pokhara trip budget

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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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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Home » Asia » Nepal » Pokhara

Backpacking Pokhara Travel Guide

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

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

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Things To Do In Pokhara

Where to stay in pokhara, trekking & hiking.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meditation and Yoga Retreats

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

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

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

Eat & Drink

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Places to Stay in Pokhara

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

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

Chhorepatan

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

Volunteering in Pokhara

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

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

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

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

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

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

Make Money Online Whilst Backpacking Pokhara

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

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

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

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

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

Being a Responsible Backpacker in Pokhara

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next time guys, see you on the road!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

Share or save this post

Pokhara is an dream destination for me. I wish to be there. Thank you so much for your amazing review and beautiful photos.

I wish to do a trek on Annapurna, I will be there soon. It seems dream travel destination to me now.

Enjoy Risha, the mountains are stunning.

Annapurna is a great place to go for a trek. Either it is annapurna base camp or annapurna ciruit or other Annapurna range, they are some of the best trekking packages in Nepal.

Gosh..Nepal really wasn’t on my map until recently. Seems like virtually everyone I know is planning to visit or just did visit!

The city scape of Pokhara, with those high white mountains and the lower, forested ones looks just beyond lovely! thx for sharing your guide

I did a trek on Annapurna and loved stopping in Pokhara. The food was delicious (I really miss the daal bhat haha) and the town is overall super relaxed. I love the photos in this post!

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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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You can plan your trip with this easy guide and have access to the best services I recommend and you can get discounted prices.

Unique Ideas Itinerary for Nepal: From 7 Days in Nepal to 3 Weeks

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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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A Complete Travel Guide To Pokhara City

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

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

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

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

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Getting to Know Pokhara City

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

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

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

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

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What to See in Pokhara City?

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

Lakes and waterfalls

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

Temples/Monasteries

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

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

Things You Must Do

Adventure sports:.

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

Where to Eat?

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

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

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

Travel Itinerary Around Pokhara

One-day itinerary.

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

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

Two-day Itinerary

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

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

Three-day itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Pokhara Travel Guide: How to Visit Nepal’s Lakeside Gem – What to Do + Where to Stay + More

There are plenty of reasons to travel to Pokhara, Nepal. Perhaps you’ve had enough of the capital and want to take a day trip from Kathmandu. Maybe you want to sit back and relax as you float around on a lake, surrounded by chirping birds and gorgeous scenery. Or maybe you just want to explore the rest of the country and are looking for other places to visit in Nepal.

No matter what your goal is, Pokhara should be on your itinerary! This charming and tranquil city is small enough to explore on a weekend trip yet big enough for a multi-day trekking tour — Pokhara is called the “gateway to the Annapurna Circuit” for a reason! 

If you’re looking for a Pokhara itinerary or just some basic travel tips, look no further, as I’ve compiled this Pokhara travel guide specifically for you! Let’s check it out :) 

HOW TO GET TO POKHARA

Pokhara is well-connected to the rest of Nepal and can be reached by a number of different options, including overland busses, planes, and car hires. Since Nepal is mountainous, there are no trains. Here are your options:  

POKHARA BY BUS

The most budget-friendly way of getting to Pokhara is by bus. There are dozens of busses from Kathmandu to Pokhara every day, and all follow a similar route. The total travel time is around 7 hours and there are both early and overnight options.

Busses are divided into two categories: standard busses and VIP busses. Standard busses cost anywhere from 750 to 1,000Rs (around $6.25 to $8 USD) and have air conditioning and seats. VIP busses cost twice more (around 2,500Rs / $20 USD) but come with super-plush seats, toilet onboard, and some even include lunch! 

BOOK BUS TICKETS TO POKHARA HERE 

POKHARA BY PLANE

If you’re limited on time, taking a short airplane ride is another great option. We chose this as we only had 2 days and wanted to get the most out of Pokhara.

There are two main airlines that fly to Pokhara: Buddha Air and Yeti Air. Both are very similar in terms of price, convenience, and safety — the only difference is the departure times (and even then, both usually depart within 15 to 30 mins from each other). Tickets cost around $100 to $130 one-way. You can choose either one depending on whichever has the cheaper tickets. :)

One thing to note is that both airlines do not have flights after 2:30PM, so it’s wise to plan in advance. The flight takes between 25 to 30 minutes. For an amazing view, definitely sit in a window seat!

BOOK AIRLINE TICKETS TO POKHARA HERE 

POKHARA BY CAR

The final option is to hire a private transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara. This is a great option if you’re looking for something between riding a bus or taking a flight: you’ll have the convenience of stopping along the way to check out the sights (something you can’t do on a bus) and the flexibility to bring more luggage (as opposed to baggage limits on airplanes).

A private transfer between Kathmandu to Pokhara will cost around $90 to $120 USD, depending on the size of the car and season. The best part is that you pay per transfer and not per person, so that $100 transfer will only be around $33 if you carpool with two other people. 

BOOK CAR TRANSFER TO POKHARA HERE 

WHERE TO STAY IN POKHARA

There are plenty of lovely hostels and hotels in Pokhara, from budget-friendly accommodations to stunning luxe lakeside resorts — and everything in between! 

HOTELS IN POKHARA

Hotel Middle Path & Spa *top pick*

After scrolling for hours and looking for accommodations, this was the hotel I picked for my trip to Pokhara. The service is absolutely fantastic and the rooms are comfortable, but what really sets this hotel apart is how serene and quaint it is. There’s a pool to relax after a long day of sightseeing, a garden to drink tea and listen to the thunderstorm (one of my favorite activities!), and even yoga classes. 

It looks like the hotel underwent a remodel after we visited and it’s better than ever. Best of all, it’s a quick walk over to the lake and the main road, yet quiet from the hustle and bustle.

Book on  Booking   || Hotels || Agoda

Himalayan Front Hotel 

If you’re looking for the perfect view, you can stop scrolling and take a seat over here while I tell you more about this hotel. ;)

Every morning you’ll wake up, look out the window, and think you’re dreaming after you see the gorgeous view outside. I’m serious, just take a peek at that photo above! Can you imagine how beautiful the view of the sunset will be?

Hotel Spring

A great option for those who are on a budget but still want a top-rated hotel. Hotel Spring has comfy beds, fast internet, and breakfast included — for under $25/night!

Book on Booking   || Hotels || Agoda

 Mingtang Garden Cottage

This serene and idyllic hotel, located on the south side of Phewa Lake, looks like it came straight out of Bali. It’s the perfect hotel if you want to be central yet have some peace and quiet. Don’t forget to say hello to Yahoo, the Golden Labrador that “guards” the hotel. :)

Book on Booking || Agoda

Hotel Eco Tree

Hotel Eco Tree has everything a traveler is looking for, from large and comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and breakfast included. As a bonus, there’s even a gym, sauna, and rooftop pool!

Book on  Booking   ||  Hotels || Agoda

See all Pokhara hotels here

HOSTELS IN POKHARA

Pokhara Backpackers Hostel

With reviews like “Definitely a TOP 5 among the hostels I have stayed around the world” and “This was the best travel experience yet,” how can you pass up a stay at Pokhara Backpackers Hostel? Beds start at $5/night and private rooms at $10/night. There’s a large den where you can hang out with other travelers, as well as a beautiful rooftop view of the Annapurna mountain range. 

 Kiwi Backpackers Hostel Pokhara

Another great Pokhara hostel is Kiwi Backpackers. They have a nice mix of private and shared rooms starting at $5/night. A terrace bar, hammocks, and library full of books add to the relaxed and friendly vibe.

Book on Booking  

WHAT TO DO IN POKHARA

Credit: madhushree narayan, check out pokhara’s lakes .

Pokhara is known as the city of lakes and caves, and you’ll find plenty of them scattered across the city. If you only have a day or two, be sure to visit the most famous lake and cave, which are the Phewa Lake and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave. Otherwise, I’ve compiled a list of other lakes and caves at the end of this section. :) 

What better way to get to know the city than by starting off at one of it’s most famous attractions? Phewa Lake (also written as Fewa Lake) is Nepal’s second largest lake and the most popular. There are plenty of activities to do— start off by renting a boat and paddling across Phewa Lake (prices start around $5 for a 2-hour rental); take a break by visiting the temple in the middle of the lake; and reward yourself for a successful trip by visiting one of the many souvenir shops or cafes that are scattered along the eastern bank of the river (also known as Lakeside). 

Tal Barahi Temple 

Did you know that Phewa Lake is the only lake in Nepal to have a temple right in the middle of the lake? It’s true! To get to the Tal Barahi Temple, be sure to rent a boat and paddle to the temple — you’ll know you’re where when you see the beautiful two-story pagoda that welcomes you as soon as you land. 

The Tal Barahi Temple (also known as the Lake Temple — I think you can guess why 😉) is a Hindu temple that’s dedicated to Goddess Durga, who is the goddess of war and protector of other Hindu gods. 

Begnas Lake  

 Located right outside of Pokhara, Begnas Lake is a more peaceful and less-crowded alternative to Phewa Lake. You can find similar activities, like renting a boat, as well as opportunities to go hiking, and fishing. You can get here via taxi or by bus – the ride is 25 to 30 minutes and there are a handful of bus stations near the lake. 

Devi’s Falls

Perhaps the second most popular thing to do in Pokhara is to admire Devi’s Falls. Located in the southern part of Pokhara, the waterfall has a tragic backstory – there was a Swiss tourist who drowned here back in the 60’s and it was renamed after her. Thankfully, the area is much more safe nowadays (with fences everywhere and a viewing platform) and also includes a garden and children’s area. Don’t forget to find the pond where you can throw a coin – if it lands in the middle, your wish will come true. :) 

Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

Across Devi’s Falls is another famous Pokhara landmark — the Gupteshwor Cave. This attraction, with its long spiral staircase, beautifully carved figures, and bright red colors lead you down to a cave that’s filled with more statues (and mysteries). 👀

World Peace Pagoda 

In the southwest part of the city is the towering World Peace Pagoda, with a statue of Buddha in the middle and a gorgeous panoramic view over Pokhara. You can either hike up here or take a taxi (like we did). It’s a short 10-minute drive from Devi Falls.

See the Sun Set at Sarangkot 

Sarangkot is located high above Pokhara, which makes it the perfect place to see the sunrise or sunset. Although it looks daunting to get up here, it’s actually fairly easy – you can either take a taxi or rent a scooter and follow the well-marked path. If you’re really up for an adventure, you can even go paragliding from Sarangkot as well! 

International Mountain Museum

Remember how I said that Pokhara is the gateway to the Himalayas ? Here’s your chance to learn everything you’ve ever wanted about trekking, Nepal’s mountains, and the people who’ve climbed them. One of the coolest things in this museum is the original gear that the hikers used during expeditions – it’s amazing to see how things changed over the years. There’s also an informative part about Nepal’s culture and ethnic groups. 

Want to see Pokhara’s top tourist attractions in one day? Consider booking this 4-hour Pokhara Sightseeing Tour, which goes around Phewa Lake, Devi’s Fall, the Old Bazaar, Mountain Museum, and more! Click here to learn more ➡️

WHERE TO EAT IN POKHARA

Thanks to Pokhara’s popularity and international community, you can find virtually any cuisine within the city — from French croissants to Korean bibimbap, acai bowls, momos, and everything in between. 

AM/PM Organic Cafe — One of our favorite spots! My friend and I found this cafe on our first day and ended up eating here every day while we were in Pokhara. :sweat: 

The food is fresh, organic, and healthy – it almost feels like a slice of Bali in Nepal. 

The Juicery Cafe — A lovely little cafe with — you guessed it — juices. (Although they have salads and brunch as well ;)). It’s also a great spot to visit with friends or to get some work done, as there’s a fantastic garden and a gorgeous view of Phewa Lake outside. 

Nepali Kitchen — If you’re craving local food, look no further. Nepali Kitchen has been in Pokhara for the last 20+ years and is a family-run business with delicious Nepali and Indian food. In fact, the food is so authentic that many locals like to hang out here – we met one friendly woman who said she goes here because the food reminds her of her grandma’s dishes!

Mo2’s Delights — Speaking of local food, don’t miss the momos at Mo2’s. Especially the chocolate ones. ;) 

Cafe 17 French Bakery — If you’re based in northern Lakeside, don’t miss this gem. Like the name says, you can expect to find soft croissants, crunchy baguettes, and traditional French-style sandwiches at this boulangerie .

That’s it for my mini travel guide to Pokhara! Would you love to visit this gem in Nepal? Or perhaps you’ve already been here? Let me know in the comments!

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One thought on “ pokhara travel guide: how to visit nepal’s lakeside gem – what to do + where to stay + more ”.

Wow. Very interesting. I’m going to book tickets.

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Pokhara Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know!

• September 26, 2022

Pokhara, the second largest city of Nepal, and undeniably one of the most beautiful cities resides at the foothills of the Annapurna Range. With something to do for everyone, Pokhara, and especially Lakeside is a tourists paradise. Wondering just why it is so amazing? Make sure to read through my Pokhara travel guide.

Located about 200 km west of Kathmandu, the city can be accessed by domestic flights, public transportation, motorcycles, scooters  and private rented vehicles. Pokhara serves as the gateway to the Annapurna Range and provides spectacular views of the range from the entire city.

With over one-million international and domestic tourists each year, Pokhara is one of the most beloved and visited places in Nepal. Since the city offers trekking, boating, hiking, pony rides, paragliding, bungee jumping, zip-lining, a cable car, views of Phewa lake and the Annapurna Range as well as high-quality resorts, hotels and restaurants, it is no wonder so many people visit the city each year!

In this Pokhara travel guide, I will discuss everything you need to know about the city, as well as something to do for every type of tourist visiting the city! 

Pokhara City Guide – Fast Facts

A few of the basic and essential information you need to know about Pokhara can be seen in the table below: 

Now that we have some basic information about the city, let’s discuss how to get to Pokhara, the recommended duration of stay and the weather in the city. 

How to get to Pokhara?

There are two ways to get to Pokhara from Kathmandu – by road and by domestic flight. Depending on what you are looking to get out of your travel experience, you may choose one over the other. I discuss the benefits of each in their respective sections below:

How long is the bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara?

The bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara is 201 km in distance and takes approximately seven hours to reach. The best time to get a bus is early in the morning from 7:00 and 8:00 am as there is typically less traffic and you will arrive around 2:00 to 3:00 pm, giving you time to get settled in and explore Pokhara. Finally, a tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara will cost between NPR 1,000 and 3,100 (USD $10-25).

There are cheaper and slightly faster ways to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara if you take a Micro (Toyota Hiace). These vehicles are smaller and drive faster as they are more able to weave in and out of traffic. However, they are usually more crowded, lack personal space on them, and not great for people that get car sick easily. A trip on a Micro will cost around NPR 600 (USD $6) and can get you to Pokhara in about five hours. 

A few benefits and negatives of deciding to travel by road to Pokhara from Kathmandu includes:

Benefits of Taking Public Transportation:

• Cheaper fare
• Will get to see the entire country
• Chances to speak with locals and experience a more authentic Nepal
• Will stop at more places and have opportunities for more unique  photos

Negatives of Taking Public Transportation:

• Will take longer to arrive in Pokhara
• Not good for people who get car sick
• Can encounter delays – landslides and accidents or frequent especially during monsoon season

Taking a plane from Kathmandu to Pokhara

Taking a plane from Kathmandu to Pokhara is the preferred option for traveling between the two cities for many tourists. With domestic flights available everyday, and requiring only a 30 minutes flight, it is no wonder why travelers prefer this option.

However, even though flights are easier and faster, they are going to cost you. Depending on the season, and your nationality you can pay between USD $80 and $100 (for any nationality besides Nepali and Indian). For Indian nationals, you will pay the Nepali rate which ranges from NPR 3,000 to NPR 5,000.

Additionally, come January 1, 2023, tourists will be able to fly directly to the Lakeside city thanks to the newly built Pokhara International Airport.

Recommended Domestic Flight Operators:

I would recommend using one of the following two domestic flight operators in Nepal. Both have the most reliable services, as well as the best track record when it comes to safety, as well as customer service.

• Yeti Airlines

My recommendation for traveling from Kathmandu to Pokhara:

If you are a first time traveler to Nepal, have the time and the budget, I would recommend traveling at least once by road, and once by plane. Driving at least once will give you a whole new perspective of the country, and give you a couple cool places to stop, including Manakama Temple, and Bandipur.

If you are in a rush and have limited time in Nepal, the best thing to do is travel by plane. You will save significant time, and give yourself an extra day in Pokhara to see and explore the city.

Want to find out which city is better? Then make sure to check out my blog that discusses Kathmandu or Pokhara: Which city shouly you visit !

Traveling between Pokhara and Chitwan:

As I have already highlighted the benefits and negatives of traveling by plane or driving in between your destinations above, I will provide a quick breakdown of distance, time to travel and cost for traveling between Pokhara and Chitwan – a popular tourist destination for safari and wildlife lovers.

Traveling to Chitwan Quick facts:

Weather in pokhara nepal.

In Pokhara, the wet season which is from mid June to late August early September, is usually hot, muggy and has frequent rain and thunderstorms. The dry season from September to May is typically warm with clear skies providing fantastic views of the Annapurna Range. It is important to note that from mid November to the end of January Pokhara is typically cold, with clear skies. 

In terms of maximum and minimum temperatures, over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 46°F to 90°F and is rarely below 41°F or above 96°F in Pokhara. The figure below shows the different seasons and weather types in Pokhara throughout the entire year.

How many days do you need in Pokhara?

Pokhara has a lot to offer, but to experience the major tourist attractions in the city, 2 to 3 days will be sufficient.

That being said, Pokhara has a lot to offer and is a very relaxing place to visit. Many tourists find themselves getting addicted to the city and choosing to forgo their time in Kathmandu and spend more time in the lakeside city. 

With access to the beautiful lake, views of the mountains, fresh air, delicious food, and adventure sports, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the city. Additionally, Lakeside Pokhara provides the perfect place to relax and unwind after hectic days in Kathmandu, or after a grueling Annapurna Base Camp trek in the mountains.

So you have decided to spend three days in Pokhara, you may be asking yourself what types of things are there to do in Pokhara?

Below I have come up with a list of 5 things to do while visiting Pokhara.

Pokhara City Guide – Things to do

Looking for things to do in Pokhara while visiting? Below is a list of 9 different things you can do while lounging in the lakeside city. I have tried to come up with a diverse list of activities, in order to provide something for everyone, no matter if you are a solo traveler, traveling with friends, or even traveling with your family.

1. Visit one of three lakes around Pokhara.

You are probably familiar with Phewa Lake, the lake that the entire tourist destination of lakeside is built around. Of course Phewa Lake provides plenty of activities and things to see, there are also two other lakes in the area, Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake. 

Phewa lake is considered the most beautiful lake in Pokhara, and of course by far the most visited. With breathtaking views of the mountains, people love to relax and take in the view at lakeside restaurants. Additionally, the lake is famous for boating which can be used to visit the holy Tal Barahi temple on an island in the middle of the lake.

Begnas Lake

Begnas Lake is the third largest lake in Nepal. Begnas Lake is situated in the south-east of the Pokhara Valley and is a freshwater lake. Begnas Lake area offers visitors an opportunity to take in the beautiful surroundings and wildlife with far fewer tourists. The quiet lake also has lakeside restaurants, a few hotels and boating.

Rupa lake offers a lot for wildlife and nature lovers, with all the flora and fauna surrounding the lake. Additionally, with its fisheries you can take advantage of fishing in the lake as well. Finally, and one of my favorite things to do in the area is, to take the short hike that allows you to see both Begnas and Rupa Lake from a view tower.  

2. Sarangkot Sightseeing

Situated at an elevation of 1600m Sarangkot is a popular destination in Pokhara which provides stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna range. Additionally, you can take in the beautiful view of the Pokhara Valley along with the mesmerizing Fewa Lake. Sarangkot serves as the hub for paragliders and zip-lining fanatics. 

Want to learn more about the elevation of Sarangkot, and other places in Nepal? Then make sure to check out my blog covering the elevation of Nepal and major cities in the country !

3. Peace Pagoda and Shiva Statue

Perched atop of the hill on the south side of Lakeside, the World Peace Pagoda in Pokhara is another famous sightseeing destination. The Peace Pagoda propounds the majestic view of the Annapurna range, Pokhara city and Fewa Lake. There are options to take a boat to hiking trails, cycling tracks and to take a taxi to visit the stupa. 

Fun fact: There are two World Peace Pagodas in Nepal, one is in Pokhara, the second one is in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha!

Additionally, the recently completed Shiva Statue in Pumdikot , found slightly to the west and further up the hill that is a great place to visit as well. It is at an higher elevation which provides you breath taking views of the entire city as well as the Himalayas.

The best part is that both the Shiva Statue and the Peace Pagoda can be visited in one day either by car, or on a relatively easy hike from lakeside! Have a look at our: Day hike in Pokhara: Peace Pagoda and Shiva Statue guide!

4. Devis Fall

Devis Fall, also known as Patale Chango in Nepali, is a well known place to visit in Pokhara. Water flows directly from Phewa Lake down narrow canals where it eventually reaches the famous waterfall. The picturesque waterfall provides a noteworthy spot to visit and appreciate the nature and power of the area.

5. Underground Caves and Caverns

There are caves and caverns scattered around the city. If you are adventurous and brave, you may decide to check out the different caves in Pokhara . The most popular caves include Mahendra Gufa, Gupteshwor Cave, and the Bat Cave (Chamero Gufa)!

Just make sure to take a flashlight with you, as well as some clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty because you will have to crawl and slither through the tight crevices and caverns of the Bat Cave!

6. Adventure Sports

Pokhara is great for thrill seekers. The city provides a handful of different activities for people to get their thrill fix. Some of my favorite adventure sports to do in Pokhara are:

• Paragliding
• Bungee Jumping
• Rock Climbing

7. Annapurna Cable Car

The Annapurna Cable Car in Pokhara is a brand new attraction at Lakeside. Opened in early 2022 the Gondola provides passengers easy access to Sarangkot view point. The new tourist attraction opens from 5am to allow for sunrise views over the mountains to the North.

Tickets can be bought from the lower station in Sedi Bazaar on the north side of lakeside. If you want to find out more info about the Annapurna Cable Car in Pokhara , make sure to read my in-depth guide.

8. International Mountain Museum

If you are looking for an educational and fun way to learn about the mountains and the culture of the people that live around them, then the International Mountain Museum is for you!

With exhibits and displays covering the history and culture around mountain climbing, there is something for everyone here. They have a great collection of the flora and fauna of the region, as well as mountain climbing gear from the past! It is a great place for families in Pokhara!

9. Dining in Pokharay

Pokhara has everything you can imagine when it comes to food. From fine dining experiences, to small local eateries, there is never a shortage of food options.

If you are looking for some of the best restaurants in Pokhara then don’t worry my friend, I have a complete up-to-date roundup of various cuisines. Perfect for weary trekkers coming back from Annapurna Base Camp.

10. Going out in Pokhara

Lakeside, Pokhara has a thriving night life, with plenty of bars and discos to enjoy your evening at. With live music, bars you can dance the night away, or even outdoor movie theaters, Lakeside has something for everyone!

Check out my guide covering Nightlife in Pokhara !

11. Go for a Short Trek:

If you are short on time while visiting Pokhara, then you can always go for a short trek. Khumai Danda Trek in Pokhara is a great beginner level trek for people who only have a few days. My friends and I completed the trek in just two days including travel from Pokhara and back!

FAQs: Pokhara Travel Guide

Pokhara is beautiful place to experience the serenity and calmness of the city. Therefore, it is recommended to spend at least 3 to 4 days in the city of lakes!

You can travel around Pokhara through various transportation services that is available in the city. You can hire a motorbike or scooter or a cycle to go around the city. Or if you want to experience the local way, you can use the bus that is available in different parts of Lakeside. However, if are traveling the family or don’t mind paying extra you can use cab services.

Pokhara is better than Kathmandu. Pokhara is less polluted and crowded, city of many lakes and home to the best views of the Machhapuchare and Annapurna range. Pokhara is also a preferred tourist destination in Nepal.

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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

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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

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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!

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Explore Pokhara in Under Rs. 19,000

Siddharth Dehl

Last updated: Nov 25, 2022

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Adventure sport such as trekking, boating, canoeing, rafting, mountain biking and paragliding

The four lakes - Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake, Rupa Lake, and Dipang Lake

For local handicraft as you walk along Lakeside

Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurna trekking region of the Himalayas

Why Pokhara?

Pokhara is one of the prime tourist destinations in Nepal . And why shouldn’t it be? The beauty of Phewa Lake and Annapurna Mountains places it right on the top of any Nepal travel itinerary. Pokhara is a mirror to the Himalayas.It ticks all the right boxes with its spectacular scenery, adventure activities and cheap and best travelling and accommodation gallore. Then there is the quintessential World Peace Pagoda that attracts peace lovers from all over the world. The city is the starting point for some of the most amazing treks you can do in Nepal. Already jumping on your seats to book a trip to this quintessential city without burning a hole in your pocket? Here is a guide to help you explore Pokhara at its best and that too in your limited budget. Book Nepal Tourism Package Now!

How to Reach

The easiest way to reach Pokhara is to hop on a flight to Kathmandu and take a tourist bus from there to Pokhara.

Flight: Rs. 10,000 return fare per person. Its well linked with flights flying from all the major cities in India

Bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara: NPR 1000 (INR 700)  

Where to Stay

Shangri-la Village Resort : Sprawling resort with excellent landscaping.  

Tariff: Rs. 4,500 per night

Amenities :Swimming Pool | Gym

Mount Kailsah :A centrally located hotel, right opposite the Phewa Lake. Offering a comfortable stay, warm hospitality and modern amenities. 

Tariff : Rs. 3,500 per night

Amenities :Swimming Pool| Multi Cuisine Restaurant| Restaurant and Bar

The Lakes: Pokhara is adorned with four beautiful lakes, Phewa Lake being the largest and the most beautiful. The other three are Begnas Lake, Rupa Lake, and Dipang Lake. Whether you are tired with all that trekking or just came from a bus ride in hell, Phewa Lake is sure to catch you off guard with its immense beauty. 

Sarangkot: A superb trail for trekkers, you can do this on a bike too. The road to Sarangkot may be steep but the destination renders some amazing views of the sunrise and sunset. There are guesthouses up there and we recommend staying overnight to catch the sunrise in time.

Adventure Sports: Trekking, Boating, Canoeing, Rafting, Mountain Biking, Paragliding – Pokhara offers everything. Once you are there, try a local adventure operator and you might get a really good deal. Instead of going solo to one of these adventures, do it in a group. This will bring your costs down to a minimum.

Where to Eat

Lotus Corner Restaurant and Bar: A short walk out of town right beside the Phewa Lake, the Lotus Corner Restaurant and Bar Serves great food in a picturesque setting. The Turkish coffee and the kebabs are to die for.   

Address: Pokhara-6, Lakeside, Bangladi | Phone No: +977 61-466702

Opening Hours: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Cost: Meal for two costs Rs. 400

Moondance Restaurant: The trout fish at the Moondance Restaurant is a must-try. The service here is good and the staff, friendly.

Address: Central Lakeside, Opposite V.N.Y Park | Phone No: +977 61-461835 Call: +977 61-461835

Opening Hours: 9:00 am - 11:30 pm Cost: Meal for two costs Rs: 300

Olive Café: The Olive Café serves brilliant breakfast and dinner. Rice salad with roasted veggies, tomato soup, sandwiches and burgers are superb here.

Address: Phewa Lakeside | Phone No: +977 61-462575Call: +977 61-462575">

Opening Call: +977 61-462575 Hours: 9:00 am - 11:30 pm Cost: Meal for two costs Rs. 250 Travel Docs: Passport | Visa On Arrival

What's it Going to Cost

Money Saving Tips: You can save on travel by looking out for flight deals well in advance.

Tempted to Spend Some More?

Shopping: There isn’t much you can buy from Nepal. But of course, Nepali jewellery and handmade item are worth a look.

Explore a Nearby Destination:   Chitwan National Park is 134 km away from Pokhara and is well known for its elephant and rhino population, and of course the Bengal Tiger.

Entry Fee: Rs 250~ |   Bus Fare from Pokhara to Chitwan: Rs. 500~

Sneaky Tips

There is no best time to travel to Nepal. It’s all up to you. As usual, planning ahead will save you a lot in terms of airfare and hotel accommodation.

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Siddharth Dehl Follow  

Reluctant writer, daydreamer, TV addict, impulsive runner, obsessive musician, travel enthusiast, and mostly higher powered.

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<a href="http:/... | on 03 July 2018

nice article thanks for sharing.very useful information and good content

bungy jump in nepal | on 20 April 2015

Nice blog many information given about Pokhra

SD Burman | on 06 February 2015

Give me the details and dates of the tour packages of Pokhra...

Sharon | on 04 February 2015

Is july a good time to visit Pokhra?

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3-Day Pokhara Itinerary

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• Pokhara in 3 days
• 1-Day Pokhara Itinerary
• 2-Day Pokhara Itinerary
• 4-Day Pokhara Itinerary
• 5-Day Pokhara Itinerary

Table of contents

Day 1: most popular attractions, day 2: north side of town, day 3: proximity is everything, devi's falls pokhara.

World Peace Pagoda

International Mountain Museum

Tal barahi temple, pokhara lakeside, shree bindhyabasini temple, where to eat, chilly bar & restaurant, roadhouse cafe pokhara, boomerang restaurant and bar, german bakery.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Mahendra Cave

Chamere gufa, seti river gorge, sarangkot sunrise pokhara, gupteshwor mahadev cave, krazy gecko, natssul korean restaurant, krishna's kitchen and cottages, iblues restro.

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

MidTown Cinemas

Polar trekking & expedition pvt. ltd, mount climber trekking garment pvt. ltd., annapurna museum, pokhara trade mall, klod fashion exquisite, big splash waterpark, little windows, sheela bakery, juice box pokhara.

All travel reservations in 1 place

Never dig through your emails again — access all your flights, lodging, and any reservations in 1 place.

Top searches in Pokhara

Popular road trips from pokhara, what's the weather like in pokhara.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Pokhara for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Pokhara in January
• Weather in Pokhara in February
• Weather in Pokhara in March
• Weather in Pokhara in April
• Weather in Pokhara in May
• Weather in Pokhara in June
• Weather in Pokhara in July
• Weather in Pokhara in August
• Weather in Pokhara in September
• Weather in Pokhara in October
• Weather in Pokhara in November
• Weather in Pokhara in December

All road trips from Pokhara

• Pokhara to Kathmandu drive
• Pokhara to New Delhi drive
• Pokhara to Jaipur drive
• Pokhara to Agra drive
• Pokhara to Mumbai drive
• Pokhara to Varanasi drive
• Pokhara to Kolkata (Calcutta) drive
• Pokhara to Udaipur drive
• Pokhara to Hyderabad drive
• Pokhara to Gangtok drive
• Pokhara to Darjeeling drive
• Pokhara to Bengaluru drive
• Pokhara to Lucknow drive
• Pokhara to Jodhpur drive
• Pokhara to Amritsar drive
• Pokhara to Yangon (Rangoon) drive
• Pokhara to Shimla drive
• Pokhara to Manali Tehsil drive
• Pokhara to Ahmedabad drive
• Pokhara to Pune drive
• Pokhara to Chennai (Madras) drive
• Pokhara to Nainital drive
• Pokhara to Srinagar drive
• Pokhara to Mysuru (Mysore) drive
• Pokhara to Thimphu drive
• Pokhara to Jaisalmer drive
• Pokhara to Leh drive
• Pokhara to Chandigarh drive
• Pokhara to Kochi (Cochin) drive

Explore nearby places

• Chitwan National Park
• Siddharthanagar

All related maps of Pokhara

• Map of Pokhara
• Map of Lekhnath
• Map of Ghandruk
• Map of Besisahar
• Map of Baglung
• Map of Chame
• Map of Bandipur
• Map of Manang
• Map of Tansen
• Map of Gaindakot
• Map of Muktinath
• Map of Kurintar
• Map of Bharatpur
• Map of Kagbeni
• Map of Marpha
• Map of Butwal
• Map of Gorkha
• Map of Sauraha
• Map of Parasi
• Map of Dhading
• Map of Chitwan National Park
• Map of Siddharthanagar
• Map of Kerauja
• Map of Lumbini
• Map of Lomanthang
• Map of Nuwakot
• Map of Ramnagar
• Map of Daman
• Map of Hetauda
• Map of Kulekhani
• Map of Kirtipur

Pokhara throughout the year

• Pokhara in January
• Pokhara in February
• Pokhara in March
• Pokhara in April
• Pokhara in May
• Pokhara in June
• Pokhara in July
• Pokhara in August
• Pokhara in September
• Pokhara in October
• Pokhara in November
• Pokhara in December

Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Pokhara?

Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

Day itineraries for nearby cities

• 3-Day Sauraha Itinerary
• 3-Day Lumbini Itinerary

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

Everest Region Trek

Annapurna Region Trek

Langtang & Ganesh Himal

Off the Beaten Path

• Peak Climbing Nepal Island Peak Climbing Mera Peak Climbing Chulu East Peak Climbing Chulu West Peak climbing Pisang Peak Climbing Yala Peak Climbing Lobuche Peak Climbing
• Expedition Everest Expedition Manaslu Expedition Amadablam Expedition

Pokhara Tour Package

• Pokhara City Tour
• Boating at Lake Phewa
• Sarangkot Sunrise View

Accommodation

• 02 Night Deluxe Hotel
• 02 Breakfast

Price starts from

Include/Excludes

Quick inquiry, fixed departure, essential info.

Price starts from US$ 300

Overview & Highlights

Pokhara tour package highlights.

Pokhara Tour Package is probably the best tour that includes the most serene and amazing places. You will experience the most exciting moments while touring the lakes, caves, sunrise viewpoints, paragliding, bungee jumping, zip line flying, and ultra-flying, and boating. It is the desired vacation destination for both foreigners and locals. Therefore, Pokhara is the most popular tourist destination in Nepal. We want to offer the fascinating Pokhara tour package to our valuable customers, woven by experts and presented with unique services and itineraries.

Highlights of Pokhara Tour

·        Mesmerizing sunrise views from Sarangkot hill station

·        Enjoy magnificent views of Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre.

·        Visit amazing caves in Pokhara like Bat and Mahendra Cave.

·        Visit the waterfall of Patale Chango, which rises in Lake Phewa.

·        Enjoy Boating across Lake Phewa to reach the Tal Barahi temple.

·        Paragliding with excellent views of Pokhara city and the surrounding area.

·        Visit the Mountain Museum, learn more about Nepal, its mountains, and its people.

·        Find yourself in picturesque places, often surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Itinerary Highlights

The following itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions and the timing of booking.

Day 01: Drive/Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara

Day 02: Pokhara city sightseeing, including Sarangkot Sunrise Tour

Day 03: Return from Pokhara to Kathmandu 

Overview of Pokhara Tour Package

Pokhara is the second most popular and influential tourist destination in Nepal. Its location is 210 km west of Kathmandu. The altitude of Pokhara is 884m above sea level with a mild climate. Pokhara is the wonderland, "the Switzerland of Nepal." The most popular destination to make your dream come true. A place of remarkable natural beauty. Trip to Pokhara offers beautiful views of Machhapuchhare peak, which rises behind Lake Phewa. This city became the most interesting. It is the best valley that people from all over the world want to visit.

Tour to Pokhara is a combination of the long rows of world-famous snow-capped peaks, emerald green lakes, and turbulent rivers with deep Georges and picturesque villages inhabited by Magar, Gurungs, and Thakalis. There is much to see in the Pokhara Valley, enriched by the lakes Phewa, Begnas, and Rupa, forming in the Annapurna Mountain glacial region in the Himalayas.

Pokhara is one of the most important destinations for international and domestic tourists. Pokhara is the second-largest city in terms of population after Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Pokhara is home to the most important tourist places to visit, which will impress you with its great magnificence. It is endowed with distinctive and social heritage. That is why it is famous for sightseeing and mountain visits and is also the main starting point for all treks and excursions to the Annapurna region.

Pokhara tour package is a complete bundle for every traveller. Pokhara tour package offers alluring views of the high Himalayan mountain ranges, beautiful lakes, mysterious caves, and a glimpse of the multi-ethnic culture. To visit Pokhara city, you can easily reach by land or by air. Kathmandu to Pokhara flight duration is 25 Minute. We will take you to the waterfall's scenic beauty and the mighty deep gorge of Seti River, Mahendra Cave, and K.I.Singh Bridge.

Pokhara is not only known for its nature and cultural tour but also offers various adventure activities. Helicopter tours to Annapurna Base Camp, zip line flight in Pokhara (the most extreme zip line in the world), paragliding, and ultra-light flying are the best things to try.

Sarangkot is a fantastic hill station in Nepal with the best sunrise and Mountain views. Its location is 5 km away from the Shore of Pokhara Lake. It is the tourists' leading destination as it presents the picturesque view of the prominent mountains of the Annapurna region, such as Annapurna massif, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri. You can see a small village just below the viewpoint, which sits atop an old fort. It is also the best place for paragliding to fly over the clear sky.

Sarangkot viewpoint is a miniature version of Poon Hill but offers almost the same scenery and excitement level. We can take you to Sarangkot early in the morning in our private car on our Pokhara trip. The drive time to the viewpoint can be 30-40 minutes, depending on the weather conditions. Our driver will drop you off at the starting point, from where you will have to walk the remaining distance to reach the top. Upon arrival, you will be able to catch the best sunrise over the Himalayas. You can have tea or coffee and return to Pokhara for breakfast.

Pokhara Tour Package Itinerary

Day 01: drive or fly to pokhara - 6/7 hours' drive..

After breakfast at the hotel, drive or fly to Pokhara. By car, it takes about 6-7 hours and by plane for about 25 minutes. You will spend the rest of the time visiting Lake Phewa and taking a boat ride around the lake. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 02: Early morning visit to Sarangkot and sightseeing in Pokhara city.

Today is the most important day of your trip as you will drive to Sarangkot, a vital viewpoint to see the Himalayas. Early in the morning, you will go to Sarangkot to see the magnificent view of the Annapurna range, Machhepuchhre, Himchuli, Manaslu, and many others. After spending a few hours in Sarangkot, drive back to the hotel and have breakfast. After a rest, you will take a sightseeing tour of Pokhara. You will visit Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake, Mahendra Cave, Seti River Gorge, Barahi Temple, Mountain Museum, World Peace Pagoda, etc., which are the most popular places. Overnight at the hotel 

Places you can visit on the Pokhara tour

Devis Waterfall (Patalae Chango)

Devis Waterfall, Known locally as Patale Chango, is an impressive waterfall located about 2 km southwest of Pokhara Airport on Tansen Road. A charming modern legend has it that a foreigner, Mr David, bathed naked in the Pardi Khola (river). The tide came out of the wet and washed him into an underground passage under the waterfall, never to see him again.

Gupteswar Mahadev Cave

After visiting Davis Falls, we leave the road and drive down to see the amazing caves. It is one of the sacred lakes in Pokhara. The entrance distance from Devi waterfall and the cave is almost 3 km. It has an extensive area inside; you can see small temples, and the locals seem to pray here often. This cave has a unique value for Hindus as a phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. You have to pay 5 rupees as an entrance fee. You are not allowed to take pictures in the cave.

Bindhyabasini Temple

Bindhyabasini Hindu temple is a centre of religious activities in the old bazaar. It is the temple of Goddess Bhagwati, another manifestation of Shakti. Devotees come here to make offerings, and, especially on Saturdays, the park-like grounds become a festive fair. It is the best temple to visit on our day trip to Pokhara.

World Peace Pagoda

It is a huge Buddhist stupa standing on a hill on the southern shore of Lake Phewa. The Buddhist monks of the Japanese organization Nipponzan Myohoji built the peace pagoda. Apart from being an impressive sight in itself, the shrine offers spectacular views of the Annapurna mountain range, Lake Phewa, and the city of Pokhara from an elevated point.

Seti Gorges

We visited this place on our trip to Pokhara. Carved by the Seti-Gandaki, the Seti River gorges are among the best places to see in Pokhara. The river has carved a deep and narrow gorge through the city's centre, turning the milky water in the process. It is just north of Old Pokhara, near the Gurkha Museum. You will observe the perfect view of the river's scary flow and the deep gorge created by the white water's turbulent flow.

International Mountain Museum

The International Mountain Museum is about 3 kilometres southeast of Lakeside Pokhara. The museum is accessible by bus and car. It will take you half an hour if you prefer to walk, while it will take you only 10 minutes by car. For those who need a scenic taste of the beautiful roadside, we recommend that you walk. About 70,000 people visit this museum every year. They are amazed by the numerous exhibits of famous peaks, the culture and way of life of people living in the mountains, and plants and animals' biological composition.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 03: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu.

Today after breakfast, drive or fly back to Kathmandu and visit the remaining places in Kathmandu. You will have breakfast at the hotel in the early morning, and our guide will drive you to Kathmandu. 

Includes/Excludes

Which service is included in the package.

International and domestic airport transfers as per the above itinerary.

Three-night accommodation in a deluxe 3-star hotel in Kathmandu on a bed and breakfast plan.

Two-night accommodation in a deluxe 3-star hotel in Pokhara on a bed and breakfast plan

Visit Beautiful places in Kathmandu and Pokhara by private vehicle.

A professional English-speaking tour guide.

Transportation Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu by private vehicle

Additional farewell dinner in a typical Nepalese cultural restaurant.

All-state taxes, VAT, tourism taxes, and official fees.

Which Service is not included in the Package?

International airfare to/from Nepal.

Nepal entry visa fees

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Entrance fees to temples and monasteries.

Cash bills and personal expenses.

Tips and thanks to the staff.

All of our published fixed departure dates are guaranteed. If the date does not match your travel plans, cost and duration of the trip, please contact us for your customized private trip, itinerary and price. As we are a local travel and trekking company based in Kathmandu, we try to find a small private group that suits your travel needs. Let us know what type of trip you are looking for and our travel experts will help you plan your personal trip to your dream destination. Thanks and Namaste!

Pokhara Tour Package Accommodation

We offer accommodation in three-star hotels as per the above itinerary during your Pokhara trip on double or twin-sharing with breakfast. If you wish to upgrade the hotel category at an additional cost, please let us know when confirming your trip. 

Pokhara Tour Package Route Map

Pokhara Tour Package Video

Essential Information

Tourist visa fee

15 days (multiple entries) 25 USD

30 days (multiple entries) 50 USD

90 days (multiple entries) 125 USD

Visa extension (within the period of validity of the visa) 3 USD per day

Visa extension (for multiple entries) additional 25 USD

Visa extension (after visa expiration) a late fee of 5 USD per day.

Your passport validity must be for at least six months at the time of entry.

There must be a blank visa page in the passport.

Regular tourist visas:

Those arriving by air, the visa must be applied at the Nepalese Embassy or Consulate before entry or purchased directly upon arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu. Note: Obtaining the visa on arrival may take some time. When foreigners enter Nepal by land via the Indian border at Belahia, and Nepalese visa fee must pay in U.S. dollars.

Entry into Nepal without a visa and proper entry stamp from an immigration officer is restricted, which carries additional consequences.

 In most parts of Nepal, roads are in poor condition and lack of safety features. Mountain roads, in particular, are prone to blockages due to landslides and erosion during the monsoon season. These conditions result in a large number of accidents and fatalities. Traffic congestion is a significant problem for people living in large cities. Several incidents of traffic violations have been recorded in Kathmandu and other major cities. Many drivers do not have proper training and driving licenses but still drive on the roads. Be alert and avoid getting into such a vehicle.

To drive a two- or four-wheeled vehicle in Nepal, you must have the appropriate license for that vehicle. Otherwise, you have to pay the penalty according to the Highway Code. We suggest that you do not expose yourself to any trouble during your stay in Nepal.

Excursions with overnight stay:

The roads outside Kathmandu Valley are not adequately lit, and the roads' condition is not good. So it is safe if you avoid travelling outside Kathmandu during the night.

Motorcycle tours:

Know the speed limit of motorcycles and observe the safety measures when riding a motorcycle in Nepal. The number of fatal motorcycle accidents has increased drastically throughout Nepal in recent years. Never forget to wear a helmet and protective gear and not ride the motorcycles with more than one person.

Buses and Cabs:

If you must travel by bus, we recommend choosing to travel during the day rather than overnight due to the abnormal road conditions in most rural areas. Long-distance travel can be exhausting, and you may want to ride on the roofs of buses for some adventure. Never ride on dangerous rooftops to avoid accidents and traffic police, as depending on rooftops is against the Highway Code.

Cab rides are much more expensive than bus rides but can be safer and more convenient. All cabs have meters, but cab drivers do not usually charge by the meter. It is best to negotiate the fare before you get into the taxi; otherwise, the taxi driver may overcharge. If you feel you have been cheated, you can contact the traffic police in the nearby street or the local police station and file a complaint.

How much time do I need in Pokhara?

Pokhara is easy to reach from Kathmandu. You can stay one day and come back or stay longer, but we recommend you to spend at least 5-6 days to enjoy every moment in Pokhara.

How to get to Pokhara?

You can travel to Pokhara either by bus or by plane. Both are easy.

How long does the bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara take?

Approx. 6-7 hours

A bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara is said to take about 6-7 hours, although we have never verified this. On average, the travel time is at least 7-8 hours.

How long does it take to get from Kathmandu to Pokhara by flight?

If you take a flight from Kathmandu, it takes about 25 minutes to reach Pokhara. 

Where can I go hiking in Pokhara?

Pokhara is the gateway to Annapurna. Therefore, you can trek to Annapurna Ghorepani, Poonhill, Ghandruk, Dhampus, etc.

The best short hike in Pokhara are as below

• Pokhara to Dhampus with an overnight stay in an Australian camp

• Hike from Australian camp to Dhampus and Sarangkot

• Hike from Sarangkot to Pokhara

• Shanti Stupa Day Hike

• Sarangkot Naudanda Day Hike

What is the weather like in Pokhara?

Pokhara is a beautiful city with a perfect climate. However, there may be rains from time to time, as it is Nepal's rainiest city.

What can you do in Pokhara?

Pokhara is a popular tourist destination and a gateway to Annapurna. Pokhara is the best city to explore, from trekking to other activities. Here is the list of things to do in Pokhara: - Boating on Phewa Lake - Mountain and sunrise view from Sarangkot - Visit the famous David Waterfalls, Gupteshwor Cave, and Mahendra Cave - Short trekking, meditation, and yoga at the World Peace Pagoda - Paragliding, zip line, and bungee jumping. - Trek to Annapurna region - One-day trekking - Hot air balloon ride.

When is the best time to travel to Pokhara?

In Pokhara, you can travel all year round, but March, April, May, September, October, and November are the coolest and perfect seasons.

Is it possible to travel to Pokhara alone?

Yes, it is possible to travel to Pokhara alone as it is close to Kathmandu. However, if you travel with a guide, your trip will be more safe and enjoyable

Pokhara Tour Package Reviews

Total reviews: 5.

by Monika Rothstein, Germany

Highly recommended

We choose Nepal tour & trekking Service Ltd to organize our trip to Nepal. Everything was perfect. Kishor, the Manager of the agency ideal person to arrange any trekking tour in Nepal. The same goes for the tour guides of the agency with whom we had contact. In short, this is a serious and efficient agency that we will use again on our next trip to Nepal.

by Olivia Bakke, Norway

My experience on the trip to Nepal

I had a fantastic trip to Nepal. All thanks to the team of Kishor. The trip was very well organized and coordinated. Our guides were all friendly and helpful. We were also very fortunate to have a very experienced and efficient driver who took us safely to all the sites. Nepal Tour & Trekking Service P. Ltd is a safe and reliable company. They are honest in their business and very reliable. I would contact them again for my next trekking trip.

by Kirsi Tainio, Finland

Excellent Trip

Kishor and his trekking company organized my first trip to Nepal. I could not have asked for better organization of my visit to Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara, and the 5-day trek through Poonhill and the foothills of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Everything went well, and it was a great experience. I would highly recommend Kishor's service and give a big thank you to him and his experts' team.

by Ashley Bowhay, Australia

An unforgettable visit to Nepal

Mr Kishor and his team very well organized our trip. He is very polite, humble, and punctual. We never had to follow up on anything. We had all our pickups and drop-offs well organized. We stayed at his recommended hotel, booked by him, and our stay there was very comfortable, and they took care a lot. We did the Everest flight in Kathmandu and Paragliding in Pokhara, both fantastic; we also visited the Pashupatinath Temple and the Peace Stupa, all well organized by Kishor. Overall we had a great experience with the right mix of adventure, pilgrimage, and fun in the city. I highly recommend this company for your travel arrangements. 

by Loren J. Aguilar, USA

We enjoyed our trip fullest and without stress.

We are very grateful to Mr Kishor and his team for arranging a wonderful trip and a memorable vacation for my family in May 2018. I decided to go to Nepal at the last minute, but Kishor helps me make a good itinerary with all the experiences we were looking for. We took the flight to Mount Everest from Kathmandu, which was a great surprise for my kids. 

Our trip included Kathmandu and Pohara with a short hike to Ghandruk, where we stayed one night in a local tea house. It was a perfect balance of activities during our trip. The whole trip went smoothly, thanks to Rabin, our excellent trek guide. We were stress-free and thoroughly enjoyed the trip. We will be back for our next vacation and have already recommended them to family and friends.

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Pokhara Prices & Travel Costs

Nepal’s tourist capital is where most people quickly head to after arriving in Kathmandu, and most would agree that Pokhara does live up to the hype. It’s a serene and picturesque hang-out town for those on either side of many of Nepal’s best and most famous treks, including the Annapurna circuit.

Travel Costs to Pokhara

Accommodation costs in pokhara.

Fortunately, in addition to being pleasant and attractive, Pokhara is also quite cheap. Hotels can get a bit pricey during April, May, October, and November, but even during those times cheap rooms will be available if you plan ahead a bit. There’s a boom in new hotels going up, so prices should come down, if anything.

Pokhara Hotel Seasons

Hotels in Pokhara understandably follow the weather patterns closely. April and May are the high season, while October and November could be considered the peak season, since things are even more crowded. Outside of those two periods you can get rates that are half or even less, but it’ll be cold and/or rainy and/or hazy most of the time you are there.

Pokhara Hotel Prices

Pokhara hostels prices, pokhara attractions prices, pokhara food and drink prices.

Food and drinks are also great bargains in Pokhara, especially considering the quality and choice available. Dozens of restaurants have nearly identical menus, featuring foods from around the world in addition to the cheaper local fare. Beers are quite cheap too, as are cocktails using the local rums.

Featured articles

Pokhara transport prices, when to visit pokhara, temperature and rainfall, pokhara weather advice.

Pokhara weather has very distinct seasons, in spite of relatively mild temperatures all year. From December through March it’s hazy, and cool nights are made much worse by a complete lack of heating at all but the high-end hotels. April and May are perfect, clear, and crowded. June through September is the rainy season, where most trekking is either impossible or inadvisable. October and November are perfect again, and even more crowded than Spring.

Sunrise and sunset

Where to go before and after.

Pokhara Tour Package

• Trip Duration 3 Days
• Trip Grade Easy
• Destination Nepal
• Trip Type Tour
• Accommodation 3 Star (or greater) Hotel
• Transport Tourist Bus

Pokhara Tour Package with 2 Nights 3 Days Itinerary and Cost

One of the most popular tour packages in Nepal is the 2 Nights 3 Days Pokhara Tour brought to you by Welcome Nepal Treks. It is the tour that comprises the most amazing and magnificent places with some of the best adventurous activities to try and make memories for life. The national and international tourists both love a trip to Pokhara. The best way of exploring the queen of cities- Pokhara Valley is via the 2 Nights 3 Days Pokhara Trip.

Starting from paragliding, zip-flying to boating, ultraflight you are all in for an adventurous and fun time while in Pokhara. The most magnificent tourist destination in Nepal is the embodiment of nature, adventure, and nightlife. The nightlife of Pokhara is one of the most amazing experiences you will have. Being an easy trip for people of all ages, Pokhara Tour is popular as the Nepal Tour Package for Couple and Family.

The Pokhara Tour is about exploring the most diversified tourist destination in Nepal that brings you everything in a single trip. The sunrise watching from Sarangkot, picturesque Mahendra Cave exploration, boating on Fewa Lake, and looking at the gorgeous Davis Falls, everything you do in Pokhara brings you one step closer to nature. Not only this, you can visit Bindhyabasini Temple and Tal Barahi Temple to bring forward your religious persona to life. All in all, the overall experience of the Pokhara Trip is monstrous and magical.

Important Notes During Pokhara Tour

• While booking, we need the photocopy of your passport and you have to pay us a minimum of 10% payment of the total cost as advance.
• Nepal has a rich cultural heritage, and it's crucial to respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites, and remove your shoes before entering temples and monasteries.
• Always seek permission before taking photographs of people, especially in rural areas. Some locals may not be comfortable with photography, so it's essential to respect their privacy.
• Beverages, snacks, are not included in our packages, so you have to pay additional cash.
• You should have comprehensive travel insurance that covers tour activities including medical expenses and emergency evacuation.
• Carry a reusable water bottle and use water purification tablets like iodine, aquatabs tablets.
• Pack your clothes according to the seasonal basis.
• Carry enough Nepalese rupees for your trip, as not all places may accept credit cards.
• We suggest you not to book your international flights early as there may be sudden change in weather which will make your flights delay or even cancel.
• Be conscious of your environmental impact and practice responsible tourism. Dispose of waste properly, minimize plastic usage, and support local businesses and communities.

Major Highlights

• Explore World Peace Pagoda
• Visit International Mountain Museum
• Boating on Fewa Lake
• Gaze the mysterious Davis Falls
• Experience the joy of watching sunrise from Sarangkot
• Explore Mahendra Cave and Gupteshwor Cave
• Dive deep into the nightlife of Pokhara
• Walk along the streets of Pokhara
• Paragliding and UltraFlights

Trip Gallery

Day 1: Drive or fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara

Morning after breakfast from Kathmandu departure 8:00 am in the morning by private ac car then it takes around 6 to 7 hour but if you go by flight so we can move from kathmandu to pokhara about 9 am to 11 am. After hotel check in you have free time for visit lakeside city and self-boating on the Fewa Lake or visit lake side. Overnight at City Inn hotel or Mount View Pokhara.

• Day tour time: By drive 6-7 Hour or by Flight 25 Min
• Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel

Day 2: Sunrise and Himalayan View from Sarangkot and Day city tour in Pokhara

Early morning (4:30 am to 5:30 am) depends on season sunrise from sarangkot where you see Sunrise view and Annapurna Himalaya range including Mt fishtail, Himchuli, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and many more then visit Bindavashani temple on the way to hotel take a breakfast. 

After Breakfast about 11 am we are visiting international mountain meusum, Davis fall, Guptshore cave, Pumdikot Tallest Shiva Temple and World Peace stupa. 

Note: After Breakfast this is option first do adventure Activities like (Paragliding, Ultra flight tour, Annapurna Base camp Heli tour, Bunge jump and Zip flyer.) Then After 3 pm we are heading to sightseeing. 

Overnight at City Inn hotel or Mount View Pokhara.

• Day tour time: 8 Hour

Day 3: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu or chitwan

morning having a breakfast at hotel and around  8:30 am drive back to kathmandu and it takes approx. 6-7 hour to reached at kathmandu or drive to chitwan it takes about 4 to 5 hour but if you want to come by flight then you can come back about 11 am to until evening flight to kathmandu or chitwan. 

• From kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to kathmandu by Private ac vehicle or flight 
• All deluxe hotel (3 star) accommodation as per the itinerary with breakfast
• Comfortable private vehicle / as per itinerary for sightseeing in pokhara
• Entrance ticket for Pokhara Sightseeing
• All our government taxes, vat, official expenses & service charg
• Lunch & Evening meals 

Useful Information

What to bring in pokhara tour package.

• Comfortable clothing
• Comfortable footwear
• Sun protection
• Travel documents
• Cash and cards
• First aid kit
• Water bottles
• Personal hygiene items
• Small backpack
• Guide book or maps
• Flashlight or Headlamp
• Insect Repellent
• Basic Toiletries

Internet, Wi-Fi, Hot Water Shower Facilities During 2 Nights 3 Days Pokhara Tour Package

2 nights 3 days Pokhara Tour Package provides modern comforts for a smooth experience. Internet, Wi-Fi and hot water shower facilities are available 24 hrs. Reliable internet access and Wi-Fi facilities allows you to stay connected. Additionally, hot water shower facilities are available, ensuring a comfortable and refreshing stay. These amenities enhance the overall convenience and enjoyment of the tour, combining the scenic beauty of Pokhara with essential modern comforts for a memorable travel experience.

Risks During 2 Nights 3 Days Pokhara Tour Package

• During the 2 nights 3 days Pokhara tour, like any travel experience, there are certain risks and challenges to be aware of. Here are some of the risks:
• Unpredictable weather
• Political demonstrations and strikes
• Scams and fraud
• Road and traffic conditions
• Noise pollution and crowding
• Cultural misunderstandings due to unfamiliar customs and practices.
• Communication barriers due to language differences

Guides During 2 Nights 3 Days Pokhara Tour Package

Having a guide during 2 nights 3 days Pokhara tour can enhance your overall experience. Guides are typically locals or individuals familiar with the area. They possess in-depth knowledge about the history, culture, and traditions of Pokhara. Guides can offer cultural context and background information about the places you visit. This adds depth to your experience, allowing you to appreciate the significance of landmarks, traditions, and customs. In a foreign destination, language barriers can be a challenge. Having a guide who is fluent in the local language and English can facilitate communication, making interactions with locals smoother and more enjoyable.

ATM and Money Exchange Facilities During 2 Nights 3 Days Pokhara Tour Package

During your 2 nights and 3 days Pokhara tour, you can easily find ATM facilities in the city, particularly in the Lakeside area, which is a popular tourist hub. Numerous banks and ATMs are conveniently located allows you to withdraw Nepalese Rupees for your expenses. Additionally, money exchange facilities are also available in Pokhara, enabling you to convert major foreign currencies into local currency.

Can I Join the Group 2 Nights 3 Days Pokhara Tour Package?

Welcome Nepal Treks offer 2 nights and 3 days Pokhara tour packages that allow solo travelers or small groups to join a pre-organized tour with other like-minded travelers. Group tours are a popular option for those who want to explore the destinations with a group of people, share experiences, and enjoy the company of fellow travelers. When booking a group tour, you can choose from various itineraries and departure dates offered by us. The group size can vary, so you can inquire about the maximum number of participants in each group to ensure you are comfortable with the group dynamics.

Can I Book Private 2 Nights 3 Days Pokhara Tour Package?

Yes, you can book a private the 2 nights and 3 days Pokhara tour with Welcome Nepal Treks. We can customize the tour itinerary based on your preferences, fitness level, and time constraints. We also offer greater flexibility in terms of starting dates, pace, and the ability to adjust the itinerary as needed during the trek. With a private tour, you can receive more personalized attention and support from the trekking crew and guides. Welcome Nepal Treks provide a more comfortable and intimate experience, as you won't be trekking with a large group of strangers.

Insurance During 2 Nights 3 Days Pokhara Tour package

Having travel insurance is highly recommended during 2 nights 3 days Pokhara Tour Package. Travel insurance provides financial protection and peace of mind in case of unexpected events or emergencies during your trip. Travel insurance typically includes coverage for medical expenses, including hospitalization, doctor’s visits, and emergency medical evacuation if needed. This is especially crucial in Nepal, where access to medical facilities can be limited in some remote areas. While no one plans for accidents or emergencies, having travel insurance ensures that you are financially protected and well-supported in case the unexpected happens during your tour.

Booking and Payment Policies of 2 Nights 3 Days Pokhara Tour Package

If you want to book the 2 nights 3 days Pokhara tour with Welcome Nepal Treks then, we need the photocopy of your passport and you have to pay us a minimum of 10% payment of the total cost as advance. You can pay us through different medium like cash, bank transfer, or online. We accept booking deposits through Credit Cards (Master Card or Visa and many more). You can also pay us direct cash. We also accept your last minute booking but the booking should be done at least before one day prior to the trip departure date. If you have any question regarding the tour, then feel free to contact us.

Trip Extension After 2 Nights 3 Days Pokhara Tour Package

Extending your trip after this tour can be a fantastic idea, as Nepal offers a diverse range of attractions and experiences beyond its rich cultural heritage. Here are some trip extension options you might consider:

• Langtang Valley Trek
• Upper Mustang Trek
• Everest Base Camp Trek
• Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
• Bardia National Park Safari
• Chitwan National Park
• Annapurna Base Camp
• Rara Lake Trek
• Manaslu Circuit Trek
• Tansen and Palpa
• Lumbini and Buddhist Circuit
• Pokhara Adventure Activities
• Kalinchowk Temple Trek
• Gosainkunda Trek

Weather and Climate in Pokhara | Pokhara Tour Weather Forecast

Pokhara has one of the most unpredictable weather and climate. One thing is for sure that Pokhara is the city that receives the highest amount of rainfall in Nepal i.e Pokhara is wet throughout the year. Overall, the climate of Pokhara is little humid and subtropical with moderate temperatures. The temperature range in Pokhara during summer is around 26°C- 30°C. It is not a fixed analytics, but based on the latest statistics. Meanwhile, the temperature range during winter shifts back and forth -2°C-17°C.

If you see the weather forecast in Pokhara at any time, chances are high that there will be moderate rain. So, you need to prepare of rain at all times of the year. It is better to carry umbrella with you all the time when you are out on the streets of Pokhara for exploration. Pokhara is for all the travelers who don’t like tropical and dry climate.  You don’t sweat a lot when you are on a trip to Pokhara as the weather is not so hot.

Meals and Drinks in Pokhara Tour Package | Pokhara Trip Food and Delicacies

Pokhara is the tourist hub of Nepal. No matter which trek you are about to go on, you need to go to Pokhara in one way or the other. It is the pre-trekking destination where you have your appetizer before a long trekking journey. The 2 Nights 3 Days Pokhara Trip is fully about exploring everything about Pokhara including the meals and delicacies that this awesome valley has in store for every food lover from the globe.

When in Pokhara, it’s your time to enjoy some of the best cuisines from the world. Being a tourist destination, there are restaurants serving food from all the corners of the world. The cuisines also offer the local delicacies that are made on every house in Nepal. Dal-bhaat, dhido, roti, curry, Newari dish, etc are some of the best dishes you wil have in Pokhara. Talking about the meals, you will have breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner. The cost of the meals you will have in hotels you are staying will be under the travel package. However, if you want to eat outside in any other cuisines, you need to pay for it separately.

You will be surprised to have the food that you have in your home country when you are in Pokhara. The breakfasts in most of the hotels in Pokhara include pork bacons, sausages, hash browns, sauteed mushrooms, and baked beans with any juices of your choice. It gives you the best start for a lovely day ahead. One of the most popular dishes in Nepal that you can’t miss out on is the momos (dumplings). If you come to Nepal, you can’t miss out having momos. One of the famous dishes in Pokhara is the fish dish around Begnas Lake which you should definitely eat once you are there. The drinks you will have in Pokhara Tour cana be anything from a sugarcane juice, lassi, sodawater, or a glass of beer. It depends on your choice and interest.

Hotel and Accommodation in Pokhara Tour Package | Pokhara Trip Hotels

Pokhara being one of the most beautiful and tourist visiting cities has some of the best hotels and lodges that provide you the best lodging and fooding services. You will be staying in 3 star hotels and will be enjoying the best service provided by them.

Welcome Nepal Treks gives you the opportunity to stay in hotels that have been in the hotel industry for a very long time and have been serving customers from all around the world. The services you will be getting in the hotels and lodges in Pokhara are Free Wifi and room service, swimming pools, attached bathrooms, big bedrooms, and other services. Pokhara provides you the best hotel staying experience in Nepal. You will be in awe of every service you get from the best hotels in the country.

Things to do in Pokhara | Places to visit during Pokhara Tour Package

Pokhara Tour can be the best experience of your life if you sort out what to do there and where to visit. There are a number of things you can try in Pokhara with some of the best natural and historical heritages. Following are the top places to visit and things to do in Pokhara Tour.

Top Places to visit during Pokhara Tour Package | Best Pokhara Tour Places to visit in 2022/2023

Mahendra Cave

Mahendra Cave is a historical and natural heritage located in Batulechaur, Kaski District. It is popular for stalagmites and stalacites. If you are in Pokhara and don’t go to Mahendra Cave, you will miss out on a great nature’s wonder.

World Peace Pagoda

Out of eighty peace pagodas in the world, two are in Nepal. One is in Lumbini and the other is in Pokhara. A visit to World Peace Pagoda is a must thing to do when you are in Pokhara. It is like the #1 thing to do in Pokhara. It is a monument that is the symbol of peace, equality and serenity. When you visit there you get whole new vibe of peace, co-operation and serenity.

Out of many great sunrise viewpoints, there are numerous in Nepal too. Sarangkot is a place located in Pokhara that is located at a higher altitude where you can reach via a 20 min ride from the city. The perfect way to start your morning will be by the sunrise view from Sarangkot which will be alive in your mind and heart forever. Sunrise watching from Sarangkot is a great activity to try in Pokhara. You don’t get chances like this again and again.

Fewa Lake and Begnas Lake

Also known as the city of lakes, Pokhara is a home to many lakes. Out of many lakes, Fewa Lake and Begnas Lake are two of the most popular. A boating on Fewa Lake will sway away your every problem and worry. Meanwhile, having a fish dish near to the Begnas Lake will be a perfect brunch in the lap of the nature. Seeing the mountains while boating on the lakes is like a whole different experience which you will adore until the end.

Davis Falls

Whenever you see a waterfall in any pictures and if there is Pokhara written, chances are high that it is Davis Falls. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Pokhara, Davis Falls holds a natural process and is the point where Pardi Khola disappears. Imagine clicking a picture with Davis Falls on the background, it will be magnificent.

International Mountain Museum

As Nepal is the land of mountains and is known to the whole world as  a trekkers’ paradise. Not everyone know about the history and the importance the mountains have in the country. So, a visit to the International Mountain Museum gives you all the information regarding the mountaineering and trekking and you will dive deep into the incredible achievements that have been done over the course of the mountain climbing and trekking.

Best Things to Do in Pokhara Tour Package

When in doubt, you need to make yourself out. Out like out in nature reliving the true essence of what it’s like to fall in love with Mother Nature all over again. Some of the most adventurous things you can do in Nepal come alive during your trip to Pokhara. Here is a list of some of the best things to do in Pokhara and it all comes true during your Pokhara Tour.

• Sunrise Watching from Sarangkot
• Paragliding
• Water touch Bungee Jump
• Ultra Flights
• Sightseeing Tour from Helicopter
• Getting familiar with the pre-trekking rituals

It also answers the biggest question under Pokhara Tour FAQs which is “ Is Pokhara worth visiting? | Is a Pokhara Tour worth it?” After knowing about all the best things about Pokhara Tour, you can answer it yourself. It is worth every penny and sweat you shed on the trip. It is a lifetime experience and you can’t miss out on this moment.

Pokhara Tour Package Cost and Price | Pokhara Tour Cost for Nepali

The cost of Pokhara Tour depends on the itinerary, number of travelers and the hotels you are staying in. The popular 4 Nights 3 Days Pokhara Tour Cost ranges from around US$ 300- US$350. Meanwhile, the most popular 2 Nights 3 Days Pokhara Tour Cost ranges from US$150- US$200. It is exclusive of all the other extra shopping and tip expenses. If you are going on a group Pokhara Tour, you will be rewarded with a great discount. So, if you are planning to come on a Pokhara trip, make sure to bring some friends with you. It doesn’t only cut out the expenses but also provides you the perfect company of exploring the city of lakes.

The Pokhara Tour Cost for Nepali is similar to the above mentioned expense which is US$150- US$200. The expenses can go up if you are more into going nightclubs and partying. However, it doesn’t matter how much does it cost to enjoy on the trip. Every penny you spend on the Pokhara Trip will be worth it. The tour to Pokhara doesn’t cost a fortune, but you will be fortunate to get into the outskirts and inside of Pokhara.

Pokhara Group and Private Tour 2022 |  Pokhara Tour Package for Family and Couple

Being the easiest trip in Nepal, Pokhara Tour is a popular coule and family tour. It has a subtropical climate. So, everyone will have no problem with the weather as they have wiith tropical places. Most couples prefer going to Pokhara for a great honeymoon. Pokhara has so many places for couples to make every moment count. Starting off with a sunrise view to ending with a nightout at a club is a great thing to try while in Pokhara.

The difficulty level of Pokhara Tour is very easy. It is accessible by people of all age groups. So, it is a popular Nepal Family Tour Package. You can come with your family to the gorgeous city of lakes and have a lifetime experience. The Pokhara Tour Difficulty Level is like a boon to every tour lover who wants to dive deep into the beauty of Pokhara.

The best part is Welcome Nepal Treks organize both group and Private Pokhara Tours. If you have a large number of traveling partners with you, you will get heavy discounts. WNT handles any size of the group and each group is assigned with an English speaking guide. Not only English speaking guides, there are multilingual guides who are assigned as per the group’s needs. The only difference between Private Pokhara Tour and Group Pokhara Tour will be the cost. The private tour is little more expensive than the group tour.

Where to book your next 2 Nights 3 Days Pokhara Tour Package?

Whenever there comes a talk about where to book the Nepal Tour Packages, there might come many names. However, Welcome Nepal Treks comes on top of the list of travel agencies that provides the best tour service. Having been in the travel industry for more than a decade, you will get all sorts of services with heavy discounts on loyal travelers. It is the best place that provides you an opportunity to make your next vacation a golden page in your book of life. There are various reasons or say the pros of booking Pokhara Tour with Welcome Nepal Treks which you will be finding out.

Why book Pokhara Tour Package with Welcome Nepal Treks?

What are the benefits of booking a Pokhara Tour with one of the best tour operators in the country? Well, this question may be trending in the travel niche. Here is a bit of the pros of booking your next Pokhara Tour with Welcome Nepal Treks that will definitely make your day better.

• Best Hotel Service by 3 star hotels at a reasonable price
• Free Pickup and Dropoff from and to the airport
• Loyalty points for old customers
• Services of a multilingual guide
• Cultural parties during welcome and farewell programmes
• Tourist bus service
• Private jeep service according to your need
• Guaranteed adventurous activities in the to-do list
• Extra services and Heavy discounts on regular customers

Q1. How can I plan a trip to Pokhara?

The foremost thing before going on any trip is the planning. To plan a beautiful trip to one of the gorgeous cities, you need to check on the internet about Pokhara. There are various sites and videos that provide you information about the awesome place. Then comes the time when you will be visiting. Half way while researching you will get to know about the best time to explore the city. And finally choosing the travel agency which makes it easier for you to plan the trip and by fortune, Welcome Nepal Treks is always there for you to serve you. However, it doesn’t mean that you can’t travel alone to Pokhara. You can travel alone too. But, the tour is always better with travel buddies, Right?

Q2. What is the cost of Nepal Tour?

There is no any fixed answer about what is the cost of Nepal Tour. Nepal Tour is not only about Pokhara Tour. Nepal Tour means traveling all around Nepal. It is a generic question. Chitwan Tour, Lumbini Tour, Kathmandu Tour, and Pokhara Tour all combine for a Nepal Tour. Also, the trekking packages come under Nepal Tour. So, to know about the cost of Nepal Tour, you need to check out all those tours and calculate the cost. The cost around $1500- $5000 is perfect for Nepal Tour but it comes under terms and conditions.

Q3. How many days are enough for Pokhara Tour or Nepal Tour?

Traveling is never enough. Even though you take one month to travel, it will always feel like there is more to explore. But, talking about a general view, 4-5 days is enough for a Pokhara Tour. But, if you want to experience every adventurous activity in Pokhhara, you will need 2 weeks minimum. It all depends on the traveler’s choices. Talking about Nepal Tour, you will need at least 1-2 months to fully travel Nepal and experience most of the fun activites that are there to be experienced in this lovely mountainous country.

Q4. Do we find money-exchanges in Pokhara?

Pokhara is a tourist hub and the place where every pre-trekking rituals take place. It is the gateway to most treks in Nepal. You will find many money-exchagnes in Pokhara from where you can exchange your currency to Nepalese Rupees. You can go all by yourself to exchange your money or ask your tour planner to do that for you. Both are fine.

Q5. Which currency is the best to use in Pokhara?

You can use any currency in Pokhara. But, the best currency to use in Pokhara is the Nepalese Rupees (NPR). It is because you will feel easy to spend that money. You don’t have to check the exchange rate at every shops you go into. You just need to exchange your money one time and can spend accordingly. It eliminates the tediousness of checking exchange rate at every shops and hotels. Not only has this, tipping become easier too.

Q6. Is it mandatory to give tips in Pokhara?

Talking about tipping, it is not mandatory to give tips in Pokhara. However, you can always reward the people who do so much for you to provide the best services. Tipping makes them happier and more motivated to do their work in the best way satisfying customers. You can give tips in Pokhara, but you need to make sure you don’t give them a huge sum of money. You also need to check out on your expenses.

Q7. Can I travel to Pokhara by Bus?

Traveling on a tour bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara is a great experience to have. It opens the door of opportunities to check out the lovely mountains talking to you the way of nature and the magnificent water bodies beside the highway. You will meet many like-minded travelers like you on the bus. You can make great buddies who may become your friends for life. If it is monsoon, it is a hectic journey via the bus as there are chances of landslides and you need to stay inside the bus for a very long time. It is indeed a pain if that happens unfortunately.

All in all, 2 Nights 3 Days Pokhara Tour is a perfect embodiment of nature, nightlife, and mountain vistas. If you have time for holiday, this can be the best decision you have made in your entire life. Welcome Nepal Treks brings to you the 2 Nights 3 Days Pokhara Tour that will make your heart and mind happy forever and ever. A perfect family time or a couple’s start to a new journey, Pokhara Tour can be the supreme choice.

What Our Clients Say

Funtime with Family in the city of lakes

I went to Pokhara Tour with my family via Welcome Nepal Treks. And What an experience it was. I loved everything about the trip. First, the tour planner and the services we get to enjoy there. Everything was arranged seamlessly. The guide with us on the Pokhara Trip was very friendly and helped us to know a lot about the places in depth. All in all, it was a great experience with Welcome Nepal Treks. 100% Recommended.

Pokhara Tour Package 2017

Me and my girlfriend visited Pokhara city, the place of beautiful lakes lies in the Annapurna mountain range. The city of Pokhara looks like every traveller’s heaven. We found pokhara as major tourist hotspot of Nepal where we enjoy greenery, lakes, mountains and beautiful people. The place seems god gifted, we gathered many pleasing moments out there. Thank you Mr. Hari and his team for this lovely trip.

You May Also Like

• Bardia National Park Jungle safari Tour
• Kathmandu Chitwan Tour
• Kathmandu Chitwan Pokhara Tour
• Muktinath Tour Package

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• Travel Planning Guide

A Travel Price Comparison for Nepal Pokhara vs. Kathmandu for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

• Which is Cheaper, Pokhara or Kathmandu? (Travel Cost Comparison)

Which is Bigger, Pokhara or Kathmandu?

Should you visit pokhara or kathmandu, which is cheaper to visit which is more expensive for vacation.

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pokhara and Kathmandu can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Pokhara or Kathmandu?

Pokhara is the second largest city in Nepal and is strategically located near the popular Annapurna Circuit . The Annapurna Circuit, or the "Apple Pie Trail", is a popular trek through the Annapurna Valley that makes a circular route through stunning mountainous landscapes. Several other trekking options can be found in this region, too. Many people use Pohkara as a place to prepare or recover from their recently completed treks because it is less intimidating than the larger city of Kathmandu.

Kathmandu is the capital and largest city in the country of Nepal. Its metropolitan area forms one large urban area that includes the area of Patan to the south. As of 2011 there were 2.5 million residents in the Kathmandu metropolis and over 3 million in the entire metropolitan area. Kathmandu is likely to be your entry point into Nepal and is a great place to pick up supplies and arrange the details for any treks you hope to do. Many travelers rush through Kathmandu, turned off by the pollution and crowds, but to skip Kathmandu is to miss a major cultural, financial, and influential part of what defines the country of Nepal. The city itself is quite fun to explore if you allow it enough time and an open mind.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal , The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal , The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Nepal , and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nepal .

Which place is cheaper, Kathmandu or Pokhara?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

• Pokhara Prices Nepal Prices Kathmandu Prices Nepal Prices
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day Pokhara $ 19 Kathmandu $ 57

The average daily cost (per person) in Pokhara is $19, while the average daily cost in Kathmandu is $57. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Pokhara and Kathmandu in more detail.

Accommodation

• Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person Pokhara $ 3.92 Kathmandu $ 40
• Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room Pokhara $ 7.84 Kathmandu $ 80

Compare Hotels in Pokhara and Kathmandu

Looking for a hotel in Pokhara or Kathmandu? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Pokhara

Hotels in Kathmandu

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.

Local Transportation

• Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. Pokhara $ 7.65 Kathmandu $ 6.95

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pokhara

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Pokhara:

• Short Taxi Ride $ 0.75

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pokhara

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pokhara:

• Pokhara Airport Shuttles & Private Transfer: $15
• Pokhara Airport To Lakeside Transfer Service: $27
• Ayurvedic Spa Retreat with Transfers: $48
• World Peace Pagoda Guided Tour with Transfers: $51
• Whitewater River Rafting Tour with Hotel Transfers: $69
• Comfortable One-Way Car Transfer from Pokhara to Lumbini: $78
• Private Transfer to Kathmandu by Car, Jeep & Hiace: $78
• Private Transfer to Kathmandu by Car: $78
• One way transfer To or From Chitwan: $78
• From Bungee Jumping with Hotel Transfers: $93
• Private Transfer:- Pokhara to Chitwan (Sauraha) by car: $97
• Kathmandu: Private Transfer From or To Pokhara: $117

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kathmandu

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Kathmandu:

• Taxi Ride $ 1.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kathmandu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kathmandu:

• Day Trip to Water and Amusement Park and Kirtipur sightseeing with Transfer : $87
• Deluxe Toyota Coaster Mini Bus Transfer From Kathmandu to Pokhara or V. V. : $22
• From Kathmandu To Ramechhap Airport - Private Transfer: $171
• From Bungee Jump over Bhotekosi River & Transfer: $160
• From One-Way Private Transfer to Pokhara: $148
• From Private car transfer to Pokhara: $117
• Kathmandu - Arrival transfer from airport to hotel : $12
• Kathmandu - Private departure transfer from Hotel to Airport : $15
• Kathmandu Airport Arrival transfer: $20
• Kathmandu Airport Transfer: $16
• Kathmandu Airport Transfer: $30
• Kathmandu Ramechhap Airport Transfer: $31

Is it cheaper to fly into Pokhara or Kathmandu?

Prices for flights to both Kathmandu and Pokhara change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.

• Food Meals for one day Pokhara $ 8.11 Kathmandu $ 8.31

Typical Food Prices in Pokhara

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Pokhara:

• Dinner for Two $ 4.51
• Dessert (for 2) $ 3.01
• Pastries $ 1.50
• Dinner $ 6.39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pokhara

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pokhara.

• Nepali cultural dinner night in Pokhara: $21
• Nepalese Momos/ Dal Bhat Cooking Class (Cook with Delight): $25
• Nepalese Kitchen in Momos or Dal Bhat Cooking Class: $39
• Nepalese Kitchen in Pokhara Momos or Dal Bhat Cooking Class: $40
• MoMo or Dal Bhat Cooking Class at Aama Kitchen in Pokhara: $41
• 3 Hour Authentic Nepali Thakali Dish Cooking Class: $45
• From Pokhara:3 Hour authentic fish curry cooking class: $51
• 3 Hours Momo Cooking class in Pokhara: $60
• 3 Hours Momo Cooking class in Pokhara: $70
• Typical Nepali Snack set cooking class in Pokhara: $74
• Organic Farm Tour and Cooking Class at Durku: $115
• Pokhara 4 Hours Private Indian Authentic Naga Dish Cooking Class: $115

Typical Food Prices in Kathmandu

Some typical examples of dining costs in Kathmandu are as follows:

• Dessert $ 1.35
• Dinner for Two $ 3.01

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kathmandu

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kathmandu.

• Momo Making & Cooking class in Thamel with Pickup: $8.56
• Half Day cooking class in Kathmandu by Local Chefs & Pickup: $9.34
• Best Half-Day Nepali Cooking Class & Hotel Pickup: $9.50
• Best Half day cooking class in Thamel Kathmandu with Pickup: $10
• Dinner with Cultural Show Kathmandu : $12
• Cooking Class in Thamel Kathmandu by Local Chef with pickup: $13
• Cultural Dinner Show with Traditional Dance: $17
• Nepali Cooking Class in Thamel, Kathmandu with Pickup: $19
• Nepali and Newari Cooking Class with Optional …: $22
• Half Day Cooking Class in Thamel with Local Market Visit: $23
• Food Tour In Kathmandu With Walking Local Market: $23
• Nepali cooking class and Homestay experience : $25

Entertainment

• Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc. Pokhara $ 7.28 Kathmandu $ 8.04

Tours and Activities in Pokhara

Here are a few actual costs in Pokhara for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

• Tourist Bus Ticket (From Kathmandu Sofa Bus ): $0.12
• Guided Evening Walking Tour in Lakeside: $6.23
• Full Day Pokhara City Sightseeing by Sharing Bus Group Tour: $6.70
• Sightseeing tour (Unguided) in Sharing Bus: $9.26
• Visit Best Seven Tourist Destination by Sharing Bus: $10
• Group Joining Sarangkot Sunrise Tour : 3-Hour From Pokhara: $10
• Pokhara City Tour in Sharing Bus: $10
• Group Joining Sarangkot Sunrise Himalayas Tour: $11
• Pokhara/Baidam: Himalayas Sunrise Views from Sarangkot Tour: $12
• Sarangkot Sunrise Spectacle: Unforgettable Tour from Pokhara: $12
• City Tour in Sharing Bus : $12
• Kathmandu to Pokhara Luxury Tourist Bus Ticket: $13

Typical Entertainment Prices in Kathmandu

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kathmandu are as follows:

• Monkey Temple for Two $ 1.50
• Patan Durbar Square Entrance for Two $ 3.76
• Swayambhunath Stupa $ 1.50

Tours and Activities in Kathmandu

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kathmandu are as follows:

• Discover Kathmandu on a day cycling tour! (Minimum 4 people): $0.19
• Kathmandu Heritage Sightseeing Tour: $1.01
• Private Tour Chandragiri Hills and Kathmandu Durbar Square : $5.00
• Old A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.40
• Nepal: Kathmandu City Flavors Guided Walking Tour: $7.79
• City Highlights Bus Tour: $9.54
• Sarngkot Sunrise Himalayas Tour in Pokhara: $10
• Skywalk Adventure in Nepal: $11
• Nepali Nightlife Experience in Kathmandu's Vibrant Thamel: $12
• Discovering Full-Day City Highlights Bus Tour: $12
• Kathmandu to Pokhara Tourist Bus- MNS: $12
• Bandipur Tourist Bus Ticket: $12
• Alcohol Drinks for one day Pokhara $ 6.57 Kathmandu $ 5.77

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pokhara and Kathmandu, we can see that Kathmandu is more expensive. And not only is Pokhara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pokhara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pokhara and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Kathmandu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kathmandu than you might in Pokhara.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pokhara Expensive? and Is Kathmandu Expensive? .

Kathmandu has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Pokhara. When comparing the sizes of Pokhara and Kathmandu, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

Related Articles for Pokhara

Related articles for kathmandu.

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Trekking from Pokhara

Annapurna base camp trek.

• Annapurna Circuit Trek

Complete Mardi Himal Trek

• Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
• Sikles Trek
• Panchase Trekking

Mardi Himal Trek

• 1night/2days Muktinath Tour
• Muktinath and Jomsom Jeep Tour
• Upper Mustang ,Lo- Manthang Jeep Tour
• Manang Jeep Tour

Tour in Pokhara

Full day pokhara tour, half day pokhara tour, 2 nights and 3 days pokhara tour package.

• Pokhara Dhampus Sarangkot Tour
• Pokhara, Sarangkot, Rupakot Honeymoon Tour Package
• Mountain Biking
• Mountain Biking from Jomsom to Muktinath and Back
• Fewa Lake Round Mountain Bike Tour
• Upper Mustang Mountain Bike Tour 11 Nights/12 Days
• Pame Village Mountain Biking Tour

Kristi Village Mountain Bike Tour

Peace pagoda mountain bike tour, sarangkot rock & roll mountain bike tour.

• Helicopter Tour
• Muktinath and Jomsom Tour By Flight

Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour

• Kapuche Helicopter Tour

Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour

Sightseeing tour.

• Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara Tour
• Pokhara Tour and Panche Hiking Package
• Sarangkot Sunrise Tour via Annapurna Cable Car
• Australian Camp Hiking

Ghandruk Village Hiking

Astam village hiking.

• Nirmal Pokhari Kristi Hiking

Pumdikot Mahadev status and Peace stupa Hiking

• Kaskikot Darbar Hiking

Sarangkot and Fewa Lake Hiking

Adventure sports.

• Kushma Bungee Jumping
• Bungy Jumping in Pokhara

Paragliding

• Ultra Light Flight
• Zipline Flying
• Trishuli River Rafting
• Upper Seti River Rafting
• Seti River Rafting
• Cross Country Tendem Paragliding Flight
• Tendem Flight
• Cloud Buster Tendem Flight

Homestay Tours

• Sirubari Village Homestay
• Ghalegaun Village Homestay
• Kalabang Village Homestay
• Lwang Village Homestay

Horse Riding

• Stupa Horse Ride Tour
• Pokhara Horse Riding Tour

Places to See

• Places to see
• Baglung Kalika Temple
• Harihar Gufa Temple Pokhara

Bindabasini Temple

• Tourist Attraction

5/4 -star Hotel

• Fish Tail Lodge
• Hotel Dela Mount
• Mountain Kailash Resort
• Temple Tree Resort
• Athithi Resort
• Da Yatra Courtyard Hotel & Resort
• Hotel Barahi
• Mountain Glory
• Sarangkot Mt lodge

Rupakot Resort

3- star hotel.

• Bar Pipal Resort
• Tika Resort
• Himalayan Front
• Himalayan Durali
• Hotel Dandilian
• Hotal white parl
• Hotel Silverline
• Hotel Kunja

2 -Star Hotel

Hotel rudrakshya.

• Hotel Guru Grand
• Hotel Golden Gate

Budget Hotel & Restaurant

• Pokhara Suites
• Fresh elements restaurant
• Byanjan Restaurent
• Dunga Restaurent
• Cofee Break
• Open House Restro And Lounge bar

FIND BEST PLACES OR ACTIVITIES IN POKHARA

All the top places – hotel, restaurants and clubs, actities ...

Welcome to Trip Pokhara Pvt Ltd

Tour agency in pokhara.

Trip Pokhara is a dedicated travel website being executed from Pokhara. It comprises of well experience tourism professionals who also provides full package of tours and travel arrangement for Pokhara and its periphery.

Pokhara is an amazingly diverse place that offers something good for everyone, whether that is trekking, touring, rafting, mountain biking, paragliding or visit the places of natural and  cultural interest. One journey through to this place is rarely enough so most often tourist come multiple times as they are called by the beautiful snow capped mountain anf lakes. . At Outshine Adventure, we will do our utmost to make sure that you fall so in love with this country that you will visit it again and again.

Pokhara has always been a beacon for travellers craving adventure and culture. The famous stunning natural landscapes of the Himalayan range and the culture and renowned hospitality of the Nepalese people provides the perfect circumstances for the adventure of a lifetime.Pokhara offers a range of activities to suit any taste and at Outshine we will make sure that each activity is executed with perfection, according to your needs.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES AROUND POKHARA

Select some popular activities from below, or view all activities available near Pokhara.

Special Tour Packages from Pokhara

Group joining and private tours from Pokhara

Daily Pokhara to Muktinath Tour by Jeep

Best tour packages in pokhara.

Enjoy your holidays in Pokhara

Pokhara & Ghandruk Family Tour

Top trekking packages from pokhara.

Enjoy the short trekking package in Annapurna Region

Mountain Biking Adventure Trips

Fewa & Begnash Lake Mountain Biking Tour

Popular Hiking Tours from Pokhara

Recommended Places in Pokhara Around

Browse some popular categories

Kedareshwor Temple

Sarangkot, Mountain Lodge

World Peace Stupa

The Top 5 Trekking Packages from Pokhara

Ropai Mahotsav festival celebrated in Pokhara

Nepal China Dragon Boat Race Festival

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Kathmandu and Pokhara Tour

This kathmandu pokhara tour offers a perfect blend of history, spirituality, and adventure, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the himalayas..

Embark on a captivating journey through Nepal’s cultural heart and natural splendor with the Kathmandu Pokhara Tour. Discover the ancient temples and vibrant streets of Kathmandu, then unwind amidst the serene lakes and majestic mountains of Pokhara.

Kathmandu and Pokhara are two of the most enchanting destinations in Nepal, each offering a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Kathmandu , the capital city, is a treasure trove of ancient temples, palaces, and courtyards. The city’s heart is the old town, a maze of narrow alleys and bustling markets. Here, you can explore the historic Durbar Square , home to the old royal palace and several ornate temples. The Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) and the Pashupatinath Temple are must-visit sites, offering insights into the spiritual life of the Nepalese people.

Pokhara , on the other hand, is a serene lakeside city with a backdrop of the majestic Annapurna range. It’s a gateway to the Himalayas for trekkers and adventurers. In Pokhara, you can enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Phewa Lake , visit the World Peace Pagoda , and witness the stunning sunrise from Sarangkot . For thrill-seekers, activities like paragliding, white-water rafting, and zip-lining are available.

Whether you’re looking to delve into the rich history and culture of Kathmandu or seeking the tranquil beauty and adventure of Pokhara, a tour of these cities promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Nepal.

The Itinerary for Kathmandu and Pokhara makes you come across all the important sites and guarantees you of a hassle free holiday.

Note: This is just a suggested itinerary indicative of what could be possible. We customize holidays for your specific needs. Contact us if you want modifications so that we could customize a holiday to suit your need for an unforgettable Nepal tour.

Kathmandu Pokhara Tour Highlights

• Guided city tours in both Kathmandu and Pokhara, offering a deep dive into the local culture, history, and landmarks.
• Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu, such as the Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa.
• An hour of boating on the tranquil Phewa Lake in Pokhara, surrounded by the stunning Annapurna mountain range.
• Scenic domestic flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara, providing breathtaking aerial views of Nepal’s landscape.
• Witnessing panoramic views of Himalayan peaks from Sarangkot, a famous viewpoint near Pokhara.
• Experiencing a beautiful Himalayan sunrise from Sarangkot, which is an unforgettable sight.
• The opportunity to plan trips to explore picturesque hills, architectural marvels, holy shrines, and the modern-day lifestyle of Nepal.

These 5 Days tour offer a blend of cultural immersion and natural exploration, making for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Nepal

Kathmandu Pokhara Tour Facts:

In the evening, there will be a pre-trip discussion, introducing with your tour guide. You will have an opportunity to ask any questions related to your tour program. Included: Hotel

Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Fly to Pokhara. After breakfast, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby for your city sightseeing in Kathmandu. We will visit Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, In the afternoon, Flight to Pokhara is spectacular with Himalayan view all along its route.

You can enjoy the ambiance of Pokhara in the natural settings with towering Himalayas in the back drop. Visit Devi’s Fall and Tibetan Refugee Camp. Explore phewa lake boating in the evening to catch the reflection of Himalayas on the Phewa Lake. Tour Time: 3 hours | Flight: 25min to Pokhara | Hotel & Breakfast – Included.

Day 03: Drive Sarangkot for sunrise views and Free day for Pokhara tour. Pokhara is famous for its lake and its amazing views of the Annapurna range include Annapurna I and VI, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.

Early morning drive around 30 minute to reach Sarangkot from there, you can see the very panoramic view of the mountain, truly a photographers paradise.

In Pokhara, you will visit, the Gurung Museum, Devis falls, Tibetan refugee camps, Mahendra Cavé and Barahi Temple etc. Tour time: 4 hours | Drive: 25min to Sarangkot | Hotel & Breakfast – Included.

Day 04: Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu (1310m) After breakfast, we will drive to the Pokhara Airport and fly back to Kathmandu. After checking in Hotel. You will have free time in the afternoon, and in the evening; Himalayan Trip Nepal will treat you to a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant whilst enjoying a cultural dance. Flight: 25min to Kathmandu | Hotel, Breakfast, Dinner – Included.

Day 05: Final Departure The trip ends, Himalayan Trip Nepal Representative will drop you to the Kathmandu international airport for your flight departure from Nepal. Breakfast – Included.

• International & domestic airport transfers as per the itinerary.
• 2 nights accommodation in Kathmandu with Bed and Breakfast plan.
• 2 nights accommodation in Pokhara with Bed and Breakfast plan.
• 04 breakfast, 1 dinner during the tour.
• Kathmandu Sightseeing by professional English speaking tour guide.
• Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu domestic flight.
• 1 farewell dinner in Kathmandu
• All government and local taxes.
• All entrance fees for sightseeing places
• Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
• Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks.
• Your international flights
• Nepal visa fees & airport taxes
• Tips for your city guide, drivers, hotels, restaurants, etc.
• Extra night accommodation then mention plan

How To Get Pokhara From Kathmandu?

Taking a private transportation, domestic flights, chartered helicopter to a tourist transportation and anything in between is entirely your choice.

Private cars have four seats and are around $145 USD, one-way. If you’d like to have a car with air conditioning, expect to pay a bit extra. Jeeps have 7-8 seats and are the largest and most comfortable private vehicle. Expect to pay around $250 USD, one-way.

A Stopover When Traveling From Kathmandu To Pokhara

Make most of your travel on a private vehicle by visiting interesting places on your long road trip between two or more popular cities of Nepal. Visiting the following places will enrich your trip.

Manakamana Temple

Visit the sacred temple of Manakamana dedicated to the Hindu goddess Bhagwati. The goddess is known to fulfill wishes and attracts many devotees. Enjoy a scenic cable car ride with the view of verdant hills over the Trishuli River to the hilltop temple. Savor the scenic vista from the hilltop temple.

Bandipur is a Newari town situated on a hilltop. The iconic cobblestoned street lined with houses built in Newari architecture is the highlight of the town. The vehicle free main street with front porch seating gives off a European feel. The magical town Bandipur possesses the power to transport you into a different century.

Historically significant place Gorkha is the ancestral home of the last ruling monarch of Nepal. The ancient palace called Gorkha Durbar is located on a ridge. On a clear day, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the Himalayan range stretching from north to west. Savor the amazing views of mountains like Manaslu and Himalchuli.

Accommodation facilities of Kathmandu & Pokhara

Nepal’s range of accommodation means you can indulge in five star luxury in the city areas. Kathmandu & Pokhara has the largest selection of hotels, ranging from historic boutique options to simple, family-run guesthouses.

Most places have a range of rooms, from budget to doubles with en-suite. It’s worth noting that there’s currently no regulating body for accommodation in Nepal, so we recommend reading reviews very carefully.

Beware that cheaper accommodation can be of a really poor standard; if you’re backpacking, this might be okay, but otherwise, invest a few extra dollars for something nicer.

Best Time to Visit Kathmandu & Pokhara

September to November is the best time to visit Kathmandu & Pokhara; it is also considered as the peak tourist season. December to February are the coldest months in Kathmandu & Pokhara. The winter continues till March since Pokhara is at proximity to the Himalayas, the peak months are when tourists indulge in trekking and hiking.

Kathmandu and Pokhara Tour Price

The cost of your tour to Kathmandu and Pokhara will be determined by the type of tour you are planning, your tour route, time on the destination, and by the season you choose to travel.

Average cost of a 5 day Kathmandu Pokhara tour with a Nepal tour agency – starting from $650 + $300 food = $850

Nepal Tour – Kathmandu Pokhara tour with the reputable local tour company, Nepal Tour . 100+ reviews, mostly 5 stars, read them! 5 days, Kathmandu to Kathmandu. English-speaking local guide and assistants for the tour. Internal flights, All transport between destinations and to/from included activities. Food not included.

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Where to fly on a budget this summer

Airfare experts share their forecasts for summer vacation destinations that won’t break your budget.

This summer is shaping up to be another scorcher , and the demand for summer travel is piping hot, too. If early 2024 trends are any indication of what’s to come, “it’s looking to be busier than 2023,” said Katy Nastro, spokesperson for the flight booking site Going . Recent airport passenger volume numbers have regularly exceeded last year and pre-pandemic levels.

Jeff Klee, CEO of CheapAir.com , says airline capacity has rebounded from pandemic complications, but strong travel demand means summer flight prices can be high, depending on when you’re hoping to go. Flying in June, July or early August will be more expensive than later in the season, according to the company’s summer forecast .

“And it’s not just the airfare,” Klee said in an email. “Expensive hotel rates and crowds everywhere make Western Europe tricky for the summer.”

Despite the price tag, “people are going to go,” said Melanie Fish, the head of global public relations for all Expedia Brands, including Vrbo, Expedia and Hotels.com . “When we look at searches for destinations, they are definitely up year over year.”

For popular destinations like Europe , Klee and Fish say to push trips later into August, September or even October. Not only will prices soften, but you’ll alleviate some of the strain of overtourism .

“My number one tip is go ahead and take that summer vacation, but maybe hold on to take that big, big trip in September,” Fish said.

According to Expedia’s summer 2024 travel outlook , we’re currently in the sweet spot for shopping for early summer flights at the best rates, as Fish says lower fares tend to pop up 21 to 60 days out. It doesn’t hurt to start your search even earlier, setting up price alerts to flag when airfare drops. If you can swing it, look to fly on a Monday for international trips or a Tuesday for domestic trips to save up to 15 percent on fares, Fish added.

It’s not impossible to find good deals on airfare, whether you’re looking for a tropical beach trip , a mountain adventure or a vibrant city. Here are places that are trending cheaper — and the destinations you’ll want to avoid.

Go to Mexico

Sun, surf, culture, chilaquiles — Mexico is always a good idea , but particularly so this summer. With the opening of the new airport in Tulum , U.S. airlines have been adding gobs of new flights to Mexico, particularly to beach regions. “We’ve seen a healthy amount of deals down to Mexico resort areas like Cancún,” Nastro said.

Laura Lindsay, global travel trends expert at Skyscanner , says three Mexican cities — Cancún, San José del Cabo and Puerto Vallarta — are among the top 10 destinations offering travelers the best bang for their buck in 2024.

To escape the summer heat, Phyllis Stoller, president of the Women’s Travel Group , recommends high-altitude destinations like Mexico City or Ixtapan de la Sal, a town near Mexico City with thermal springs.

Avoid European port cities

If you’re considering a visit to a popular European city that’s also a cruise hub, beware. Not only will you be battling the usual summer crowds, you’ll be joined by thousands of day-trippers flooding into the ports — meaning Barcelona, Venice , Athens and Santorini.

Sandra Weinacht, who co-owns the tour company Inside Europe Travel Experiences , says you can avoid some of the madness in these hot spots by staying in neighborhoods away from the typical tourist zones. You can also visit top sites in the late afternoon or evening, after cruise travelers have returned to their ships.

Better yet, wait to visit until the shoulder season

Go to Colorado

Epic hiking, breathtaking nature and more craft beer than you could ever try in a lifetime: The Centennial State is a domestic gem. Ashlee Collins of Inspirato , a luxury travel and lifestyle subscription service, says Vail is popular among members this summer. Not only is the ski resort beautiful sans snow, it’s drivable for many, cutting a significant cost for travelers.

Airfare to Colorado is looking more reasonable than other domestic vacation hubs. Nastro recently spotted a Miami-to-Denver, round-trip fare over the July Fourth holiday for just $199. She says an average round trip from major U.S. cities is running between $173 and $250, but those prices are expected to climb upward of $350 the closer we get to summer.

Avoid places at risk for wildfires

Wildfires have become an unfortunate fixture of summers in the Northern Hemisphere. Last year’s fires in Europe — including those in Cyprus and Greece — were among the worst so far this century, the European Commission reported .

Stoller says fire risk has been a factor in her summer travel planning; she nixed a New England cruise after remembering how bad smoke was last year because of the fires in Canada . “None of us can predict everything, but that would be something I would be aware of,” she said.

Extreme heat is also an issue. Last July, Southern Europe experienced excessively high temperatures from a “heat dome.”

“There’s a concern about heat,” Stoller said. “Last summer was really painful.”

Go to the Caribbean

The Caribbean has its peak tourist season during the winter, when Americans flock to warmer waters. That means summer trips to the region tend to be quieter and cheaper.

“You can go under $300 to pretty much all of the islands: Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Aruba, Dominican Republic,” said Lindsay Schwimer, a consumer travel expert at Hopper . She’s seen similar price point flights to Colombia.

Lindsay of Skyscanner also said Puerto Rico and the Bahamas offer some of the most affordable flights from the United States this summer.

Avoid Paris

Unless you’re going for the Olympics , skip the French capital this summer.

“Paris is always a top destination in the summer, but this summer … it’s going to be on another level,” said Madison Pietrowski, head of U.S. brand at GetYourGuide .

Not only are hotel prices high, “we’re seeing that some of the top attractions like the Louvre have raised their ticket prices,” Pietrowski said.

Nastro says the crowds are going to be “bananas” during the Games, and not just in Paris. Olympic travelers are likely to add on other French destinations to their trip, like Nice — which will host soccer games — or the Côte d’Azur, which already gets popular in the summertime.

Even if you try to get ahead of the rush by visiting before the July 26 start date, you may still have some Olympics-related headaches in the French capital. As the city races to finish prep, “you might find that there’s going to be eyesores and scaffolding and loud noises early in the morning,” Nastro said.

Go to rural Europe

Interest in Western Europe has not slowed down, and Americans are expected to surge back en masse this summer. If you’d like to avoid them, put rural European destinations on your radar.

Weinacht is bullish on Spain’s Rioja region , the Basque countryside and the central Italian region of Umbria, which borders Tuscany but does not see the same levels of tourism. She’s also a fan of Carinthia, the least-populated state of Austria. “It is castle- and lake-dotted, doesn’t get too hot, and oh, the food and stories the cities and villages can tell,” Weinacht said in an email.

Weinacht says she’s been getting more requests from Americans for trips to her homeland, Germany. The country is easy to navigate with its high-speed trains, and offers a mix of small and big cities spread across powerhouse wine regions, UNESCO World Heritage sites and many food festivals . According to Skyscanner, airlines in the United States have been increasing their flights to Germany — namely, Frankfurt, an international business hub — meaning you may be able to find more deals.

Avoid Sicily and Amalfi

If your dream Italian destination has been featured on TV lately, that’s a red flag. The last season of “The White Lotus” spurred an interest in already popular Sicily ; the same is happening to the Amalfi Coast thanks to the new Netflix miniseries “Ripley.”

“They’re really going to be the most expensive and they’re going to be pretty crowded for the summer,” Schwimer said.

Where to go

Our favorite destinations: These 12 destinations are at the top of our wish list for where to go this year, without crowds. In 2023, we explored an Alaskan bear paradise, Brooklyn’s famous pizzerias and a hidden gem in Italy, among other highlights .

Travel like a local: Residents share their favorite places in our top city guides: New Orleans , Rome , Tokyo and Mexico City .

National parks: This comprehensive guide has details on all 63 U.S. national parks. For a deep dive into five of the most well-known, you can listen to the Field Trip podcast . Then explore tips from locals for visiting Yosemite , Glacier and Everglades .

Tales from the road: Dolly Parton has opened a new resort at her theme park complex in Tennessee, while “Fixer Upper” stars Chip and Joanna Gaines have a new hotel in Waco . Road-trippers may be just as excited to see the cartoon beaver at Buc-ee’s , and bargain-hunters should consider a stop at the Unclaimed Baggage store in Scottsboro, Ala.

Albanese's PNG trip comes with it a subtle jab at Morrison. King's was about as subtle as a sledgehammer

Analysis Albanese's PNG trip comes with it a subtle jab at Morrison. King's was about as subtle as a sledgehammer

Spare a thought for the poor public servant tasked with considering how two prime ministers would be able to relieve themselves while partaking in a multi-day hike. 

It's likely the LAST thing the respective leaders would want to talk about with anyone, let alone a member of staff.

It's the thing of dreams for a program like Utopia. You can imagine the whiteboards, the maps and a certain lack of eye contact being made as the planning ensued.

But such are the considerations when you're a world leader spending two days hiking an iconic track synonymous with Australia and PNG's war efforts in jungle terrains. 

There's a certain expectation that comes with an Australian prime minister on Anzac Day. They're often found at the War Memorial in Canberra, visiting a domestic military base or standing on foreign shores where Australian soldiers have fallen. 

Anthony Albanese's decision to spend two days hiking the Kokoda Track, a trip that culminated with a dawn service in Isurava, can't be underestimated in its significance, and not just back home. 

Ninety-nine of the 625 Australians who were killed on the Kokoda Track died in the Battle of Isurava.

On Thursday morning, after trekking for 16 kilometres through the jungles of PNG, an Australian prime minister stood and vowed his country "will never forget" the people of PNG . He did so while recognising the Anzac soldiers and their families whose sacrifice came with the ultimate cost.

But this was more than just about meeting the annual expectation of an Australian PM. 

PNG is, geographically, Australia's closest neighbour and a country under a watchful eye of a Chinese government keen to bolster its relationships throughout the Pacific . 

Just 24 hours before Albanese touched down in PNG, China's top diplomat, in the words of PM James Marape, "blessed" the country with a visit. 

Albanese's thesis when he came to power was that the former Coalition government had taken its eyes off the Pacific. He argued his predecessor Scott Morrison, who faced criticism for how he dealt with Pacific leaders , had created an environment that allowed China to exploit fractures between Australia and the region. 

It's why Albanese was so willing to spend his precious time marching up and down mountains and valleys, climbing hundreds of metres, surrounded by military personnel, security and support staff. 

A friend, having completed the Camino de Santiago, once remarked that it was through seeing someone else's, well, bowel movements alongside the famous walk that it occurred to her that no matter how different our cultures might be, as humans we're all the same. 

Albanese and Marape have just spent two days side by side in some of their most vulnerable states. They've talked, they've joked and shared an experience that has reminded them about the bond they and their nations share.

The real test is what comes next. If PNG is in a moment of need, Albanese's hope is that bond he's formed has moved him to the top of that call list. 

Economic headwinds blowing

While the PM was off hiking, back home his treasurer, Jim Chalmers, had returned from his own trip to the (economic) frontline. 

Fresh from the US, Chalmers arrived with a warning about the economic headwinds that were blowing our way. 

It's worth remembering that there are three certainties in life: death, taxes and a treasurer lowering expectations ahead of a looming budget. 

In little over two weeks, Chalmers will hand down what is widely expected to be his second consecutive surplus, not that he's willing to make that commitment out loud just yet. 

Someone willing to lock it in is the renowned economist Chris Richardson, arguably the nation's pre-eminent non-government budget watcher.

"Absolutely. Pretty close to in the bag at this stage," he told the ABC's Afternoon Briefing when asked if a surplus was certain. 

Richardson dubbed Chalmers' rhetoric as a "time-honoured ritual", but argued Australia was in "magnificent shape compared to a bunch of places".

Iron ore prices might have moderated from their highs but were, as Richardson described it "still bloody beautiful", and comfortably above budget forecasts.

"Federal budget isn't being challenged by what is happening globally and it is in much better shape than the treasurer is letting on," Richardson said, pointing to a budget still benefiting from relatively low unemployment (good for both the government's income tax take and for lower welfare payments) and high commodity prices. 

Where Richardson and Chalmers agreed was the impact inflation was having on the budget. 

Privately, Labor hopes an interest rate cut will come before the next election. It had hoped it would come later this year but this week's inflation figures look to have dashed those expectations. 

"It is a reminder that for an ease of cost of living in Australia, it's going to be be tax cuts well before it is interest rate cuts," Richardson warned. 

It leaves Chalmers facing a tight balancing act. Offer too much support now — which voters might initially like — and he risks fuelling inflation further, which could all but rule out any RBA rate cut before the next election. 

He hands down the budget on May 14. 

PEP in their step

There was a flurry of excitement earlier this week when lifelong friends Bronwen Bock and Lucy Bradlow announced they're running in the Melbourne seat of Higgins at the next federal election.

Higgins has often been considered a TEALable seat. A wealthy electorate, demographically it looks a lot like the seats that the teal independents won from the Liberal Party at the last election. 

Much was made about how Bock and Bradlow would be the nation's first job-sharing politicians (even if constitutional law expert Anne Twomey all but immediately dismissed the possibility) .

The buzz seemed to forget that Australia HAS had job-sharing ministers, it's just the ministers didn't know about it in most cases. 

Scott Morrison's unorthodox approach to secretly swearing himself into a raft of ministries didn't come with a week-on-week-off plan like Bock and Bradlow are envisaging. It was more a "I now have your power and will use it irrespective of what you think, Keith Pitt" kind of deal.

In that instance, Nationals MP Pitt was the then-resources minister and by the time Morrison had himself entered into another job-sharing arrangement, he was well versed in the acquisition of ministerial power. 

For those who have forgotten, Morrison secretly acquired responsibility for health and finance portfolios early in the pandemic — a "back-up" just in case either of the ministers should be struck down by the deadly virus, he later explained. 

A year later, Morrison added treasury and home affairs to his arsenal. 

His most brazen power grab, though, was assuming responsibility of the mega-portfolio of industry, science and resources to circumvent Pitt's desire to extend a controversial offshore gas exploration licence, known as PEP-11, off the New South Wales coast.

It says a lot about his cabinet that by this point he could no longer trust his ministers to carry out the decisions his government wanted, so had himself sworn in. Morrison, in the end, got his way and rejected the extension — a move Labor supported.

It's proved a decision that has haunted Labor in government.

After it emerged that Morrison had secretly been the one to reject the application, Asset Energy took the federal government to the Federal Court , which in turn led to the decision being overturned . The company reaffirmed its commitment to PEP-11 in February . 

Quietly on Tuesday, Resources Minister Madeleine King released a statement saying she'd recused herself from future decisions about the contentious project. 

WA MP King, who knows all too well the role mining will play in determining her party's electoral fortunes in the west, was a fierce critic of PEP-11 from opposition. Labor insists it is merely a pre-emptive decision to ensure any comments she's offered previously don't interfere with what comes next. 

But she made sure her comments were more about Morrison than they were about the action she was taking, even if she didn't name the former PM. 

"The Albanese government is one that respects proper process. We make decisions in a way that is orderly and appropriate," she wrote .

About as subtle as a sledgehammer.

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