open visit nepal pokhara

• Open Visit Nepal 🚌

Open Visit Nepal

• Popular Routes
• Schedule and Timetable

About Open Visit Nepal

Buses are the most affordable means of transport with a large number of terminals across the country and convenient timetables to help you plan your trip. Buses is a convenient option both for those who travel on a shoestring budget and those who do not want to compromise on comfort. Open Visit Nepal offers bus service with an online reservation available. Before booking your ticket, read other travellers’ reviews to choose the best option.

What are the Main Stations of Open Visit Nepal?

Open Visit Nepal operates buses to and from the following stations:

• Pokhara Bus Stop

What are the Most Popular Routes of Open Visit Nepal?

The most popular destinations of Open Visit Nepal are:

• Kathmandu - Pokhara
• Pokhara - Kathmandu
• Kathmandu - Byas
• Byas - Kathmandu

What are the Bus Classes & Prices of Open Visit Nepal?

The price of your bus trip will depend both on the destination and the class of your ticket. Note that not all ticket classes are available on certain routes yet for longer trips there is almost always a good choice of options. Opt for a sleeper coach for the most convenient overnight trip. Sleeper buses are usually equipped with berths or soft reclining seats, feature an onboard toilet and your ticket may also include other perks like snacks or even a lunch. Taking a night bus is also a good idea if you want to save on your hotel room. During the day an express service is often the best value for money as it makes less stops than an ordinary or standard class bus and travels faster. On some routes it may be crucial to choose the right class as, say, an ordinary or second class bus may need some 6 hours to cover the distance the first class or express bus travels in two hours!

Pros & Cons of Bus Travel

Pros of bus travel.

Buses usually boast the widest network of destinations covered. They travel to the places you cannot get to by plane or even by train

Travelling by bus is easy – there is no need to arrive to the bus terminal much in advance, and the check-in is usually a very fast formality opposite to air travel

Bus tickets are very affordable. Yes, there are costly first class or VIP options but is you are on a budget, bus is the first means of transportation you have to think about

At the same time, there are different classes of service to suit any budget. If you are after a higher level of comfort, buses get you covered, too.

Cons of Bus Travel

Intercity bus terminals can be located outside the city centre in the outskirts. It means you will need to calculate extra time and money to get there. In certain destinations getting from the bus terminal can cost you more than you would expect because only a limited number of transportation companies is allowed to serve the route – and prices may be inflated.

During busy weekends or high season buses serving some tourist destinations may run out of schedule and require advanced booking.

While buses are not as weather dependent as ferries, bus trips can also be delayed or cancelled due to bad weather or road conditions – keep it in mind if travelling during certain seasons or to certain destinations.

Open Visit Nepal Popular Routes

Open visit nepal schedule & timetable, open visit nepal stations, open visit nepal company reviews.

22 Epic Places to Visit on your Pokhara Itinerary in 2024

March 18, 2024

Paula Martinelli

Wondering how to plan a perfect Pokhara itinerary?

Well, you have got to the right place! After spending one month traveling around Nepal , I am here to share the best places to visit in Pokhara, plus share helpful tips for you to plan your trip to Nepal . With so many places to visit in Pokhara, and to experience the natural beauty of Nepal, I recommend anyone to spend at least 3-days exploring it all.

Pokhara is known for its stunning lakeside location, being nestled in the Annapurna range, and of course, its many hiking opportunities, including the Annapurna Circuit or ABC (Annapurna Base Camp) trekking.

The first part of this article will go through the best places to visit in Pokhara, whilst the second part will go through the most adventurous activities in the area! You can also find plenty of helpful information with all you need to know to plan a perfect Pokhara itinerary. Whether you simply want to relax and admire the views or are looking for an adrenaline rush, Pokhara has plenty of amazing things to do. 

You will love these articles ❤️:

• A Perfect Nepal Itinerary
• 30 Things you need to know before you travel to Nepal

READ NEXT: How to Plan a Trip to Nepal: Ultimate Guide

Essential Tips Before You Visit Pokhara

Where is pokhara in nepal.

Pokhara is the second-largest city in Nepal after Kathmandu and is one of the most beautiful places in the country. Pokhara is located about 120 miles (200 km) west of the capital city of Kathmandu, it is a 7 hour bus ride away from Kathmandu.

It sits at the foot of the Annapurna mountain range, so naturally boasts stunning views.

How Many Days for your Pokhara itinerary?

I recommend at least 3 days for Pokhara , 2 for sightseeing and 1 day for rest, means walking around Lake Phewa and boating in lake Phewa, Pokhara is a place to relax. Or if you are into adventure, there are plenty of things to do in Pokhara too, as you will see on this article.

Now, if you are planning to go hike to the Annapurna Mountains, Pokhara will be your start and finish point. I spent 2 days before my hike to the Annapurna Base Camp, and 1 day after exploring the places in Pokhara, and it was enough time.

What to Expect When You Visit Pokhara

Most people visit Pokhara to go hiking in the Annapurna Mountains – I did it too, and I hiked the ABC (Annapurna Base Camp)

Pokhara is also a popular destination for yoga retreats, and to enjoy the magnificent lake area. Pokhara is a small city, but it offers amazing things to do and to see. And just like the whole of Nepal, it is very affordable and safe to visit.

It is easy enough to visit Pokhara independently. But if you prefer, you can hire a guide in Kathmandu to arrange all the plans for you – from flight to hotel and tours in Pokhara. I used this private driver and I highly recommend them.

When is the Best Time to Visit Pokhara

The best time to visit Pokhara is during the winter months of October, November, and December. 

These are the perfect months for trekking with moderate temperatures, lower precipitation levels, and clear skies for the most spectacular views. During this time, the temperature will range from around 46 to 60°F (8°C to15°C) depending on which month you choose to visit Pokhara.

The Money Situation in Nepal

The Nepali Rupee is the official currency of Nepal. We recommend carrying a combination of Nepali Rupee and US dollars. The current exchange rate is $1 USD = 103Rs.

You can find ATMs just about anywhere in most of Kathmandu. Most ATMs have a maximum withdrawal limit of 10,000Rs, however, some NABIL machines have a 35,000Rs limit.

It can be quite frustrating to deal with the 10,000Rs limit on ATM withdrawals, as the associated bank fees can quickly add up. However, we strongly advise withdrawing as much cash as possible each time you visit an ATM. This will ensure that you have enough money to cover any unforeseen issues that may arise, such as political or social unrest.

Credit cards are commonly accepted in Kathmandu at most tourist hotels, restaurants, airlines, and tour agencies; however, fees may apply.

READ NEXT: 30 Things you need to know before you travel to Nepal

Best Places to Visit in Pokhara to Enjoy the City

1. explore phewa lake.

I will start this list of best places to visit in Pokhara with my favorite place in the city. Phewa Lake is one of the most beautiful freshwater lakes in Nepal and is the perfect spot for a boat ride or kayaking . You can also rent a bike and go around the stunning views of Lake Phewa.

If you decide to head out on the water in the evening, you will also get a great view of the city. With the stunning blue color of the lake and the backdrop of the mighty Annapurna Mountain Range, this is something you don’t want to miss off your Pokhara itinerary.

2. Get Amazing Views at the World Peace Pagoda

The World Peace Pagoda is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Pokhara. It is the symbol of peace in Nepal, and Hinduism. The walk up to the top takes about 50-60 minutes and is an incline walk, but isn’t too difficult. 

It’s free to enter, and there are some restaurants located along the way. At the top, you can get some incredible views of Pokhara Valley and the Annapurna Mountain Range on a clear day. You can either hike or take a Boat Ride to the World Peace Pagoda.

3. Visit Gupteshowor Mahdev Cave

Exploring Pokhara’s caves is an interesting experience, and is very popular.

Everything about the cave is impressive, starting from being located in the middle of the city, to its entrance. As you go down the steps to the cave, you can start feeling the underground cold sweatiness.

You will get to see its unique geological features including stalagmites and stalactites, which make the cave seem otherworldly. In the cave, you also find a statue of the Hindu Lord Shiva located inside, and the “cowshed” a sacred cow where the locals make their offerings.

4. Discover Davi’s Falls

Davi’s Falls is a well-known waterfall in Pokhara, and although it’s not exactly breath-taking it’s located right next to the cave system. The gorge here leads to a tunnel underground, which then leads to the cave formations of  Gupteshwor Mahadev.

The story behind these falls is tragic. It is said that a Swiss lady named Davis died in the tunnel due to a sudden overflow of water. Visitors are required to pay a small entrance fee to access the site. However, be cautious of people trying to sell you things, as this place is known to be a tourist trap in Pokhara.

5. Catch the Views at Begnas Lake

Begnas Lake is the second largest lake in the Pokhara Valley, and the third-largest in the whole of Nepal. It’s popular with hikers, fishermen, and swimmers, even though the water is incredibly chilly. You can also rent a bike and cycle around the lake if you choose.

There are some cafes and restaurants around the lake, that is a perfect location to get a fresh juice and enjoy the views, or try a fresh fish dish.

6. Go on a Yoga Retreat in Pokhara

Although Pokhara is popular for its hiking opportunities, there are plenty of ways to relax within the city. There are lots of yoga classes and retreats located within the city.

With Pokhara’s scenic surroundings, it’s perfect for achieving some mindfulness. If you are really serious about yoga, you can trek with a yoga retreat in Nepal’s Mountain Villages , this is an amazing experience for spiritual and wellness while taking the marvelous views of Pokhara. I have done it and I really enjoyed the experience.

7. Spoil Yourself with a Massage in Pokhara

One of the most relaxing things to do in Pokhara is to get a massage in one of the spas. You can find a massage for every budget – from “interesting” places (not too nice or clean) to very nice high-end spas.

I choose to have a “blind massage” as it would be my first experience. It was after I hike the ABC and I was so sore and tired, and the massage was absolutely wonderful! I highly recommend the Seeing Hands , as they are social enterprise providing opportunities for visually impaired people of Nepal.

If you are looking for a spa, you will find outstanding Resorts in Pokhara such as the Temple Tree Resort & Spa with outstanding Annapurna Mountain Range Views, or the Hotel Middle Path & Spa , located only a 5-minutes walk from the Phewa Lake.

8. Enjoy the Food in Pokhara

Pokhara is full of incredible restaurants and cafes to fuel or refuel you after hiking. There is a wide variety of cuisine available ranging from Italian to tapas, and of course, authentic Nepalese dishes! 

Some of the most popular restaurant choices in Pokhara include Cafe Concerto , I ate here the night before I hike the ABC, and it was outstanding! Also, great options are Rosemary Kitchen and Fresh Elements . Another great choice is the Krazy Gecko Bar & Res t with a large outside area and stunning lakeside views.

9. Take a Cooking Class in Pokhara

If you are looking for fun things to do in Pokhara, then make sure you take a cooking class.

Nepalese authentic cuisine is delicious, and what’s better than learning to cook it so you can divulge even when you return home! You will learn to make tasty dishes including Momo and Dal Bhat. 

One of the best-reviewed cooking classes in Pokhara includes ‘Cook with Delight’ which is a home-based cooking class with a lovely family and it is very cheap too.

10. Head to Sarangkot Viewpoint

Sarangkot Viewpoint is one of the best places to visit in Pokhara and is a must-visit. It’s one of the easiest short treks from the city , although it still consists of a 3-hour uphill climb. Once you get to the top though, it will be so worth it! 

The views of Pokhara, Fewa Lake, and the surrounding snow-capped mountains are breathtaking. They are even better if you head up at sunrise or sunset. At the top, there are lots of cafes and restaurants to grab a bite to eat, or you can take a picnic.

11. Go Street Shopping in Pokhara

Pokhara is filled with souvenir shops, tea shops, hiking gear shops, yak products, and all between. I found it is nicer to walk around Pokhara, than in Kathmandu while shopping.

There are fewer people, the temperature is very pleasant in Pokhara and I found great things to buy before I go on my ABC hiking. Such as my yak super warm socks. They are a must-have item if you are planning to go hiking in the winter.

12. Explore the Pokhara Disneyland

Yes, I know – it sounds funny. But Pokhara has its own “Disneyland” too. Of course, it is nothing compared to the real one, but it is also fun. Here you can find typical amusement rides, such s a big wheel, bumper cars, bowling, and many other fun things.

I have to be honest that I didn’t take the chance to go on any rides, but I had fun watching the locals having fun. Here you can also spend a few hours watching local shows with dance and music, try some “food trucks” – it is definitely a fun thing to do while in Pokhara.

13. Enjoy the amazing Rupa Lake

One of the most unique places to visit in Pokhara, in my opinion, is Rupa Lake. It is located on the border of Pokhara and the Rupa Rural area, in the valley of Nepal. The third-largest freshwater lake in Pokhara is at an altitude of 600 meters, and the area is surrounded by abundant fauna and flora.

You can rent a boat to enjoy the lake and the majestic views of the reflection of the mountains. There is also an observation tower where you can catch the beautiful views of the valley.

14. Support the Tashiling Handicraft Center (Tibetan Refugee Camp)

This is a great place to visit and to learn more about the Tibetan Refugees – I also recommend you to read this very powerful article I wrote about the truth behind the Tibet Occupation – and to support the community. You can watch the women making rugs and wall hangings. All the money goes back to the community, and the purchase goes for a good cause.

You can also visit the museum and the store where you can find beautiful art-craft from Tibet. The community is supported by the Nepalese Government, and the Tibetan people here will welcome you and proudly show their community to any visitor.

Top Places to Visit in Pokhara for Adventure Travelers

15. go rafting in pokhara.

River rafting down the Seti River is a popular activity in Pokhara. No previous rafting experience is needed but be prepared for a bumpy ride and the water to be very chilly! 

You will spend around 90 minutes heading down Seti River, with twists, turns, and small whirlpools as the boat head down the rapids. Aside from the thrill, the river itself is beautiful with crystal waters and of course the stunning backdrop of the Annapurna Mountains.

The rapids are grade 3 and 4, and the half-day fun starts as low as $60 with all the equipment, and lunch included. What a deal for the fun!

16. Take an Ultralight Flight in Pokhara

One of the most thrilling activities in Pokhara is to head out on an Ultralight aircraft flight . These small aircraft only sit two people – a pilot and the passenger! 

The duration of the flights varies between packages but usually lasts between 15-90 minutes. If you’re brave enough you will be rewarded with stunning views of Pokhara and its surrounding mountain ranges including Annapurna, Machhapuchchhre, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri.

17. Extreme Zip-lining

Pokhara is home to the world’s most thrilling zip line experience.  The Zip flyer is the longest, tallest and steepest zipline in the world , with an incredible mountain backdrop. 

With a total length of 1.8km, a vertical drop of 600m, and a speed of around 120km/hour this is a must for any adrenaline junkie. As you head down the zipline you will get a 180° panoramic view of the stunning Annapurna Mountain Range.

18. Go Bungee-Jumping

If you are craving an adventure activity full of adrenaline, then bungee jumping in Pokhara is for you! 

This bungee jump is Nepal’s first and only tower bungee. With a 75m vertical drop, and a 3-second free fall into a natural gorge, this is an activity for the thrill-seekers out there. If you manage to open your eyes, you will get a glimpse of the beautiful Pokhara Valley, lake, and surrounding mountains.

19. Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Going on a hot air balloon ride is one of the best things to do in Pokhara, and is the perfect activity for an adventurous traveler. 

Balloon Nepal is the only company in the country to offer hot air balloon rides, and it’s located in Pokhara. The ride itself lasts between 25-60 minutes depending on the package you choose, and you will get stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges including Annapurna.

20. Skydiving in Pokhara

Skydiving in Pokhara is definitely one for the more daring travelers out there!

If jumping out of a plane at 13,000 feet sounds like a dream, then there is no better place to do it than Pokhara. After you take that daring leap, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular mountain and valley views. Although a fearless act for sure, the views are well worth the plunge.

21. Paragliding in the Himalayas

Paragliding is one of the most popular adventure activities in Pokhara. This city is considered one of the best places in the world to paraglide, and with the scenic views who would argue?

As it’s so in demand there are plenty of agencies offering a variety of packages, and you can get great prices as low as $100 for an approximately 30 minutes flight .

22. Go Hiking in Pokhara

Hiking is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Pokhara. There are so many incredible trails from the city and they range in length, difficulty, and duration. 

One of the most popular hikes is the Poon Hill Trek which takes around 4-5 days and offers spectacular views of the Annapurna region – especially at sunrise and sunset. 

If you are looking for day hikes, there are several great options including the Naudanda day hike, Sarangkot Viewpoint hike, and the Dhampus day hike. However, everyone knows that the most popular hike from Pokhara is the famous Annapurna Base Camp Trek!

You can also check my detailed guide on how to hire a porter in Nepal before you go hiking. I have learned a lot from my hiking, and I am happy to share the top tips with you now.

READ NEXT: Everything you need to know about hiring a Porter in Nepal

Best Places to Stay in Pokhara

You will find plenty of options of places to stay in Pokhara for all the budgets. The best area to stay in is at the lakeside, for the best views, and you will be close to the main attractions. I also recommend booking your hotel in Pokhara with B o oking.com as you can check reviews, and have the flexibility to cancel it.

I have selected my top choices here for you:

MY PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION | White Pearl Hotel (⭐️ 8.8) : I stayed at the White Pearl and I highly recommend it. It is only a 6-minutes walk to the lakeside, the views from my room were phenomenal, and the breakfast was really great with lots of options from fresh fruit to some local dishes.

BUDGET | Hotel Lake Shore (⭐️ 9.3) : This hotel is the best deal for you if you are traveling on a budget! I love that this hotel is a sustainable hotel, it is located only a 7-minutes walk to Lakeshore. Also, the rooms are very comfortable and even better!? It comes with a delicious breakfast with the Annapurna views.

LUXURY | The Pavilions Himalayas The Farm (⭐️ 9.3) : Do you want to stay at a 5-star hotel, without paying 5-star pricing? Even listed as a luxury, the prices of this spectacular hotel are really affordable. You will have your own terrace, swim pool, and an international restaurant with breakfast included.

How to Get to Pokhara

If you are flying into Nepal, you’ll be arriving in Kathmandu first as it’s the only international airport in the country. When it comes to getting to Pokhara, you have a couple of options:

✈️ Flight to Pokhara

You can fly into Pokhara from Kathmandu as the city has a domestic airport. The flight takes around 30 minutes, so is incredibly quick. Flight prices start from around $70 , so if you have the money this is probably the best way to get to the city.

🚌 Bus to Pokhara

When it comes to getting the bus to Pokhara, you may have heard some scary stories. Some people call it ‘the most dangerous road in the world’, and yes buses have fallen off in the past but this is VERY rare. 

Tourist buses are quite a popular way to travel from the capital, and the most luxurious option is Greenline at a cost of around $30 . However, there are cheaper tourist bus options to choose from.

You can choose to get a local bus (which is cheaper) but it’s not recommended. They are generally very cramped and a lot more dangerous, due to the speed at which they are driven.

🚗  Private car/ taxi to Pokhara

It’s possible to hire a private car or taxi to take you from Kathmandu to Pokhara. If you haggle with a driver, rather than book through an agent you will get a much better price. However, in general, you are looking to pay around $60-$80 to travel this way. 

If there is a large group of you, it’s possible to hire a whole jeep with up to 8 seats for $250 . When divided by each passenger, it becomes pretty cost-effective.

Places to Visit in Pokhara Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of amazing places to visit in Pokhara. And if you are an adventure lover like me, you will absolutely fall in love with the city.

I hope that you have gained a good knowledge of all the things to do in Pokhara and that this guide helps you to plan your adventure trip to Nepal, and enjoy the most of it.

You may also love the following articles:

• Nepal Itinerary
• Best Hikes in Nepal
• Top Places to visit in Kathmandu
• How to Plan a Trip to Nepal, everything you need to know
• 30 Things About Nepal that I Wish I knew Before my Trip
• How to Hire a Porter in Nepal
• How to go on the Everest Base Camp with an Helicopter Tour

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8 thoughts on “22 epic places to visit on your pokhara itinerary in 2024”.

Wow, what a wonderful introduction to Nepal! You’ve definitely put some of these gems on my radar for the first time. I’d really love to do the cooking class and the hot air balloon ride sounds amazing!

I didn’t have the opportunity to visit Nepal yet but I’m glad I read your article before! Thanks a lot for all your tips. The World Peace pagoda and the waterfall look so stunning!

Pokhara is such a beautiful place. I’d love to go back and hiking in the mountains is especially appealing. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences & suggestions!

I never knew Pokhara was such a beautiful place. Thank you for sharing such a comprehensive guide, Paula.

Mais um lugar incrível e desconhecido por mim, não imaginava tanta beleza em um lugar tão remoto neste nosso lindo mundo, o texto está ótimo e completo, um bom guia com excelente roteiro. Parabéns.

Thank you for sharing a good post on Pokhara .. nima

What an amazing blog article. https://www.nepalnomad.com/a-taste-of-nepal-adventure

Thanks so much, Sarba, I am glad you enjoyed this article.

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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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Top Destinations in Nepal

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Top Things to Do in Pokhara

The Top 9 Things to Do in Pokhara, Nepal

Bartosz Hadyniak / Getty Images

Located in central Nepal, Pokhara is the Himalayan nation's second largest city, followed by the capital, Kathmandu . On the eastern side of Lake Phewa, with close-up views of the Annapurna Himalaya , it is surrounded by hills covered in forest and terraced farmland.

Pokhara is used as a convenient base for hiking trips deeper within the Himalaya, but the chilled-out town is worthy of a few days' exploration in its own right. The Lakeside area is full of hotels, restaurants, bars, tour companies, and souvenir shops, and is an easy place to walk around. Here are nine of the best things to see and do in and around Pokhara.

Paddle on Lake Phewa and Visit a Hindu Temple

CR Shelare / Getty Images

One of the most enduring images of Pokhara is of the colorful wooden paddle boats sitting on the calm surface of Lake Phewa. You can hire an oarsman to take you out on the water, or rent a kayak or small, canopy-covered boat in Lakeside Pokhara to make the short trip out to Tal Barahi Temple. The two-tiered Hindu pagoda temple is dedicated to the goddess Durga, and located on a little island just off Lake Phewa's southeastern shore. While it's similar in design to many of the pagoda temples in Kathmandu, it's not as old, having been built in 1864.

Visit the Tibetan Refugee Settlement

Antoine Boureau / Getty Images

Nepal is home to a large Tibetan refugee community, and while many Tibetan refugees live in the Boudha area of Kathmandu, Pokhara also has a number of settlements. The largest of these is Tashi Palkhel, northwest of central Pokhara. Travelers are welcome to visit Jangchub Choeling Gompa (monastery), home to a couple hundred monks. Stalls around the monastery sell Tibetan food and trinkets including prayer flags, mala beads, and thangka paintings (many of which are actually made in Nepal, as are those commonly sold in Tibet itself!)

Hike to the Shanti Stupa

Feng Wei Photography / Getty Images

Atop Anadu Hill on the southern side of Lake Phewa, Pokhara's Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda) is one of 80 such peace pagodas worldwide. Built by the Japanese Nipponzan-Myōhōji Buddhist movement in 1973, its white dome and golden pinnacle are reminiscent of many older Buddhist stupas across South and Southeast Asia.

The view down to the lake, across Pokhara city, and toward the Annapurnas is fantastic, particularly on a clear day. The pagoda is at 3,608 feet (Lakeside Pokhara is at 2,434 feet), and can either be reached on foot, along a forested track on the lake's southern shore, or by road, with access around the back. The walk up is quite hot for most of the year, but may be good practice for longer Himalayan treks! Even if you take a taxi, you'll need to walk the last stretch up the steps to the top.

Go White Water Rafting

Matt Zimmerman / Flickr

Nepal's long, clean rivers (Kathmandu's Bagmati aside!) and white sandy beaches make the country a favorite white water kayaking and rafting destination. Day trips run from both Kathmandu and Pokhara, but are often more convenient from the latter because you won't have to waste time sitting in grid-locked traffic on your way out of the city (a common occurrence in the capital). White water rafting day trips include the Upper Seti, which is just a short drive out of town. For a longer excursion, the most accessible from Pokhara is on the Kali Gandaki River, the deepest gorge in the world. Trips on the Kali Gandaki are usually three days long, with overnight stays in tents on river beaches.

Get an Adrenaline Rush on the ZipFlyer Zip Line

Courtesy of HighGround Adventures

Adrenaline seekers shouldn't miss a ride on HighGround Adventures' Zipflyer Nepal, one of the longest, steepest zip lines in the world. The 6,069-foot-long course is on an incline of 56 degrees, has a vertical drop of 1,968 feet, and reaches speeds of 85 miles per hour! Plus, the mountain views are unparalleled. The Zipflyer is about a 30-minute drive from Pokhara; transportation from Lakeside is included in packages.

Visit the 'Other' Lakes, Begnas and Rupa

photosbyash / Getty Images

Pokhara city is on the shores of Lake Phewa, but the wider Pokhara region has a couple of other equally scenic lakes that are worth visiting. In fact, some people say that Lake Begnas is what Lake Phewa used to be like, before all the tourism-oriented businesses developed around it.

When traveling to Pokhara overland from Kathmandu or elsewhere on the Prithvi Highway, the turnoff to both Lakes Begnas and Rupa is at Talchowk, about half an hour outside Pokhara. For a peaceful alternative to staying in the city, consider booking a boutique or family-run accommodation here.

Learn About the Himalaya at the International Mountain Museum

AutumnSkyPhotography / Getty Images

For mountaineering enthusiasts, or for something to do on a rainy day, Pokhara's International Mountain Museum provides a wealth of information on the geology, culture, and history of the Nepal Himalaya. Like many museums in Nepal, the presentation of the exhibits is a bit old school, but there is a lot of valuable information contained within. The museum is just east of Pokhara Airport, and easy to get to from town by taxi.

Go Paragliding From Sarangkot Hill

Elen Turner

You'll almost always see colorful parachutes swirling in the air in front of Mt. Macchapucchre from Lakeside Pokhara: Sarangkot Hill is believed to be one of the best places in the world to paraglide , thanks to the stable thermal air currents and incredible mountain and lake views.

While paragliding is potentially possible year-round, flights are often canceled during monsoon season (June to September) due to rain. Instead, book your excursion during winter (between late November and February), when the sky is clearer.

Stretch Your Legs on a Short Trek

Atlantide Phototravel / Getty Images

Some of the most popular long-distance treks start near Pokhara. However, if you're short on time—or don't have the desire to hike for days or weeks on end—you can enjoy many shorter hikes around Pokhara, including the walk up to the Shanti Stupa or Sarangkot.

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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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Open Visit Nepal Travel: Contact address in Kathmandu

Customer Support Contact No.: 9851136280 for Open Visit Nepal Travel Sofa Bus that leaves at 7 am every day for Pokhara and at same time from Pokhara in Nepal. 

Open Visit Nepal Travel operates  deluxe   Sofa Bus for Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu  Route, where one  can enjoy the luxury and most comfortable seats on the Sofa bus.  Sofa buses are air suspension so that its comfortable and not shaky during travelling to Pokhara and back to Kathmandu.

Facilites available on Open Visit Nepal Travel Sofa Bus

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Where and What Time Does Bus for Pokhara  Leave from Kathmandu?

The Bus for Pokhara leaves from Tourst Bus station, located at Nayabazar, 12 minutes walk from Tourist Hub Thamel, follow Direction on Google Map  to Get location easily. The bus for Pokhara  leaves at 7 AM every day fromTourist Bus Station at Nayabazar, Kathmadu for Pokhara. 

Where and What Time  does Bus for Kathmandu Leave from Pokhara?

The Bus for Kathmandu leaves from Tourst Bus station, located at  Lakeside, 20 minutes walk from Central area of Tourist Hub Lakeside in Pokhara,  follow  Direction on Google Map   to Get location easily. The Bus for Kathmandu leaves at 7 am every day from Tourist Bus Station at Lakeside in Pokhara. 

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Must-see attractions in Pokhara

Old Pokhara

For a glimpse of what Pokhara was like before the traffic, chaos and tourist restaurants besieged the erstwhile village, head out to the old town, north…

Phewa Tal is the travellers’ focal point in Pokhara, and is the second largest lake in Nepal. In contrast to the gaudy tourist development of Lakeside,…

Devi’s Falls

Also known as Patale Chhango, this waterfall marks the point where the Pardi Khola stream vanishes underground. When the stream is at full bore after…

International Mountain Museum

This expansive museum is devoted to the mountains of Nepal, the mountaineers who climbed them and the people who call them home. Inside, you can see…

Varahi Mandir

Pokhara’s most famous Hindu temple, the two-tiered pagoda-style Varahi Mandir stands on a small island in Phewa Tal, near the former Ratna Mandir (Royal…

Gurkha Museum

Located just north of Mahendra Pul, near the KI Singh Bridge, the Gurkha Museum celebrates the achievements of the renowned Gurkha regiments. Accompanied…

World Peace Pagoda

Balanced on a narrow ridge high above Phewa Tal, the brilliant-white World Peace Pagoda was constructed by Buddhist monks from the Japanese Nipponzan…

Seti River Gorge

The roaring Seti River passes right through Pokhara, but you won’t see it unless you go looking. The river has carved a deep, narrow chasm through the…

Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

Across the road from Devi’s Falls, this venerated cave contains a huge stalagmite worshipped as a Shiva lingam. The ticket allows you to clamber through a…

Bindhya Basini Temple

The ancient Bindhya Basini Temple sits atop a small hill in Old Pokhara. Founded in the 17th century, the temple is sacred to Durga, the warlike…

Bhimsen Temple

This small, 200-year-old, two-tiered temple is dedicated to the Newari god of trade and commerce. It's decorated with erotic carvings, and the surrounding…

Paljorling Tibetan Refugee Settlement

Almost indistinguishable among the hustle and bustle of Prithvi Chowk is this small Tibetan refugee settlement.

You won’t find Adam West or Christian Bale lurking in the dark and spooky Bat Cave, but instead thousands of horseshoe bats, clinging to the ceiling of a…

Mahendra Gufa

Near Bat Cave is the underwhelming Mahendra Gufa, the first large cave to be discovered in Pokhara. The first 125m of the cave is lit only to reveal dusty…

Pokhara Regional Museum

North of the bus station on the road to Mahendra Pul, this little museum is devoted to the history and culture of the Pokhara Valley, including the…

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"Gateway to the Himalayas"

Pokhara tourism.

Pokhara, the 'Tourist Capital of Nepal,' is the second-largest city in this Himalayan country, after Kathmandu. At an altitude of more than 900m, it is one of the highest cities, making it the base for many world-famous treks. The highlight of the town is its Lakeside, which is a boating paradise flanked with charming shops, dreamy cafés, restaurants and pubs that make up this postcard-perfect town.

For adventure enthusiasts, Pokhara is a popular starting point for many treks in the Annapurna Range as well as many paragliding and river rafting opportunities. You can take solo or tandem rides, depending on your expertise. River rafting and white water rafting are offered on Seti Gandaki and her tributaries. The city is a beautiful contrast of the bustling Lakeside Pokhara and Old Pokhara, which is home to many beautiful historical temples and is also the city's commercial hub. Phewa Lake (or Phewa Tal), a spectacular lake that borders Lakeside Pokhara and Old Pokhara, it flawlessly reflects the mountains that border it, making it a breathtaking photo-op. The old city houses shops where you can buy famous handicrafts, woodwork and woolwork. Don't forget to visit the Tibetan Mini Market for one-of-a-kind souvenirs!

Places To Visit In Pokhara

Shanti Stupa, Pokhara

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Shopping in pokhara.

Nepal’s second-largest city, Pokhara, boasts terrific places to stop and shop for handicrafts, jewellery, traditional and modern clothing, trekking equipment and eclectic souvenirs. Learn about the best ways to enjoy shopping in Pokhara -

• Pick up Jhari textiles, Tibetan rugs, Nepali handkerchieves and souvenirs from Silver Oaks Handicraft, Tibetan Gift Shop and Yak Wool Handicraft. 
• Buy the famous singing water bowls, kukri knives, antiques, varieties of clothing, trinkets and books from Tashiling Handicraft Centre, Pokhara Mini Night Market and Nepal Mandala Shop.
• Fairmount Trekking Shop offers world-class mountaineering gear.
• Catch up with fashion trends at malls like RK Shopping Complex, Pokhara Mall, Ratna Emporium and Midtown Galleria.
• Foodies can buy street food and organic produce at farmers’ markets like Prithvi Chowk and Old Pokhara Bazaar.

Pro tips: -

• The import tariff on most products ranges between 10-80%.
• It is common to bargain for a reasonable 10-30% discount.
• Always carry cash while shopping in Pokhara.
• Support the No-Plastic initiative.

Nightlife in Pokhara

Combining Himalayan mountain views soaked in the moonlight with energetic crowds and neon-lit landscapes, nightlife in Pokhara, Nepal centres around vivacious bars, nightclubs, dining lounges, booming live music scenes, traditional night markets and open-air cinemas. From groovy Bollywood and international beats at Busy Bee Cafe, elaborate thalis and liquor menus at Star Lounge Bar and Ozone Premium, to popcorn plus cocktails at Movie Garden, Pokhara comes alive after sundown for night owls to have unforgettable experiences. Pokhara’s top nightlife destinations include: -

• Paradiso Sports Bar and Grill
• All That Jazz
• Old Blues Bar
• Old Pokhara Night Bazaar
• Caffe Concerto
• Club Gravity Lounge and Bar
• Bullet Basecamp

History of Pokhara

Language of pokhara, pokhara customs, religion of pokhara, daily budget for pokhara, exchanging money in pokhara, currency in pokhara, best time to visit pokhara, top stories about pokhara tourism.

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15 best places to visit in pokhara, nepal {epic 2024 guide}.

Pokhara is a wonderful place located in beautiful Nepal. It’s typically the second spot on a Nepal itinerary and it’s probably my favourite place in all of Nepal: the beauty, the prices, the people, it’s all great.

Pokhara is known for its lakes, so is sometimes referred to as the land of lakes (a bit like Udaipur in India). There are eight lakes to be discovered.

We spent around 10 days in Pokhara, so we definitely know the best places to visit in Pokhara . Below I discuss all the activities I think you shouldn’t miss and any extra information you should know.

Travellerspoint

When should I visit Pokhara?

The optimal time for tourism in Pokhara is during the winter months which is November, December and January.

These are perfect trekking conditions for trekking the Anuradhapura region. Also, the weather is pleasant in general for all. It’s cold, but not too cold, and the temperature can creep up to 27/28.

We visited in November and I thought the weather was great (although it was misty which ruins those amazing Himalayan views)

How long should I stay in Pokhara?

This all depends on what you want to do in Pokhara. If you’re planning on trekking, there are day treks available, 3-day treks, week treks, and 2-week treks all in the Anuradhapura region.

But, if you want to trek and see the other sights that Pokhara has to offer, then I would recommend 20 days (presuming you are doing a 10-2 week trek!)

If you’re just there to sightsee, with day trekking, like Bradley and I, then 4-5 days is probably enough.

We stayed longer because we were working, and because we loved Pokhara! So you might find you want to stay longer in general too.

Read Also: The Best Lakeside Hotels In Pokhara

How do I get to Pokhara?

There are a few options to get to Pokhara from Kathmandu. You’ll be flying into Kathmandu as it’s the only international airport.

Tourist Bus : it’s easy to get to Pokhara via bus. It’s a common route and there are around 20 different bus companies who do. You will most likely here the name Greenline being thrown around, as they are considered the “luxury” option to getting to Pokhara, but they are significantly more expensive.

Now, when I did my research on getting the bus to Pokhara, I got a little freaked out by all the “it’s the most dangerous road in the world”, “buses have fallen off, and people have died”.

Okay okay, it’s a dangerous road, (but so is every road in Bolivia), and yes buses have fallen off, but this is RARE and it hasn’t happened recently in Pokhara.

So, no you don’t need to fork out $30 for the Greenline option, because it won’t be any “safer”. (They all go the same route), so opt for one of the other tourist buses for around 800 rupees, such as Mountain Overlander, and you’ll be fine.

The journey takes around 12 hours with stops, and you’ll typically stop for breakfast and lunch, and maybe once more for a toilet bring (bring your own toilet paper).

It’s not the best of journeys as the roads can be a little twisty turny, so I would take an anti-sickness tablet before you go, and try your best to sleep.

They all leave early in the morning and arrive there for around 3 pm.

Download some Netflix too to pass the time. There is WiFi on most buses, and it does sometimes work!

From the bus station in Pokhara is will cost no more than 300 to get a taxi to your hotel by the lakeside, DO NOT PAY MORE THAN THAT.

Local bus: Yes you can get a local bus, but they are crammed, and some are tiny minibuses, and really probably not as safe as the tourist buses (because the whizz around a lot faster, which isn’t recommended).

They are of course a lot cheaper, and you’ll put your luggage/rucksack on the top. I’d pay the extra £1-2 and get a tourist bus. Just saying.

Flying: Yes you can also fly to Pokhara. It has an airport, and it’s actually being redone at the moment.

You fly from Kathmandu domestic airport (I’ve heard great things about that airport lol), and flights will cost in the region of $70-100 depending on when you book.

The flight is very short at only 30 minutes and two of the popular airlines include Yeti airlines and Buddha airlines.

If you have the money, I would definitely suggest flying.

Taxi/Car: you can get a taxi or a car to Pokhara from Kathmandu. It will cost you in the region of around $50-80 depending on the type of vehicle you use and how good your haggling skills are.

If you book through an agent, they’re naturally going to charge you more.

So go onto the street and arrange something with a taxi driver the day before you leave. If he can’t do it, it’s almost certain he will know someone who will.

The best places to visit in Pokhara Nepal

Okay, now it’s time for what you came for: the best places to visit in Pokhara! Most of these things involve walking, so bring a good pair of shoes with you.

1. Get a massage by the lake

The Pokhara Lake is the tourist hub of Pokhara. It’s where all the hotels/hostels and restaurants are located and it’s a wonderful vibe.

If you take a walk up and down the lake, you’ll come across a small “massage” shop on the way. It’s basically like a small shed, and they advertise the prices on a little board outside, but it overlooks the lake.

It’s £2 for a half hour foot massage, £4 for an hour, and they do Swedish massage, back, neck and shoulder and much more. It’s REALLY good!

The staff are lovely, it’s very relaxing and it’s so cheap. So this is perfect if you’ve done a lot of walking and need to relax.

My only regret was not going enough.

2. Visit Pokhara “Disneyland”

I kid you not, there is an actual big sign that says “Pokhara, Disneyland”, but no, it’s nowhere near as exciting as you may be thinking. But, it’s still fun.

You’ll see it in the distance from any angle of the lake as there is a big Ferris wheel. Head towards that! There are a variety of typical amusement rides (all look too old to use, but they still work haha)

But there is also bumper cars, arcade games, bowling, car racing machines, etc and it’s all SO CHEAP. I am talking like 10 pence a game. So if you’re looking for something different, cheap and fun, then head here.

There is always a lot of blackouts, and if the power cuts during your game, they’ll give you a new coin to start a new one.

3. Trek to Annapurna base camp

I had to include this because it is the top reason that people go to Pokhara, so needed to make the list of best places to visit in Pokhara.

Personally, I didn’t do this trek this time around. Simply because we didn’t have the time or money. It will probably cost a couple of hundred or more.

But it’s easy to arrange this trek. There are hundreds of shops in the main strip that are selling treks to base camp.

You have to have a guide to trek here (unlike Everest base camp).

If you don’t fancy walking, then you can take a helicopter ride to base camp, but it will be pricey!

I’ve seen the pictures of the trek and it looks breathtaking, so it’s definitely something to add to your bucket list. The Annapurna circuit is one of the most popular things to do in all of Nepal.

4. Boat to the World Peace Pagoda

You can rent out little boats on Phewa Lake. It’s not too expensive and you can rent your own personal boat and simply go boating all day, or even some fishing, or you can take this option.

Take a boat ride across to the World Peace Pagoda, then walk up.

It’s will take around 50-60 minutes to walk up and it’s an incline walk, but it’s doable. The views on the way up are beautiful, and if you find yourself needing a rest, there are a few restaurants.

I will call the walk up from the lake the “left side”, the left side is less busy than the right side, which you can drive up to then walk up the last little bit.

The other side has lots of cafes and coffee places. You will be walking down that way, and the coffee is really good- to stop and have one!

The World Peace Pagoda is lovely. It’s a nice photo spot, and it’s open until 4.30! But if you want a picture there with no one else, then go early in the morning.

On a good, non-misty day (non-existent when we were there), you get amazing views of the Himalayas from here.

The mist in itself is fascinating actual, it doesn't look like anything exists around you. Then when you see the Himalayas, you’ll be thinking omg, how were they actually there the whole time!

It’s free to enter the World Peace Pagoda.

5. Visit the International Mountain Museum

You’ll see signs for this everywhere, and whilst this is something that Brad and I didn’t do, I still think it’s worth putting on the best places to visit in Pokhara list. The expansive museum is devoted to the mountains of Nepal, the mountaineers who climbed them and the people who call them home. There are a 21 m climbing wall too. A taxi here from Lakeside will cost you around Rs 800 return.

I guess this is one of the more hidden places in Pokhara as I didn’t hear about it until I see a big sign!

It costs 400 rupee entrance for foreigners.

6.Go Paragliding

This is one of the most popular activities in all of Pokhara, and I totally think it’s worth doing...if there is no mist. It costs around $60, (you might get it to $45-50 depending on how many people are doing it, and haggling skills).

There are a lot of people paragliding at one time, and it can look a little busy. But if you’ve never done it before, then I can imagine gliding through the air with a view of the Himalayas is pretty spectacular.

When we were there it was misty, and I don’t think it’s worth it then. Another great paragliding spot is Bolivia, where it’s also really cheap.

To book paragliding you can either book via one of the tour agencies in Pokhara, or you can head to the paragliding starting point (which is called sarangkot) and book one from there. A taxi will cost you around 600 to get there from Pokhara lakeside.

7. Go Whitewater rafting

Another fun activity on the list of the best places to visit in Pokhara.

The rapids around Pokhara are grade 3, and this is pretty good. You can opt for a half day, 1 full day, or even a couple of days adventure of white water rafting. The half-day session is $40 and I think that’s good value as it includes your transportation to and from and your lunch.

Again, this can easily be booked at one of the many travel booking shops in the area.

8. Go shopping

Pokhara lakeside is filled with souvenir shops (particularly tea shops) and you can pick up lots of presents for family and friends back home. Everything you get here, you can also get in Kathmandu, but if you just plan on using Kathmandu as a base for flights, then it’s nicer shopping in Pokhara. Fewer cars and you feel like you can breathe the air without dying (sorry Kathmandu)

9. Visit Begnas Lake

This is the second largest lake of the 8 lakes in the Pokhara Valley. This is a popular lake for walking, fishing and you could even rent a bike and cycle around it. It’s a freshwater lake too and people swim in it.

There is also a zoo not far from it at Rupa lake.

I would recommend renting a moped (but driving super carefully) and driving out to these two lakes. There will be places to catch a bite to eat too.

10. Discover Mahendra Cave

I actually love caves, even though sometimes I decide I am too afraid to enter them. Not sure why.

Anyway, Pokhara has its own caves too. It is a rare example of a cave system in Nepal containing stalagmites and stalactites. A statue of Hindu Lord Shiva can be found inside the cave.

You can get here via a bus from lakeside for around 50 pence, or get a taxi for about 400-500.

11. Explore Davis Falls

Davis Falls in a well-known waterfall in Pokhara. We walked to here from the World Peace Pagoda.

If you have been to waterfalls anywhere else in southeast Asia, then you will not be impressed by this waterfall. Actually, it’s a bad waterfall with a tourist trap filled with shops and people selling you stuff.

BUT, it’s right next to the caves, so you may as well visit it when you are there. There is a small entrance fee which I can’t remember exactly, but it’s less than 100 rupees.

The falls are located on a busy street, so you can’t even imagine how there is a waterfall here. That’s probably why it’s isn’t exactly breathtaking.

12. Tal Barahi Temple

This temple is located in the middle of the phew lake, and you can see it as you float past on your way to the World Peace Pagoda. You can even ask if they can stop off there quickly too.

Unless you’re wanting to actually worship, I wouldn’t think it’s worth stopping.

But, you have to get a boat to get to it, whether you take a “taxi boat” or rent your own for the day.

13. Go to the cinema

If you fancy doing something that isn’t sightseeing or walking, then you can always head to the Pokhara cinema. There is a limited supply of movies (I think 2 at a time), but they are always typically showing one English speaking movie, and it costs 300 rupees for a ticket. That’s like 2 pounds. VERY cheap.

You can get the little mini bus in for 50 pence, and get it back. They leave and return from the lakeside.

14. Go dancing

Pokhara has a lot of pubs and even clubs for dancing. The weekend comes alive with music and you can hear club music into the early hours of the morning.

But, even also every night there are live bands and live music almost everywhere. So if you fancy a drink and dance, there is so much choice. There are even lots of happy hour offers so you can drink relatively cheap.

There is a load guide to clubs and bars here.

15. Visit Sarangkot

Sarangkot is the base spot for paragliding, but it’s also one of the top viewing points for the Himalayas. You can get a taxi to the “base” and walk up to the peak. The walk will take around 40 minutes to an hour and it's an incline climb.

On your way, you’ll see a little art gallery run by a lovely Christian man. He will probably invite you in to have a look. It’s completely free and he just wants a chat and wants to show you his pictures!

He even invited us for tea, but we ended up walking down a different way, otherwise, I would have loved to share tea and more stories.

It’s 200 to enter sarangkot and people may ask you to pay twice (on the road up, then at the entrance to the viewpoint), but you only pay once.

Once again, we had bad mist, so no views of the Himalayas, which was a pity, but I can imagine it’s absolutely breathtaking on a beautiful day. From here you can also see all the paragliders.

If you don’t fancy walking to the top, you can get a taxi the full way up, but the walk is nice.

Once you get up there, there are lots of cafes and restaurants to grab a coffee or bite to eat. People will also try to sell you stuff. It’s a great picnic spot in Pokhara and we brought our own picnic.

Other things to do in Pokhara

I’ve listed all my best places to visit in Pokhara, but I thought I’d like a few more that I didn’t know about or haven’t been, just so you have a thorough travel guide. So if your still thinking about what to do in Pokhara, then keep reading.

• Shree garden dhargay monastery
• Tibetan Refugee Camp Day trip
• Gorkha Memorial Museum, Pokhara
• Sadhana Yoga Retreat Centre

Where to stay in Pokhara?

Pokhara lakeside is the best area to stay in Pokhara. It’s where all the hotels are and there is a lot of choice in terms of price. We stayed in a hotel called Hotel Tulsi.

It was one of the more expensive properties, but it had big rooms, and excellent location and a great breakfast. We also really liked the staff! The views from the rooftop restaurant are amazing too.

If you stay in the lake area, you’re never too far from anywhere at all.  I recommend using booking.com to book your accommodation. You get the best prices, and they have free cancellation in case you change your mind.

For more ideas, check out our full guide on where to stay in Pokhara .

Where to visit after Pokhara?

After you’ve visited Pokhara, there are plenty of more places to visit on your nepal adventure. You could head to the heat of Chitwan and check out the safari, or head to the colds of Naragot, just east of Nepal. Or, you could visit the sites of Kathmandu !

I hope you’ve enjoyed my post on the best places to visit in Pokhara, and I hope you’ve gained lots of insight so you can plan your adventure.

Let me know if there is anything else you think I should add to this list.

Happy travels.

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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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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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Travel Guide

20 Reasons to Visit Pokhara, Nepal

By Suraj Katwal

Updated On Oct 21, 2023

If you haven’t yet visited Pokhara, then here are 20 reasons to visit Pokhara , Nepal. These amazing reasons will make you plan your next vacation in Pokhara with your family and friends. So, keep reading to find out the top 20 reasons to visit Pokhara.

Pokhara is one of the biggest cities in Nepal but quite far from the side effects of urbanization. Pokhara is situated at an altitude of 827 m from sea level and around 200 km west of Kathmandu city.

It is a beautiful city with several small and large lakes and natural caves. The city is surrounded by mountains and green forests. So it is a perfect destination to spend leisure from a busy schedule.

The tranquil lakes and the earthy ambiance of Pokhara take us close to nature. You can spend your vacation at the lakeside in the daytime and then enjoy the nightlife of Pokhara.

You can visit the caves and crawl out of them. It will be an exciting experience. Similarly, you can try some adventurous sports and challenge yourself.

Other than that, you can go on a short excursion to some beautiful places in Pokhara and have memorable moments. Don’t forget to try some unique and delicious foods of Pokhara and explore the life of people here.

Where to Visit in Pokhara? – List of Reasons to Visit Pokhara

Make the most of your time in Pokhara, Nepal with 20 reasons to visit. If you’re looking for a great family trip or a short vacation with a fascinating new culture, Pokhara has it all to offer.

From paragliding to visiting the middle lake temple by boating, this unique destination offers a wealth of experiences for anyone interested in outdoor and adventurous activities.

Let’s jump into the list of 20 reasons to visit Pokhara.

1. Chilling by the Lakes

One of the main attractions of Pokhara is the lakes. There are eight lakes in Pokhara and Fewa Lake is the largest of all. Most people love to spend their time at Phewa Lake as the view of the lake from the Lakeside is just spectacular. The lake is surrounded by green forests and mountains.

You are highly recommended to observe the sunrise from the lakeside. You can even choose resorts by the lakeside to stay in. These resorts provide a great lake view. Besides Fewa Lake, visit Begnas Lake, and Rupa Lake and manifest the beauty they offer.

2. Paragliding in Pokhara

Pokhara is well-known for Paragliding. People from various places visit Pokhara for paragliding. Pokhara is one of the best paragliding destinations. So you are highly recommended to go paragliding in Pokhara.

The paragliding flight gives you an amazing view of mountains and lakes from the eagle’s eye. You can even try parahawking in Pokhara, which is similar to paragliding and equally adventurous.

When you are in the city of Lakes, one thing that must be on your bucket list is boating. You will have different experiences at different lakes. You can try boating firstly at Begnas Lake, then at Fewa Lake, and conclude at Rupa Lake.

You need to buy tickets for boating, the cost of which varies with the number of hours you choose for boating. Boating at Pokhara is fun as well as relaxing.

4. Devi’s Fall

One of the popular tourist destinations in Pokhara is Devi’s Fall. It is also known as Patale Chango in Nepali. It is a huge waterfall that looks spectacular, mainly during the monsoon. During rainfall, the waterfall becomes dense, and the beauty of the waterfall is mesmerizing.

Devi’s Fall is fenced to avoid the risk of falling. The waterfall is deep and dangerous. The name Devi’s Fall has been assigned to the waterfall after a woman named Devi fell into it and died.

For a better view of Devi’s fall, visit it during the monsoon. The waterfall becomes so humongous that it has made numerous huge holes. You will definitely have a thrilling experience during the visit.

5. Gateway to Annapurna region

Pokhara is regarded as the gateway to the Annapurna region since the Annapurna trek starts from Pokhara. Most trekkers pave their way through Pokhara on the first day of the Annapurna trekking.

They spend some time at Pokhara for relaxation too. There are small villages located in Pokhara that offer roofs to trekkers for homestay. The travelers get to explore the culture and lifestyle of people living in Pokhara.

6. Mahendra cave

Mahendra cave in Pokhara, also called Gupteshwor Gufa, is one of the main attractions among travelers. The cave is named after former King Mahendra. It is a large cave with a statue of Lord Shiva. Pilgrims of Lord Shiva visit the cave to worship the idol of Lord Shiva.

The cave is around 125m long and lies in the middle of a forest. The cave has two openings. One opening is the entrance that leads to the shrine of Lord Shiva while another opening is a gateway to depart the cave.

The opening for the exit is quite narrow, making it difficult for some people to squeeze out from it. Visit this cave for a thrilling experience.

7. Bat cave

Bat cave, also called Chamero Gufa in Nepali, is located at a 500m distance from the Mahendra cave. The cave is made up of limestone and is filled with bats. The bat cave is nearly 200m long.

The bat does not like brightness, so no light is present inside the bat cave, unlike Mahendra cave.

After you buy an entry ticket, you have to walk for a few minutes down to the cave. You have to carry a torch with low brightness with you to use it inside the cave. The cave is steep, so be careful when you are walking.

The exit tunnel of the bat cave is even narrower than the Mahendra cave. It is difficult to climb to the exit, so it is quite adventurous.

8. Bird watching and Fishing

Birds from various countries come to Pokhara due to its suitable weather. Pokhara is neither hot nor cold. The lakes and mountains keep the weather cool and calm. When the temperature starts to increase, birds migrate to Pokhara.

So you can find birds of various species here. Some birds to watch are Red-breasted Falconet, Ducks, Kalij Pheasant, Bulbul, Pallid and Pied Harriers, Black-backed Forktail, Griffon vulture, Besra, Red-headed, and Eurasian Black Vultures, Sternidae, Puff-throated Babbler, Gulls, etc.

You can go fishing at Rupa Lake. You have to first pay for the fish rod and buy a ticket for fishing. If you can catch fish, you can take it with you. Fishing in the middle of the third-largest lake in Pokhara is simply an incredible experience.

9. Mountain viewing

Pokhara gives you a 360-degree mountain viewing experience. High peaks like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, and Machhapuchchhre are clearly visible. So, Pokhara is suitable for mountain viewing with a closer glimpse.

10. Sarangkot

Sarangkot is a wonderful place located at an altitude slightly higher than Pokhara City. A road trip of hardly 30 minutes will get you to Sarangkot from Pokhara.

Sarangkot is most popular for the sunrise view. It is a popular tourist destination where travelers stay overnight to catch the morning glimpse of sunrise. Similarly, the viewing tower enhances the sunrise viewing experience. Sarangkot is also known for paragliding.

11. Rupakot

Rupakot is a lesser-known place, which is a 1-hour drive from Pokhara. The third-largest lake in Pokhara, Rupa Lake, is located in Rupakot.

You can stay at Rupakot resort, which gives a great view of the Rupakot. From Rupakot, you can witness majestic views of the full Annapurna range, and it is also a viewpoint from where you get to observe both Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake from a single point.

If Sarangkot is best known for the sunrise view then, Rupakot is best known for the best sunset view in Pokhara. Also, utilize the opportunity to explore the Muslim village, where there is a thick settlement of the Muslim community.

Hike up to Kot bhairav temple, which is also a picnic spot . The view of the Himalayas from Kot Bhairav temple is amazing.

12. World Peace Pagoda

Shanti stupa, also known as World Peace Pagoda, is one of the major attractions of Pokhara. It is a Buddhist monument built in pagoda architecture. It symbolizes peace.

This white and golden structure was constructed on Anadu Hill by a Buddhist monk from the Nipponzan-Myōhōji clan. You can reach Shanti Pagoda either by boat or via Siddhartha Highway. Then, you need to climb 200 stairs which require patience and stamina.

The route encompasses shops, restaurants, Himalayan flowers, flora, and fauna, and an amazing view of the Himalayas. The place also provides a spectacular view of the Annapurna range, Fewa Lake, and a clear view of Pokhara city.

13. Relaxation

Most of the visitors of Pokhara come to Pokhara seeking peace and relaxation. People take out time off their busy schedules and spend short and meaningful weekends and family vacations at Pokhara for refreshment and rejuvenation. Pokhara can be a good escape from the stress and noise of busy urban areas.

The tranquil lakes bring peace to us. We become as quiet as the still water. We find ourselves close to nature while watching mountains, birds, lakes, and caves. You can even visit spas for the release of stress.

14. Great Food

The restaurants at Pokhara serve some of the best foods in the whole world. Try some authentic Nepalese Food at authentic restaurants and enjoy the local culture of Pokhara. You can even enjoy a bonfire and barbeque at the lakeside. You can even go fishing at Rupa Lake. If you catch a fish, you can have it for lunch.

15. Nightlife

The nightlife of Pokhara is perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of Pokhara. Explore the nightlife of Pokhara as the city never sleeps.

Observe the night market where you find stuff at half the price. There will be food stalls and souvenir shops. The restaurants and clubs are open till dawn.

16. Affordable

Pokhara is one of the cheapest places to visit in Nepal. The cost of staying, eating, touring, and permits are comparatively cheaper than in most places.

You can have a wonderful weekend in the vicinity of nature at an affordable price. The tour can be expensive for solo travelers compared to groups, so you are recommended to travel in a group for a cost-effective tour.

17. Easy to Reach

Pokhara is quite an approachable place, which is easily accessible via flight or vehicle. The distance between Kathmandu and Pokhara is 204 km. It would hardly take half an hour to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu via flight.

The road trip can be a little longer. It takes 6 to 7 hours via road. So, Pokhara is a close-to-hand destination for spending weekends with families and friends.

18. Suitable for short vacations

Pokhara is one of the closest holiday destinations to Kathmandu. You can enjoy your trip to Pokhara within 1-2 days. You don’t have to travel long distances spending long hours traveling to enjoy the lakes and mountains.

So, Pokhara is quite suitable for short vacations. Spend quality time with your family and friends at Pokhara and acquire a lifetime experience.

19. Bungee Jumping

If you are looking for something adventurous to do and don’t know what or where to do it, then here is a quick suggestion for you. Bungee is one of the popular adventure activities you can do for fun, and you’ll be happy to know that Pokhara offers an amazing bungee experience for its visitors.

Write it up on your bucket list as you don’t want to miss this wild opportunity. You can even go for a package of bungee, zipline, and paragliding as the combo will be cheaper and exciting.

20. Zipline

One of the adventure activities to enjoy in Pokhara is Zipline. It is an incredible adventure sport to enjoy amidst the high mountains and lakes in Pokhara. The total length of the zipline is 1850m and has a vertical drop of around 600m, making it the highest, longest, and steepest zipline in the world.

FAQs related to Pokhara

Is pokhara worth visiting.

Pokhara is definitely worth visiting. If you are touring Nepal and by chance, you miss this place then you are missing a gem place. It is a beautiful city with a lot to offer. There are many things to do and see, and the people are friendly and welcoming.

Why is Pokhara famous for tourism?

Pokhara is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal. It is famous for its natural beauty, and for being the gateway to the Annapurna region. Pokhara is also home to many different beautiful lakes, it is surrounded by mountains, the weather is so chill, and is a great place to experience Nepal.

What to see in Pokhara?

There are many things to see in Pokhara, including beautiful lakes, mountains, and temples. Follow the above-listed things to know more about Pokhara and its surroundings.

Is Pokhara suitable for a Honeymoon Tour?

Pokhara is an excellent destination for a honeymoon tour . The city offers a romantic setting with its beautiful lakes to visit, mountains and temples offer a good view and spending quality time for couples. There are many activities to keep couples entertained, such as hiking, boating, and shopping.

What are the best things to do in Pokhara Nepal?

There are many things to do in Pokhara Nepal, but some of the best things to do include exploring the caves, hiking to the waterfalls, trekking to the Annapurna region, visiting the lakes, etc. Also, sightseeing in Pokhara is famous among tourists.

How to get from Kathmandu to Pokhara?

The best way to get from Kathmandu to Pokhara is by taking a direct flight from Tribhuvan Airport . Alternatively, you can take a bus or drive.

How far is Pokhara from Kathmandu?

Pokhara is 147 kilometers from Kathmandu. It takes a 6 to 7-hour drive to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu.

Pokhara is a perfect holiday destination that has so much to offer to travelers. The place is suitable for refreshments and entertainment. There are so many reasons to visit Pokhara.

Hopefully, these 20 reasons to visit Pokhara are enough to pull you. If you have any queries or feedback, drop them down in the comment section below.

Suraj Katwal

Suraj is a travel enthusiast who believes in finding solace in the heart of nature. He enjoys exploring new destinations, different culture, and encouraging people to travel.

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2 thoughts on “20 Reasons to Visit Pokhara, Nepal”

People think it is extremely expensive but it is not. You don’t need to do everything and can still enjoy the beauty. But don’t forget to taste the cuisine and take boat ride and bungee and…….. sorry, but still you can enjoy in limited budget.

Yeah, Pokhara is a beautiful place in Nepal. Thank You for Comment!!!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

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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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Full Time Explorer

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

BOOKING.COM

$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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What are the must-see places in Pokhara for a day visit?

• Aug 19th 2023
• Travel Informations A Complete Guide for Day Tours and Hiking in Nepal

Nestled at the heart of Nepal's awe-inspiring landscapes, Pokhara emerges as a true haven for travelers seeking respite in the lap of nature's beauty and tranquility. As you set foot in this enchanting city, you're greeted by a panorama of majestic mountains, serene lakes, and a sense of calm that permeates the air. Even if you find yourself with only a single day to uncover its treasures, worry not – for this comprehensive guide is tailored to help you extract the utmost from your brief encounter with this captivating destination.

Pokhara's allure lies not just in its physical splendor, but in the harmonious blend of natural wonders, cultural richness, and recreational activities it offers. With every step, you'll traverse a diverse terrain that transitions from the peaceful shores of reflective lakes to the hidden chambers of mystical caves, and from lofty hilltop viewpoints to historic landmarks that breathe life into the city's heritage. It's a day of exploration that promises to etch unforgettable memories in your mind, leaving you with a yearning to return for more.

This guide is your compass to navigate the myriad experiences that await. Whether you're drawn to the calm embrace of lakes, the thrill of adventure, the solace of ancient temples, or the stories etched into the city's streets, Pokhara presents an itinerary that caters to your desires. Join us as we embark on a journey that distills the essence of this captivating city, a day filled with discovery, wonder, and a renewed appreciation for the wonders of Nepal's natural and cultural landscapes.

Phewa Lake: Sailing into Serenity

Phewa Lake, a shimmering gem nestled within the heart of Pokhara, Nepal, serves as a tranquil oasis that encapsulates the city's natural splendor. Gazing upon its serene waters is akin to peering into a natural mirror that reflects the stunning Annapurna and Machapuchare mountain ranges in perfect symmetry. A boat ride on the lake offers a serene escape, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rhythm of the water and the harmonious embrace of the surroundings. The gentle lapping of waves, the calls of distant birds, and the awe-inspiring views create an atmosphere of profound tranquility, making it an ideal place to pause, reflect, and connect with nature. At the heart of the lake lies the Tal Barahi Temple, a sacred island sanctuary that adds a touch of cultural significance to the natural beauty. Phewa Lake's allure lies not just in its stunning visuals but in the sense of serenity and oneness it bestows upon those who venture upon its waters—a timeless encounter with nature's magnificence.

Highlights of Phewa Lake

• Reflective Beauty: The mirror-like surface of Phewa Lake perfectly mirrors the majestic Annapurna and Machapuchare mountains, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle.
• Boating Tranquility: Rent a rowboat or paddle boat to gently glide over the serene waters, immersing yourself in the soothing ambiance of the lake.
• Panoramic Vistas: From the middle of the lake, soak in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, capturing unforgettable snapshots of nature's grandeur.
• Nature's Symphony: The tranquil atmosphere is enhanced by the gentle lapping of water and the distant calls of birds, creating a serene and immersive auditory experience.
• Cultural Connection: Spot the Tal Barahi Temple nestled on an island in the lake, offering a glimpse into the region's cultural and spiritual significance.

Barahi Temple: A Divine Island Retreat

Perched like a jewel on a secluded island within the enchanting embrace of Phewa Lake, the Barahi Temple stands as a beacon of spiritual significance in Pokhara. A short boat ride takes you to this unique sanctuary where the goddess Barahi, an embodiment of divine strength, awaits your reverence. The temple's architecture, adorned with delicate detailing, resonates with the essence of Hindu spirituality, offering a space for contemplation and connection. As you offer your prayers to the goddess and partake in the rituals, you are enveloped by an aura of tranquility and devotion. From its elevated vantage point, the temple presents awe-inspiring views of the serene lake and the majestic mountains that cradle it. Beyond its spiritual sanctity, Barahi Temple also provides a cultural gateway, allowing you to witness local traditions and rituals, and gain insight into the integral role it plays in the lives of Nepali devotees. In this ethereal retreat, you'll find a harmonious convergence of the divine and the natural world, an experience that lingers as a cherished memory of your journey through Pokhara's spiritual and cultural tapestry.

Highlights of Barahi Temple

• Island Sanctuary: Accessible only by a short boat ride, Barahi Temple rests on a serene island within the heart of Phewa Lake, adding an air of exclusivity to your visit.
• Spiritual Connection: Immerse yourself in Hindu spirituality as you offer prayers to the goddess Barahi, experiencing a unique connection to the divine in this tranquil setting.
• Panoramic Perch: The temple's elevated location offers panoramic views of the surrounding lake and mountains, providing a breathtaking backdrop to your spiritual journey.
• Architectural Elegance: Marvel at the temple's architectural intricacies and artistic details that reflect the cultural and spiritual richness of the region.
• Cultural Immersion: Engage with the local culture as you witness devotees' heartfelt prayers and experience the temple's significance in Nepali spiritual life.

World Peace Pagoda: Soaring to Serenity

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the picturesque Pokhara city, the World Peace Pagoda is not just a physical structure but a testament to the aspirations of harmony and unity. Its gleaming white spires rise against the cerulean sky, inviting visitors to embark on a journey that transcends both geographical and spiritual boundaries. The pagoda's serene architecture complements the breathtaking natural surroundings, providing a sanctuary of calm that serves as an antidote to the hustle and bustle of daily life. From this elevated vantage point, the panoramic vistas unfurl—a glimmering Phewa Lake mirrors the sky, while the mighty Himalayan peaks frame the horizon. As you stand amidst this sublime setting, you'll feel an undeniable connection to both the world around you and the inner peace that the pagoda represents. Whether you're drawn to its spiritual significance, the architectural beauty, or the expansive views, the World Peace Pagoda offers an experience that resonates long after you've left its tranquil embrace.

Highlights of World Peace Pagoda

• Spiritual Ascent: Climb to the hilltop to reach the iconic World Peace Pagoda, a symbol of peace and unity that stands as a beacon of spiritual tranquility.
• Architectural Beauty: Marvel at the pagoda's stunning white architecture, a serene and elegant structure that complements the surrounding natural beauty.
• Panoramic Vistas: Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Pokhara, Phewa Lake's shimmering expanse, and the majestic Himalayan peaks that grace the horizon.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: Immerse yourself in a serene and contemplative ambiance, inviting you to reflect, meditate, and find solace amidst the natural and spiritual elements.
• Cultural Significance: Gain insights into Buddhist teachings and philosophy as you explore the pagoda's significance and interact with local visitors.

Davis Falls: Enigmatic Cascade of Patale Chhango

Davis Falls, aptly known as "Nature's Hidden Gem," presents an enchanting spectacle just a short drive away from the bustling heart of Pokhara. This unique waterfall cascades gracefully over rocks, captivating observers with its serene yet powerful beauty. What sets Davis Falls apart is its mysterious nature—a natural wonder that vanishes into an underground tunnel, leaving onlookers in awe and contemplation. As you stand before the falls, you're enveloped in a mist that carries whispers of stories echoing through time, adding to the falls' mystical charm. Beyond its visual splendor, Davis Falls offers a haven for photography enthusiasts, providing endless opportunities to capture the interplay of light and water in breathtaking shots. It's an invitation to reconnect with the hidden mysteries of nature, a chance to marvel at the beauty that can be found in the most unexpected corners of the world.

Highlights of Davis Falls: Nature's Hidden Gem:

• Unique Phenomenon: Experience the awe of witnessing a waterfall, Davis Falls, that mysteriously disappears into an underground tunnel, leaving a sense of wonder and intrigue.
• Quick Access: Just a short drive from Pokhara's center, Davis Falls is easily accessible, making it a convenient yet captivating natural attraction.
• Cascading Beauty: Marvel at the picturesque cascade as the water flows gracefully over rocks, creating a soothing yet powerful spectacle.
• Photography Paradise: Capture stunning shots of the falls and its interplay of light and water, ensuring a collection of Instagram-worthy moments.
• Mystical Ambiance: Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere as the falls' mist carries echoes of ancient tales hidden within the cavern.

Gupteshwor Cave: Exploring the Mystical Depths

Gupteshwor Cave, situated in proximity to Davis Falls, offers a captivating journey into the earth's depths. As you step into this subterranean realm, you're enveloped by an atmosphere of mystery and wonder. The play of light and shadow paints an ethereal canvas against the cave's limestone walls, creating an environment that feels almost magical. Within these passages lies the sacred Shiva lingam—a symbol of profound spirituality that adds an air of reverence to your exploration. As you venture deeper, the distant sound of flowing water grows louder, leading you to a hidden waterfall that adds an unexpected touch of nature's beauty to the cave's enigma. Gupteshwor Cave is more than just a physical space; it's a convergence of culture and nature, where the echoes of devotion and the earth's secrets intertwine. Exploring its depths is an invitation to connect with history, spirituality, and the profound mysteries that lie beneath the surface.

Highlights of Gupteshwor Cave

• Subterranean Exploration: Venture into the depths of Gupteshwor Cave, located adjacent to Davis Falls, and traverse its intricate limestone passages.
• Mystical Atmosphere: Immerse yourself in the cave's enigmatic ambiance, where shadows and light create an otherworldly setting.
• Sacred Shiva Lingam: Discover the revered Shiva lingam within the cave, a symbol of spirituality that echoes through the ages.
• Hidden Waterfall: Encounter a hidden waterfall within the cave, adding an unexpected touch of nature's beauty to your exploration.
• Cultural Intersection: Experience the blend of culture and nature as you explore a sacred space that holds both spiritual significance and natural marvels.

Bindhyabasini Temple: Embracing Tradition

Nestled atop a hill, Bindhyabasini Temple stands as a portal to Pokhara's rich cultural tapestry. This revered site goes beyond being a place of worship—it's a testament to the fusion of tradition and spirituality that defines the city's heritage. As you ascend to the temple, the sounds of devotion guide you, leading you to a sanctuary that offers a respite from the urban hustle. The panoramic views that greet you at the temple's vantage point are nothing short of mesmerizing, extending from the lively city of Pokhara to the awe-inspiring Annapurna range. The temple's architecture and surroundings echo with tradition, inviting you to engage in rituals that connect you to the essence of local spirituality. Bindhyabasini Temple isn't just a destination; it's an invitation to immerse yourself in Nepal's cultural richness, to find serenity in its sacred spaces, and to embrace the harmony of tradition and nature.

Highlights of Bindhyabasini Temple

• Cultural Exploration: Delve into local traditions and spirituality with a visit to Bindhyabasini Temple, a revered site that offers insight into the heart of Pokhara's heritage.
• Hilltop Sanctuary: Perched on a hilltop, the temple provides a serene escape from the bustling city, inviting you to connect with your inner self.
• Panoramic Views: Revel in breathtaking panoramic vistas that stretch from the vibrant cityscape of Pokhara to the majestic Annapurna mountain range.
• Architectural Charm: The temple's architecture and surroundings are infused with tradition, creating an atmosphere that's steeped in the culture of the region.
• Spiritual Retreat: Immerse yourself in the temple's tranquility, offering your prayers and finding solace in its sacred aura.

Old Bazaar and Lakeside: Immersion in Local Flavor

In Pokhara, the Old Bazaar and Lakeside embody the city's diverse essence, offering a dynamic juxtaposition of past and present. As you explore the Old Bazaar's intricate streets, you're transported to a different era—a place where traditional architecture and commerce harmonize, creating an atmosphere that's both nostalgic and vibrant. From there, the journey takes you to Lakeside, a bustling tourist hub that sits by the serene Phewa Lake. Here, you'll find an array of shopping, dining, and leisure opportunities, all against the backdrop of stunning lake views. Lakeside's vivacity and charm make it a place of convergence—where cultures blend through food, art, and interactions, creating an experience that lingers in your memory as a true immersion in local life. The Old Bazaar and Lakeside, each with its distinct character, come together to form a narrative that captures the heart and soul of Pokhara—a place where tradition dances with modernity, and where every step is a journey into the city's rich cultural tapestry.

Highlights of Old Bazaar and Lakeside

• Cultural Time Capsule: Wander through the Old Bazaar and experience the fusion of history and modern commerce, where traditional charm coexists with contemporary markets.
• Architectural Ambiance: Immerse yourself in the Old Bazaar's traditional architecture, where every street carries whispers of the past and present.
• Lakeside Liveliness: Indulge in the bustling atmosphere of Lakeside, a vibrant hub by the lakeshore that offers shopping, dining, and relaxation opportunities.
• Scenic Lakeside Strolls: Enjoy leisurely walks along the lakeshore, as the tranquil Phewa Lake sets the backdrop for an array of experiences and encounters.
• Culinary and Cultural Fusion: Savor the diverse culinary offerings at Lakeside's cafes and eateries, and observe the blend of local and international cultures that converge in this lively district.

International Mountain Museum: A Tribute to the Himalayas

Nestled in Pokhara, the International Mountain Museum stands as a tribute to the awe-inspiring Himalayas—a testament to the mountains' influence on human exploration and culture. As you step into the museum, you're transported into the world of mountaineering, where the history, challenges, and triumphs of climbers are vividly brought to life. From vintage climbing gear that tells tales of past expeditions to interactive exhibits that offer a glimpse into the cultures of mountain communities, the museum encapsulates the essence of human determination and the immense beauty of the mountains. Beyond its exhibits, the museum serves as a meeting place for kindred spirits, a space where adventurers, enthusiasts, and those captivated by the allure of the peaks can come together to share their stories and passion. The International Mountain Museum isn't just a collection of artifacts—it's a celebration of the indomitable spirit of exploration that connects people from around the world, inspiring them to dream of reaching new heights, both in the mountains and in life.

Highlights of the International Mountain Museum

• Mountain Exploration: Immerse yourself in the world of mountain exploration at the International Mountain Museum, dedicated to the Himalayas and the spirit of adventure they embody.
• History and Culture: Discover the rich history and diverse cultures of mountaineering through engaging exhibits that showcase the stories of daring climbers and the mountain communities they've encountered.
• Evolution of Mountaineering: Witness the evolution of mountaineering gear and techniques, from vintage equipment to interactive displays that provide insight into the challenges and triumphs of climbers.
• Inspiration Hub: The museum serves as a hub of information and inspiration, offering a space for adventurers, enthusiasts, and dreamers to connect and share their passion for the mountains.
• Global Community: Explore a legacy that honors the bond between humanity and mountains, and join a global community that celebrates the indomitable spirit of exploration.

Pokhara Regional Museum: Unveiling Pokhara's Past

The Pokhara Regional Museum stands as a gateway to the past, inviting you to unravel the tapestry of Pokhara's history and cultural heritage. As you step into its halls, you're transported to different eras, each exhibit offering a window into a distinct facet of the city's growth and evolution. From ancient artifacts that speak of indigenous communities to intricately crafted handicrafts that reflect the essence of Pokhara's traditions, the museum provides a tangible and immersive experience of the city's past. It's a space where the stories of generations come to life, where the intersection of culture, trade, and daily life is illuminated, offering insights into the dynamic identity that defines Pokhara. The museum isn't just a repository of artifacts; it's a celebration of the city's legacy—a living tribute to its enduring spirit and the people who have shaped its narrative. Through its exhibits, the Pokhara Regional Museum preserves and honors the past, bridging the gap between generations and offering a glimpse into the heart of the city's history.

Highlights of Pokhara Regional Museum:

• Historical Exploration: Step into the Pokhara Regional Museum to embark on a historical journey through the city's rich past, uncovering its cultural heritage and evolution.
• Cultural Insights: Immerse yourself in captivating displays and artifacts that offer insights into Pokhara's diverse traditions, people, and growth over the years.
• Tangible Connection: Engage with relics and handicrafts that provide a tangible connection to different eras, enabling you to experience the city's history firsthand.
• The intersection of Influences: Explore exhibits that reflect the city's intersections of culture, trade, and daily life, shedding light on its dynamic and evolving identity.
• Living Tribute: The museum serves as a living tribute to Pokhara's legacy, preserving and celebrating its roots, people, and enduring spirit.

Paragliding: Thrilling Adventure Awaits

End your day in Pokhara with a surge of adrenaline by embarking on the exhilarating adventure of paragliding. This awe-inspiring experience allows you to ascend above the city's landscapes and the serene Phewa Lake, offering an unparalleled bird's-eye view of Pokhara's beauty. The sensation of wind against your skin and the panoramic vista that unfolds before you create a feeling of exhilaration that's hard to match. As the sun sets and the city's lights start to twinkle, you'll glide through the air, capturing a magical perspective of Pokhara at twilight. Paragliding isn't just about adventure—it's about pushing boundaries, embracing the unknown, and realizing the thrill of living life to its fullest. With every twist and turn, you'll feel an undeniable connection to the elements and the world around you. So, as the day wanes and the sky transforms into a canvas of colors, let paragliding be the punctuation mark that completes your day of exploration, leaving you with memories of an unforgettable adventure that celebrates both the earth's beauty and your own sense of daring.

Highlights of Paragliding: Thrilling Adventure Awaits

• Aerial Exploration: Experience the thrill of paragliding, an adventure that takes you soaring above Pokhara's landscapes for an exhilarating aerial perspective.
• Bird's-Eye View: Enjoy a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the city, the serene lake, and the majestic Himalayan mountains that stretch out before you.
• Sense of Freedom: Feel the rush of wind against your skin as you take to the skies, embracing a sense of freedom and excitement that's unmatched.
• Magical Sunset: Glide through the air as the sun sets, witnessing the city's lights twinkle and the lake's surface reflect the fading hues of daylight.
• Boundary-Pushing Experience: Paragliding isn't just an adventure; it's a boundary-pushing experience that lets you dance with the elements and embrace the unknown.

Other Things To Do In Pokhara

In addition to the activities and attractions mentioned earlier, Pokhara offers a variety of other engaging experiences that cater to different interests. Here are some more things to do in Pokhara:

Sarangkot Sunrise View: Wake up early and make your way to Sarangkot to witness one of the most stunning sunrise views in Nepal. The viewpoint offers an incredible panoramic vista of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges as the sun gently bathes them in warm hues.

Rupa Lake Exploration: Take a serene escape to Rupa Lake, located a short distance from Pokhara. Enjoy a leisurely walk along its shores, or rent a boat to glide across its calm waters. This lesser-known lake offers a tranquil setting and picturesque surroundings, perfect for a peaceful escape from the city.

Trekking: Explore the surrounding hills and trekking routes, such as the Sarangkot hike, which rewards you with panoramic views of the Annapurna range and sunrise/sunset vistas.

Zip-lining: Experience the thrill of zip-lining over lush forests and gorges, taking in the stunning scenery as you whiz through the air.

Mountain Biking: Rent a mountain bike and explore the countryside around Pokhara, with options ranging from leisurely rides to more challenging trails.

Peaceful Yoga and Meditation: Engage in yoga and meditation sessions offered at various retreat centers in Pokhara, allowing you to find inner peace amidst the natural surroundings.

Visit Tibetan Refugee Camps: Explore the Tibetan refugee camps in Pokhara, where you can learn about Tibetan culture, handicrafts, and traditions.

Shopping for Handicrafts: Explore local markets and shops to shop for traditional Nepali handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs.

Hot Air Balloon Ride: If you're looking for a unique perspective, consider taking a hot air balloon ride to enjoy a different view of the city and surrounding landscapes.

Cultural Performances: Attend cultural performances and traditional dance shows that showcase Nepal's diverse heritage and artistic expressions.

Spa and Wellness Retreats: Unwind with rejuvenating spa treatments and wellness retreats offered in various resorts and centers in Pokhara.

These additional activities offer a well-rounded experience of Pokhara's natural beauty, cultural richness, and thrilling adventures, ensuring that your visit is filled with diverse and memorable moments.

Tips for exploring the Pokhara City

Here are some tips to make the most of your exploration of Pokhara City:

• Plan Ahead: Research the attractions, activities, and places you want to visit in advance. Having a rough itinerary can help you make the most of your time in Pokhara.
• Start Early: Many of Pokhara's attractions are best enjoyed in the morning when crowds are smaller, and the weather is pleasant. Consider starting your day early to make the most of your time.
• Comfortable Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes as you'll likely be doing a fair amount of walking, especially if you plan to explore attractions like the World Peace Pagoda or Sarangkot.
• Dress Appropriately: While Pokhara is relatively relaxed in terms of dress, consider wearing modest clothing when visiting temples or religious sites out of respect for local customs.
• Local Cuisine: Don't miss the opportunity to savor local Nepali cuisine. Try momos (dumplings), dal bhat (traditional meal), and enjoy the wide range of culinary options available in Lakeside.
• Stay Hydrated: Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated, especially during the daytime. The altitude and activities can cause dehydration, so it's important to drink plenty of water.
• Cash and Currency: While larger establishments may accept credit cards, it's a good idea to carry Nepali rupees for small purchases, local markets, and transportation.
• Respect Local Culture: Pokhara is a diverse city with a mix of cultures and traditions. Be respectful of local customs, especially when visiting religious sites.
• Negotiate Prices: If you're shopping in local markets, don't hesitate to negotiate prices. Bargaining is a common practice, but do it with a friendly and respectful attitude.
• Transportation: Consider using local transportation options such as taxis, rickshaws, or buses to get around. Make sure to agree on the fare before you start your journey.
• Sun Protection: The sun can be strong, even on overcast days. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun's rays.
• Capture Memories: Don't forget your camera or smartphone to capture the breathtaking landscapes and memorable moments during your exploration.
• Local Etiquette: Nepali people are known for their warmth and hospitality. Greet locals with a smile and use "Namaste" as a friendly gesture.
• Safety First: Prioritize your safety, especially during adventure activities like paragliding. Choose reputable operators and follow safety guidelines.

By keeping these tips in mind, you'll be well-prepared to navigate Pokhara and create wonderful memories during your visit.

Best time to visit Pokhara 

The best time to visit Pokhara largely depends on your preferences and the type of experience you're seeking. Here are more details about all the seasons in Nepal:

Spring (March to May): Spring in Pokhara is a magical time when the city comes alive with vibrant colors. The weather is warm and pleasant, making it an excellent season for outdoor activities. The landscapes burst into bloom as flowers adorn the hills and valleys, creating a picturesque backdrop. It's an ideal time for trekking, nature walks, and enjoying the serene beauty of places like Phewa Lake. The clear skies offer breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, adding to the allure of the season.

Summer (June to August): The summer months mark the monsoon season in Pokhara. While the city receives heavy rainfall, the surroundings become lush and green. The temperature remains moderate, and the fresh air brings relief from the heat. While outdoor activities and trekking can be challenging due to the rains, this season provides a unique opportunity to experience Pokhara in a quieter setting, away from the crowds. The occasional showers add a touch of romance to the city, and the quieter ambiance allows for a more reflective experience.

Autumn (September to November): Autumn is arguably the best time to visit Pokhara. The weather is clear, stable, and comfortable, making it perfect for exploring the city and its attractions. The skies are often blue, offering stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. The landscapes are a mix of lush greenery and golden hues as the fall foliage adds a touch of warmth to the surroundings. Outdoor activities like paragliding, boating, and trekking are at their prime during this season, and the overall ambiance is one of vibrancy and energy.

Winter (December to February): Winter in Pokhara is cool and dry, with clear skies and crisp air. The temperatures are moderate during the day, but the nights can get chilly. This season offers a quieter atmosphere compared to the peak tourist months. The city retains its charm, and the mountain views are still visible, though some higher trekking routes might be closed due to snow. Winter is a great time for those seeking a more serene experience, enjoying the city's tranquility, and indulging in cultural exploration.

Each season in Pokhara brings its own unique charm and experiences, catering to different preferences and interests. Whether you're captivated by the blooming colors of spring, the lush greenery of monsoons, the clear vistas of autumn, or the peaceful ambiance of winter, Pokhara offers something special in every season.

In the enchanting city of Pokhara, a day holds the promise of unforgettable exploration and discovery. From the serene shores of Phewa Lake, where mirrored reflections meet towering peaks, to the spiritual sanctuary of the World Peace Pagoda offering panoramic vistas, every moment in this paradise is a treasure. Cascading waterfalls like Davis Falls and the cultural embrace of Bindhyabasini Temple add layers of charm to your journey. And as the sun dips below the horizon, the vibrant energy of Lakeside beckons with its markets and lakeshore ambiance. In just one day, Pokhara offers a mosaic of experiences that captivate the senses and linger in the heart, showcasing Nepal's true essence of natural beauty, tranquility, and cultural richness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the What are the must-see places in Pokhara for a day visit?

Q: what are the top places to visit in pokhara in one day.

A: For a day visit to Pokhara, make sure to explore Phewa Lake, Bindhyabasini Temple, World Peace Pagoda, Davis Falls, and Gupteshwor Cave, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Lakeside.

Q: How can I reach the World Peace Pagoda?

A: You can reach the World Peace Pagoda by taking a short boat ride across Phewa Lake or by hiking from the Lakeside area. The hike offers panoramic views and is a popular option for nature enthusiasts

Q: Is paragliding safe for beginners?

A: Yes, paragliding in Pokhara is generally safe for beginners. Experienced pilots accompany you, and tandem flights ensure that even first-timers can enjoy the experience with a professional guiding them.

Q: What are the best times to visit Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Cave?

A: Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Cave are open throughout the day. However, visiting during the daytime allows you to fully appreciate the natural beauty and intricate details of the waterfall and cave.

Q: Are there any cultural attractions to visit in Pokhara?

A: Yes, Pokhara offers cultural attractions such as Bindhyabasini Temple, where you can experience local traditions and rituals. The Pokhara Regional Museum is also a great place to learn about the city's history and heritage.

Q: Can I visit Sarangkot for sunrise in one day?

A: Yes, you can visit Sarangkot for sunrise during a day visit to Pokhara. However, it's recommended to start early in the morning to ensure you reach the viewpoint in time for the sunrise spectacle.

Q: How can I reach Rupa Lake from Pokhara?

A: Rupa Lake is easily accessible by road from Pokhara. You can hire a taxi, take a local bus, or even rent a bicycle to reach this serene lake for a peaceful retreat.

Q: Are there opportunities for shopping and dining in Pokhara?

A: Absolutely! Lakeside offers a plethora of options for shopping, dining, and leisure activities. You can explore local markets for handicrafts and souvenirs and indulge in a variety of cuisines at the numerous cafes and restaurants.

Q: Can I combine paragliding with other activities in Pokhara?

A: Yes, paragliding can be combined with other activities. Many visitors choose to start their day with sightseeing and cultural visits before ending with an exhilarating paragliding experience.

Q: How should I plan my day in Pokhara to cover all these places?

A: To cover all these must-see places, it's advisable to start your day early. Begin with a serene boat ride on Phewa Lake, then visit Bindhyabasini Temple, followed by the World Peace Pagoda. Continue to Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Cave, enjoy shopping and dining in Lakeside, and end your day with a thrilling paragliding adventure.

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Jyoti Karki is an expert travel blogger. She has been writing blogs for a long time. Along with writing about diverse locations. She personally travels to many different places, went hiking and trekking in Nepal, and has also visited several areas of India and enjoys writing on her blogs about them.

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If the chaotic hustle and bustle of Kathmandu felt overwhelming to you, head west to Pokhara.

This lakeside Nepalese city of a quarter-million certainly isn’t small, but compared to the nation’s capital, it feels like a tranquil respite. Plus, it’s the perfect jumping off point for trekking the Annapurna mountain range.

To get you started, here are the best things to do in Pokhara in one day. It’s sequenced so you start on the west side of town where it’s less populated and then return to the side with more restaurants,  hotels, and hostels.

Quick note: This entire Pokhara itinerary can be done on foot, but you can obviously rent a scooter or hail a ride if you’d prefer.

Table of Contents

Visit a sacred Hindu cave

Start your day by walking to the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave. It’s hard to miss the bright, rust orange spiraling pathway down.

Known as one of the longest caves in Nepal, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave is sacred to Hindus. It houses a natural formation that is worshipped as a Shiva lingam and is home to other sacred statues. (It’s sacrilegious to take photos of the Shiva temple though.)

For me, the natural formations of the cave are more interesting. The stalagmites and stalactites, the changing of the cave as water continues to drip, and of course, the underground waterfall.

You’ll see it when you get to the end of the cave. Technically, the waterfall is very much above ground as well — it’s known as Devi’s Falls. The cave is just where it empties out, but it’s still pretty cool to see.

Entrance for foreigners is 100 Nepalese rupees (NPR), which is less than one U.S. dollar. If nothing else, it’s a fantastic chance to experience a sacred cave along with locals who are coming to worship.

Just make sure to wear sturdy shoes. The cave is rather wet and can be slippery!

Climb to the Peace Pagoda

Next, continue walking to the Peace Pagoda.

Undeniably Pokhara’s most famous attraction, the Peace Pagoda sits upon a hill overlooking the city. It’s one of more than a dozen peace pagodas around the world, built by the Japanese Buddhist sect Nipponzan-Myōhōji-Daisanga.

To me, the pagoda itself wasn’t all that fascinating. By this point in my travels, I’d literally been to hundreds of pagodas, temples, and Buddha statues.

But the climb up and down is well worth the views.

Visiting the Peace Pagoda also provides you the chance to experience a little bit of Pokhara outside of the main city center.

That’s the main reason I’d highly recommend walking to the Peace Pagoda instead of getting there on wheels. It gives you a chance to see the city and its people, eat in local restaurants that don’t often serve tourists, and stop in local shops.

Explore Phewa Lake

Once you’re done checking out the Peace Pagoda, hike down the side that faces Phewa Lake.

The lake is the heart of the city, and it’s a fantastic spot to rest your legs and take in the beauty that is Pokhara. (There are also tons of cute little hideaways all around the lake!)

To get back to the more populated side of the city without having to go all the way around the lake, hire a boat.

Boats are 500 Nepalese rupees each — you can probably fit max 3 people on a boat — plus 10 NPR per person for the mandatory life jacket. As part of the journey, the oarsman will also take you to the small island in the middle of the lake. The Tal Barahi Temple on that island wasn’t much of a draw for me, but it sure was beautiful to be out on the water.

Relax with a massage

If you hiked from your lodging to the cave and pagoda, you’ll likely be ready for a breather in the afternoon. For that, go to Seeing Hands Blind Massage Clinic.

The clinic trains and employs folks with visual impairments who would otherwise have limited job opportunities. Massage that does a social good? Win-win!

A one-hour massage is 2600 NPR, or roughly $23 USD.

Catch an outdoor movie

Okay, this one is totally an expat and tourist thing, and it’s so unlike me. But there isn’t all  that much to do in Pokhara proper in the evenings, so the Movie Garden is a nice diversion.

This outdoor movie theater is nestled on a hill and plays the classics (we saw Amelie ). It’s sort of set up like a tiny amphitheater with both covered and open-air seating. The friendly staff collects the 350 Nepalese rupee admission and sells pizza, popcorn, and Nepalese craft brews for a fun night out in the mild Pokhara evenings.

Where to eat in Pokhara

And of course, you can’t go through your day without some delicious Nepalese food!

There are a lot of options in Pokhara, and this is by no means a list of all the places you should eat at. These just happens to be the ones that made an impression!

• Deepshikha Restaurant
• New Turkish and Nepali Kitchen “Kebap House”

Where to stay in Pokhara

Given my backpacking budget in Nepal , I stayed at Pokhara Backpacker’s Hostel .

It’s not the cheapest hostel in town, but it’s super clean and had the comfiest beds I’d ever had in a hostel. (Honestly, the beds were better than those in a lot of 3-star hotels I’ve stayed at.) It’s also within walkable distance to basically everything in Pokhara (hence this itinerary!).

Hostels not your thing? No worries, the Pokhara lakeside is packed with nicer 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star options .

Are you ready to visit Pokhara? Pin it to share it!

3 thoughts on “ The Best Things to Do in Pokhara ”

Great post, I will definitely use it when planning my trip!

I love all of these pictures! I also have made a bit of a habit of visiting caves in as many places as I can. So it is REALLY cool seeing a sacred cave! I have yet to visit anything similar but I think that looks amazing.

I’ve been dying to get to Nepal. Pokhara looks like a lovely town to visit with lots to offer!

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Nepal is considered a very exciting country for holidays and Kathmandu Pokhara Tour is an option. From the uninhabitable Himalayas to the lush green plains Nepal offers various kinds of diverse land and culture. It has such geographical and ecological diversity. The Kathmandu-Pokhara Tour offers you to discover exciting cultural and natural places in Nepal. So, we promise this will give you a glimpse of this diverse country.

Starting the Kathmandu Pokhara Tour!

The tour starts with walking around Thamel, a holy land for tourists visiting Nepal from around the world. Located within the heart of Kathmandu, this place is a fascinating spot full of souvenir shops, restaurants, hotels, bars, and cafes.

Swayambhunath

The next day, we will guide you for sightseeing of four outstanding heritages inside Kathmandu valley. Firstly, you will visit Swayambhunath, an impressive Buddhist temple located on the western hilltop of Kathmandu valley. From the hilltop, you will see an astonishing view of the ever-growing city of Kathmandu which you’ll see creeping up the hills around the valley. This temple also is infamous for the name “monkey temple”  as monkeys can be roaming around the temple. But, since these monkeys have already grown friendly to the visitors to the temple there is nothing to worry about.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Afterward, you’ll get to visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, a plaza of the Royal Palace of the former Kingdom and the former residence of Nepalese Royalties before they shifted to Narayanhiti Royal Palace. The Durbar square is also the home of Nepal’s Living Goddess ‘Kumari’, the statue of god Kal Bhairab, Shiva Parvati temple, and other monuments. Visiting this palace gives you knowledge of the authentic art and architecture of Nepal.

Later on, we will take you for a visit to Boudhanath. The Bouddhanath is the biggest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal that is structured as an outstanding mandala-shaped plinth. People who follow Tibetan Buddhism believe this is the holiest Buddhist temple outside Tibet. The neighborhood around the temple provides a home away from home to Tibetan refugees since the 1950s.

Pashupatinath

Next, we will guide you with a visit to Pashupatinath, one of the holiest Hindu shrines from all over the world.  While visiting the last place for the second day of the Kathmandu-Pokhara Tour, here, you’ll get to meet Hindu sages. Besides, you’ll also see the open cremation of dead bodies on the banks of the Bagmati River. These cremations done as per Hindu rituals give you a different sensation about momentary life.

Traveling to Pokhara

On the 3rd day of the Kathmandu-Pokhara Tour, we drive to Pokhara, the second biggest city in Nepal. Pokhara is one of the most scenic cities in the world. This picturesque valley houses various places full of natural beauty like lakes, caves, rivers, gorges, Himalayan views, etc. During our visit to David’s Fall (Water Fall where water vanishes within the earth’s crust), you’ll get to see one of the most iconic structures of nature’s creations whilst enjoying the peculiarity of the Nepalese Sub-tropical humid climate.

The visit to Mahadev Cave (an unearthly cave that houses a Shiva Lingam i.e. the symbol of reproduction according to Hindu scriptures) will provide you with an apparent understanding of the human life-cycle by nature. Subsequently, you will go to the World Peace Stupa. This is the Buddha temple that lies on the southern hilltop of Pokhara city. From here you can enjoy the stunning sunset view.

Himalayan Sunrise from Sarangkot

The next day early in the morning y ou will be taken for a ride to Sarangkot hill to see Sunrise over the Himalayas and great views of Mount Fishtail, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Lamjung in the distance. In the afternoon you’ll visit Bindavashi temple, the most sacred temple of local people, and the Seti River Gorge. Among the last of the events, you’ll participate in Pokhara will be going boating on the Fewa lake. Boating also includes a visit to Barahi Temple, a temple situated on a small island in Phewa lake.

Back to Kathmandu with memories of the Kathmandu Pokhara Tour!

On the fifth day of the Kathmandu-Pokhara Tour, we’ll drive back from Pokhara, to Kathmandu. After the completion of your journey to and from Pokhara, we invite you for a farewell dinner when you’ll be served authentic Nepali cuisine in a typical Nepali restaurant in Kathmandu.

Besides these scenic beauties you’ll get to see during these five Kathmandu-Pokhara Tours you will also experience Nepali hospitality while we introduce you to delicious Nepali cuisines, Nepali cultures, and local crafts and we invite you to experience our country Nepal as we Nepalese do.

Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal and the city of temples, festivals, and tremendously friendly mountain people. One of our representatives will pick you up from the airport to transfer you to the hotel. In the evening dinner is arranged at a traditional local restaurant.

Today is a chance to see many of the important sites of interest and some of the seven World Heritage Sites within the valley including the most important Hindu and Buddhist temples that date back hundreds of years. Many of these sites have some of the finest woodcarving to be found anywhere in the world. In the evening you will meet your guide he will take you through tour preparation and provide you with all the information you need about the tour you are to be taken to.

On the 3rd day of the Kathmandu-Pokhara Tour, we drive to Pokhara, the second biggest city in Nepal. The city is also considered to be one of the most scenic cities in the world. This picturesque valley houses various places full of natural beauty like lakes, caves, rivers, gorges, Himalayan views, etc. During our visit to David’s Fall (Water Fall where water vanishes within the earth’s crust), you’ll get to see one of the most iconic structures of nature’s creations whilst enjoying the peculiarity of Nepalese Sub-tropical humid climate.

Next day early in the morning you will be taken for a ride to Sarangkot hill to see Sunrise over the Himalayas and great views of Mount Fishtail, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Lamjung at a distance. In the afternoon you’ll visit Bindavashi temple, the most sacred temple of local people, and Seti River Gorge.

Among the last of the events, you’ll participate in Pokhara will be going boating on the Fewa lake. The boating also includes a visit to Barahi Temple, a temple situated on a small island in Phewa lake.

After this amazing tour and the journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back to Kathmandu we bid you farewell on the 6th day of your tour.

With lots of memories and your friend’s visit to Nepal, we wish you to visit Nepal again. Because, as we say, once is not enough to know the Himalayan country of Nepal and its diverse culture and topography.

What's Included

• Airport pick up and Drop by private car/van/bus
• All Accommodation on Twin sharing on BB Basis.
• Sight seeing on mention itinerary
• All ground transportation by private vehicle.
• An english speaking tour guide.
• All government taxes and entrance fees.

What's Not Included

• Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport – Kathmandu). You will require 2 passport size photos.
• Lunch and Dinner in every where.
• Your personal expenses, Bar and beverages, Hot and cold drinks, Mineral water, Laundry & Telephone.
• Tips and gratuities for the staffs.
• Emergency Rescue and Medical treatment.

What are the top tourist attractions in Kathmandu and Pokhara?

Kathmandu and Pokhara, both are top attractions here in Nepal. With both cities being the best developed, and naturally rich, offers some of the most stunning views of all time.

Kathmandu: Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, has a lot waiting for you. Some of the top attractions of this city are Swayambhunath Stupa(also known as the Monkey Temple), the Pashupatinath Temple, the Boudhanath Stupa, and several Durbar squares which are listed in the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Pokhara:  Pokhara is arguably the best tourist hub here in Nepal. With many more Natural phenomenon in this region that attracts the eyes. Some of the things you can’t miss out on are Phewa Lake, the World Peace Pagoda, the International Mountain Museum, Davis Falls, and the Mahendra Cave.

What is the best time of year to visit Kathmandu and Pokhara?

The best time to visit and go on a Kathmandu and Pokhara Tour is the dry season. Generally, the months of October to May mark Spring here in Nepal. Around this time of the year, the weather is clear, and the views are stunning, making it perfect for a smooth tour. With the best opportunities for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

What are the transportation options available for traveling between Kathmandu and Pokhara?

Traveling with Nepal Lion Treks, you will be getting luxury transportation, with great views all along the way from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Back. Even though air transportation is possible for this, we suggest you take the road, as it is quite a journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The experiences, and beauty of the Prithvi Highway with frequent stops, and lush forests are something that adds to make your trip a great one.

As per the request of our client, we even manage flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which will take you about 30-45 minutes

What kind of accommodation options are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara?

Touring with Nepal Lion Treks, you are made sure to get luxury accommodation with all basic amenities covered. A wide range of accommodation options are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara to suit all budgets and needs. Ranging from luxury hotels to homestays that offer an authentic experience. Nepal Lion Treks can manage the accommodation part as per your request.

How much does a Kathmandu-Pokhara tour typically cost?

There are several factors that contribute to the cost of your Kathmandu Pokhara Tour. On average, a tour of around 5 days with basic accommodations and services with food included, ranges anywhere from $500 to $800 per person. This price can decrease or increase on the basis of your choice and priorities, such as accommodation, services, transportation, and food.

What are the best adventure activities to do in Kathmandu and Pokhara?

Pokhara and Kathmandu are both known for the adventures and awesome views that they offer. Some of the best adventure activities on this tour are: trekking in the Himalayas, paragliding in Pokhara, mountain biking, bungee jumping, rafting, and boating in Phewa Lake.

What is the food like in Kathmandu and Pokhara? Are there any must-try dishes?

The food across Kathmandu and Pokhara is diverse and delicious. With ranging from traditional Nepal cuisine to luxury western dishes. You can get all you want except beef here in Nepal, as it is illegal to consume beef. Some of the must-try dishes during the Kathmandu Pokhara Tour include momos (dumplings), dal bhat (a traditional Nepali meal of lentil soup and rice), chow mein (stir-fried noodles), and thukpa (a spicy noodle soup).

What is the cultural and historical significance of Kathmandu and Pokhara?

Kathmandu and Pokhara are both quite rich when it comes to cultural significance. With being home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This includes places like the Pashupatinath Temple and the Boudhanath Stupa. Where’s when it comes to Pokhara, you get a wide range of Cultural traditions. With places to visit such as World peace pagoda. You get to understand how similar yet how different these cities are when it comes to Cultural and historical significance.

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