning, will make you realize, what being mmesmerized by the beauty of Nature, feels like.

Spread over around 8.5 acres , with perfectly landscaped gardens, and pathways, connecting the 60+ luxurious rooms , and each room having all the modern amenities, including a luxurious bathtub , and a private balcony, opening to the panoramic views outside , it is one of the best luxury properties I’ve stayed in, and I would highly recommend everyone and anyone who is travelling to Pokhara, to enjoy the experience of staying at the spectacular Mountain Glory Forest Resort and Spa.

Also, did you know that all rooms have a well-stocked mini bar and also there is a well-equipped, fully functional gym, a state of the art lounge, and an in-house Spa as well. All of this ensures, that you have an amazing experience when you decide to spend a few nights in the luxurious Mountain Glory Forest Resort and Spa.

Trust me, you won’t be disappointed at all!!

Things To Do In Pokhara

Like already mentioned above, there are a lot of activities that you can do in Pokhara appealing to all kinds of age groups and all kinds of interests.

Here are some of the Things to Do in Pokhara  if you too are bound by time, like we were, and have only 1-2 days in Pokhara.

Pro Tip : Read These Top Things To Know Before Visiting Nepal – You can thank us later in comments!

The best place to catch a magical  sunrise is from Sarangkot , a small hilltop which is famousfor its breath-taking view of the Annapurna range and Fishtail specially during sunrise. From Dhaulagiri (8167m) in the west to the perfect pyramid – Machhapuchhare (6997m) and the rounded peak of Annapurna II (7937m) in the east, the panoramic view of the mighty Himalayas is a sight to behold.

The best time to be at Sarangkot, is early in the morning, before the first ray of sun touchesthe snow-capped peaks, or later in the evening, when the sun goes down, and turns the sky into a colourful canvas.

It takes almost 45 – 60 min to reach Sarangkot from Pokhara in a taxi, so if you want to witness the sunrise, you need to start from Pokhara, as early as3:45 – 4 AM.

PS – Before you plan to head out to view the sunrise at Sarangkot, make sure to check the weather forecast, and confirm with your hotel. If it’s a cloudy affair, chances are  that the mountain ranges won’t be visible at all.

Did you know that two of the eighty peace pagodas in the World, are in Nepal?  One being the World Peace Pagoda in Lumbini – The birthplace of Lord Buddha, and the other one being the World Peace Pagoda in Pokhara.

Located at a height of 1113m, and offering panoramic views of the Annapurna ranges, the mighty Lake Phewa and the city of Pokhara, the World Peace Pagoda in Pokhara , has become a very popular tourist attraction in the past years.

While you can always head out by taxi, up the partial black topped road from Chhorepatan to the World Peace Pagoda, and climb the last few steps to the top, there are a number of  hiking trails and cycling trails as well, whichyou can choose from.

Depending on your fitness level, and your adventure spirit, you can cross the Lake Phewa in a boat, and hike all the way up to the World Peace Pagoda, and then head back your hotel, in a taxi or your cab, or vice versa.

While at the top, take your time to enjoy the panoramic views of Pokhara city, Lake Phewa and the Annapurna ranges. This you can do from the top, or from any of the numerous cafes, in the vicinity, where dining with a view is definitely recommended, or you can just enjoy the view with a glass of freshly brewed cold coffee!!

Boating in the majestic Lake Phewa , surrounded by the mighty Himalayas, is one of the most popular and recommended things to do while in Pokhara, as also recommended in this 10 Day Nepal Travel Itinerary . Feel the fresh cool mountain breeze kiss your face, as you make your way around Lake Phewa in your paddle boat.

The local legend says that, Phewa Tal or Lake Phewa , covers the area of a once-prosperous valley, whose inhabitants one day scorned a wandering beggar. Finding only one sympathetic woman, the beggar warned her of an impending flood. As the woman and her family fled to higher ground, a torrent roared down from the mountains and submerged the entire valley. The “beggar” was none other than the goddess Barahi Bhagwati. The woman’s descendants settled beside the new lake and erected the island shrine of  Tal Barahi .

Keep at least an hour and a half in hand for your boating experience, and don’t forget to pay a visit to the Temple of Tal Barahi , located on an island in Lake Phewa.

If there’s one thing I can suggest from experience is, do your shopping from Pokhara , rather than spending time doing the same thing in Kathmandu. Most of the times, the rates of a lot of items, turn out to be cheaper in Pokhara, than in Thamel – The backpacker’s hub in Kathmandu.

Ranging from souvenirs  to trekking and adventure gear , from handmade jewellery  to T-shirts with embroidered motifs , from Thanka paintings  to Pashmina shawls  to all kind of clothing for both the sexes – the streets of Pokhara, are a shopper’s paradise.

So, get your bargaining skills sharp, and shop your hearts out.

Someone has rightly said, for every shop selling souvenirs in Pokhara, there’s a café or a restaurant.

This, you will find is 100% true, when you start exploring the busy and happening lake side promenade, which is lined with both shops, and cafes.

While, I personally didn’t get that much of time to explore the cafes in and around the area, you should definitely be checking out Godfather’s Pizzeria, The Kebab King, Busy Bee Café, Marwadi Restaurant, AM/PM Organic Café and Café Concerto , as these have been recommended by other travellers who have also explored Pokhara, but in a much-relaxed manner.

However, if you are able to squeeze a day or two more in Pokhara, here are some of the experiences you should definitely take out time for.

Did you know that there are three existing former Tibetan refugee camps  in and around Pokhara?

As Pokhara has no Buddhist holy places, many older Tibetans have remained in the camps, regarding them as havens where they have kept their culture and language alive till date.

And you know what, you can meet them, interact with them, and even learn a thing or two from them?

How, you may ask?

Well, if you’ve got time at your hand, and are able to make your way to the Tibetan Refugee camps, you can learn how to cook some traditional delicacies, like the yummy Momos, and the traditional Dal Bhat , by joining some cooking classes.

Not only do you get a hands-on learning experience, in these cooking classes, but you also get an opportunity to interact and converse with the Tibetan refugees, and know more about them and their history.

Planning on Trekking in Nepal? Here’s what you definitely need to pack for Trekking in Nepal !

With N number of trails around Pokhara, exploring on a mountain bike or a cycle, is an amazing experience.

With trails starting from 5 KM – 50 KM , and cycles being available from almost everywhere, for just around 200 – 500 NPR / day, this is something which you should definitely experience.

After all, it’s not every day, that you feel the cool breeze coming from Lake Phewa,  your face, as you pedal your way around some picturesque trails.

Pedaling through Pokhara, you are bound to see things, that are often missed out by every other tourist.

If you like that feeling of adrenaline rushing through your bodies, then you should definitely be checking out activities like, Paragliding, Bungee Jumping, Ultralight flights, Zip lining or White-Water Rafting  in and around Pokhara in Nepal – The Birthplace of Adventure Tourism.

Thanks a lot for taking out time and reading this post. It means a lot. If you enjoyed reading this post, do share your thoughts and feedback in comments, and share this post with your friends over social media.

If you feel, there’s something missing out, feel free to share it in comments. Also, don’t forget to Pin these images, to bookmark this Pokhara Weekend Travel Guide.

Disclaimer : No compensation was received for this article, however Mountain Glory Forest Resort and Spa offered our stay complimentary, and  PATA – Nepal Chapter took care of the experiences in Pokhara as I was  one of the hosted Travel Bloggers selected by Nepal Tourism Board to promote the #VisitNepal2020 campaign, part of the Himalayan  Travel Mart (HTM 2019) . As always, the opinions on theETLRblog.com are (and always will be) my own!

22 thoughts on “A Guide To Spending 2 Days in Pokhara, Nepal”

Woohoo. Looks like you had a great day in Pokhara. Did you visit Majhikuna? It is at the end of Begnas Lake – a hidden treasure must say.

Pokhara is one of the goto locations in Nepal. It is really heaven. Anyone will enjoy their time here. Thank you so much for sharing complete details about the Lake City Pokhara. Did you visit Majhi Kuna?

That was quite informative & interesting! Looking forward to visit this place after this covid situation is over. Thank you for your tips

If you love city tour then Pokhara is the best and cool place to be in. Did you went to Lovely Hill in Pokhara. It is quite interesting place. And, if you love trekking then I would love to recommend a classic, wild and remote Manaslu Trek. You will have a great experience.

Thanks for such great info on Pokhara lakeside. I’ll be really planning to go for Pokhara lakeside in the next few months. Thanks again for inspiring me.

This article is killing us! We were supposed to go to Pokhara in May, to kick off our round the world trip. Unfortunately my husband fell very sick beforehand and by the time he was cleared for travel, we had to skip it entirely.

So, consider us jealous…

I love all the places you can go for fantastic views of the mountains and the lake. Your photos are proof of how beautiful an area this is.

Mountain Glory Resort and Spa looks interesting. You have got me at the beautiful places of Pokhara. The World Peace Pagoda and the Lake are the best. I would love to revisit this place soon.

We had followed your journey with PATA and must say it seemed like a great experience to relish forever. The place is actually picturesque and you have got the perfect shots too. We are planing a road trip to Nepal and may require some guidance from you on the same. Thanks for writing this up.

Nepal Always special for me. Nepal what a adventure place.Especially food i loved it. Thanks for sharing.

Mountain Glory looks so luxurious! I could spend all day in that infinity pool. And the World Peace Pagoda is looks incredible with such beautiful architecture.

Nepal looks beautiful! I want to take one of those colorful boats out for the afternoon. My kids would just love the experience. My wife would probably want to para-glide though!

What a cool place. Definitely on my list when I return to Nepal.

Such a unique and luxurious visit. The mountains are truly breathtaking and I’d be up well before dawn to see that light. Love the idea of a cooking class and visiting the peace temple as well. Now Pokhara is on my list of places to visit.

Nepal sounds like such a great spot to visit. The Mountin Glory Forest Resort and Spa looks like a great spot to visit. So glad that its proximity to the city centre was not a problem. That view of the Himalayas Mountains from the endless pool would be amazing. But a sunrise view of the Annapurna range might be even better. I can see why you suggest a boat ride on Lake Phewa. You certainly have provided a great tease to visit Pokhara.

I was in Nepal for a week but didn’t make it to Pokhara. I so wished I had as it is absolutely incredible. And that hike to the peace pagoda – Amazing.

The resort looks amazing. The view from Pokhara Shanti Stupa is incredible and I would love souvenir shopping along the promenade And relaxing in the cafes. Sounds like it was a great experience

I’ve been to Kathmandu for a conference but Pokhara seems awesome! Nepal’s most popular adventure and leisure destination calls out to me, especially with that World Peace Pagoda and the views!

Pokhara looks beautiful. I would love to hike up to the peace pagoda – although it looks like a steep hike! Learning to cook Momos at the refugee camp would be a special experience too.

Wow, Pokhara would be amazing to visit! I love the 360 photo you added. Looks like a perfect place for an adventure.

Nepal has been forever on my bucket list and Pokhara sounds so nice! Love the little facts about the place that you mention all over this post. It let us know so much more about this destination. Thank you for that.

Pokhara is pretty cool and the landscape just around town is spectacular as a base for the amazing treks in the area. Lots of fun ideas and places you suggested in your guide – it is pretty well done.

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Pokhara Travel Guide 2024 with 6 Best Things to Do!

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: January 1, 2024

Categories POKHARA , NEPAL

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

This is a complete Pokhara travel guide, full of where to stay, things to do, where to eat and more.

Compared to the hectic, dusty and busy capital of Kathmandu in Nepal , Pokhara was an oasis of calm.

I instantly felt a bohemian traveller vibe, which was exactly what I was after. A great place to find peace and relax, I knew I was going to love it here.

The locals were so friendly and welcoming, there were plenty of amazing restaurants and all the action was centred around a majestic sparkling lake with a backdrop of the Annapurna mountain range!

Could this be heaven on earth?

I took a few days out of the blogging/social media world here just to chill out and unwind and I would highly recommend Pokhara as the place to take it easy on your Nepal travels.

Here’s a helpful Pokhara travel guide on what to do, and where to stay and eat!

The ultimate Pokhara travel guide

How to reach pokhara in nepal.

There are no trains in Nepal due to the mountain ranges which pretty much cover the whole country, so if you’re heading here overland buses and private taxis are the only way to travel.

Air-conditioned tourist buses will cost you anything from $8 (800 Nepalese rupees) to $35!

To be fair, this ‘luxury bus’ had a hostess, fridge, massive seats and drinks and meals included but it’s SO not necessary to pay that much.

It will still go the same old route as all the others. Popular bus companies are Blue Sky Travels and Greenline (both recommended in Lonely Planet).

But there are also plenty of other companies too. I would definitely recommend that you try to get a seat near the front of the bus as the roads are pretty bumpy, winding and sketchy.

You’ll be spinning around the corners of mountain ranges at top speed and then drop down is pretty scary to look at!

I’ve written a detailed guide to bus travel in Nepal that covers all bus routes!

Local buses are around $5 (500 NPR) but I wouldn’t recommend it. The dust pollution on the roads is some of the worst I have come across in my travels in Asia.

Depending on the time of year, it will also be HOT. So, you’ll need the window open and you’ll breathe in all the dust yuck!

I would also try not to travel over the festival period as when we were here during Dussehra in October all the buses were charging double.

Taking the bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara

All 50 bus companies which were heading to Pokhara were sold out as locals wanted to visit their hometowns over the festival period.

In the end, as all the A/C tourist buses seem to leave at 7 am to Thamel, the traffic on the roads was so bad that it took us 12 hours to get here instead of six. It was a bit of a nightmare.

You can avoid all the above and fly for around $100 but this may be out of the price range of many backpackers and travellers.

From here Pokhara has bus links to Chitwan , Lumbini and Kathmandu .

Kathmandu has the only International airport in Nepal, so if you were thinking of heading to a different country, you have to return there.

For more detailed information on bus travel in Nepal, see here.

How to travel around Pokhara in Nepal

• Nepalese rupees, US dollars and even Indian rupees are accepted in Nepal.
• Namaste means hello and goodbye in Nepalese
• Taxis are the main way to get around the town and to visit the tourist attractions. These all seem to have a hefty price tag.
• If you’re willing to give it a try, there are local buses which can get you around the town for pennies. The buses will head out opposite the Barahi temple (Barahi Chowk). These will take you to a place called Pidota (I’m not sure how it’s spelt but that’s what it sounded like), then from here you can catch a bus to Devi’s falls, the Mahendra caves and even the Peace Pagoda.

The best hotels to stay in Pokhara

There are a plethora of different hotels all over Pokhara, but by far the best area to stay is as near to Fewa lake as you can!

Personally, I stayed at both the Silver Oaks Inn and Hotel Iceland which had an awesome pool to take the heat off.

Both included breakfast ranging from $20 – $30 a night and had a gorgeous view of the mountains from our window.

There are also a fair few luxury options including the Fish Tail Lodge which is situated on the lake and has a fine dining restaurant.

For budget options, there are plenty of hostels, guest houses and homestays which you can stay in starting from $2 a night!

I found that most hotels all over Nepal were spotlessly clean and had excellent hospitality. So, you don’t need to spend an awful lot to get a great night’s sleep.

Top things to do in Pokhara

Most of the action in Pokhara centres around the gorgeous Fewa lake.

My personal favourite moments were just relaxing in one of the beach hut type bars/cafés set up with a drink and a good book.

But, there is plenty more to keep you occupied here than just relaxing. If you’ve got itchy feet and want to explore, here are some places to visit in Pokhara.

When you first see Phewa lake, you can’t help but just gasp.

Not only because it’s absolutely gigantic, but because it has the most stunning colour which sparkles in the light.

You will instantly fall in love with it and want to come back forever.

It would be almost criminal to come to Pokhara and not take a boat ride on the lake while you’re here. So, get your arms ready!

Although you can get a boat ride with a guide, a self-guided tour is all the more fun. I got a two-hour ride as I wasn’t sure how long or how far I would go in that time! But, if you’re relatively fit, you can easily explore the lake at this time.

A two-hour ride cost 620 Nepalese rupees which included the compulsory life jacket hire. It was tough work, well for my boyfriend at least ;).

But, when you stop to take a break, it is so calm on the lake. You’ll feel like you’ve entered paradise.

Barahi Temple

The Barahi temple has an air of mystery to it as it’s situated on Fewa lake and can only be accessed by boat.

It’s a Hindu temple that’s dedicated to the Goddess Durga who is the protector of the gods.

As we were here over the Dussehra festival period, the temple was extremely busy with pilgrims offering and being blessed by the priests in the temple.

Personally, I had the most fun feeding the many pigeons which reside here. I think a bag was around 100 NPR but it was such a laugh.

The children who were visiting the temple were scaring the crap out of them and when the pigeons flew, I also got scared!

A boat ride here from the Barahi ferry dock will cost you a 100 rupees return.

You have to pay 10 rupees for a compulsory life jacket which will be quite disgusting in the heat.

Then it’s a bit of a cattle market to get on the ferry. As usual in Asia, there are no queues. It’s every man for himself. So, just hop on!

Peace Pagoda (Shanti stupa)

The Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) can be seen from the Fewa lake and has fantastic views of Pokhara, Fewa Lake, Annapurna and beyond.

This temple is relatively new and officially opened as a tourist attraction in 1999.

Built by the Japanese, it was the first Peace Pagoda that was built in Nepal. This is a fantastic place for the sunset and there are a number of ways to reach it.

One is to grab a return ferry from the Barahi dock and walk the steep climb up to the top for 800 rupees.

The other is to get a taxi there for 1500 rupees or, you can do what I did and get the local bus all the way up.

The price for the bus was around 75 rupees one way (I caught 3 buses in total from the lakeside) but, be prepared for not having a way back down!

As we got up here, we were expecting buses to be making their way back down the hill but to our surprise, there weren’t any at the Peace Pagoda entrance after sunset!

We then had to head back down the winding hill in the dark. It was pretty sketchy as it was pitch black but luckily, as we were taking photos to remember our ridiculous mistake a local bus pulled up to take us back to Pokhara. Life saved.

Devi’s falls

Both of these attractions are in the same place on opposite sides of the main road and so only need a short bus or taxi journey from the main Pokhara area.

Devi’s Falls is a waterfall that heads underground and you can hear its roar from far.

Supposedly, a Swiss traveller called Miss Davis was taking a bath in the falls and was swept away with her husband.

Her body took a few days to retrieve and hence the name Devi’s falls. But, there are numerous legends around this – I’m just quoting the one from the signs there.

It is pretty but you only really need around 20 minutes here as a lot of the falls are barred up to save other tourists from making the same mistake.

I really enjoyed the garden surrounding the falls and the cute little wish fountain at the end!

I’m always addicted to these things and threw quite a few coins to make my wish come true! :p

Devi’s Falls ticket prices are 30 Nepalese rupees

Mahendra cave

The inside of the Mahendra caves was a little disappointing and was really just simply a cave with a small deity statue inside and a plastic cow in the ‘cow shed’.

But the colourful architecture of the winding staircase to enter the temple was the part that I loved the most.

You don’t need long to explore the cave, I’d say like 15 minutes at most. But, if you’re feeling hot you could stay longer as a respite from the heat.

It can get super slippy inside so make sure you hold on to the railings if you don’t have a grip on your shoes like me (lol).

Mahendra Cave ticket prices are 50 Nepalese rupees 

Annapurna Circuit (ABC)

Although I didn’t personally undertake this trek (criminal I know but I just wanted to relax), the Annapurna circuit is one of the main reasons why people flock here.

This trek is one of the most beautiful that you can undertake in the entire world and if you’re visiting when the weather is clear you get crystal clear views of the Annapurna mountain range and the famous ‘Fishtail’ mountain.

There are many different options for treks here including the Poon hill trek and the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) depending on your time and budget.

You can pay for a guide and a porter to take your luggage but a lot of backpackers were just going it alone without a guide and staying in the tea houses which sounded cool.

I visited Pokhara in the ‘shoulder’ season, so we didn’t have crystal clear views of the mountains which I would have liked every day.

But, on the last day, we did get a glimpse of the Annapurna mountain range and the Fishtail! Finally, I got a glimpse.

If you have the budget you can also undertake paragliding or a helicopter ride to the Annapurna base camp which will take 15 minutes as opposed to 15 days haha!

But it’s entirely dependent on your budget and the weather. A helicopter ride was around $350 per person.

Best restaurant in Pokhara: Tara’s Nepalese vegetarian restaurant

A lot of the restaurants in Pokhara can stretch a traveller budget for sure.

Mainly, the ones by the lake or on the main street have big price tags and add around 23% in service charges and tax.

So, if you’re strapped for cash there are a few options that are kind to your wallet and provide tasty wholesome meals.

One of these restaurants is Tara’s. Hidden off the main street with only around 5/6 tables, Tara cooks up Nepalese homemade meals at an affordable price.

We tried the veg and chocolate momo’s, egg curry and the lunch special and all were yummy and hygienic.

Also, no meal goes above 300 NPR and includes service and tax. You can’t ask for better.

If you’re wondering what goes inside a chocolate momo, it’s chocolate, coconut, cinnamon and nuts! I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect but they were so delicious! They use a sweeter batter so it works. Weird, but it works.

Make sure you put Pokhara on your bucket list!

Pokhara is a traveller haven for a good reason in Nepal, it’s laid back and will make you want to stay forever.

You can chill by the lake, take it easy before/after a long trek or just enjoy the calm nature and beauty of the mountains.

I’d definitely leave some breathing room for Pokhara in your Nepal itinerary as you may arrive and never want to leave!

Where are you heading next in Nepal?

If you liked this Pokhara travel guide, make sure you read some of my honest and informative guides about Nepal;

The ultimate Kathmandu Bucket List

What to expect at Pashupatinath Temple

A guide for Garden of Dreams in Kathmandu

Everest Flight from Kathmandu – is it safe?

How to get from Kathmandu to Pokhara

Why you need to visit Chitwan National Park

Taking a wild walking safari in Chitwan

The honest truth of elephant safaris in Chitwan National Park

A complete guide for Lumbini

My top travel tips for visiting the Birthplace of Buddha

Travelling overland from Nepal to India

Save this Pokhara travel guide for later!

Raju Gurung

Monday 31st of July 2023

This is the reflection of Pokhara, when I read this blog I felt I was roaming around Pokhara city, thank you so much for an informative post.

Sophie Pearce

Thanks for reading! Sophie x

Nature Explore Trek

Tuesday 11th of July 2023

It is very informative guide to the beginners love the way you present each and every details keep on posting

Wednesday 30th of August 2023

Thanks so much! x

Himalayan Forever

Sunday 15th of January 2023

Thank you! x

Himalayan Exploration

Friday 22nd of July 2022

I enjoyed reading this post, what's coverage about the things to do in Pokhara. I assure you this post helps people from all over the world to manage to stay at Pokhara for at least 72 to 96 hours.

Keep writing

Everest Base Camp Trek

Thursday 19th of May 2022

I don't usually comment on blogs, but yours is so fascinating that I can't help but answer. You're doing a fantastic job; keep it up.

Sunday 29th of May 2022

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Why visit Pokhara?

The pokhara valley sits high on the list of ‘must visit’ places in nepal, travel to pokhara.

It is the gateway to the Annapurna region where many a trekker finds his Shangri-La. Pokhara’s spellbinding beauty has been the subject of many travel writers. Its pristine air, the spectacular backdrop of the snowy peaks of the Annapurna Range and the serene Phewa, Begnas and Rupa Lakes, makes this destination ‘the Jewel of the Himalaya’. It is home to exceptionally warm and engaging people and is the starting point for treks into the Annapurna Himalaya, which dominates the skyline. The area along Fewa Tal, the largest lake in the valley, was first a camping ground for trekkers and has gradually developed into the tourist hub of this rapidly growing city.

Activities and points of interest in Pokhara

• Venture to Fewa Lake, the largest and, some would say, the most beautiful of Nepal’s lakes. Here, you can enjoy boating on its placid waters and tuck into mouth-watering menus at one of the many restaurants that dot the lakeshore.
• Explore the Mahendra Cave, a large limestone cave famous for its stalactites and stalagmite rocks.
• Marvel at the World Peace Pagoda, situated on the southern fringe of Fewa Lake. It has four images of the Buddha facing in the four directions. The dome-shaped pagoda is an impressive sight. It is a great vantage point, offering spectacular views of the Annapurna.
• Travel to the old Pokhara Bazaar. This traditional market is also a colourful gathering place for an ethnically diverse group of traders. The temples and monuments of the bazaar showcase a close resemblance to the Newari architecture of the Kathmandu Valley. The old bazaar is also home to one of Pokhara’s most important shrines, the Bindhyabasini Mandir, a white dome-like structure atop a hill.
• Revel in the exceptional birdwatching opportunities in Pokhara.
• Grab your camera and head to Devil’s Fall, known locally as the Patale Chhango. This beautiful waterfall is located about 2 kilometres south-west of the Pokhara Airport on the Siddhartha Highway.
• Embark on scenic trekking adventures in the Annapurna region.
• Immerse yourself in the culture of the region by enjoying a day walk to nearby local communities

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Exploring Pokhara City: A Delightful Journey of Adventures and Culture

Welcome to the enchanting city of Pokhara, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas and known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and exciting adventures. Embark on an unforgettable Pokhara city tour as we take you through a whirlwind of experiences that await you. From serene lakes and towering waterfalls to vibrant bazaars and thrilling paragliding, Pokhara offers an array of activities for travelers of all kinds. So, pack your bags, put on your adventure hat, and let's explore the best things to do in Pokhara!

Unveiling the Natural Beauty

Lakes and Waterfalls

One cannot talk about Pokhara without mentioning its pristine lakes. Phewa Lake, also known as Fewa Lake, is the star attraction. Rent a colorful rowboat and paddle on its tranquil waters, marveling at the reflection of the Annapurna Range on the lake's surface. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Tal Barahi Temple situated on an island in the middle of the lake—a true spectacle!

Another natural wonder in Pokhara is Devi's Fall, locally known as Patale Chhango. Witness the powerful rush of water as it disappears into an underground tunnel, creating an awe-inspiring sight.

Hiking and Trekking

Adventure enthusiasts will find their haven in Pokhara. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek offers a thrilling journey through rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and quaint villages, leading to the foot of the mighty Annapurna massif. For a shorter trek with equally mesmerizing views, the Poon Hill Trek is an excellent choice.

Paragliding and Adventure Activities

For an adrenaline rush like no other, take to the skies with paragliding. Soar over the city and the Phewa Lake, experiencing an unmatched view of the mountains and the city below. If you're seeking more action, try zip-lining or whitewater rafting in the nearby rivers.

Historical and Cultural Exploration

Bindhyabasini Temple

Delve into the spiritual side of Pokhara with a visit to the Bindhyabasini Temple. This ancient Hindu temple is dedicated to Goddess Bindhyabasini and offers a peaceful ambiance for devotees and visitors alike.

World Peace Pagoda

A symbol of peace and harmony, the World Peace Pagoda offers panoramic views of Pokhara and the surrounding landscapes. The serene atmosphere and stunning vistas make it a perfect spot for meditation and reflection.

Gurkha Memorial Museum

Learn about the brave Gurkha soldiers and their storied history at the Gurkha Memorial Museum. The museum showcases artifacts, uniforms, and stories of their bravery, providing a deep insight into their legacy.

Old Bazaar and Heritage Sites

Wander through the bustling streets of the Old Bazaar, where you'll find a blend of traditional architecture and modern shops. Discover hidden courtyards, ancient temples, and local handicrafts that make this area truly special.

Savoring Local Cuisine

Must-Try Dishes

Indulge in the flavors of Pokhara by trying traditional Nepali dishes. Don't miss out on momo, a delectable dumpling filled with various fillings, and dhido, a nutritious local staple made from buckwheat or millet.

Popular Restaurants

Experience the local culinary scene by dining at lakeside restaurants that offer a mix of international and Nepali cuisine. Enjoy your meal with a view of the picturesque Phewa Lake.

Shopping for Souvenirs

Local Handicrafts

Take a piece of Pokhara's charm home with you by purchasing locally crafted souvenirs. From colorful textiles and pottery to intricate jewelry, the options are endless.

Lakeside Market

Explore the Lakeside Market, a bustling hub of shops and stalls offering everything from clothing and accessories to handicrafts and spices. It's the perfect place to find unique gifts.

Experiencing Pokhara's Nightlife

Bars and Clubs

As the sun sets, Pokhara's nightlife comes alive. Head to Lakeside to enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with bars and clubs offering live music, dance, and delicious cocktails.

Nighttime Lakeside Stroll

Experience the magic of Pokhara at night with a leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenade. The glittering lights and calm waters create a serene ambiance that's perfect for relaxation.

Wellness and Relaxation

Yoga and Meditation

Find your inner peace with yoga and meditation sessions offered by various retreats and centers. Practice amidst the serene natural surroundings, and rejuvenate your mind and body.

Spa Retreats

Indulge in ultimate relaxation by treating yourself to a spa retreat. Unwind with traditional treatments, massages, and therapies that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Adventure in the Annapurna Range

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Traverse diverse landscapes, cross suspension bridges, and witness breathtaking sunrises against the backdrop of the Annapurna Range.

Poon Hill Trek

For those seeking stunning panoramic views without an extensive trek, the Poon Hill Trek is an ideal choice. Capture the sunrise over the Himalayas from this vantage point.

Zip-lining and Rafting

Add a dash of thrill to your Pokhara experience with zip-lining over lush forests and ravines or rafting in the tumultuous waters of the Seti River.

Exploring Nearby Villages

Visit the hilltop village of Sarangkot for jaw-dropping sunrise and sunset views. It's also a popular spot for paragliding, offering an exhilarating experience.

Escape the city bustle and immerse yourself in the tranquil village of Naudanda. Enjoy unspoiled nature, interact with locals, and take in the panoramic mountain views.

Discover the charm of Dhampus village, nestled amidst terraced fields and lush greenery. The village offers a glimpse into traditional Nepali life and stunning Himalayan vistas.

Religious Heritage

Tal Barahi Temple

Located on Phewa Lake, the Tal Barahi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Barahi. Accessible by boat, the temple's serene ambiance and lake backdrop make it a must-visit.

Matepani Gumba

Explore the spiritual side of Pokhara by visiting Matepani Gumba, a Buddhist monastery surrounded by tranquility. Marvel at intricate sculptures and enjoy panoramic views.

Getting Around Pokhara

Public Transportation

Navigate the city using local buses, microbuses, and tempos. While public transportation may be crowded, it offers an authentic experience of daily life in Pokhara.

Taxis and Rickshaws

For a more convenient and private mode of transport, opt for taxis or cycle rickshaws. Negotiate fares beforehand or ask the driver to use the meter.

Accommodation Options

Lakeside Resorts

Indulge in luxury by staying at lakeside resorts that offer stunning views, modern amenities, and exceptional hospitality. Enjoy the tranquility of the lakeshore.

Guesthouses and Homestays

Experience Nepali hospitality up close by staying in cozy guesthouses or homestays. Interact with locals, savor home-cooked meals, and immerse yourself in the culture.

What is the best time to visit Pokhara for trekking?

The best time for trekking in Pokhara is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is clear and pleasant.

How can I reach Pokhara from Kathmandu?

You can reach Pokhara from Kathmandu by taking a domestic flight, which takes around 25-30 minutes, or by bus, which takes approximately 6-8 hours.

Is Pokhara safe for solo travelers?

Yes, Pokhara is generally considered safe for solo travelers. However, it's always recommended to exercise caution, especially during nighttime.

Are there vegetarian food options available in Pokhara?

Absolutely! Pokhara offers a wide range of vegetarian food options, including traditional Nepali dishes and international cuisine.

Can I rent trekking equipment in Pokhara?

Yes, you can easily rent trekking equipment in Pokhara. There are numerous shops that offer rental services for trekking gear.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Pokhara?

While credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, it's advisable to carry some cash, especially in smaller shops and local markets.

What is the altitude of Sarangkot?

Sarangkot has an altitude of approximately 1,600 meters (5,250 feet) above sea level.

Is paragliding in Pokhara suitable for beginners?

Yes, paragliding in Pokhara is suitable for beginners, as well as experienced paragliders. You'll be accompanied by trained pilots who ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Can I witness the sunrise from the World Peace Pagoda?

Yes, witnessing the sunrise from the World Peace Pagoda is a popular activity. The pagoda's elevated location offers stunning views of the sunrise over the mountains.

Are there any cultural events or festivals in Pokhara?

Yes, Pokhara hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year. Some notable festivals include the Tihar (Festival of Lights) and the Fagu Purnima (Holi) festival.

In conclusion, a Pokhara city tour is a blend of natural wonders, cultural exploration, and thrilling adventures. From serene lakes and captivating waterfalls to historical temples and vibrant markets, Pokhara offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to every traveler's preferences. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a deeper understanding of Nepali culture, Pokhara has something for everyone. So, pack your bags, embark on this incredible journey, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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Discover the best places to visit in Pokhara! This Pokhara travel guide is everything you need to know before visiting Pokhara.

10 best places to visit in Pokhara Nepal

Pokhara is located on Lake Phewa Tal and overlooks the peaks of the Annapurna. Above the lake is a hill on which a stupa is built, a small Buddhist temple, called the Temple of World Peace, from which there are spectacular views of the city and the surrounding mountain ranges.

The city is on an important historical trade route between China and Tibet and India, after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959 about 300,000 Tibetan refugees arrived in the Pokhara area, living in villages around the city to this day.

The invasion also blocked the important trade route that passed through the area.

The city is one of the country's tourist attractions, and a departure base for hikers for trekking in the nearby Nepalese Himalayas, such as the Annapurna Circuit, as well as for extreme sports activities such as rafting, skydiving, bungee jumping, and more.

The tourist area is called the Lake Side. You can find many hotels and hostels, cafes and western restaurants, shops selling trekking equipment, and travel agencies.

Pokhara was part of my solo trip to Nepal , and I visited Pokhara after my Annapurna circuit trek .

How to get to Pokhara?

Pokhara has a small airport used for domestic flights and can be reached from Kathmandu Airport. There are several flights a day, operated by Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation and by a small number of private companies. The flight takes 20-40 minutes and costs $ 60-80.

As a central and touristy city, buses from all over the country come to Pokhara frequently. Most travelers reach Pokhara from Kathmandu by bus. The journey takes 6-8 hours. 

There are two types of buses that travel in Nepal:

Local Bus -  Usually an old, crowded, and slow bus, stopping in most villages on the way to pick up and drop off local passengers. 

In the local bus, there is no limit on the number of passengers, and if there is no space inside the bus some of the passengers sit on the roof (where the luggage is also located). 

An experience, but not comfortable. A local bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara costs 200-400 rupees.

It usually departs in the morning from Kathmandu Central Bus Station, located north of the city center, on the road that encircles the city. You can buy tickets at the station, but you should do it the day before the trip, so you can book a ticket online or you can do it at the travel agencies, where the price will be slightly higher due to the commission.

Tourist bus -  A relatively modern bus, used almost exclusively by tourists, convenient and direct with no stops for loading and unloading passengers, but only rest and refreshment stops.

You can choose between a bus with air conditioning (800 rupees) or without air conditioning (650 rupees). The buses without air conditioning are equipped with fans, and the ride in them is comfortable overall.

Please note: in the high season, the buses fill up quickly, so it is recommended to book a ticket at least two or three days in advance.

How to get around Pokhara?

The simplest and most convenient way to get around the Lake Side is to walk, as everything is close and accessible. To get to slightly more remote places the most accessible and convenient way is a taxi ride. Taxis in the city are numerous and available and the price is set in advance by bargaining.

However, keep in mind that Pokhara is very touristy, and therefore taxi prices are not cheap compared to the standard price level in Nepal.

A cheaper and more independent option is to rent a scooter or bicycle and go out with them to explore the area. Many agencies offer the service and even some hotels. Be sure to note that you are getting something in good condition and it is also advisable to photograph it so that they can not blame you later for the damage you did not cause.

It is important to know that the roads in and around the city are busy and in poor maintenance condition, so traveling by scooter or bicycle can be dangerous.

Top 10 places to visit in Pokhara

The world peace pagoda.

The World Peace Pagoda stands on Anadu Hill at 1100 meters and overlooks Lake Phewa and Pokhara. On clear days, the Annapurna ridge can be seen from it.

It is one of two Nepalese peace pagodas and 80 pagodas around the world built on the initiative and inspiration of a Japanese Buddhist monk who founded a new Buddhist sect after World War I. He began initiating and building the pagodas at the end of World War II in 1947.

The building here on the hill was not peaceful. The elements of the pagoda were laid in 1973.

The construction was done together with the local community, but the government did not approve of the construction.

The monks and some of the builders were arrested, and construction was dismantled.

The official reasoning was security considerations, but insiders say the building permits were simply not passed through the "conventional pipes." 20 years later, construction resumed, and the inauguration ceremony was held in 1999.

The stupa glows white. The paths leading to it cross a beautiful garden where colorful flowers are. The human landscape is even more fascinating.

The lake is nice overall, but it is quite polluted, so bathing in the lake is not an option.

Therefore, besides a nice walk along the promenade, a great option is to go for a short cruise. If you continue on the street from the main junction of the lakeside towards the lake, you will reach a stand where the boaters are.

You can rent a paddle or pedal boat (with a local cruise or on your own) for several hours and sail in the calm lake waters. Take a camera, water, and sunscreen.

Inside the lake, there is a small island with a modest and ancient Buddhist temple called Tal Barahi and it can be visited as part of the cruise.

Paragliding

Extreme sports enthusiasts will be able to combine stunning scenery with adrenaline and descend from the Sarangkot to the Pokhara lookout using a paraglider. Many travel agencies offer parachuting with a guide from the village back to the city.

The falls occur several times a day, but the number of places is limited, and sometimes there is no place even a week ahead.

Therefore, it is highly recommended to book a place at one of the agencies upon your arrival in the city or you can book in advance online.

Bungee jumping and Zip-line

If skydiving is not enough, the adrenaline enthusiasts among you will also be able to find the thrill of bungee jumping and "sliding at the tops" ( long and high Zip-line between the trees).

The two attractions are done in the same place and their price is the same (about $ 80). If you want, you can do both on the same day.

Devi's Falls and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

Lake Phewa, on the shores of Pokhara, drains south through the Mardi Khola to Devi Falls and disappears underground.

The best time to visit them is during the monsoon season when the water flow is strong.

At any time of the year, entering the water is forbidden and dangerous. The complex is fenced and arranged for sitting and observing the waterfall, and the entrance costs 30 rupees for tourists. The falls are about two miles southwest of the airport, south of Lakeside, about a 10-minute taxi ride.

The back of the waterfall and the way the water makes its way through the ground can be seen in the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave. It is a cave and inside it is a temple to the Hindu Shiva goddess. If you continue in the cave, after the temple, you reach a gorge into which the huge amounts of water from the Death Falls are poured.

To enter the cave, you need to cross the road from Devi Falls and enter the gate with a sign pointing to the cave through a small market of Buddhist and Hindu religious souvenirs and accessories.

The cave is bright and spacious in most of its parts, but the floor is wet, so take care with the plots. The entrance to the cave costs 100 rupees.

Both sites are open from six in the morning to six in the evening and are close to the World Peace Pagoda and the small Tibetan refugee village of Tashi Ling, so it is possible to combine a visit with all of them in one day.

Sarangkot at sunrise

Sarangkot was a small village on the slopes of Mount Sarangkot before it was annexed to be part of the Pokhara metropolis.

The place is popular for sunrise observations on the Annapurna ridge.

The drive from the lakeside area is about 20 minutes by taxi, and the round trip price should be about 1500 rupees. You can order a taxi from your hotel reception.

The place is crowded with people, and you should only get there if the forecast is for a clear morning.

Go trekking from pokhara

Pokhara is a major area for trekking, some known and familiar and some less so.

Among the treks:

Annapurna - In the Annapurna Reserve there are several main treks, you can choose the trek that suits you according to the time available to you:

Annapurna Circuit - the most comprehensive passes around the ridge and encompasses all forms of landscape. Accommodation in villages. Minimum duration - ten days.

Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) - This is a trek that starts at Phedi at the foot of the Annapurna ridge and continues to the foot of the Annapurna summit - the maximum height is 4,130 meters. The round trip lasts eight days. This trek is harder than the Annapurna Circuit.

Jomsom Trek - is part of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. This is the last part of the trek, and at the end is the village of 'Tatopani', where there are hot springs.

Poon hill trek - relatively short trek, 3-5 days. The route ascends from Pokhara towards Annapurna Base Camp and reaches the hot springs at Gino Dada, from where you climb to the Pon Hill ridge. It is a long, relatively difficult climb, and at the end, you reach a spectacular vantage point over the Annapurna.

The Royal Trek - is named after Prince Charles, who toured the area with his family in the early 1980s. A short trek, about three days, passes over Pokhara.

The trek passes through wooded areas and lakes, accommodation in villages, usually with locals at home.

Panchase Trek - A charming and not very touristy trek, starting about an hour's drive from Pokhara, climbing to the village of Panchase, from where there is a spectacular view of the Annapurna ridge. Accommodation in a guesthouse - one of the two in the village. You can spend several days in the villages. All around the trek, there are beautiful waterfalls and short hiking trails.

Pokhara Museum

Pokhara Museum is a small museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Pokhara area.

It displays a collection of jewelry, musical instruments, traditional costumes, and photographs of the ethnic groups living in the Pokhara area, who may also meet on treks in the area.

Lake Begnas Tal

This beautiful and peaceful lake, which is about 10 km from Pokhara, has in recent years become a must-stop for those looking to escape here for a few days of quiet. Apart from its beauty, you can also bathe in the lake. You can also rent a boat (325 rupees per hour or 700 for three hours) and go on a pleasant cruise on the lake - remember to bring enough water because during the day it is hot.

You can get here for a few hours' visit, but most backpackers choose to stay here for at least a night or two. The lake is relatively large and is surrounded by many villages.

A perfect place to spend two to three days for those looking for a resting place after the trekking.

Tibetan Village Tashi Palkhel

There are four villages in the Pokhara area where Tibetan refugees live. The largest and most interesting village in them is Tashi Falkel. At the entrance to the village stands a line of Tibetan women, offering for sale handicrafts and jewelry.

About a hundred monks live in the colorful Jangchub Choeling Gompa Monastery, located in the center of the village. During January-February, on Tibetan New Year (Losar), celebrations take place in the village, during which the monks wear colorful masks and go out dancing.

The village is located a few kilometers north of the city. You can take a taxi from anywhere at about 350-600 rupees or a local and cheap bus from the bus station, which is two kilometers north of the city center and is called Baglung Bus Park.

Where to eat in Pokhara?

The Juicery Cafe - A cool place for breakfast on the shores of the lake that will make you forget for a moment that you are in Nepal

Be happy restaurant - A cute local restaurant presented a wide variety of dishes at particularly affordable prices.

Or2k - Just like their restaurant in Kathmandu, a Mediterranean restaurant, with stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere of freedom, you can sit here for hours and enjoy the atmosphere

Lemon Tree - One of the restaurants I enjoyed the most. It is located on the main street of the Lakeside area and is spread over three floors. Pleasantly, decorated, delicate lighting, and a vantage point for passers-by on the street. During the Annapurna Circuit Trek, I learned to like the local Dal Baht dish. So I decided to order it at this restaurant as well, and it was excellent!

Where to stay in Pokhara?

Pokhara, the second-largest city in Nepal, located west of Kathmandu, feels like a resort town for tired trekkers.

The lakeside is for the most part the street along the lake and the alleys and streets that branch off from it.

The whole area is full of guesthouses, restaurants, pubs, bars, agencies, bakeries, trekking and hiking equipment stores, ATMs, and supermarkets.

The lakeside is like the Thamel in Kathmandu but more spacious, quiet, and peaceful without the chaos.

Kiwi Backpackers Hostel - Great hostel in Pokhara. easy to meet people for and after trekking. Beautiful views from the rooftop, which also has a bar and hammocks.

Pokhara Backpackers Hostel - Another great hostel to stay. Comfy beds, hot shower, good wifi and amazing value for money.

Hotel Middle Path & Spa - The place is clean, the staff is welcoming, very cozy, central and quiet location, with a nice pool and a beautiful lake view.

Bar Peepal Resort - A little more expensive but an excellent hotel with an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness center. located away from hustle but walking distance to main market and attractions.

Last thoughts about the best places to visit in Pokhara

Pokhara is a charming combination of nature and an Asian city, of local colors with western comfort, bustle, and serenity.

Pokhara is a good place to shed the haste of the West and its worries and begin to get used to the ease of the East. Pokhara is a great place to start or end a trek in the Annapurna Reserve.

Pokhara is a good place to wander leisurely across the promenade by the lake, and a place to go for a day trip to the city sites.

I hope this blog about the places to visit in Pokhara will make you want to fly there to taste it, touch it and smell it, and will inspire you to visit Pokhara soon as possible.

Thanks for reading!

Read My Other Blogs:

Annapurna Circuit Solo: The Detailed Itinerary

The complete guide to solo travel in nepal

3 Days In Kathmandu: The Ultimate Kathmandu Itinerary

12 best reasons to visit nepal

Scotland road trip Itinerary for 14 days

How to plan the ultimate norway road trip

15 most amazing places in Norway

2 days in bergen norway

8 most scenic routes in norway

3 Day Madrid Itinerary

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2 weeks in sicily: the perfect sicily road trip

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Explore The Beauty of Pokhara

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Pokhara is a picturesque city in Nepal nestled beside a tranquil lake and surrounded by stunning Himalayan peaks.

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Activity per day, best season.

Explore the beauty of Pokhara sounds like a captivating tour offered by Himalayan Social Journey, allowing travelers to experience the enchanting sights of Pokhara, one of the Nepal's most popular destinations. With its stunning lakes, breathtaking mountains, and vibrant culture,Pokhara offers a memorable experience for tourists seeking natural beauty and adventure.

Pokhara, nestled in the serene lap of the Himalayas, excludes an unparalled beauty that captivates the soul of every visitor. With its majestic mountains, pristine lakes and lush greenery, Pokhara is a paradise on earth. The city's crown jewel, Phewa Lake, mirrors the towering Annapurna range, creating a breathtaking vistas that leaves visitors spellbound.Boating on the tranquil waters of Phewa Lake surrounded by the snow-capped peaks, is a surreal exdperience that rejuvenates the spirit. Pokhara is also a haven for adventure enthusiasts. There are many adventure activities to relaxing activities. On the adventurous part, one can opt for Bunjee jumping, Paragliding, Zip flying, Mountain Flight and many more. Himalayan trail offer some of the world's best trekking routes, leading adventurers through awe-inspiring landscapes and remote villages. Paragliding over the Pokhara valley provides a bird's eye view of the city's natural wonders, offers an adernaline rush like no other.

The city's cultural richness is evident in its vibrant streets, bustling markets and ancient temples. The Bindhyabashini Temple, perched atop a hill, offers panoramic views of Pokhara and is a sacred side for Hindu devotees. The international mountain museum celebrates the history and culture of the Himalayas,offering insight into the lives of mountaineers and Sherpas. The enchanting caves of Pokhara add another layer of fascination to the city. As the sun sets behind the Himalayas, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink , Pokhara transforms into a magical realm.The city comes alive with music, laughter and the aroma of delicious Nepali cuisine wafting through the air. Exploring Pokhara's nightlife, with its cozy cafes and vibrant bars, is a delightful experience that lingers in the memory.

Pokhara beauty is not just skin deep;it lies in the warmth and hospitality of its people. The genuine smiles and welcoming nature of the local add to the city's charm, making visitors feel at home from the moment they arrive. 

In conclusion, Pokhara is a gem of a destination that enchants and enthralls all who visit. Its natural splendor, coupled with its rich culture and warm hospitality, makes it a must-visit destination for tr- avelers seeking an unforgettable experience amidst the Himalayas. 

• Iconic lakes offering boating with stunning views
• Popular for its sunrise and sunset views over the himalayas from Sarangkot
• Intricate limestones Caves
• Explore exhibits on the culture , mountaineering history and wildlife of the Himalayas
• From paragliding, zip-lining, and bunjee jumping to trekking in the nearby Annapurna region, Pokhara ia a hub for adventure seekers
• Bustling area with a wide range of accomodation, restaurants, and shops, offering a lively atmosphere day and night

Outline Itinerary ( 6 Days ) Expand all +

Upon reaching Kathmandu, our representative will greet you at the airport, providing a warm welcome before transferring you to your hotel. Use this day to acclimate to the new time zone and dive into the vibrant atmosphere of kathmandu. An orientation program is scheduled for 5 pm to help to get acquainated with your surroundings.

Day3.Embark on a journey to Pokhara by road:

  Experience the picturesque journey to Pokhara by road, where every twist and turn unveils breathtaking vistas of Nepal’s natural beauty. From terraced fields to cascading waterfalls, the route offers a scenic spectacle. Prepare to be mesmerized by the majestic Himalayan peaks and serene lakes that await in Pokhara’s embrace.

Begin journey with sunrise from Sarangkot. After that one can visit Fewa Lake, where we can boad amidst serene waters with the Annapurna Range reflected in the backdrop. Then ascend to the World Peace Pagoda for panaromic views of the valley and mountains. Explore the Gupteshwor Cave with its mystical limestone formations and theb cascading Devi's Fall. Discover the rich heritage at the international mountain museum, showcasing Nepal's mountaineering history. Don't miss the vibrant markets and eatries along Lakeside, offering local delicacies and handicrafts. Pokhara promises an unforgettable  journey into Nepal's stunning landscapes and traditions . 

By road, it takes about 8 hours from Pokhara to reach Kathmandu. Through your journey, you will enjoy with Nepal’s varied landscape. From Pokhara’s tranquility, the word winds through valleys, terraced field and bustling towns. As you near Kathmandu, the scenery transitions, offering a glimpse into Nepal’s diverse beauty.

Following breakfast, our knowledgeable tour guide from Himalayan Social Journey will escort you on a captivating  journey to explore Nepal's UNESCO-listed world heritage sites. Today's itinerary includes visits to the renowned Pashupatinath temple, the majestic Bouddhanath stupa, the tranquil Swoyambhunath Stupa and the historic Patan Durbar Square.

You will enjoy breakfast in the morning, followed by a convenient airport drop-off by our representative for your international flight, perfectly aligned with your schedule. Alternatively, if you're  extending your stay in Nepal, you're welcome to join another exciting trip.

Departures & Availability

• Private Trip

Personal Information

Departure Date

Additional information

Order notes (optional)

Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us. The personal information you provide will be kept confidential and will not be shared with a third party.

Include / Exclude

• Airport pick up and drop
• Accommodation in Kathmandu (Hotel Himalayan Suite), Pokhara (Hotel Lake Star), in twin sharing bed and breakfast basis.
• Accommodation in Sarangkot in Guest House with attached bathroom including breakfast
• Transportation by private vehicle (Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu)
• All sightseeing tour with English speaking guide
• Welcome dinner
• Lunch and Dinner during your trip except for welcome dinner
• Flight Cost KTM-PKR-KTM (USD 120 PP one way)
• City sightseeing monuments fee in Pokhara (NPR 200+100+50)
• Personal expenses

Additional Information

Food and accommodation.

You will have a comfortable accommodation in Kathmandu in the Himalayan Suite Hotel and Pokhara in Hotel Lake Star, on twin sharing bed and breakfast basis.

While you will be enjoying varieties of delicacies in Kathmandu, and Pokhara during your stay in an accommodation or eating outside in full-fledged cafes, restaurants, and diners, you will also have an ample opportunity to get healthy food varieties while on the tour. 

Please note that morning breakfast is included in the price however, lunch and dinner are not.  

Travel insurance

We suggest taking out an insurance plan for your individual accountability, accidents, and illnesses during the service. Regarding the type of activity, you may be asked to show a certificate of insurance for help and support, sanitation, and search. 

Personal Safety

Wherever you are your health and security are your responsibilities. In the city, area is aware of scammers and touts. Outside the airport, or on the road, taxis are likely to charge more than normal. Pickpockets are active in cities and also in the mountains. Even if you are an experienced trekker or have good health and stamina, you don’t know the mountains of Nepal and hence, it is wise to keep up with your guide and stay close with your group. 

Valuable items like gold or diamond chains, rings, bracelets are best not carried to the mountains and also keep your day pack with you safe. Your passport, permits, phone, cameras are supposed to be with you all the time. Keep the money you carry safely and securely. 

Don't try to get too close to the animals or go to extra lengths for the photos.  It is expected and is also for your safety that you travel with responsibility and sensibility. 

As long as you are respecting local norms and culture and are open-minded towards the local community, you will be treated well and respected regardless of what gender, religion, and culture you are from. 

This tour with HSJ

We are your completely flexible travel partner. Want to follow a different route? We have you covered. Have extra time in Nepal? Excellent! We have more add-on tours like Chitwan Jungle Safari, Cable Car ride to Chandragiri hills, Cooking and Yoga classes in Kathmandu, and so on. Would like to customize the trip? Well, why not? Give us your ideas and we will prepare a complete itinerary for you. Do you want to use different standards of accommodations than provided in the itineraries? Of course! You absolutely can. From your arrival until you depart, your wishes are our command. Feel free to make the request. 

Also, check our other Days tours for add ons.

Last-minute booking

It is best to book in advance but for those who cannot, for whatever reason, make a last-minute reservation special arrangement for Himalayan Social Journey. In the case of a last-minute reservation, 100% tour payment will be approved within 24 hours. We try to operate a trek at any time but we are not liable for the delay in case of last-minute reservation, because of uncontrolled changes such as weather and the availability of accommodation.  

Throughout the years of business, we have always put the customer's feedback as our inspiration towards making our company a great travel partner. With many ups and downs, and good and not so good feedbacks we have reached where we are now. At the end of the trek, while you are with the crew during farewell dinner, we would appreciate it if you give us your valuable feedback, an account of good and bad experiences, recommendations, and also your honest rating to our trip advisor page .

Important Information Expand all +

How to get a visa for nepal .

There are three ways to get a visa for Nepal

• Visa on arrival:  You can get a visa on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or other designated entry points. The visa fee is USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, or USD 125 for 90 days.
• Online application:  You can apply for a visa online through the Nepal Immigration website.  https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np  .The visa fee is the same as for visa on arrival.
• Nepalese Embassy or Consulate:  You can also apply for a visa at a Nepalese Embassy or Consulate in your home country. The visa fee may be different, so check with the embassy or consulate.

Visa requirements

• Passport valid for at least six months from your planned entry date into Nepal.
• Visa application form.
• Passport-sized photo (Bring 4 )

Gratis Visa (Visa for Free)

Gratis Visa is issued free of cost in case of following categories of Visa applicants:

• Children below 10 years except US citizens
• Up to 30 days for SAARC Citizen - Bangladesh , Bhutan, India , Maldives , Pakistan , Sri-Lanka   (except Afghanistan ) visiting Nepal for the first time in a given visa Year. Afghan citizen are eligible for Gratis Visa on Arrival only upon the recommendation of Department of Immigration. If you are an Afghan citizen, you can request concerned institution inviting you to Nepal for necessary paperwork with Department of Immigration to get you Gratis Visa 'On Arrival'.
• Non Residential Nepalese(NRN) card holder ( issued by MoFA /Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad)
• Chinese Nationals for 150 days

Nationals of following countries are requested to acquire Visa prior their arrival from their nearby Diplomatic missions (Embassies/consulates) of Nepal Government.

• NigeriaGhana
• Afghanistan
• Refugees with travel document

If your passport is not valid for at least six months, you will need to renew your passport before you travel to Nepal. You can renew your passport at your local passport office. The process of renewing your passport can take several weeks, so it is important to start the process early.

How to enter Nepal ?

Nepal has Three international airports: Kathmandu, Bhairawa, and Pokhara. Currently, Pokhara airport does not handle international flights. However, there are a few flights to Bhairawa from few countries. The main international airport in Nepal is Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), located in Kathmandu. You can search TIA airport to book your International flight.

By land: There are multiple land entry points along the borders of Nepal, India, and China. These entry points include Kakarvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalganj, Dhangadhi, Mahendranagar, and Kerung(china boarder)

Is there a pick-up service available for me upon my airport arrival?

If you've booked a multiday tour or trekking package with Himalayan Social Journey, we'll pick you up from the airport. Upon arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will be there to greet you with a sign displaying your name and our company's name. We'll then take you to your pre-booked hotel.

To make the pick-up process smooth, kindly share your flight details, including flight number and arrival time. If there are any changes to your arrival plans, please inform us as soon as possible so we can arrange your pick-up accordingly. Travel with us for a hassle-free experience!

What is Airport condition in Nepal ?

Please keep this thing in your mind that there are some airport touts and scam artists who take advantage of tourists. They might offer to carry your luggage and they want a large amount of money. Sometimes they intimidate our drivers and even take away their signs. Anyway...if you want someone to help you with your luggage you can give them NOT MORE THAN 1 - 2 DOLLARS. This is a small hassle that tourists sometimes face upon arrival at the airport. Do not stress about this but just be aware not to give more than a few dollars for their luggage handling if you choose to take someone's services. Nepalese in general are very kind and hospitable people.

What currencies are accepted in Nepal?

The official currency of Nepal is the Nepalese rupee (NPR). Major foreign currencies such as USD, AUD, and EURO are accepted for VISA.

There are plenty of ATMs in these major cities, so you can easily withdraw cash from your foreign currency bank account. Credit cards are also accepted in some shops and restaurants, but they are not as widely accepted as cash.

On the trek, you will only need to use Nepali rupees. You can exchange your foreign currency for Nepali rupees at your hotel, money exchanges, or the airport. Himalayan Social Journey representatives will also be happy to help you exchange money.

Is there an Orientation Program?

If you have booked a trekking or multi-day tour with Himalayan Social Journey, the orientation meeting usually happens at your Kathmandu hotel around 4 or 5 pm. Our team will provide you with the specific details upon your arrival.

What if I arrive early or need to stay some extra night after trip?

If you're arriving early or leaving late, please ensure to arrange extra hotel accommodations by contacting rese r [email protected] . Let us know if you'll be extending your stay in Nepal, and we'll book your additional nights. Also, kindly share your flight details with us to facilitate a smooth pick-up and drop process.

How many people will stay in each room?

When you book a trip with us, the standard accommodation arrangement is on a twin-sharing basis. This means two people will be staying in each room throughout the trip. However, if you prefer to have a room to yourself or if you're traveling alone, you can choose the "single supplement" option. By selecting this option, you'll have a private room during the trip, but please note that there will be an additional cost for the single room arrangement according to tour / trek.

How large is each group ?

For each tour date, there will be several separate groups, each with a maximum of 14 people and their own experienced English-speaking guide. During the trek, there will be a suitable number of porters available to carry your luggage. Additionally, if you prefer to do a private tour or trek with your own group, that is also possible. 

When is best time to visit Nepal?

Nepal has five main seasons: summer, monsoon, spring, autumn, and winter. Each season offers unique experiences and weather conditions.

Winter (Late Dec - Feb):  Cold temperatures, great for festival tours and special highlights.

Spring (Mar - May):  Magical rhododendron blooms, ideal for trekking and peak climbing.

Monsoon (Jun - Aug):  Low season with rain, but perfect for nature lovers and discounts on hotels.

Autumn (Sep - Nov):  Peak season, clear weather, and popular trekking regions fill up fast.

You can check the live weather condition via this website  https://www.accuweather.com

Will there be a place to store items/clothing not required for the trip?

The hotel in Kathmandu where you'll stay during the trip offers complimentary storage services. You can leave your luggage and extra clothing that you won't need for the trekking / tour. Rest assured, you can collect them once the trek and tour are over.

What type of plug is used in Nepal?

Don't forget to bring both TWO and THREE-pin travel adapters! If you don't have them, you can purchase them at supermarkets or electronic shops in Kathmandu. Our guide will be there to assist you if needed. You can get information about plug and voltage in below link.

https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/nepal/

Is there communication while we are on the trip?

Most places in Nepal are covered by mobile network providers, especially Ncell and Nepal Telecom. You can use data services for communication. You can buy a SIM card at the airport counter. There are also free and paid Wi-Fi services in most tea houses in Nepal during trek.

Here are some tips for staying connected while you are in Nepal:

• Buy a SIM card as soon as you arrive in Nepal. This will give you access to data services and allow you to make calls and send text messages.
• Check the coverage map of your mobile network provider before you travel. This will help you to know where you can expect to have good reception.
• If you are planning on visiting remote areas and need to be in connected on Internet , you may want to consider renting a satellite phone. This will give you access to communication even in areas with no mobile network coverage.
• There are many free and paid Wi-Fi hotspots in Nepal. You can find these at hotels, tea houses, restaurants, cafes, and even some temples.

What are the extra activities that I can book if I have extra time?

If you would like to book extra activities such as Paragliding, Bungy jump, Mountain flight, Heli Tour , Bhaktapur Sightseeing many more programs. You can find updated price and program detail in this link: https://hsj.com.np/tourtype/daytours. You can book by contacting us at [email protected] For longer excursions such as Bhutan, Tibet, India, and any other treks also, we can help but please contact us immediately at [email protected]

How do I redeem voucher?

If you have purchased a voucher from any deal company, please come in contact with us with the voucher code (redemption code) so that the voucher can be redeemed on time. Since we need time to purchase your domestic air ticket and make other arrangements, kindly confirm your spot with your suitable date at-least 2 months prior to the commencement of the tour. Your booking on a particular tour date is subject to availability of spots. You can redeem you voucher through this link too : https://hsj.com.np/voucher-redemption

What amount should I set aside for tips?

A typical suggestion for tipping is to allocate around USD 50-60 for the guide and porter if you're happy with their service. However, the amount you decide to tip is entirely up to you, and you can give whatever you feel is appropriate based on the excellent service they provided during your tour / trek

What should I bring?

Packing list for tour:.

Pack appropriate clothing for the weather conditions during your visit. Include comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Don't forget essential travel documents, a camera, and any necessary medications.

Packing List for Trekking

• Trekking Poles - 1
• Daypack - 1
• Backpack - 1
• Water Reservoir - 1
• Sleeping bag - HSJ will provide
• sleeping bag liner
• Underwear - 3
• base Layers pant - 1
• Trekking Tshirt - 3
• Trekking Pants - 2
• Rain Pants - 1
• Hiking Shoes/ Boots - 1
• Down Jacket - 1
• Wind Breaker - 1

Miscellaneous

• Sunglasses - 1
• Books or E-reader (optional)

Hygene/Saftey

• Microfiber towel - 1
• Toothbrush - 1
• Toothpaste - 1
• First aid kit - 1
• Medicine kit -1
• sunscreen -1
• sewing kit -1
• Soap/shampoo - 1
• Comb or brush - 1
• Period supplies - 1
• Toilet paper - 1
• sanitising gel - 1

Electronices

• Extranel Hardrive (optional )
• Power bank for charging Phone

Packing List for Climbing:

• Trekking boots
• Short-sleeved trekking shirts
• Trekking pants and jackets
• Thermals underwear
• Long-sleeved Trekking shirts
• Insulating down jackets
• Trekking Gloves
• Diamox tablets
• Sanitary pads and tampons
• Anti-nausea Medicines
• Mosquito and insect repellents
• Toilet Paper
• Hand sanitizer

Accessories

• Sleeping bag
• Water Bottle
• Solar Chargers
• Hot water thermos

Important Documents

• Travel Permits

Peak climbing gears (HSJ will provide)

• Climbing Helmet: Choose a good-quality climbing helmet. Make sure your warm cap fits under your helmet.
• Climbing Boots: High-altitude, insulated, stiff-soled climbing boots.
• Crampons: C2 crampons that fit the climbing boots.
• Climbing Harness: Good-quality climbing harness.
• Ascending device or Jumar
• Descending or belay device
• Tape sling: UIAA tested a 220cm open tape sling or a 2 x 120 cm closed tape sling.
• Carabiners: 2 x lockable carabiners. 2 x non-locking carabiners
• Prusik loop: Best quality Prusik loop
• Ice ax: An ice ax with a wrist strap for climbing

What is cancellation policy of our tour/trek?

If you cancel the trip for any reason, the 20% deposit amount will not be refunded. If you have paid the full trip amount and need to cancel, you will receive your money back, but a cancellation charge of 20% will still apply.

For voucher holders who purchased vouchers from deal companies, we must adhere to their cancellation policy. However, under both circumstances, we are flexible and can reschedule your trip for a later date. To cancel any trip, please make sure to provide written notification of your cancellation.

What is refund policy for not completing trip?

Sometimes travellers are unable to finish the scheduled trek/tour due to the various reasons or they ended up not completing the trek/tour for health or personal reasons. In this case please realize that we cannot offer you any refunds for unused days on the tour. You have to understand that our costs are the same as we have an obligation to pay our guides , porters, drivers for the time they have committed.

What are the Risk and Liabilites?

Our commitment is to offer you an unforgettable journey with the best services. We take our responsibilities seriously and conduct all programs in Nepal according to the rules and regulations of Nepal Goverement. If needed, we can provide alternative itineraries for a delightful holiday experience. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns. We're here to help!

USD 349.00 $ 560.00

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Home » Asia » Nepal » Pokhara

Backpacking Pokhara Travel Guide

Widely considered to be Nepal’s second city, tranquil Pokhara is also something of a magnet for travellers and trekkers owing to its laid back, peaceful vibe, beautiful lake and its proximity to the Annapurna region.

Most Annapurna treks both start and conclude with some time in Pokhara and you will almost certainly want to spend some time here after your trek resting your legs, enjoying the warm showers and maybe even getting a massage to work out those little niggles in your thigh muscles. So without further ado, here are 7 things to do in Pokhara:

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Things To Do In Pokhara

Where to stay in pokhara, trekking & hiking.

On a clear day (generally in Spring and Winter) the Annapurna panorama is visible from the town and may well take your breath away.

The classic, quintessential Nepalese trek is the Annapurna circuit which is traditionally done over 18 days starting in Besisahar and concluding in Benni. Many Nepal backpackers have a go a this. However, if you are fit and fancy a challenge you can finish the whole thing in 10 -12 days and furthermore, owing to the development of controversial roads you can now even skip parts of it. I did a condensed Annapurna “highlights” tour which took me 7 days (2 of which I spent in Manang sick) .

Trek’s can be arranged from Pokhara and there is an abundance of travel agents who will cater to your every need and arrange buses, permits, guides and porters. If you do use an agent then be sure to shop around as prices will vary wildly with seemingly no rhyme nor reason whatsoever.

However, in our view, you can handle the Anna Purna trek yourself and the only thing you may need to visit a travel agent for is to sort your permits and maybe book your bus ticket. You really don’t need a guide or porter and accommodation can be sorted as you go.

There are also a number of smaller Treks such as Poon Hill (2 – 3 days) as well as day hikes to the Stoppa (Buddhist Monastery visible from the town). Take that adventure and explore Nepal’s most beautiful places from the highest peaks of its mountains!

Pokhara’s centerpiece is Fewa (or Phewa) Lake. You can take boat trips on or across the lake but swimming is not recommended as the lake is apparently contaminated. If you do fancy a swim then Begnas Lake can be reached by way of a 1 hour bus ride from Fewa Lakeside for around 50rps.

Just like with Thamel in Kathmandu there are a multitude of trekking and souvenir shops in Pokhara. Be sure to haggle and do not be afraid to drive a hard bargain, you should initially be aiming to pay 30% of the first price they quote you and if you pay above 50% you have a right to feel hard done by.

If you are buying Trekking gear then please be warned that the quality is generally very poor and the gear may not even survive the duration of the trek. Stick to things like pants and t-shirts which can still be used despite the odd tear or rip.

Pokhara is very popular for mountain biking and cycles are available pretty much everywhere with prices ranging from between 200 – 500 rps. per day. The stores do not really seem to maintain the bikes particularly well so consider performing an M-Check and be sure pay special attention to the brakes, tyres, chain, gears and even the handlebars before you leave the store.

A popular ride is around the lakeside to “Happy Village” and then as far as the river bed. This can be quite tough owing to very bumpy roads and midday heat so make sure you pace yourself properly.

If you are so inclined you can even take a mountain bike up the Annapurna Circuit with you. Just bear in mind you will be pushing it all the way up.

Meditation and Yoga Retreats

There are several yoga and meditation courses available around Pokhara ranging from informal daily classes right up to intense retreats. Many travellers seek out the 10 day Vipassana where attendees spend the duration in silent meditation.

As with volunteering opportunities, most of these are advertised on local notice boards.

Check out this article for some more incredible things to do in Pokhara…

Eat & Drink

There are dining options to suit all budgets. There are a lot of simple little cafe’s along Northern Lakeside (the backpacker side of town) which do Chowmein and Daal Bhat for 200rps and more expensive, fancier options available around the central lakeside. Godfather’s Pizza is worth a splurge and for the price of a relatively expensive meal at Or2K, you can spend the whole day using the wifi, checking out the view and meeting other travellers.

Alcohol is relatively expensive in Nepal and expect a beer to cost you the same price as a whole meal. It is 2 for 1 on Lakeside between 5 – 7 (bring bug spray) and Busy Bee is the place to be on an evening with live bands and a mix of travellers and Nepalese. There is one nightclub near lakeside which should be avoided at all costs on account of high costs, dishonest staff, terrible music and general lameness.

Pack a travel water bottle : save money (and the planet) every day! Stop buying bottled water! Seriously guys, Having a water bottle is so handy and an absolute must if you plan on doing any trekking whilst backpacking in Nepal. Get yourself one and stay hydrated!

Feeling a little lost? Orient yourself by reading our insider’s guide to the best areas to stay in Pokhara!

There are plenty of accommodation options in Pokhara varying greatly in terms of price and quality.

There are basic, budget guesthouses at Northern Lakeside and a Phat Khat hostel has well priced dorm options. At the other end of town, you can find more modern, upmarket hotels. With all options, you can either simply arrive in town and go door to door or if you don’t fancy traipsing around with heavy luggage you can book online . 

The Best Places to Stay in Pokhara

The Lakeside is the neighbourhood right in the heart of Pokhara where you’ll find the perfect balance between an urban and rural setting!

Just because you can’t spend too much doesn’t mean your trip to Pokhara will be any less memorable! Pame has so much on offer which will cost little or nothing!

Chhorepatan

Taking the family away can sometimes be stressful because there are so many generations to entertain! but don’t worry about Pokhara – we’ve got you covered.

Volunteering in Pokhara

Long term travel is awesome. Giving back is awesome too. For backpackers looking to travel long-term on a budget in  Pokhara  whilst making a real impact on local communities, look no further than  World Packers . World Packers is an excellent platform  connecting travelers with meaningful volunteer positions throughout the world .

In exchange for a few hours of work each day, your room and board are covered.

Backpackers can spend long periods of time volunteering in an awesome place without spending any money. Meaningful life and travel experiences are rooted in stepping out of your comfort zone and into the world of a purposeful project.

Worldpackers opens the doors for work opportunities in hostels, homestays, NGOs, and eco-projects around the world. We’ve tried and approved them ourselves – check out our Worldpackers in-depth review here.

If you’re ready to create a life-changing travel experience and give back to the community, join the Worldpacker community now. As a Broke Backpacker reader, you’ll get a special discount of $10. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $39.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

Make Money Online Whilst Backpacking Pokhara

Traveling in Pokhara or Nepal long-term? Keen to make some cash when you are not exploring the city? 

Teaching English online is a great way to earn a consistent income—from anywhere in the world with a good internet connection. Depending on your qualifications (or your motivation to obtain qualifications like a TEFL certificate) you can teach English remotely from your laptop, save some cash for your next adventure, and make a positive impact on the world by improving another person’s language skills! It’s a win-win! Check out this detailed article for everything you need to know to start teaching English online .

In addition to giving you the qualifications to teach English online, TEFL courses open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world. To find out more about TEFL courses and how you can teach English around the world, read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad .

Broke Backpacker readers get a 50% discount on TEFL courses with MyTEFL (simply enter the code PACK50), to find out more, please read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad.

Whether you are keen to teach English online or looking to take your teaching game a step further by finding a job teaching English in a foreign country, getting your TEFL certificate is absolutely a step in the right direction.

Being a Responsible Backpacker in Pokhara

Reduce your plastic footprint:  Perhaps the best thing you can do for our planet is to make sure you do NOT add to the plastic problem all over the world. Don’t buy one-use water bottles, the plastic ends up in landfill or in the ocean. Instead, pack a  tough travel water bottle .

Go and watch A Plastic Ocean on Netflix – it’ll change how you view the plastic problem in the world; you need to understand what we are up against. If you think it doesn’t matter, get off my fucking site.

Don’t pick up single use plastic bags, you’re a backpacker – take your daypack if you need to go to the shop or run errands.

Bear in mind, that many animal products in countries you travel through will not be ethically farmed and won’t be of the highest quality. I’m a carnivore but when I’m on the road, I only eat chicken. Mass-farming of cows etc leads to the rainforest being cut down – which is obviously a huge problem.

Need more guidance? – Check out our post on  how to be a responsible backpacker.

Backpacking in Pokhara can be one hell of a crazy party at times if that is what you’re after. Take it from me, it can be easy to get carried away. It is important to keep in mind that you are an ambassador for your country, which is awesome. We can make a positive impact on people when we travel and get rid of any ugly stereotypes that may be associated with your country.

If you visit indigenous villages or small communities in the rural areas around Pokhara, always ask before taking photos. The people who live in these villages are not exhibits in a museum. They are normal folks just living their lives.  Always show them the complete respect that they deserve.

When buying a local craft, do not haggle so low that the price is unfair to the person who spent countless hours crafting it. Pay people what they are worth and contribute to the local economies as much as possible.

I know it can be hard, but do your best to use the least amount of plastic water bottles that you can. Refill the ones that you do buy! Use a Grayl Geopress . Refill at your hostel! There are plenty of ways to reduce plastic!!!

Backpacking India or any region for that matter often illuminates some of the great socio-economic inequalities of the world. Never take it for granted that you are healthy and financially able to go traveling. Show the world around you some gratitude and help to make a positive impact on it. Most of all have the time of your life and spread the love!

Well, we hope that you found our guide to Pokhara useful. We’re sure you will agree it’s a great place to relax, meet other travellers and spend some time. As ever, if you have any suggestions for inclusions or updates please let us know!

Until next time guys, see you on the road!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

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Pokhara is an dream destination for me. I wish to be there. Thank you so much for your amazing review and beautiful photos.

I wish to do a trek on Annapurna, I will be there soon. It seems dream travel destination to me now.

Enjoy Risha, the mountains are stunning.

Annapurna is a great place to go for a trek. Either it is annapurna base camp or annapurna ciruit or other Annapurna range, they are some of the best trekking packages in Nepal.

Gosh..Nepal really wasn’t on my map until recently. Seems like virtually everyone I know is planning to visit or just did visit!

The city scape of Pokhara, with those high white mountains and the lower, forested ones looks just beyond lovely! thx for sharing your guide

I did a trek on Annapurna and loved stopping in Pokhara. The food was delicious (I really miss the daal bhat haha) and the town is overall super relaxed. I love the photos in this post!

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Travel Story - What an amazing trip I had

Nepal is perhaps one of the best countries that I have visited. It has everything, from amazing natural diversity, wildlife and cultural ethos to the awe-inspiring Himalayas. Nepal is a country of many wonders with treasures that never fail to amaze and inspire me. Recently, I had the chance to visit Nepal. As much as Nepal Treks are fun, this time- I wanted to really dive deep into the historical and cultural aspects of the country. After all, Nepal has ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and despite its growing modernization in places like its capital Kathmandu and other major cities, the tenor of cultural spirit is still alive and thriving in almost all corners of Nepal- sometimes even mingling along with the rapid growth of cities and their rapid in-migration. Read my complete travel story to know Nepal's highlights better way.

Speaking of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal is like any other, always bustling with life and energy and chaotic pandemonium. When I arrived at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, I was greeted by my guide. I had decided to take the aid of a local Travel Agency who assisted me in my touring endeavor. Nepal Hiking Team my travel agency, had arranged for a guide for me to pick me up from the airport and with my Hotel transfer.

Going a little sideways with my continuality here, but I would definitely recommend hiring a local travel agency while visiting Nepal, especially if it is your first time. It can be a daunting task to visit a new country, and Nepal is no exception. That is why hiring a travel agency is always beneficial. They arrange everything for you, leaving you with free time to do as you please instead of worrying about permits, transport or even accommodation and meals. That was the case for me as well with Nepal Hiking Team, who arranged and planned my trip brilliantly.

First on my tour list was the heritage sites of Kathmandu itself. A bit about Kathmandu before we delve into its cultural and historical treasures; Kathmandu is the largest city of Nepal, with a population of about 1.5 million people. Historically termed as "Nepal Mandala", Kathmandu has been the home of Newari culture since medieval times. The Newari culture is definitely seen in various aspects f the city, from temples, architectural style of buildings, food and even celebrations and festivals. The historical sites of Kathmandu manifest the Newa architecture quite beautifully. Moreover, Kathmandu has been, for many years, the epicenter of the Himalayan country. It has a multiethnic population, and has many Buddhist and Hindu religious sites, including the heritage sites.

As such, the Kathmandu city hosts four major UNESCO Sites. In the Kathmandu Valley, there are a total of 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The UNESCO Sites are distributed among the valley closely to one another. That makes the Kathmandu valley have one of the densest concentrations of UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are situated alongside each other. Within the city itself, the four major sites are the temple of Pashupatinath, the Swayambhunath Stupa, the Bouddhanath and the Kathmandu Durbar Square.

My first site was the holy Hindu temple of Pashupatinath. A major sacred Hindu temple, Pashupatinath is located on the banks of the Baghmati River. My guide informed me that the temple served as a seat of the national deity, Lord Pashupatinath. Inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list on 1979, Pashupatinath is a large complex with many smaller temples, ashrams and sculptures. When I visited Pashupatinath, I saw many worshippers about, many with bright red tika on their foreheads. My guide said that during the major festival of Maha Shivaratri, Pashupatinath Temple was swarmed by many pilgrims from all over the country, with many from India as well. I also saw many Sadhus in the temple, with their faces covered in ashes and donning bright yellow robes with matted hair. I was also informed that the temple is also where the Hindu people performed their sacred cremation ceremony by the banks of the river.

The pagoda style of the Pashupatinath temple is something that I was to come across many times during my tour. The beautifully crafted two level roofs of the temple are balanced on wooden rafters which are decorated with amazing carvings. With the atmosphere rich with burning incense, the temple was quite exotic and reflected the cultural beauty in the constant peal of its temple bells.

My next UNESCO Site was the Kathmandu Durbar Square. One of the three Durbar Squares of the Kathmandu valley, the Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the palaces of the old Malla and Shah Kings of the Kathmandu city, along with many temples, old buildings and monuments along with sculptures and statues of Gods. Several buildings of the Durbar square complex had collapsed in the 2015 earthquake, and the renovation work was being done. Along with the old buildings, the outskirt of the complex also held many fine cafes and restaurants. The place was as busy as ever, with small vendors selling spices and flowers and shops of Thanka paintings and Nepali handicrafts that ranged from brass and copper jewelry to traditional Newari masks and Nepali paper Mache. The complex itself was beautiful. Despite the damage done by the earthquake, it is easy to see the wonderful Nepali craftsmanship on the temples and buildings of the Durbar Square. The tentatively ornamented doors and windows of the temples and the finely tuned and crafted sculptures of the various gods seemed lively. It was not hard to imagine how it must have been in the medieval times. The openness of the complex and being surrounded by such majestic culture and architectural beauty had me in a trance. The people going about their way, with the looming temples and the giant statue of the God, with flocking pigeons and the bustling atmosphere seemed to breathe life into the area.

After a quick lunch of delicious momo in one of the many restaurants at the Durbar Square area, I headed out to the Swayambhunath temple- also known as "the Monkey temple", an ancient religious temple atop a hill west of the city. At the entrance of the temple, I saw three giant statues of Buddha, all decorated quite beautifully, along with gumbas and smaller stupas which were also quite elaborately decorated and painted in the most intricate colors. My guide told me that each morning before dawn, hundreds of Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims ascend the long steps from the eastern side that lead up the hill and begin a series of clockwise circumambulations of the Stupa. After I had climbed the steps up to the Stupa myself, I was rewarded with the most breathtaking sight of the panoramic city, which seemed to be alive.

After a tour of the temple complex, my next destination was the Bouddhanath Stupa. As I was in the car being driven to Bouddha, I also got a chance to experience the hectic traffic of the city; it truly is quite fascinating! Bouddhanath is the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal. When I reached Bouddhanath, the beautiful dome of the Stupa loomed up in front of me like a giant. The sire of the Stupa was decorated with many colorful prayer flags and the serene eyes of the Buddha looking out in four directions were quite majestic in the evening sun. The sparse distribution of the twilight clouds above the Stupa gave off a tranquil feel to the whole place. There were many people around here as well, sitting by on the base of the Stupa and enjoying the evening with family and friends. It was a lovely site to end my first day of the tour.

My tour of Nepal continued with my next destination- Pokhara. The lakeside city of Pokhara is said to be the tourism capital of Nepal, and it is not difficult to see how so. The city is located right next to the beautiful Phewa Lake, and is also quite close to the Annapurna Himalayan range whose majestic sights I saw as I entered the city. Many prefer to drive to the city, but my agency had arranged for a flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu, which took about 20 minutes.

Pokhara is often the starting point of many Annapurna Treks, and thus, you can see lots of tourists in the city, especially around the lakeside area which is riddled with various restaurants and shops catering to tourists. Furthermore, there are also numerous temples and gumbas in the city, with many temples serving as combined places of worship for both Hindus and Buddhists, much like the Swayambhunath in Kathmandu. One of the first places that I visited in Pokhara was the Bindhyabasini Temple, followed by the World Peace Pagoda, a.k.a. "the Shanti Stupa". I got a beautiful panoramic view of the Annapurna range, Pokhara city and Phewa Lake from the pagoda.

Pokhara had many attractions as well, like the Mahindra cave and the Davis Fall. The all natural setting of Pokhara contributed to its large influx of tourism, both from within the country and outside. During the evening, I leisurely strolled around the lake side area, enjoyed a tranquil boat ride on the lake and visited the Tal Barahi temple- which is located right in the centre of the Phewa Lake. I had the constant view of the Annapurna range, and the beauty of Pokhara lulled me into a beautiful expectation of visiting Sarangkot- a vantage point near the city.

In the early hours of dawn the next day, I was driven to Sarangkot. I finally get why people fall in love with sunrises now; as I stood on the hill station at Sarangkot, I saw the rising sun from amidst the Annapurna Himalayas. It was majestic and I will never forget the moment. The panoramic view of the lovely Pokhara city also provided me with a postcard perfect picture.

My next much awaited stop on my Nepal Tour was Lumbini- a Buddhist pilgrimage UNESCO World Heritage Site. The birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini had some of the most amazing collection of monasteries, each unique and artistically different from one another based on their construction by different Buddhist nations. I visited the holy Mayadevi Temple, and the Puskarini Pond. The atmosphere at Lumbini is that of a deep religious serenity, the monasteries are quite fascinating to explore, which I did on a rickshaw. I saw little monk children running around in crimson robes, and had a marvelous time exploring the complex. The heritage site captures the Buddhist spirit in its peaceful surrounding, and its various Buddhist art and architectural treasures.

My last stop on my Nepal Tour was Chitwan National Park- one among the two national parks of Nepal enlisted under the UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. Famous for its jungle safaris, I knew that Chitwan was going to present me with the natural side of Nepal, and I was right! Presenting me with a wild taste of the wilderness, I experienced Chitwan’s wide expanses of natural landscape and woodlands. The lush forests of Chitwan National Park and its parameters consist of many wild animals and rare floral abundance along with ethnic villages and old traditional settlements of the local people. Perhaps one of my most memorable moments was riding an Elephant through the woods! I explored the ethnic Tharu villages and visited the national park’s animal breeding centers. With a relaxing and euphoric nature walk along the Rapti River, I was surrounded with the ambiance of exotic birds filling up the sound of the air with their chirping.

One of the best times while I was at Chitwan was the Elephant bath. I got in the cool waters of the Rapti River and helped the elephant bath (or more specifically, got sprayed by the lovely creature!). The elephant sprayed a shower of water out of its trunk and I was in love! The excitement of playing with the elephant in the water brought out the inner child in me, and left me with a smile on my face and my soul feeling lighter.

Nepal really is a wonderful country with amazing features and beauties. It simply isn't enough to visit it once, as the country has so many attractions and highlights that it demands more well-deserving visits. It's natural, Himalayan, cultural and religious wonders make Nepal a cornucopia of exotic characters. And my agency, Nepal Hiking Team, did a terrific job of presenting everything in the most comfortable and amazing of ways!

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Saturday, February 25, 2023

Essay on Pokhara City

Pokhara City

Pokhara is a beautiful city located in the western part of Nepal, nestled in the foothills of the Annapurna mountain range. It is often referred to as the "Gateway to the Himalayas" and is a popular tourist destination in Nepal.

One of the most striking features of Pokhara is its stunning natural beauty. The city is situated on the shores of Phewa Lake, which is surrounded by lush green hills and snow-capped mountains. The Annapurna range, which is visible from Pokhara, is one of the most breathtaking mountain ranges in the world and attracts thousands of tourists every year.

Pokhara is also home to many popular tourist attractions. The World Peace Pagoda, situated on a hill overlooking the city, is a beautiful Buddhist monument that offers stunning views of the mountains and the lake. The Davis Falls, located on the southern edge of the city, is a popular waterfall that is both beautiful and powerful.

For adventure seekers, Pokhara offers a wide range of activities such as trekking, paragliding, and rafting. The city is the starting point for many treks in the Annapurna region, which is famous for its natural beauty and challenging trails. Paragliding is also a popular activity in Pokhara, and visitors can soar above the city and take in the breathtaking views from above.

The city is also a great place to experience Nepali culture. The local people are warm and welcoming, and there are many traditional festivals and cultural events that take place throughout the year. The Bindhyabasini Temple, located in the heart of the city, is a popular Hindu temple that attracts many visitors. In terms of accommodation, Pokhara has a wide range of options to suit all budgets. From luxury hotels to backpacker hostels, there is something for everyone.

In conclusion, Pokhara is a beautiful and vibrant city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and adventure. It is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Nepal and is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors who experience its charm and beauty.

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Memory Trip to Pokhara Visit

Tags: Pokhara, Machhapuchhre,Phewa Lake,Gupteshwor Cave,David's fall,Hotel

 POKHARA

Altitude: 833 m

District: Kaski

Zone : Gandaki

Distance from Kathmandu : 200 km

Latitude : 28.2006

Longitude : 83.9814

Average Temperature :  102 °F (highest), 46°F (lowest)

I had never understood exactly why the name thrilled me to the bone as soon as I heard it. Yeah I did remember that I had visited the place on a tour with my family 10 years back. But such a wild feeling was always behind my contemplation.

But, today as I hold this diary that I have just found lying in the trunk where I keep my old stuffs, I understand the rush of blood that I often feel when I hear ‘Pokhara’.

My diary starts with the trip taken by road. I must have slept all along the road because all I have written about the road trip is “I could not see in the dark”.

Well, I do remember waking up early in the morning with the excitement to see outside the window. And what did I see? The tale-tell image of the infamous ‘Fish-tail mountain (Machhapuchhre)’.  It was very mesmerizing. The Mountain with the most peculiar shape not only stood clean, white and beautiful but the very first rays of sun clouding over the top was indeed fascinating. I can still remember the twist of joy I felt looking at the nature’s most lovely form.

After having a good meal which was finished as soon as it was served, we rushed to troll around the rich market. I remember buying bangles, stone-fitted-chains, and some thin cotton clothes for the memory of the visit.

We then went to the shore of the ‘Phewa Lake’ where getting in seemed like century for us. Actually, we were fighting over who’d get to the corner. The sailor had leaked out that the lightest one should get to the corner since the corner seat might pull down the boat if heavy ones sit there. Well! What did we need? We remained as stiff as the boat itself. At least the boat was swinging and sailing. We were not. 

 The scenery then blindfolded us to numbness. The mountain looked even more spectacular from there.

Rest of the day was no different. We went to ‘Gupteshwor cave’. I remember the dark cave. We were getting into a tunnel like cave which when entered was actually cocooning a Temple. The ‘Pujari’ there let us worship the temple and put ‘Tika’ on each of our forehead.

We then went to see the ‘David’s fall’. The legend has it that a hiker named David fell off and was overflowed in the lake below. There are some other spicy stories related to the similar events experienced by the dead. However, the water flow is most spectacular during monsoon. And it’s a must visit spot.

Since we were only there for a night’s stay, we could not goelsewhere.

But there’s still more to go, I have not yet shared about our stay at the hotel in the previous night. I don’t remember the name of the hotel but I do remember that we had a generous service offered by the management. I remember very clearly the details of Nepal’s traditional folk dances and songs, organized for entertainment after dinner. The boys and girls were dressed in traditional Nepali dresses. The boys wore ‘Daura Suruwal with Dhaka Topi’ and girls had put on ‘Sari and Cholo’ .There was some ‘Maadal’ players too. They together sang duet melodiously. We along with other tourists were very delighted. The hospitality offered to us was unbelievable.

 If that was 10 years back, I wonder how Pokhara must have been transformed by now. The services must have gotten even better and I can see numerous travel guides and websites helping out the tourists these days.

Good luck for the people who are thinking of visiting Pokhara anytime soon. 

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