pokhara to visit

22 Epic Places to Visit on your Pokhara Itinerary in 2024

March 18, 2024

Paula Martinelli

Wondering how to plan a perfect Pokhara itinerary?

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

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

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

You will love these articles ❤️:

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

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

Essential Tips Before You Visit Pokhara

Where is pokhara in nepal.

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

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

How Many Days for your Pokhara itinerary?

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

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

What to Expect When You Visit Pokhara

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

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

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

When is the Best Time to Visit Pokhara

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

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

The Money Situation in Nepal

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

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

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

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

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

Best Places to Visit in Pokhara to Enjoy the City

1. explore phewa lake.

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

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

2. Get Amazing Views at the World Peace Pagoda

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

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

3. Visit Gupteshowor Mahdev Cave

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

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

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

4. Discover Davi’s Falls

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

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

5. Catch the Views at Begnas Lake

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

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

6. Go on a Yoga Retreat in Pokhara

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

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

7. Spoil Yourself with a Massage in Pokhara

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

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

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

8. Enjoy the Food in Pokhara

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

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

9. Take a Cooking Class in Pokhara

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

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

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

10. Head to Sarangkot Viewpoint

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

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

11. Go Street Shopping in Pokhara

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

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

12. Explore the Pokhara Disneyland

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

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

13. Enjoy the amazing Rupa Lake

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

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

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

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

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

Top Places to Visit in Pokhara for Adventure Travelers

15. go rafting in pokhara.

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

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

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

16. Take an Ultralight Flight in Pokhara

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

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

17. Extreme Zip-lining

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

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

18. Go Bungee-Jumping

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

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

19. Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride

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

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

20. Skydiving in Pokhara

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

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

21. Paragliding in the Himalayas

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

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

22. Go Hiking in Pokhara

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

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

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

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

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

Best Places to Stay in Pokhara

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

I have selected my top choices here for you:

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

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

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

How to Get to Pokhara

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

✈️ Flight to Pokhara

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

🚌 Bus to Pokhara

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

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

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

🚗  Private car/ taxi to Pokhara

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

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

Places to Visit in Pokhara Conclusion

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

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

You may also love the following articles:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travellerspoint

When should I visit Pokhara?

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

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

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

How long should I stay in Pokhara?

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

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

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

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

Read Also: The Best Lakeside Hotels In Pokhara

How do I get to Pokhara?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The best places to visit in Pokhara Nepal

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

1. Get a massage by the lake

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

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

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

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

My only regret was not going enough.

2. Visit Pokhara “Disneyland”

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

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

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

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

3. Trek to Annapurna base camp

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Boat to the World Peace Pagoda

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s free to enter the World Peace Pagoda.

5. Visit the International Mountain Museum

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

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

It costs 400 rupee entrance for foreigners.

6.Go Paragliding

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

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

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

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

7. Go Whitewater rafting

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

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

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

8. Go shopping

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

9. Visit Begnas Lake

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

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

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

10. Discover Mahendra Cave

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

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

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

11. Explore Davis Falls

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

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

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

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

12. Tal Barahi Temple

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

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

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

13. Go to the cinema

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

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

14. Go dancing

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

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

There is a load guide to clubs and bars here.

15. Visit Sarangkot

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other things to do in Pokhara

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

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

Where to stay in Pokhara?

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

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

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

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

Where to visit after Pokhara?

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

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

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

Happy travels.

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Pokhara ticks all the right boxes, with spectacular scenery, adventure activities, and accommodation and food choices galore. Whether you’ve returned from a three-week trek or endured a bus trip from hell, Lakeside Pokhara is the perfect place to recharge your batteries.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Old Pokhara

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

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

Devi’s Falls

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

International Mountain Museum

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

Varahi Mandir

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

Gurkha Museum

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

World Peace Pagoda

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

Seti River Gorge

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

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20 Places to Visit in Pokhara: Best Tourist Places around Lakeside

• March 16, 2023

So you want to visit the adventure capital of Nepal? Pokhara, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, is a picturesque city for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. From paragliding over the mountains to exploring hidden caves, Pokhara has something for every type of traveler. So pack the bags and prepare for an unforgettable journey, as we explore the top places to visit in Pokhara. Where the adventure never ends!

Check out my Pokhara Travel Guide , for everything you need to know about the city of lakes in Nepal!

Top 20 Places to visit in Lakeside, Pokhara:

With numerous attractions and activities, it can be overwhelming for first-time visitors to decide what to see and do in Pokhara. Therefore, I have compiled a list of the top 20 places to visit in Pokhara, covering everything from religious sites and cultural landmarks to natural wonders and adventurous activities.

Let’s dive right into the list of best places to visit around Lakeside Pokhara!

1. Dam Side Park

Dam Side park is on the south part of Phewa Lake and provides magnificent views of the mountains to the north. During the clear months, you can see a panoramic view and reflection of the Himalayas in the water. The lake is surrounded by lush green hills, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and contemplation. Additionally, Phewa Lake is surrounded by countless restaurants, shops, and hotels, which offer a great way to spend a day.

Of course Fewa lake is the main attraction of the city, but I recommend visitors to enjoy it from a quiet and secluded park, even just for a picture or two!

2. Peace Pagoda:

The World Peace Pagoda at Lakeside , also known as Shanti Stupa, is a Buddhist monument located on a hill overlooking Fewa Lake below. It is a must-visit destination for those interested in Buddhism and world peace. The Japanese monk Nichidatsu Fujii built these pagodas around the world to promote world peace and understanding among all people and religions.

The World Peace Pagoda is known for its stunning architecture and impressive Himalayas and Pokhara city views. The pagoda is a large white dome-shaped structure atop the hill overlooking Phewa Lake below. It offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, stretching from the mountains to the north to the international airport to the east. Visitors can climb to the top of the pagoda and admire the views while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

One of the best ways to reach the Peace Pagoda is by boat and then a short hour-long hike. See my blog covering the Peace Pagoda and Shiva Statue hike !

3. Shiva Statue:

After visiting the Peace Pagoda, turn your gaze further up the hill. This is where the iconic Shiva Statue in Pumdikot is. Impressive for its size and intricate design, the statue is one of the largest in Nepal, standing at around 51 feet tall. However, the entire temple stands at an impressive 108 feet. Depicting Lord Shiva in a meditative pose, holding a trident, and surrounded by 108 shiva lingas, the statue is beautifully crafted and stands out as a grand and impressive sight.

The Lord Shiva statue was finished in late 2021, and provides a 360-degree view of the Pokhara valley below and picturesque views of the Annapurna Range, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu.

4. Begnas Lake:

Begnas Lake is another popular destination for its serene atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. The lake is located in a peaceful and remote area and is a great spot for relaxing next to the lake’s shores. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake, swim, or enjoy the beautiful scenery. Finally, Begnas lake is also a great spot for sunset viewing.

5. Rupa Lake:

Rupa Lake is known for its crystal-clear waters and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can take a leisurely boat ride on the lake. All while enjoying the stunning views of the mountains and the lush green forests. Additionally, the lake is a great location for animal lovers, as it is more peaceful than the other lakes!

It is home to various fish species, including carp and tilapia, making it a popular destination for fishing. The lake is also a migratory bird habitat home to different bird species, including kingfishers, herons, and egrets.

6. Sarangkot:

Sarangkot is a hilltop village and popular tourist destination known for its stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas and Pokhara valley. 

Located at an elevation of approximately 1,592 meters, one can take in the crystal clear views of the Annapurna range, including the famous peaks of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of Pokhara valley and Fewa lake. The views are particularly stunning during sunrise and sunset, making it a popular spot for photography.

Another reason to visit Sarangkot is for the adventurous activities it offers. Sarangkot is a popular spot for paragliding in Pokhara and allows visitors to fly over the city and lake to get a bird’s eye view of Pokhara. 

To visit Sarangkot, it used to require a 30-minute taxi ride from Lakeside. Luckily, in 2022 the Annapurna Cable car was finished, allowing visitors to reach the viewpoint in under 10 minutes!

7. Devis Falls:

Devi’s Fall, also known as Patale Chhango, is known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. It is a waterfall formed by the Pardi Khola stream and drops into a deep gorge, creating a spectacular sight. The sound of the water creates a soothing atmosphere. The waterfall is also considered a sacred site by the locals and is believed to have healing powers.

According to local legend, the waterfall was named after a swiss woman named Devi, who is said to have been swimming with her husband and drowned. 

Finally, Devis falls is an attraction that thousands of Nepalis and tourists visit for recreation and enjoyment each year. Visitors can try their luck on the luck pond constructed, thereby throwing and placing the coin on the statue of God. Likewise, one can find a model of a traditional Nepali house and a series of sculptures of Nepali people wearing traditional dresses where visitors can take photos.

8. Gupteshwor cave:

One of the three main caves in Pokhara , the cave is located just a few kilometers from the city center, it’s a sacred cave that houses a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Visitors must climb down steep stairs to enter Gupteshwor Cave , adorned with intricate rock formations and natural sculptures.

The highlight of the cave is a sacred waterfall that flows from a small opening in the roof, creating a mystical atmosphere. It’s a must-visit attraction for those who appreciate natural wonders and cultural landmarks.

9. Chamero Cave:

The Bat Cave in Pokhara is a popular tourist destination located on the hillside of Batulechaur, just a short distance from the city center. It’s a natural cave home to a large population of bats, and visitors can witness the nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat. The cave is also adorned with stunning rock formations and natural sculptures, and visitors can explore the various chambers and tunnels. It’s a unique experience for nature lovers and those who appreciate the beauty of natural wonders.

10. Mahendra Gufa:

Mahendra Gufa, also known as Mahendra Cave , is a natural limestone cave in Pokhara, Nepal. It’s named after the late king of Nepal, Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, who discovered the cave in the 1950s. The cave is popular for its stunning rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites, and visitors can explore the various chambers and tunnels. It’s also home to a colony of bats, adding to the mystical atmosphere of the cave. It’s a must-visit attraction for those who appreciate natural wonders and geological formations.

11. Bindabasini Temple:

Bindabasini Temple , a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati, considered an incarnation of the Hindu goddess Durga is located on a hilltop in the heart of Pokhara.

Offering beautiful views of the city and the Annapurna mountain range, the temple is considered sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists and is visited by thousands of devotees every year. The temple complex houses several smaller shrines and statues, including one of the goddesses, Bhagwati, which is said to be over 200 years old. The temple also has an interesting history. It is believed that a local king built the temple in the 18th century, and it is also said that the temple was created to honor a vow made by the king’s wife.

12. Tibetan Refugee Camp:

The Tibetan Refugee Camp in Chhorepatan, offers visitors a glimpse into the rich culture and history of Tibet and the Tibetan people. The camp is home to a community of Tibetan refugees who fled their homeland following the Chinese occupation of Tibet in the 1950s. Visitors can learn about these refugees’ struggles and experiences and understand the political and human rights issues they continue to face.

Visitors can explore the camp’s small market, which sells traditional Tibetan handicrafts, textiles, and other goods. Alongside the markets, you can eat the best Tibetan food available in Pokhara at Little Tibet Cafe ! While enjoying the peaceful environment and viewing the mountains to the north, you can enjoy famous Tibetan dishes like keema noodles, ting momos, and shafaley.

After eating to your heart’s content, check out the Tibetan history museum and the Tibetan rug showroom.

13. Pema Dechenling Buddhist Monastery:

Pema Dechenling Buddhist Monastery is a beautiful and peaceful place that offers visitors a chance to escape the city’s hustle and bustle and experience tranquility. 

Nestled on the hillside overlooking the lakeside, the tranquil Buddhist Monastery can be easily hiked to from the bustling streets of Pokhara’s Lakeside. As you ascend the rock steps, the noise of the city disappears behind the branches and leaves of the jungle. Pema Dechenling Buddhist Monastery is not just a secluded gumba where monks can practice a simple life outside the city. They also have opened their doors to tourists and locals for meditation and yoga classes. 

With its own guesthouse, travelers from around the world make this monastery their home for a few days as they calm the soul and get back in touch with the true meaning of life. The monastery also has a small cafe where tourists can enjoy tea while enjoying the lake’s views.

14. International Mountain Museum

The International Mountain Museum in Pokhara is a great place to visit as it is a unique and informative museum that offers visitors an in-depth look at the mountains’ history, culture, and science. The museum has several exhibits that showcase the natural beauty and diversity of the mountains and the challenges and opportunities they present to the people who live in and around them. The museum covers mountain ranges worldwide, and visitors can learn about the mountain’s history, geology, flora and fauna, culture, and adventure.

Located away from the main parts of the city, the museum is a peaceful place to take in the views of the mountains to the north. The complex is large and great for picnics, rock climbing, or just enjoying the gardens around the museum.

15. Tal Barahi Temple:

The Tal Barahi Temple, also called the Lake Temple or Barahi Temple, is an important Hindu religious site on a small island in the Phewa Lake of Pokhara, Nepal. This temple is dedicated to the goddess Barahi and is considered Pokhara’s most important religious monument. Due to its location on an island in Fewa Lake, visitors can only access it by boat.

The temple represents the manifestation of Ajima, symbolizing the female force in Hinduism. Devotees often make pilgrimages to the temple during the Nepalese months of Baisakh (April-May) and Kartik (November-December).

It is also a great location to see the Barahi Aarti every night at dusk. It is a powerful and interesting religious ceremony to pay homage and prayers to the temple, and the lake.

16. Movie Garden:

The Movie Garden in Pokhara is a British/Nepali collaboration, offering a unique experience showcasing the greatest films of the past 50 years. It is set in a hidden location at the edge of the jungle, surrounded by bamboo with a stunning view of Fewa Lake.

The half-covered and half-open-air seating allows for year-round enjoyment, rain or shine. Visitors can relax before the film starts by enjoying pizza and drinks. It is a great place to catch a movie and enjoy an evening around Lakeside! It is also one of three movie theaters in Pokhara .

17. Annapurna Natural History Museum:

The Annapurna Natural History Museum in Pokhara is a must-visit destination for those interested in the diverse flora and fauna of the Annapurna region. The museum showcases various specimens of butterflies, insects, birds, and animals found in the region, as well as the geological and cultural history of the area. It also features exhibits on local medicinal plants and herbs and an impressive collection of fossils. Visitors can learn about the region’s natural beauty and its importance to the world’s biodiversity.

18. Gorkha Memorial Museum:

The museum focuses on the history of the British Army and the Indian Army from the past to the present day. It features numerous photographs showcasing the various campaigns they have participated in and their regimental life. The three-story galleries come alive with sound and colored light, while displays include uniforms, equipment, and medals. Visitors can also view details of the Gurkha Victoria Cross winners, the highest bravery medal, and their citations.

19. Basundhara Park:

The park is on the north shores of Fewa Lake. Basundhara Park is a popular attraction among locals and is a quiet getaway from the main parts of Lakeside. The park offers a tranquil environment for locals and visitors to indulge in activities such as boating and fishing. Visitors can rent boats, play volleyball, visit the rock art garden, or relax in the peaceful park.

20. Jangchub Choeling Monastery

Founded by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in 1967 and supervised by Lama Dupsing Rinpoche, the Jangchub Choeling Monastery is renowned and historic in Pokhara. Originally accommodating only 35 monks, it has since grown to house hundreds of monks and holds numerous Kagyu and Tengyur scriptures. As an educational institution, the monastery offers information on philosophy, poetry, grammar, and more. Visitors can admire the intricate wall designs and artwork, making it a fascinating tourist attraction in Pokhara.

Key Takeaways: 20 Best places to visit in Pokhara

Pokhara is an absolutely beautiful tourist destination in Nepal. With it being the gateway to the Annapurnas and considered by many to be the tourist capital of Nepal, there is something for everyone. 

Whether you are looking for adventure or just relaxing at Lakeside, this list of the best places to visit in Pokhara will give you something to do and enjoy your stay in Pokhara, Nepal.

FAQs: Best places to visit in Pokhara, Nepal

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about the top places to see and visit in Pokhara Nepal.

The beautiful places to visit in Pokhara are Fewa Lake, Dam Side Park, Peace Pagoda, Shiva Statue Pumdikot, Begnas Lake, Rupa Lake, Sarangkot, Devis Falls, Gupteshwor cave, Chamero Cave, Mahendra Gufa, Bindabasini Temple, Tibetan refugee camp, Pema Dechenling Buddhist Monastery, Mountain Museum, Tal Barahi Temple, Movie Garden, Annapurna Natural History Museum, Gorkha Memorial Museum, Basundhara Park, Jangchub Choeling Monastery.

Pokhara is a top tourist destination in Nepal, renowned for its stunning Himalayan range and beautiful lakes. Visitors flock to the valley for outdoor activities such as boating, trekking, paragliding, ziplining, and extreme sports like rafting, canoeing, and bungee jumping.

Two days in Pokhara is more than enough while visiting. You will have enough time to engage in adventure activities, hike, see museums, and relax along the lakeside.

Pokhara’s stunning allure has captured the attention of numerous travel writers. The location’s pure air, the breathtaking vista of the snow-covered Annapurna Range, and the tranquil Phewa, Begnas, and Rupa Lakes have earned this destination the title of ‘the Jewel of the Himalaya.’

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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

Top 8 places to visit in Pokhara- completed in two days

Posted on Last updated: June 3, 2024

Categories Nepal

Are you thinking about visiting Nepal for your next holiday? If so, you’ll want to check out all the places to visit in Pokhara, the second-largest city in Nepal. We’ve also written another article about the top places to visit in Kathmandu, which you can find here .

Our local Nepal tour company, Grande Adventure, handpicked a list of places for us to visit in Pokhara. We managed to cover all these wonderful spots in just two days during our visit to Pokhara, as we dedicated most of our time to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Since most visitors to Nepal spend about two days in Pokhara, our recommendations will be a perfect guide for you as you plan your trip.

1️⃣ World Peace Pagoda in Pokhara

Our first stop was the Shanti Stupa, the World Peace Pagoda. This beautiful landmark symbolizes peace and unity and is atop a small hill. We had to climb around 480 rock steps to reach it, which took only about ten minutes.

From the top of the hill, we enjoyed a breathtaking panoramic view of the Annapurna range and Phewa Lake.

The pagoda was built in 1999 as part of a global initiative to construct 100 peace pagodas worldwide. It stands 115 feet tall and 344 feet wide, with two tiers featuring four Buddha statues representing different countries and important events related to Buddha’s life.

The entrance features a giant statue of Lord Buddha in dharma chakra Pravartan posture from Japan. Additionally, on the west side, there is a statue of Lord Buddha in meditation posture from Sri Lanka, a six-foot-long Mahaparinirvana statue of Lord Buddha in bronze from Thailand on the north side, and a bronze statue depicting Buddha’s birth from Nepal on the south side.

Upon entering the pagoda, our guide informed us that TikTok and video recording are prohibited to maintain a tranquil atmosphere. However, taking photos is permitted.

2️⃣ Devi’s Falls

We visited Devi’s Falls once in Pokhara twenty years ago. Most of my memories of the falls have faded, and I feel like I was visiting a place I have never been before.

Devi’s Falls, also known as Patale Chango, is a famous waterfall and a significant landmark of Pokhara.

The waterfall is fed by the Phewa Lake Dam and is surrounded by lush flora. As the water reaches the bottom, it forms a 500-foot-long underground tunnel 100 feet below ground level. This unique natural phenomenon gives the falls its Nepali name, “Patale Chango,” which translates to “Underworld’s Waterfall.”

After exiting the tunnel, the water passes through Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave across the road.

We visited Devi’s Falls during the dry season, so there was little water flowing. The best time to visit Devi’s Fall in Pokhara, Nepal, is during the monsoon season from June to September. During this period, the water is at its peak due to the heavy rains, creating a stunning display of water cascading down the rocks. However, the heavy rainfall can also make the area around the falls slippery and potentially dangerous.

The origin of the name “Devi’s Fall” is attributed to a local legend. According to the signboard at the fall, on the noon of 31 July 1961, Mrs. Davis, a Swiss citizen, was swept away while taking a bath with her husband a few meters ahead of the fall, and she died. Her dead body had been taken out with a lot of effort. The despairing husband suggested naming the fall after his late wife as a tribute to her. Thus, the name “Devi’s Fall” was given to the waterfall.

3️⃣ Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

Once we finished checking out Devi’s Falls, we returned to the entrance and crossed the road to Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave. It’s cool because the water from Devi’s Fall flows underneath the road we cross, enters the cave, and emerges again. The cave is about 2057 meters long and is one of the most attractive caves in South Asia. Legend states that a local man stumbled upon this cave in the 16th century while clearing grass. 

After we passed the entrance, a beautiful red spiral staircase led down to the mouth of the cave. Inside the cave are small shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is really important to Hindus. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take photos at the shrines, but seeing it’s still pretty impressive.

As we explore further into the cave, we’ll walk through narrow passages, down slippery stairs, and find ourselves in giant open caverns. Over there, we’ll reach a beautiful waterfall that flows through the cave, coming from Devi’s Falls. 

4️⃣ Shree Bindhyabasini Temple

Bindhyabasini Temple is a well-known temple in Pokhara dedicated to the Hindu goddess Bindhyabasini, who is believed to be the city’s guardian deity. We decided to visit this place while on our way back from Sarangkot, as recommended by a Nepalese we knew in Malaysia before embarking on our journey.

The temple is perched on top of a small hill about 3002 feet above sea level, and let me tell you, the view of the Himalayas from there is breathtaking.

This temple has an interesting history—it dates back to the 1760s when King Girvan Yuddha Bikram established it. Legend has it that the king dreamt of building a temple for the goddess, and that’s how the Bindhyabasini Temple came to be in its current location in Pokhara.

The temple itself is just stunning. It’s built in the Shikhara style and has a white pagoda structure with a beautiful golden-carved metal gate. And get this—two golden metal lions guard the entrance. 

The temple complex houses shrines dedicated to deities like Saraswati, Hanuman, Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesh, and Jogi Paati. But the main temple is, of course, devoted to Bindhyabasini.

The temple premises have a lift that can hold up to 12 people, so we don’t have to worry about climbing all those stairs. We took the lift, and it was a breeze!

The temple was packed with worshippers when we visited, probably because of the Nepalese New Year. But even for us, who are only visitors, we still enjoyed the park-like surroundings and checked out other nearby temples celebrating different deities.

5️⃣ Phewa Lake

Phewa Lake (also called Phewa Tal or Fewa Lake) is a beautiful freshwater lake in Nepal’s Pokhara Valley. This stunning lake is the second-largest in Nepal and the largest in Gandaki Province.

Legend has it that a goddess disguised as a beggar once roamed the Himalayan Valley, but the locals didn’t treat her well. As a result, a flood swept through the area, forming the breathtaking Lake Phewa. This tale adds a touch of mystique to the lake’s natural beauty.

One of the most important places to visit at Phewa Lake is the Tal Barahi Temple, a Hindu temple situated on an island in the middle of the lake. The temple can only be reached by boat, making it a truly unique and picturesque spot.

6️⃣ Gaurighat Park

Gaurighat Park is a scenic park located along the serene shores of Phewa Lake in Pokhara. It is one of the best places to visit in Pokhara, especially if you are looking for tranquil and stunning lake views.

The park offers a peaceful and serene environment, ideal for relaxation and recreation. While strolling through the park, we enjoyed scenic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Gaurighat Park is just a ten-minute walk from Hotel Mount View Pokhara, where we stayed.

7️⃣ Tal Barahi Temple

The Tal Barahi Temple is one of the best places to visit in Pokhara. It is situated on a small island in the middle of Phewa Lake and is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Barahi, a manifestation of Durga.

The temple is believed to have been built by King Kulmandhan Shah in response to his dream. What’s unique about this temple is that it’s the only one of its kind in Nepal, as it’s situated entirely within a lake with no land passageways.

During my visit, we hired a boat and sailed to the island where the temple is located. The island is pretty small, and it was full of worshippers. Seeing thousands of locals lined up to perform their worship was amazing.

The temple is built in the traditional pagoda style using wood, bricks, and stone. The main shrine has a premise large enough to accommodate many devotees, and there are seats where visitors can sit and meditate.

After that, we took a boat ride from the temple and explored the surrounding Phewa Lake, which is Nepal’s second-largest lake. It was a wonderful experience!

8️⃣ The Evening Aarti possession

Before dinner, we witness the evening Aarti procession. This special event takes place on the bank of Phewa Lake in Pokhara, right opposite the Tal Barahi Temple. 

The atmosphere was amazing, with a huge crowd, beautiful rituals, soulful songs, and traditional dances, all taking place just after sunset.

The highlight of the procession is the Aarti ceremony, during which devotees wave lamps in a circular motion while singing devotional songs. It’s heartwarming to see devotees offering prayers and flowers, seeking the goddess’s blessings and protection.

The event features lively traditional Nepalese music, captivating dance performances, and chanting, creating a truly festive atmosphere.

➡️ More about our trip to Nepal

This is the complete list of the places to visit in Pokhara during our two-day stay, and I hope it is informative enough for you to use it as a guide to plan for your visit. Besides Pokhara, we also have travel to other part of Pokhara:

• Lumbini . We flew a day to Lumbini from Pokhara to visit the birthplace of Buddha. Whether you are a Buddhist or not, it is a worthwhile trip as it is one of Nepal’s most significant UNESCO sites.
• Kathmandu . We also spent two days in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. You can read our story about Kathmandu here.
• Annapurna Base Camp Trek. We spent about nine days taking on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Trek started from Hille via Poon Hill and eventually reached the ABC Camp. This track is considered one of the most beautiful hiking treks in the world, covering landscape ranges from dense forests to rocky trails to glaciers and trekking on snow. You can read our story here, where we successfully reached ABC.

🎞️ Watch our video shot in Pokhara, Nepal

Please watch the video we made for our trip on YouTube. As below:

VJ Tamang, owner and tour guide of Grande Adventure, expertly organized and made our trip enjoyable. VJ can be contacted at https://www.grandeadventure.

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

10 best places to visit in Pokhara Nepal

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to get to Pokhara?

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

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

There are two types of buses that travel in Nepal:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to get around Pokhara?

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

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

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

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

Top 10 places to visit in Pokhara

The world peace pagoda.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paragliding

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

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

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

Bungee jumping and Zip-line

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

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

Devi's Falls and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sarangkot at sunrise

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

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

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

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

Go trekking from pokhara

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

Among the treks:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pokhara Museum

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

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

Lake Begnas Tal

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

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

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

Tibetan Village Tashi Palkhel

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

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

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

Where to eat in Pokhara?

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Pokhara?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Last thoughts about the best places to visit in Pokhara

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

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

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

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

Thanks for reading!

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A Traveller’s Guide to Pokhara, Nepal's Backpacker Paradise

Looking for a place to chill out after an epic trekking adventure or the chaos of Kathmandu? Pokhara is the perfect antidote. Here are our favourite things to do in Pokhara, plus advice on where to stay, where to eat, and how to get there.

Two things tend to bring travellers to Pokhara: mountain adventures and a chance to unwind.

Stretched along the shores of Phewa lake dotted with colourful bobbing paddle boats, this little slice of tranquility is one of our favourite places in Nepal .

For those seeking a place to chill (and wash) after three weeks of trekking in the Himalayas, or simply an escape from the chaos of Kathmandu , Nepal’s tranquil lakeside town is the perfect antidote.

Each morning on our recent week-long stay, we’d head ‘lakeside’ to walk in the calm morning air, and admire the towering peaks rising amongst the clouds in the distance.

These are the 8,000 metre-high snow-capped giants of the Annapurna range, awe-inspiring in their size and stature. On a clear day, they can be seen from everywhere in Pokhara like watchful guardians over the sleepy town.

This proximity to the Annapurna circuit has attracted travellers to Pokhara for many years, and while many arrive simply as a stop-off point after epic trekking experiences, they stay for the laidback vibes and burgeoning adventure activity scene.

There are a number of epic things to do in Pokhara, especially for those chasing adrenalin, with white water rafting and some of the best paragliding on earth all available here.

Somehow, despite the buildings getting taller and the crowds slightly busier in recent years, it still manages to retain an oasis-like feel; carefree and relaxed but with all the familiar traveller essentials.

In this post, we’re sharing our favourite things to see and do in Pokhara, as well as our recommendations on where to find the best food and drinks. We’ve also included our tips on where to stay, where to shop, and most importantly where to relax your days away. 

Psst… Our new presets are here! | We’ve just released our brand new collection of presets, including the Nepal Preset Pack specifically designed for epic Nepal adventures and all its dreamy landscapes! Check out the full range here now.

POKHARA HIGHLIGHTS | OUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO IN POKHARA

Hiking in and around pokhara.

Hiking in the imposing and impossibly beautiful mountains of the Annapurna Range is, without a doubt, the best thing to do in Pokhara and surrounds. We’ve done many multi-day hikes in Nepal, including the Annapurna Circuit , and we’ve listed two of our favourites from Pokhara below.

Before you lace up the boots and take off, check out our complete guide to ethical trekking in Nepal , with everything you need to know to hike sustainably, and leave the mountains pristine for future generations to enjoy too.

The following hikes will depend on your available time, budget, and fitness levels:

SHORT HIKE (3 DAYS) | POON HILL GHOREPANI TREK

If you’ve only got a short time in Nepal but want to both admire the famous Himalayan Range and experience Nepal mountain culture, we recommend the Poon Hill Ghorepani trek .

This three-day trek is essentially a microcosm of what a longer Nepalese mountain trek is like. It passes through quaint villages, up many, many stairs, between jungles and over rivers, and before ultimately ending up at altitude (3,200m), with your head amongst the tallest mountains in the world. It really is the perfect way to ease yourself into trekking in Nepal.

The views from Poon Hill are some of the best we’ve ever experienced - uninterrupted, panoramic views of some of the largest and most photogenic Himalayan mountains, including Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhare, Annapurna II and Lamjung. It also happens to be the spot where the two of us got engaged - so we can definitely vouch for how epic a place it is!

What’s more, it’s affordable - treks to Poon Hill Ghorepani start at around USD $150 pp (NPR 10,500). 

THE DETAILS

What | Poon Hill, Nepal

Costs | Treks start at USD $150pp (NPR 10,500)

Read | Our ultimate guide to the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, Nepal

LONG HIKE | THE ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT

Trust us when we say this - the 16 or so days you'll spend hiking the Annapurna Circuit are some of the most inspiring and challenging you'll ever encounter.

Trekking between some of the world’s tallest mountains, through diverse climatic zones (from tropics to alpine peaks), passing quaint mountain villages while enjoying the incredible Nepali hospitality is a wonderful travel experience, and one you can only have in Nepal. Nowhere else on earth can you sip chai tea and bask in the sun while admiring 8,000m peaks in all directions. 

From day seven onwards, it’s tough work - the days are long, the weather changeable, the altitude hard to manage, and the sleeping situation uncomfortable.

But reaching the highest point, Thorong La pass, and celebrating with friends, family or strangers, is one of the best feelings in the world. 

If you’re looking to trek the Annapurna circuit , we recommend booking in advance with a reputable tour company such as G Adventures (check out their 18-day trek here! ) . They take safety seriously, and also respect the environment and local cultures. 

For more information on the hike, we’ve written the most comprehensive Annapurna Circuit guide on the internet, which you can read here !

What | The Annapurna Circuit, Nepal

Book | This 18-day Annapurna Circuit trek with G Adventures

READ | Our guide to the Annapurna Circuit Annapurna Circuit packing list Annapurna Circuit trekking tips How to trek ethically in Nepal

explore nepal better with our comprehensive nepal travel guide

Enjoy pokhara from the stunning phewa lake.

We’ve admired the picturesque shores of Phewa Lake many a time on our Nepal travels , but never actually made it onto the lake until our third visit to Pokhara. 

Honestly, Phewa Tal and its surrounds wouldn’t look out of place in Zurich, Switzerland , such is its natural beauty, and experiencing it from the water is now, in our opinion, one of the best things to see in Pokhara. 

We approached one of the lakeside boat counters and organised a skipper, Ishor, who directed us to one of the iconic colourful paddle boats that line the shore. Orange life-jackets on (it’s compulsory!), we slowly made our way towards the lake’s centre, admiring the incredible views in the process; the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna range on one side, densely forested slopes of Anadu Hill on the other. With incredible peaks as far as the eye can see, the views from Phewa Lake are out of this world. 

On the lake, the only noise we could hear was the paddle lightly dipping into the water, and bird call in the distance. It was utterly peaceful. 

We spent the next 30mins taking photos of the stunning surrounds, before slowly making our way back to shore, enjoying the last of the peace and quiet, before stepping to shore and continuing our day. 

You can book an affordable one hour, two hour or whole day guided paddle boat from one of the many lakeside stalls, or hire a boat and paddle the lake yourself for any agreed time. 

Where | Phewa Tal, Pokhara

Cost | NPR 560 for one hour guided, plus NPR 20 per compulsory life jacket 

Opening hours | 7am - 5pm (may be extended depending on season)

our top nepal travel tips | everything you need to know before you go

Watch the sunrise from sarangkot viewpoint.

As the sun rises slowly in the distance and first light hits the 8,000m peaks of the Annapurna range in the distance, we can’t help but do a happy dance.

Sarangkot is, without a doubt, home to the best views of the Annapurna range without having to hike to Poon Hill or the Annapurna Circuit . 

From the viewpoint, you’re afforded uninterrupted, panoramic views across a number of the most striking Himalayan peaks, including the imposing Dhaulagiri (8167m), the triangle peak of Machhapuchhare, Annapurna II and Lamjung.  The light show here is incredible, as the peaks turn from bright pink, to orange, and finally white. 

There are a number of chai stalls and tea houses just near the viewpoint which serve fresh tea or coffee, perfect for the post-euphoria come down (are warm up!).

To get to Sarangkot viewpoint, you can hire a taxi to take you to the lookout point (NPR 500+), or hire a scooter in Pokhara and follow the signs to Sarangkot.

Where | Sarangkot viewpoint

Cost | NPR 50 entry (includes cup of tea)

our essential guide to the chaotic capital of nepal, kathmandu

Experience adrenalin white water rafting near pokhara.

The ferocious white rapids are approaching swiftly. “Paddle, paddle, paddle!”, shouts our guide Nim, the urgency in his voice palpable. 

We thump into the rapids, ice-cold glacial waters snapping us out of our adrenaline fuelled haze. This is pure adventure!

We’re on a half-day Upper Seti river white water rafting trip with Paddle Nepal, the leaders in Nepal’s burgeoning rafting scene. Just a short drive from Pokhara, the Upper Seti provides a short but sweet adrenaline-filled rafting experience. 

Nim, our guide for the day, also happens to be a world champion rafter himself. In fact, he’s just returned from Australia coaching the Nepali national team to a top 10 finish in the world championships. Evidently, we’re in good hands. 

For 1 1/2 hours we paddle our way down the class III+IV rapids, admiring the Annapurna mountain range in the distance and the peaceful, lush surrounds. Although the rapids are less ferocious than post-monsoon, they’re enough to really kick the heart rate into gear. There’s even time for an impromptu cliff jump, as if another adrenalin-fix is needed. 

The rafting ends by passing under a suspension bridge covered in colourful prayer flags, before a quick lunch, celebratory Coke, and a 20 minute drive back to Pokhara. 

It’s the perfect little adrenaline fix, and the half-day trip allows you enough time to experience the rest of Pokhara’s best things to do. 

For those wanting to do longer rafting expeditions, there are plenty of full day and multi-day options from Pokhara - enquire with the guys from Paddle Nepal.  

Where | Paddle Nepal, Pokhara

Cost | USD $51 pp, half day trip

Further information | Bring adequate footwear for the rafting - either reef shoes or any closed toe shoe you don’t mind getting wet

Best time to visit | October to November is the best time to raft, when the rivers are full and clear blue

essential reading: how to trek ethically in nepal

Paraglide with outrageous views in pokhara.

If you’re going to paraglide anywhere in the world, make Pokhara your place.

This is rated as one of the top 5 commercial tandem paragliding locations in the world, with the perfect combination of stable thermal currents, a safe take-off location and landing zone, and epic views.

The 30-minute flight provides an initial adrenaline rush before a surprisingly calm glide back to earth. Floating above Phewa Lake and the surrounding mountains (with views to the Annapurna Range in the distance!) is wonderfully picturesque.

Paragliding flights launch from Sarangkot, about 30 minutes drive from Pokhara. There are three flight times a day, depending on season and weather - 10:30am, 12pm and 2pm. The best flying time is around midday, when the thermals have become active and the flight the most enjoyable. 

Where | Sarangkot, Pokhara

Who | Check out Sunrise Paragliding

Cost | Standard flight (30mins): NPR 7,500 Cross country flight (40-60mins): NPR 11,000 GoPro footage: NPR 1,700

Additional Information | For safety reasons, you can’t take your own camera/GoPro on your flight If you want footage, you’ll need to purchase it

Reviews | See what other travellers thought of paragliding in Pokhara here

read this before hiking the annapurna circuit

Brunch or lunch at pokhara’s best cafe, the juicery.

A fellow traveller mentioned The Juicery to us in passing, and boy, are we glad they passed that little nugget of knowledge on.

What. A. Place.

Located in the relaxed northern parts of Lakeside Pokhara, The Juicery is a cafe/bar/yoga studio catering to those who love good food in a very chilled atmosphere.

Surrounded by greenery, flowers and fellow travellers bonding over a coffee, we sat down to brunch. Mark ordered Shakshuka (NPR 350) - eggs poached on a slow-cooked tomato stew, while Mim ordered the wild mushroom breakfast (NPR 400) - wild mushrooms and spinach cooked in a herb-lemon dressing and served with poached eggs. Both were served with homemade sourdough.

The breakfast tasted as if it was lifted from Melbourne’s premiere cafes, such was the taste and quality of the ingredients. We topped our meals off with an iced coffee (easily the best in Nepal), and watermelon frappe. 

Our only gripe is that we didn’t venture to The Juicery earlier; in fact we only visited on our final morning! Don’t make the same mistake as us, visit more than once (read: everyday!) on your own visit to Pokhara - it’s definitely one of the best places to eat in Pokhara.

Where | The Juicery, Pokhara

Cost | NPR 200 - 400 for brunch, NPR 180 - 260 for a smoothie, NPR 100 - 200 for coffee

Opening hours | 7.30am - 7pm, Mon - Sun

our guide to nepal’s best short hike | ghorepani poon hill

Zen out with a yoga session in pokhara.

We don’t get to practice yoga anywhere near as much as we’d like to these days, so any opportunity we get to practice on the road, we take. 

To heal our aching muscles post Poon Hill hike , we joined a drop-in class at Lotus Corner, northern lakeside. The hatha class was just what we ordered, a relaxing practice filled with stretching, light poses, and a touch of meditation to finish. 

Lotus Corner also offers Vinyasa flow classes, and with three different sessions scheduled throughout the day you can seriously get your yoga fix!  

Although we loved Lotus Corner, Pokhara is filled with many yoga studios offering everything from vinyasa to meditation at affordable rates, so look around for the best options around where you’re staying. 

Where | Lotus Corner, Lakeside

Cost | NPR 300 per class

Class times | 8:30 - 10am, 10:30 - 12pm, 4 - 5:30pm daily

Reviews | Read Tripadvisor reviews of Lotus Corner here

essential nepal | our top things to see and do in nepal

Hike up to the world peace pagoda (shanti stupa).

One of the most popular activities in Pokhara is visiting the World Peace Pagoda on top of Anadu Hill. 

While we don’t necessarily agree with its popularity (we’d definitely prefer a long, lazy brunch at The Juicery, or morning walk by Phewa!), it’s definitely a place worth visiting for the views alone. 

Built in 1973 by Japanese monks as a gift to Nepal and a symbol of peace, the Peace Pagoda is an interesting cultural site to visit, and provides some of the best views of the Annapurna Range, Pokhara and Phewa Lake. Although extremely popular with local and foreign tourists, tranquility is important here, so please dress appropriately, respect the rules and enjoy the surrounds quietly. 

In our opinion, the best way to visit the World Peace Pagoda is by taking a small local boat from ‘lakeside’ across to the small town on the opposite side of the lake. From here, the trail to the summit follows through the beautiful forest and takes around a 45min - 1 hour hike. Alternatively, take a 45min taxi from Pokhara to the summit. 

As there isn’t much shade to be found on the trail, we’d recommend visiting in the morning to avoid the heat. This is also when the skies are at their clearest and the best views over the Annapurna Range can be seen.

Safety note | solo travellers (female, particularly), do be careful if you decide to walk up by yourselves as cases of sexual harassment have been reported in the last few years.

Where | World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa), Pokhara

Cost | Entry to Stupa is free  NPR 810 - 1210 return boat trip

these photos will make you book a flight to nepal immediately!

Sunrise walk on the shores of phewa lake.

Pokhara’s iconic lake, Phewa, wouldn’t look out of place in Switzerland such is its natural beauty. And an early morning lakeside walk is one of our favourite things to do in Pokhara. 

Starting in the south, slowly walk towards the northern shores, enjoying the epic mountainscapes of the Annapurna range as the early morning light illuminates their peaks. 

At this time of day, there’s a calmness around Pokhara that you won’t find anywhere else in Nepal, so embrace the chill.

We recommend stopping at the various lookout points overlooking the colourful paddle boats and forested slopes and watching as the locals fish, hoping to reel in one of the resident catfish.

Finish your walk in the north, where arguably the best breakfast and iced coffee in Pokhara (and all of Nepal!) awaits you at The Juicery.

If you’re not a morning person, not all is lost! The lake is still a great walk at any time of day. Stop by one of the lakeside juice makers for a healthy pickmeup, or pop into a lakeside bar for a beer or two. There are also a number of Tibetan crafts vendors selling their wares by the lake if you’re keen to grab a bargain. 

Where | Phewa Lake, Pokhara

RELAX, AND DO GOOD WITH A MASSAGE FROM SEEING HANDS

After long days of trekking in the Himalaya, there’s nothing quite as enjoyable as a relaxing massage on your return to Pokhara. 

While there are a number of massage parlours offering all types of treatments, we highly recommend booking yourself in to Seeing Hands . These guys are a social enterprise providing training and employment in massage therapy for visually impaired people.

Mark visited the Seeing Hands guys right after our Annapurna Circuit hike a few years back to relieve all the aches and pains in his lower back and legs. After a quick consultation, he was on the massage bed enjoying a soothing massage. It was as good as he’s ever had, and a nice way to support a local community at the same time.

The clinics are open seven days a week, but we recommend booking ahead during the peak season. 

Where | Seeing Hands, Pokhara

Cost | Massages start from NPR 500

Opening hours |  10am - 5pm

Reviews | See what other travellers thought of Seeing Hands on Tripadvisor

trekking the annapurna circuit | our top tips!

Shop ‘till you drop in pokhara.

If there’s one thing we love doing in Nepal, it’s shopping. There’s just something about the colourful textiles and abundant jewellery that makes it way to easy to spend our hard-earned dollars without regret. 

Pokhara, especially, has some of the best shopping in Nepal. Take a wander along Lakeside road and you’ll find yourself fawning over an abundance of Tibetan goods, soft textiles and linens, silver jewellery, hiking gear, and fascinating new reads.

Some of our favourite shops include;

Popular book shop | has all the latest best sellers at a quarter of the usual retail price, as well as travel guides, maps, and notebooks.

Zaroo the Great | We want to buy pretty much every single woollen jumper in here. Has a great selection of Cashmere and Pashmina products and decent prices

Dressmart | Looking for a bargain, or some of those typical backpacker threads (but actually nice!)? Then shop here

Store of Hemp | Selling a variety of hemp based clothes, including modern shirts for the guys, and overalls and dresses for the ladies

Tibetan Mini Market | The best place to find Tibetan handicrafts and jewellery, run by the people's cooperative society of Tashi Palkhel (the Tibetan refugee camp just outside of Pokhara)

Although the prices may be a little more expensive than those in Thamel/ Kathmandu , we actually found the quality and variety much better in Pokhara.

EXPLORE THE CAVE SYSTEMS AROUND POKHARA

In the hills surrounding Pokhara are a number of cave systems — some of which are 100’s of years old — that are worth a visit if you have some extra time.  

The best cave to visit in Pokhara is Gupteshwar Mahadev, located on the road up to the Japanese Peace Pagoda (above). 

The entrance to the cave begins with a descent down a wooden staircase decorated with artistic murals of Shiva-Pavarti. Passing a gate, the path descends further via the slippery, wet stairs into the wide cave, where you'll arrive at the famous Lord Shiva temple, which is said to be over 600 years old. 

From here, you can also witness the lower part of Davi’s Falls, as it flows through the cave system and into the underground river below.

It’s worth noting that health and safety measures don’t really exist here, so enter at your own discretion. We’ve read about some tourists breaking their ankles here, so it pays to wear good shoes and take the path carefully. 

Other caves within Pokhara include:

Bat cave - full of bats, especially in October. Exit is through a VERY narrow gap

Mahendra cave - small limestone cave with stalactites & stalagmites, also contains a Lord Shiva statue

Where |   Gupteshwar Mahadev cave, Pokhara

Cost | NPR 100 for foreign tourists

our guide to accommodation in nepal | everything you need to know

A map of the best things to see and do in pokhara.

Here’s our map of Pokhara’s best attractions and best things to do. You can download this and add it to your phone.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN POKHARA

If you’ve been in the mountains for a while and have grown weary of the very delicious, but somewhat repetitive traditional Nepalese trekking food, you’ll be wrapt to know that Pokhara is home to a plethora of incredible food options. From wood-fired pizza to steaming bowls of ramen, you won’t ever go hungry here.

Having tried at least 20 seperate restaurants in Pokhara, we’ve listed our favourite eateries below:

LINGER CAFE

Owned by Zac, an American from Colorado, Linger cafe serves delicious, homemade food which Zac sources locally and cooks from scratch. We recommend the veggie ramen, and the assortment of tapas (high season only), as well as a selection of desserts, which are by far the best we’ve eaten in Nepal (think homemade ice cream cakes.. drool!).

Also serves some great Nepali craft beers.

Where |   Linger Cafe, Shiva Mandir, Indra Marg, Pokhara

Cost | Mains start from NPR 450

Reviews | See what other travellers thought of Linger Cafe on Tripadvisor

CAFFE CONCERTO

The oldest Italian restaurant in Pokhara and by far the best pizza in all of Pokhara; the base was brilliant, and the toppings tasty and fresh. The pasta is great too, but expect to pay for the name and history - mains start from around NPR 400.

Where |   Caffe Concerto, Pokhara

Cost | Mains start from NPR 400

Reviews | See what other travellers thought of Caffe Concerto on Tripadvisor here

NATSUUL KOREAN

This Uber-hip eatery serves delicious, authentic bibimbap, as well as other Korean food (but who can go past bibimbap!). The service isn’t great and it’s on the pricey end of the scale, with a meal costing around NPR 700 per person, but it’s definitely worth it. 

Where | Natsuul Korean, Lakeside Rd, Pokhara

Cost | Mains start from NPR 700

Reviews | See reviews of Natsuul Korean on Tripadvisor here

POTALA TIBETAN KITCHEN

This Tibetan eatery feels like you’re visiting a local family for dinner (in fact, we’re pretty sure their restaurant is actually their living room!), but the homely feel extends to the food - the thukpa (Tibetan soup) is great, as is the fruits and curd for dessert. Expect to pay around NPR 300 - 400 per meal.

Where |   Potala Tibetan Kitchen, Lakeside Rd, Pokhara

Cost | Mains start from NPR 300

Reviews | See Tripadvisor reviews of Potala Tibetan Kitchen here

ROADHOUSE CAFE

Woodfired pizzas and decent enough pasta from this Kathmandu based institution. Located lakeside, It’s super cool interior could be from New York or London, and the pizza is certainly delicious. A little on the pricey end, but you get what you pay for. 

Where |   Roadhouse Cafe, Hallan Chowk, Pokhara

Cost | Pizza’s start from NPR 400

AM/PM ORGANIC CAFE

Seriously popular with backpackers, AM/PM serves mostly organic, vegetarian fare. If we’re honest, it’s not the best and The Juicery (mentioned above) is far better, however for a decent breakfast and coffee in the south of town, it’s okay. It’s also quite expensive, with breakfast starting from NPR 400, and coffee around NPR 150.

Where |   AM/PM Organic Cafe, Shiva Mandir Marg, Lakeside Rd, Pokhara

Cost | Breakfast from NPR 400, Coffee from NPR 150

Reviews | See what other travellers thought of AM/PM Organic cafe on Tripadvisor

TRANSFORM YOUR PHOTOS WITH OUR NEPAL PRESETS!

Inspired by our travels through Nepal, these presets are designed to make your mobile photos rich and colourful, inspired by the towering mountains, colourful cities, and beautiful locals of our favourite country of all time.

POKHARA TRAVEL ESSENTIALS | HOW TO PLAN YOUR STAY IN POKHARA

Where to stay in pokhara.

Pokhara has an abundance of accommodation options, from budget the high end ( Check out our guide to accommodation in Nepal here ).

We’ve primarily stayed in the budget options during our visits to Pokhara, and listed our favourite below. 

Gauri Shankar Hostel | Comfy beds (probably the best we’ve encountered in Nepal), chilled environment, and affordable. They also have book for use, and an area to swap/donate unwanted hiking gear (perfect if you need a hiking pole or two).

BOOK | Gauri Shankar Hostel

Pokhara Backpackers/Hostel | A cheap hostel in a prime location Lakeside.

BOOK | Pokhara Backpackers

Kiwi Backpackers Hostel | Dated rooms, but run by a lovely family. Quiet, and away from the noise of Lakeside.

BOOK | Kiwi Backpackers Hostel 

HOW TO GET TO POKHARA FROM KATHMANDU

Bus from kathmandu to pokhara (and pokhara to kathmandu).

We’ve written a comprehensive guide on all the ways to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara — read it here

In meantime, it’s opinion that catching the ‘tourist’ bus is the easiest and most cost effective way to get from Kathmandu to Pokhara . That being said, the journey along the Prithvi Highway one of the more arduous bus trips we’ve ever taken, taking around 8 hours to travel 200kms.

The best, yet most expensive option is Greenline, which for $25 USD one way, or $42.50 return, offer modern buses with air-conditioning and charging capabilities, professional (and safe) drivers, as well as lunch on their Kathmandu to Pokhara (and return) route. Tickets can be purchased from any tour agent in Kathmandu, or directly at the Greenline offices.

Buses depart at 7am in front of the Greenline offices (near the North Face Showroom, Tridevi Sadak) just outside of Thamel, and drop you off at Shorakhutte bus station, just outside of Thamel on the return.

For those on a budget, there are cheaper ‘tourist’ buses that service the route. Blue Sky (USD $6) and World Touch (USD $8) are two good options, which provide seat numbers, water and meal stops on the route. Tickets can be purchased from any tour agent in Kathmandu.

FLYING FROM KATHMANDU TO POKHARA

For those who are time-poor or aren’t on a strict budget, the quickest way to get from Kathmandu to Pokhara is via plane. There are around 20 flights per day, lasting around 25 minutes, and generally cost around $100 depending on availability. Off season, flights can be as little as $50-60 is booked at the last minute.

We do advise that Nepali air safety is poor , so be sure to do your research before booking flights.

READ | Read our comprehensive Kathmandu to Pokhara transport guide

HOW TO GET AROUND POKHARA

Pokhara is a seriously walkable town, with wide footpaths, quiet back streets, and a picturesque lakeside walk, making it easy to get around by foot. In fact, we’d walk everywhere, rain, hail or shine, because it just isn’t worth hiring a taxi for such short distances. 

HIRE A SCOOTER

It’s possible to hire scooters from lakeside operators, which vary between NPR 800 - 1200 per day.

If you do plan to hire a scooter, we recommend that you’ve ridden one before, are aware of the dangers of riding on roads in Nepal, always wear a helmet, and have adequate travel insurance that covers you for scooter rides.

BUY | Book World Nomads insurance here , or read our comprehensive guide to travel insurance here .

HIRE A TAXI

Be warned - taxis are bloody expensive in Pokhara! It seems that a taxi mafia of some sort has been on the rise in recent years, leading to skyrocketing prices and some pushy drivers around.

If you’re staying Lakeside, there’s no real need to hire a taxi as everything is within walking distance. If you’d like to visit one of Pokhara’s main attractions, such as Sarangkot or the World Peace Pagoda, simply grab a cab from the main taxi ranks dotted on Lakeside road. Just remember to negotiate before entering the vehicle (or ask for the meter to be switched on), and don’t take the initial price as standard - haggle until you’re comfortable. 

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR NEPAL

Whether it's a sprained ankle, severe altitude sickness, or a broken-down bus that causes you to miss a flight, the unexpected can - and does - happen anywhere in the world, including Nepal, and it's always better to be prepared.

For all travellers | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out of pocket fees. *Get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here .

For digital nomads | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.

Car Insurance | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy

*In normal times, we recommend using World Nomads travel insurance , but unfortunately they're not currently covering COVID-19 related claims right now.

PLANNING TO VISIT NEPAL?

We have a heap of essential reading before visiting Nepal!

ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT ESSENTIALS | Absolutely everything you need to know about hiking the Annapurna Circuit , plus what to pack (and what to leave at home!) for the Annapurna Circuit

POON HILL ADVENTURES | Our ultimate guide to hiking Poon Hill, Nepal

CITY GUIDES | Our essential guide to the best of Pokhara , our ultimate guide to Kathmandu , and the best places to visit in Kathmandu

NEPAL TRAVEL GUIDES | The best places to see in Nepal , and your ultimate Nepal travel guide

ACCOMMODATION IN NEPAL | Our super useful guide to accommodation in Nepal , and our guide to the best hostels, hotels, and guesthouses in Kathmandu

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. Learn our top general responsible travel tips , discover how to trek responsibly while in Nepal , and all of our top sustainable and responsible travel tips for Nepal too

KATHMANDU TO POKHARA | How to get from Kathmandu to Pokhara

LIKE IT? PIN IT!

Have you been to Pokhara yourself? Help your fellow travellers our by sharing your favourite things to do in Pokhara in the comments below!

EXPLORE MORE OF NEPAL WITH OUR IN-DEPTH GUIDES!

Some of the links on this Pokhara travel guide are affiliate links.

If you choose to purchase using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please know that by using these affiliate links, you're directly supporting The Common Wanderer to stay wandering, the running costs of the site, and our ability to provide you with free content to help you on your travels.

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Travel Guide

20 Reasons to Visit Pokhara, Nepal

By Suraj Katwal

Updated On Oct 21, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Chilling by the Lakes

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

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

2. Paragliding in Pokhara

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

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

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

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

4. Devi’s Fall

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

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

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

5. Gateway to Annapurna region

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

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

6. Mahendra cave

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

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

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

7. Bat cave

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

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

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

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

8. Bird watching and Fishing

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

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

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

9. Mountain viewing

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

10. Sarangkot

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

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

11. Rupakot

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

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

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

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

12. World Peace Pagoda

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

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

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

13. Relaxation

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

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

14. Great Food

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

15. Nightlife

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

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

16. Affordable

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

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

17. Easy to Reach

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

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

18. Suitable for short vacations

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

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

19. Bungee Jumping

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

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

20. Zipline

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

FAQs related to Pokhara

Is pokhara worth visiting.

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

Why is Pokhara famous for tourism?

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

What to see in Pokhara?

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

Is Pokhara suitable for a Honeymoon Tour?

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

What are the best things to do in Pokhara Nepal?

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

How to get from Kathmandu to Pokhara?

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

How far is Pokhara from Kathmandu?

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

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

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

Suraj Katwal

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

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

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

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

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

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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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"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 between 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) is 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

Lakeside Pokhara

Shanti Stupa, Pokhara

Devi's Falls

Paragliding 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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Nepal Travel Blog

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

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

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

Map of Places to Visit in Pokhara

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

Adventure Sports in Pokhara

Paragliding.

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

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

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

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

Bungy Jumping

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

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

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

Tandem Swing

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

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

ATV Adventure

Cost: 9500 rupees (about $80 USD)

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

WISH – West Indoor Sport Hub

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

Go Kart Pokhara

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

Kayaking on Lake Phewa

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

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

Religious Sites in Pokhara

Pema dechenling monastery.

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

Boat to Tal Barahi Temple

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

Attempt to See Devi Falls

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

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

Explore Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

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

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

Museums in Pokhara

Visit the international mountain museum.

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

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

Gurkha Memorial Museum

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

Annapurna Museum (Annapurna Natural History Museum)

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

Food Related Activities in Pokhara

Eat tibetan momos at a refugee camp.

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

Elevated Dining at Sky Cafe

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

Enjoy the Lake Walk

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

Learn to Make Momos

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

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

Drink Chai in a Local Village

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

Relaxing in Pokhara

Get a massage.

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

Take a Yoga Class

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

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

Rent a Bicycle

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

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

Night Life in Pokhara

Catch a live band at the office bar.

Cost: Varies based on food and drink

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

Kick Back at the Movie Garden

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

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

Day Hikes Around Pokhara

Sunrise hike to sarangkot.

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

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

The World Peace Pagoda

Cost: Donation

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

Lord Shiva Statue

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

Day Trips from Pokhara

Annapurna cable car.

Cost: About $9 USD

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

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

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

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

Begnas Lake

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

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

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

Treks Near Pokhara

Panchase trek.

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

Poon Hill Trek

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

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

Mardi Himal Trek

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

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

Khopra Danda Trek

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

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

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

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

Tilicho Lake Trek

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

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

Annapurna Circuit Trek

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

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

My Top Picks for Hotels in Pokhara

Budget hotel.

Forest Lake Backpacker

BOOKING.COM

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

Comfort Hotel

Hotel Middle Path

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

Luxury Hotel

The Pavilions Himalaya

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

Transportation to Pokhara

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

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

You might also like…

Michelle della giovanna.

Writer at Full Time Explorer

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

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Reader Interactions

December 14, 2017 at 7:26 pm

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

December 14, 2017 at 8:15 pm

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

December 14, 2017 at 8:38 pm

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

December 14, 2017 at 9:04 pm

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

December 14, 2017 at 10:26 pm

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

December 14, 2017 at 11:06 pm

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

December 14, 2017 at 11:40 pm

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

December 15, 2017 at 12:00 am

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

December 15, 2017 at 2:31 pm

Dhaenabaht bai!

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Best Tourist Places to visit in Pokhara, Nepal

Jankari Nepal – Best Tourist Places to visit in Pokhara, Nepal

Pokhara is a most popular tourist destination of Nepal. It is famous for its stunning natural beauty, Himalayans views and rich cultural heritage. Pokhara is also known as the tourist capital of Nepal. Here are some key factors that make Pokhara a great place to visit .

20 Best Tourist Destinations in Pokhara || Best Tourist Places to visit in Pokhara, Nepal

• Tal Barahi Temple
• Pumdikot Shiva Statue
• Devi’s falls Pokhara
• Gupteshower Mahadev Cave
• Mahendra Cave
• Chamero Gufa
• Bindhyabasini Temple
• International Mountain Museum
• Matepani Gumba
• Begnas Taal
• Pokhara Shanti Stupa
• Dhampus Peak
• Gorkha Memorial Museum
• Annapurna Butterfly Museum
• Tibetan Refugee Camp
• Shree Gaden Dhargay Ling Monastery

1. Phewa Lake

Phewa Lake is a beautiful lake located in the city of Pokhara, Nepal. It is the most popular tourist destination in Nepal. Phewa Lake is beautiful and peaceful, with clear water where you can see reflections of the Annapurna and Machapuchare Himalayan mountains. It is also known as the second-largest lake in Nepal, with a depth of 24 meters (79 feet). Boating on Phewa Lake is a popular activity.

Tourists can rent rowboats or paddleboats to explore the lake. There is a famous Barahi Temple situated on an island in the middle of the lake, which you can reach by boat. Phewa Lake is surrounded by lush green hills and forests, making it an excellent place for hiking and picnics. Phewa Lake is not only a place of natural beauty but also a hub for various recreational and cultural activities. The Lakeside area of Pokhara, along the eastern shore of Phewa Lake, is a bustling tourist hub with hotels, restaurants, shops, and adventure activity providers.

2. Taal Barahi Temple

Taal Barahi Temple is a temple located in the middle of Phewa Lake in the city of Pokhara, Nepal. In this temple, the Hindu goddess Barahi is worshipped. Taal Barahi Temple is an important place in Pokhara, where thousands of tourists and pilgrims visit every year. To reach this temple, one needs to take a boat ride from the lakeside area of Pokhara. It is believed that worshiping at this temple can protect against diseases and misfortunes. Visitors reach the temple by taking a boat ride across the calm and beautiful waters of Phewa Lake. The serene environment, the lovely lake, and the mountain views make this a popular spot for tourists. On clear days, you can see pictures of mountains like Annapurna and Machapuchare (Fishtail) from the temple area. Visiting this place is pure joy.

3. Pumdikot Shiva Statue

The Pumdikot Shiva statue is renowned as an extremely popular tourist destination in Pokhara. Atop Pumdikot hill stands a massive man-made statue of Lord Shiva, offering breathtaking views of Pokhara city and the world’s largest Himalayan mountains such as Machhapuchhare, Annapurna, Ganesh, Dhawalagiri, and more.

4. Devi’s falls

Devi’s Fall is located in Pokhara, which is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Nepal. This waterfall got its name from a foreigner named David, who drowned here. Since that day, it has been known as Devi’s Fall. The water cascades down and then disappears underground. Through this, it leads to the Gupteshwor Cave, another popular tourist destination. Gupteshwor Cave is another tourist attraction in Pokhara where millions of tourists visit. In this cave, Lord Shiva is worshipped. Devi’s Fall and Gupteshwor Cave are situated close to each other.

5. Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

Gupteshwor Cave is located in Pokhara, which is considered one of the most beautiful tourist areas in Nepal. It is situated in the Kaski District of Nepal. There are also many facilities available to reach this cave. Hindu devotees consider Gupteshwor Cave as a holy place. Inside the cave, the worship of Lord Shiva takes place. There is also a very beautiful waterfall inside, known as Devi’s Fall. This cave offers an opportunity for visitors to experience growth and has artificial lighting to ensure safety. Gupteshwor Cave is a well-known destination for tourists in the Pokhara region of Nepal. It showcases both natural beauty and cultural significance.

6. Mahendra Cave

Mahendra Cave is located in the beautiful city of Pokhara, in the village of Batulechaur, Nepal. There is good access to transportation and roads here. Many tourists who come to visit Pokhara explore this cave. It is named after King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah. Lord Shiva is worshipped inside this cave. Due to the darkness inside Mahendra Cave, it is recommended to carry a flashlight or headlamp. The cave maintains a cool temperature throughout the year. Both domestic and international tourists visit this cave. Mahendra Cave provides a path for those interested in exploration and geology, as well as for those seeking cultural experiences due to the religious importance of the cave. Tourists who come to visit Mahendra Cave often hire local guides. These guides provide information about the history, geology, and cultural aspects of the cave.

7. Chamero Gufa

Chamere Cave” is a very beautiful cave located in the famous city of Pokhara, Nepal. Inside this cave lies the residence of Chamere. This cave is quite renowned, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. The cave has two doors, one to enter and one to exit. The exit door is smaller than the entrance door. It is believed that only sinless individuals can pass through the exit door. Chamere Cave is near the Mahendra Cave and is situated amidst the jungle. There is no electricity inside the cave, making it challenging for tourists. The path inside is narrow and slippery, so one must be very cautious. This cave opens only until 6 PM.

8. Sarangkot

Sarangkot is a beautiful place located in the Pokhara Valley of Nepal. It’s a unique place from where you can see beautiful Himalayan mountains like Machapuchare, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri. Sarangkot offers views of both sunrise and sunset. You can also go paragliding in Sarangkot, which is a popular activity attracting people from both within the country and abroad. There are many guesthouses and lodges in Sarangkot that provide accommodations for tourists. Sarangkot is a great place for both tourists and locals, and it is considered one of Nepal’s must-visit destinations.

9. Bindhyabasini Temple

The Bindabasini Temple is located in the beautiful city of Pokhara, Nepal. This is a famous Hindu temple. Various Hindu festivals are celebrated here. It is situated on a small hill near the old bazaar of Pokhara. From this temple, you can see the views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare mountains. Worship of Goddess Bindabasini takes place in this temple. The architecture of this temple reflects the pagoda style of Nepal. It is easy to reach this temple, either by climbing the stairs or by hiring a taxi. During festivals like Dashain and the New Year, many people gather here.

10. International Mountain Museum

The International Mountain Museum is located in Pokhara, Nepal. It is considered the gateway to the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. This museum provides information to tourists about mountains, their significance, and the challenges faced by mountain dwellers. It offers knowledge about geographical displays, Himalayan flora and fauna, and more. Visiting this museum has many benefits, such as learning about different mountaineers, understanding the art of the Himalayan region, and gaining knowledge about the people who conquer the mountains.

This museum also provides information about the challenges faced by climbers, including the problems encountered during ascents of mountains like Mount Everest. Additionally, it offers stunning views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare Himalayas. The museum is an essential place for trekkers, mountaineers, and researchers alike.

11. Matepani Gumba

Matepani Gumba located in Matepani, Kundahar area of Pokhara. It was established in 1960 A.D. by Nyeshang people who migrated to Pokhara from Manang. Situated on a small hill, east of the Pokhara city, the monastery is about five km from Mahendrapul. This gumba is situated on the top of a green hill mountain.

12. Rupa Taal

Rupa Lake is a fresh water lake in Nepal located on the border of Pokhara Metropolitan city and Rupa Rural Municipality. It is the third largest lake in the Pokhara Valley of Nepal and has an area of ​​about 1.35 square kilometers at an altitude of 600 meters with an average water depth of 3 meters and a maximum depth of 6 meters.

13. Begnas Taal

Begnas Lake is a fresh water lake in Pokhara, Nepal, located in the south-east of Pokhara Valley. Among the eight lakes in Pokhara Valley, the second largest lake after Phewa Lake is the third largest lake in Nepal. The Begnas Lake area with many resorts is a popular destination for tourists visiting Pokhara.

14. Shanti Stupa

Pokhara Shanti Stupa iis a very famous tourist destination in Pokhara. The World peace pagoda or Shanti Stupa is the first one that was built. Located on top of the Ananda hill, one has to do a bit of trekking in order to reach the stupa. The stupa was built in Buddhist pagoda style and is painted in a brilliant white. The Stupa gives a whole view of the Annapurna, Machhapuchhre and others mountain ranges. The Shanti Stupa was built just after World War 2 to inspire peace for all races and creeds.

15. Dhampus

Dhampus is a major tourist destination of Nepal located in the Annapurna region of the Himalayas, it is located near Pokhara. It is known for its stunning views of various world-famous peaks in the vicinity and is a popular destination for trekking and climbing enthusiasts. There are no big hotels here but homestays are very popular here.

16. Gorkha Memorial Museum

The Gorkha Memorial Museum located in Pokhara is exclusively dedicated to chronicling the remarkable history of Nepal’s famous Gorkha soldiers. These multimedia displays offer visitors an immersive and engaging journey through time, highlighting the heroic exploits, unwavering valor and indomitable spirit of the Gurkhas.

17. Annapurna Butterfly Museum

annapurna butterfly museum, this museum houses various types of butterflies that will fill you with knowledge through their extensive diversity. Each minute spent in this museum is worthwhile. The interior of the museum is entirely made of clay, creating a delightful atmosphere that appeals to many visitors, making it one of Pokhara’s excellent tourist destinations.

18. Tibetan Refugee Camp

In the city of Pokhara, there are four official Tibetan refugee camps that constitute a small world of their own. These refugee camps were constructed for the thousands of Tibetan refugees who came to Nepal after China’s takeover. To showcase the beauty of Tibet, they sell beautifully crafted jewelry, trinkets, paintings, and carpets. It’s a popular destination where tourists come to buy souvenirs and create lasting memories.

19. Shree Gaden Dhargay Ling Monastery

20. Old Bazar

The Old Market, located approximately 4 kilometers north of Lakeside in Pokhara, Nepal, is a vibrant and ethnically diverse traditional market. The market is alive with various traders, offering a wide range of goods. Its authentic charm is intact, and it proudly showcases local craftsmanship and cultural attire. The Old Market also features a diverse array of locally produced items for sale. It is a popular tourist destination in Pokhara.

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Places to Visit in Pokhara

• Places To Visit

Pokhara Tourist Places

Here are some of the best places to visit in pokhara:.

Shree Bindhyabasini Temple

Shree Bindhyabasini Temple, located in Pokhara, Nepal, is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Bindhyabasini. Perched on a hilltop, it offers panoramic views of the city and the Annapurna mountain range. Pilgrims flock to this sacred site to seek blessings and participate in religious ceremonies. The temple's rich history, cultural significance, and picturesque surroundings make it a must-visit destination for both devotees and tourists.

Top Experiences To Do in Shree Bindhyabasini Temple

International Mountain Museum

Barahi Temple

Sarangkot is an amazing place to visit in Pokhara for paragliding. You will get to fly over the vast phewa lake and it is going to be a unique experience. The thrill Himalayans give is a feeling of ecstasy. For sunrise, this is the perfect Pokhara tourist visit place. You will get to enjoy a beautiful morning along with your loved ones. You can also hike up to the heights if that is something you are interested in. Travellers get a taste of the local people and local food.

Location: North East of Sarangkot, Pokhara, Nepal.

Best of Kathmandu

The Phewa lake is a perfect place to visit in Pokhara. You will fall in love with the ambience of this place and it offers a pleasurable experience that you can enjoy with your family and friends. Phewa Lake is a famous Pokhara tourist place.

You can hire a boat, paddle at your own speed while enjoying the warm water below and the gorgeous rays of the sun above your head. You can escape the city life in this serene place. It is best to visit the place during daytime.

Highlights : The water is so clear that you can also see the reflection of Mount Machhapuchhre and Annapurna range.

Prices : Entry Free. 

Best months to visit : October

Devi's Fall

Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

Gurkha Memorial Museum

Best of Nepal

Mahendra Cave

Begnas Lake

Chamere Gufa

Chamero Gufa, whose English translation is the Bat Cave is a famous Pokhara tourist visit place. It is known because it is a natural habitat of the horseshoe bats residing in the cave. The bats are all over the walls and the ceiling.

Seti Gandaki (Seti River)

If you are really deciding to visit Nepal, the Seti River is a place to visit in Pokhara that you must visit at all costs. The river water flows directly from the Himalayas, so it is extremely clear and calm. The river is approximately 60 to 80 meters deep. Seti River Gorge is also called a wild Himalayan river. The milky river roaring through it will drag a piece of charm in your deep heart. It has got tourist-friendly surroundings. The flora and fauna across the river are also enchanting.

Best of Paro

Shanti Stupa

The amazing place of Pokhara Shanti Stupa is situated at the hilly edges of the Himalayas. The place is so silent that you will be able to hear your own breath. Once you reach the stupa, the view is marvellous. You have to climb 500 steps after you reach the stupa, so be prepared to sweat the effort in order to gain the entire satisfaction. When you come to the lake, you can take a boat and have your way through the waters.

Annapurna Butterfly Museum

The grounds of the Annapurna Butterfly Museum is located in the premises of a local University named Prithivi Narayan Campus. Once you reach the museum, you will be able to see hundreds and thousands of species of butterflies that you have probably never seen before and it is one of the famous Pokhara tourist places. Not only butterflies, you also get to see butterflies, insects, arthropods. The collection is displayed in different drawers so it is easy for visitors to locate and recognize and learn about them.

Jangchub Choeling Monastery

This monastery creates for you the perfect ambience for meditation. It is a nice small place to visit if you are in a hurry. When you hear the monks chanting in the area, you feel you have been purified spiritually. You will also be greeted and treated well by the monks of the area. It also has a lot of paintings which have their own significance. There were also several Buddhist statues. Just enjoy yourself and have a nice time at Jangchub Choeling Monastery.

Best of Bhutan

Shree Gaden Dhargay Ling Monastery

Shree Gaden Dhargay Ling Monastery is a serene and friendly place. You will feel sacred once you are able to hear and experience the prayers. It keeps resonating in your ears and heart. It shall feel an honour to be feeling such a feeling; it will make you feel like you are one step closer to enlightenment. You can also shop in the markets and money spent at the markets is used to take care of the people who reside at the monastery, that is, 140 children and 60 monks.

Pumdikot Shiva Statue Pokhara

The Pumdikot Shiva Statue in Pokhara, Nepal, is a magnificent 108-feet tall representation of Lord Shiva. Situated on a hilltop, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna mountain range and Pokhara Valley. This impressive statue, a symbol of spiritual significance and artistic excellence, has become a popular pilgrimage site and a major tourist attraction.

Big Splash Waterpark

The Big Splash Waterpark is fairly new, so all goods are working in perfect conditions. During Monsoon time, this place is a great option. The water slides are amazing for kids as well as adults. The pool is also refreshing to swim and you will enjoy yourself in the shade of sun.

Best of Colombo

Matepani Gumba

The trek in the place to visit in Pokhara is worth every drop of sweat that you sacrifice. You can walk all the way from the lakeside to enjoy the mystic Pokhara tourist visit. There is a peaceful atmosphere and the hike towards it is tiring, fun and the serene quality that you get surrounding it is satisfying to a whole different level. It is very quiet that you can only see and hear the sounds of nature. The temple is located on the hill so you also get a very nice view of the whole city.

Location: Matepani, Kundahar area of Pokhara, Kaski district in Nepal.

Bhimsen Temple

The Bhimsen Temple is dedicated to the God of business and trade, Bhimsen, who was one of the five Pandavas in Mahabharata. It is located just beside the Krishna temple in Patan so you will be able to visit two places in a short duration of time. Only Hindus are allowed to come into the temple. The architecture of the place is absolutely mind blowing. It possesses a rich history and is a very popular tourist attraction. It is entirely magical and spiritual, such is the power of the aura of the temple.

Best of Thimphu City

Dhampus Peak

Tibetan Refugee Camp

Himchuli Peak

Basundhara Park

Basundhara Park is a place to visit in Pokhara that is a main tourist location very close to the main city. It is situated beside a large elegant lake. The lake has a huge potential because of the lake which can be travelled with a boat. It is ideal for a morning or evening walk and also for picnics. Go into the park and refresh your mind in the Basundhara Park. The sun rays will brighten your face for the perfect photogenic shots.

People Also Ask About Pokhara

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• 10 Magnificent Places To Visit In Pokhara In 2024 For A Soulful And Tranquil Vacation

27 May 2024

Nepal is known for its magnificent beauty and is considered to be a paradise for travellers as there are so many majestic places to visit in Pokhara and soak in the natural delight. Pokhara is one of these places and it possesses a great gift of extreme natural beauty. This beauty is nestled in the Annapurna range, which is the tenth highest mountain in the world. This Himalayan paradise is adorned with stunning views of mountains in the backdrop and the amazing nature of this city makes this a popular tourist destination.

10 Best Places To Visit In Pokhara

Pokhara is blessed with a number of spectacular places to visit and makes your tour to Nepal worthwhile. To make sure that you don’t miss all these magnificent places, here is a list of 10 places to visit in Pokhara .

1. Phewa Lake

Image Credit: Jean Marie hullot by flickr

This lake is both a man-made and natural freshwater lake, it is also the most visited spot in Pokhara, Annapurna. This lake is the second largest lake in Nepal and many water activities like canoeing, boating, swimming, sailing, fishing, kayaking and bird watching are done here. There is a Barahi Temple which stands on an island in this lake is dedicated to the Varaha where devotees sacrifice birds and animals every Saturday.

Location: Kaski, Pokhara

Suggested Read: Consider These Snug Homestays In Nepal Your Home While Backpacking In The Paradise

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2. Davis fall

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This stunning waterfall is just about 2 km away from the Pokhara airport. The major source of water of this waterfall is Phewa Lake. The name of this fall is derived from a very unfortunate incident where a woman drowned and was perished in the falls and her name was ‘Davi’. The mystery of this fall is what attracts the visitors the most as the water does not flow to a river or lagoon but into a pitch dark hole that disappears in the caves.

Location: Pokhara 33700, Nepal

Suggested Read: 12 Things Not To Do In Nepal For A Hassle-Free Holiday Experience

3. Old Bazaar

Image Credit: jojothepojo by flickr

If you need a break shopping or just roaming around in Pokhara, then the old bazaar is the best place you can choose. This place is just 4km away from Phewa Lake and is like a traditional bazaar with a diverse range of traders. The Bindhyabasini Mandir, one of the most important shrines in Pokhara is located in this Bazaar.

Location: Ganeshman Sinha Maarga, Pokhara 33700, Nepal

Suggested Read: Visiting Nepal In September? Don’t Come Back Without Having These Exhilarating Experiences

4. Jangchub Choeling Gompa

Image Credit: Steven KUO by flickr

This monastery is situated in the Tibetan refugee settlement in Pokhara and was built as a centre of Buddhist services and ceremonies. Dalai Lama has named this place and this beautiful structure has its own history to tell. Built-in a Tibetan style, the hall of this monastery is spectacular and is used for prayer rituals. The main highlight of this place is the 7-foot-long copper and gold plated Buddha statue which is surrounded by 1000 miniatures of Buddha.

Location: Baglung Rajmarg, Pokhara 33700

5. Shree Gaden Dhargay Ling Monastery

Image Credit: Tripadvisor

Another monastery is located in the Tashi Ling Tibetan Camp in Pokhara. This place has a strong spiritual vibe. Tourists and visitors are allowed to sit for the long prayer which is a phenomenal experience. Long prayers are chanted by monks and the whole vibe of this place will lift your spirits and give you inner peace.

Location: Pokhara, Nepal

Suggested Read: 5 Water Parks In Nepal For A Jaw-dropping Experience In This Himalayan Nation

6. Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave

This cave is near the Davis fall and has a spiral staircase that leads you to the entrance this cave. The naturally formed structure which resembles the Shiva Lingam is believed to be old houses of people. This magnificent cave was discovered by the locals in the 16th century and has great religious and tourist importance.

Location: Tashi Ling settlement, Chorepattan

Suggested Read: Pokhara Nightlife: 10 Best Places For Witnessing The Charisma Of Nepal At Night!

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7. Pokhara Shanti Stupa

This pagoda is situated on top of the Phewa Tal. It is also known as the world peace pagoda. This sparkling white dome was built as a symbol of peace by some monks. The stupa has two tiers which are for tourists and religious people. There are many ways to reach this stupa like hiking, boating and walking through a jungle. The second tier has four Buddha statues that represent some important parts of Buddha’s life.

Location: Lumbini Sanskritik, 32914

Suggested Read: Paragliding In Nepal: 6 Best Places To Experience The Thrill Of Gliding

8. Sarangkot

Image Credit: Esmar abdul Hamid

This city is one of the popular cities in Nepal and is a great tourist spot. Away from the city noise, this city is on the outskirts of Pokhara tourists places. Sarangkot is known for its amazing paragliding experience. There are many other adventurous sports around this place and it will keep you busy every waking minute.

Suggested Read: Bungee Jumping In Nepal: 2 Places To See The Adventurous Side Of The Country

9. International Mountain Museum

It is one of the most popular and known places in Pokhara. The natural beauty that surrounds this place is aesthetic and if you want to know more about the mountains and the history related to it then you must visit this museum. There are some great documentaries that you can view to gain deeper knowledge about the mountains.

Location: Pardi Bazaar, 33700

Suggested Read: 7 Ancient Museums Of Nepal, The Paradise For Museum Lovers!

10. Barahi Temple

This temple is settled in the vicinity of Phewa Lake and preached by many people. This place is always filled with religious people that have faith in deities and they also sometimes sacrifice birds and animals as an offering to God. The scenic beauty around this place is marvellous and you can hire a boat to travel to this place and also explore the wilderness around this lake.

Location: Phewa Lake

Suggested Read: 9 Nepal Villas That Let You Stay At The Heart Of This Landlocked Country!

If you’re still not convinced, then you might get after visiting these ancient and magnificent places in Pokhara. Plan a rejuvenating Nepal vacation with TravelTriangle and let your mind find some peace amidst the serenity of this ancient place! For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here .

Frequently Asked Questions About P laces To Visit in Pokhara

Which are the most beautiful places to visit in Pokhara?

Pokhara is gifted with a plethora of beautiful places to explore, making your trip to Nepal memorable. Some of the must-visit places in Pokhara include Phewa Lake, Davis Fall, Pokhara Shanti Stupa, Shree Gaden Dhargay Ling Monastery and International Mountain Museum.

Is it safe to visit Pokhara during Covid times?

Many countries are allowing tourists with certain guidelines. It is advisable to get fully vaccinated and carry your RT-PCR Covid negative test report taken 72 hours prior to departure. We recommend keeping yourself updated with the most current information and travel guidelines for any destination you plan to visit.

What is the best time to visit Pokhara?

The best time to visit Pokhara is between August to November, which is also the peak tourist season. The summer season typically lasts from May to August, with the weather improving as the autumn season approaches. This is an excellent time for budget travellers to visit Pokhara and have a splendid trip.

What can you do in Pokhara at night?

The city of lakes in Nepal is more than simply lakes, mountains, and other gorgeous landscapes. Pokhara is also the finest destination in Nepal to enjoy the nightlife. The city offers a vast number of pubs and clubs to ensure that both residents and visitors have a good time. Some of the best places to visit in Pokhara at night include All that Jazz, Busy Bee Cafe and Movie Garden.

Is it possible to see Mount Everest from Pokhara?

You may take a helicopter ride from Pokhara to see several Himalayan peaks in the Annapurna region or trek to several locations for Everest viewpoints, but you will not be able to see Mount Everest from Pokhara.

How many days are enough for Pokhara?

You should stay in Pokhara for at least 4-5 days to explore the city thoroughly, seeing all of the sights and resting for a few days. It will be jam-packed with things to do and places to visit, which will be well worth a memorable trip.

What is Pokhara famous for?

Pokhara, Nepal's most popular tourist destination, is known for its Himalayan range and lakes. Pokhara is also well-known for its adventure activities such as boating, trekking, rafting, canoeing, and bungee jumping.

Which city is more beautiful, Kathmandu or Pokhara?

Pokhara is situated amid beautiful green hills and is surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks. The pace of the city is slower than that of Kathmandu, giving it a more relaxed atmosphere. Pokhara's major feature is Phewa Lake, a massive freshwater lake. Coffee shops, vibrant pubs, and foreign cuisines surround the lake's banks, drawing both travellers and residents.

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• Top 11 Places To Visit In Pokhara

Top 11 Places to Visit in Pokhara

Home to some of the highest mountains in the world and a number of beautiful lakes and rivers, Nepal is the best example of geographical diversity. Being the country of contrasts that it is, you can also find several different cultures, traditions, languages, and beliefs here, co-existing in harmony. Nepal is famous as the ultimate outdoor sports destination, which makes it a true paradise for thrill seekers. But this does not mean that the country doesn’t cater to travellers with interests other than adventure sports. This is a place that is equally popular among nature admirers, history buffs, spiritual travellers and adventure lovers. Nepal has a plethora of tourist destinations, and Pokhara is unarguably among the most popular ones.

Blessed with spellbinding natural beauty, Pokhara is the second largest city in the country. Situated at an altitude of 827 meters above sea level, this place offers some truly spectacular views of its surrounding mountain ranges. With a spectacular backdrop of the towering peaks of the Annapurna Mountain Range, Pokhara is also famous as the gateway to some very popular treks in Nepal. No matter how long your trip to Nepal is, it always remains incomplete without a visit to the mesmerising Pokhara Valley.

Let’s dive deeper and discuss what you need to know about planning a trip to Pokhara:

When to Visit

Pokhara is an all-year-round destination as this place has different things to offer in different seasons. However, the best time to visit Pokhara is from March to April and September to November. During these months, temperatures remain just perfect for sightseeing, trekking, and other outdoor activities. Since this is the peak season for tourism, one can also plan a trip at some other point in time and avoid the crowd. However, it is better to avoid visiting this place during the monsoon season as Pokhara receives heavy rainfall at that time.

Places to Visit in Pokhara

Here is a list of some of the most popular places to visit in Pokhara:

1. Phewa Lake

Phewa Lake is the second largest lake in Nepal and is very popular among tourists coming to Pokhara. It is a semi-natural freshwater lake that is surrounded by Rani Ban. Here, one can see the stunning reflection of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges in the crystal clear water of the lake. Hiring a traditional boat called a doonga and sailing through the lake is definitely the best way to admire the natural beauty of this place.

Another nearby attraction for people visiting this lake is the Tal Barahi Temple. Also known as the Lake Temple or Barahi Temple, this is one of the most important religious places for Hindus in Nepal. Built in 1864 by Kaskeli King Kulmandan Singh, this temple is dedicated to the goddess Durga (known as goddess Varahi in Nepal).

2. Davis/Devis Falls

Located at a distance of 2 km from the airport, this stunning waterfall is one of the best places to visit in Pokhara. In the Nepalese language, this waterfall is known as ‘Patale Chango’ which translates to ‘underground waterfall’. One extraordinary thing about this waterfall is that it creates a 500-feet-long underground tunnel as it reaches its bottom. This means that the water from this waterfall does not flow to a river or lagoon but into a mysterious dark hole that eventually disappears in the caves.

3. Pokhara Shanti Stupa

Also known as the Peace Pagoda, Pokhara’s Shanti Stupa is a beautiful Buddhist monument which is located on the top of Anadu Hill. Built by Morioko Sonin, a Nipponzan Myohoji monk, this pristine white-coloured monument is a fine example of the traditional pagoda architectural style. This is the first peace pagoda in the country and the 71st in the world. With a height of 115 feet and a diameter of 344 feet, this monument offers a stunning view of the Phewa Lake and is definitely one of the important places to visit in Pokhara.

4. International Mountain Museum

For people who find facts about mountains and mountaineering extremely fascinating, this is a must-visit place in Pokhara. This awe-inspiring museum boasts a large collection of artefacts and original mountaineering gear along with stories and photographs of the mountains. The establishment was initiated by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) on November 1, 1973, and the museum was officially opened on February 5, 2004. Originally, this museum was built to maintain records and document the history, evolution, development, and legendary achievements in mountaineering.  Here, one can also get a closer look at the lives of the explorers who climbed some of the highest mountain peaks in the world. This museum is one of the major tourist attractions in Pokhara and witnesses a huge visitor influx throughout the year.

5. Sarangkot

Sarangkot is a small village that lies on the outskirts of Pokhara. It is known for offering breathtakingly beautiful views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu mountain ranges and the Pokhara Valley. Located at an elevation of 1600 meters above sea level, this place is the take-off site for paragliding. Other than this, Sarangkot is also famous for being home to one of the world's fastest zip lines. All in all, if you are looking for some adventure in Nepal , this is one place you should definitely visit on your trip.

6. Shree Gaden Dhargay Ling Monastery

This is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery which was established with the aim of making people aware of the Buddhist and Tibetan culture. This is one of the most frequented tourist places in Pokhara, Nepal. With a serene and peaceful environment, this monastery gives visitors a chance to find inner peace while spending some time away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

7. Begnas Taal

Begnas Taal is a freshwater lake lying on the eastern side of the Pokhara valley. After Phewa Lake, this is the second largest in the Pokhara Valley and the third largest in Nepal. Blessed with beautiful natural surroundings, this lake is one of the most popular places to visit in Pokhara. The Khudi Khola dam, which has been built on the western stream of this lake, regulates the water levels. It is the major source of irrigation in every season except for the monsoons. The swamps around the Begnas Taal have been converted into lush green paddy fields, while some sections of the lake are used for fish farming. Overall, this lake acts as a major source of income for the local people.

8. Shree Bindhyabasini Temple

This is one of the oldest temples in the city of Pokhara. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Bindhyabasini, the incarnation of Kali, and enthrals a large number of visitors. Dating back to the late 18th century, this temple is believed to have been built by King Prithvi Narayan Shah. In today’s times, this temple holds great religious significance and is counted among the most popular places to visit in Pokhara.

9. Gupteshwar Mahadev

Gupteshwar Mahadev is a cave temple located near Davis Falls. This is the place where the Seti River emerges from the ground. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple was found sometime around the 16th century, and in present times, it is one of the most popular places for sightseeing in Pokhara. Here, one can see the self-emerging Shivaling in the condition it was originally found in, and the cave housing this Shivaling is approximately 3 km long.

10. Bat Cave

Also known as Chamere Gufa, the Bat Cave is a solutional cave located in the Kaski District of Pokhara. As the name suggests, one can find thousands of bats clinging upside down from the ceiling and walls of the dark and moist chambers of this cave. This cave, known for being the habitat of horseshoe bats, has become one of the most popular tourist places in Pokhara, Nepal.

One can explore this cave by paying an entry fee of 150 Nepalese Rupees. At the start point, a torch is given to the visitors, using which they can make their way once inside the cave. It takes approximately 10 minutes to reach the exit point.

11. Annapurna Circuit

This is a challenging yet popular Himalayan trek in the Annapurna mountain range. This trail will give you a chance to witness the unparalleled beauty of snow-capped mountain peaks and misty valleys dotted with a number of monasteries. This trek marks its starting point in the lush green villages of the Himalayan foothills and you will reach an altitude of 5416 metres once you cross the Thorung La Pass.

Now that you know what Pokhara offers to people who come here, you should definitely start planning a trip. Veena World offers a wide range of specially-curated Nepal holiday packages . Take your pick and make the most of your vacation!

We are an Indian travel company founded in 2013 and excel at domestic and international tour packages including guided group tours, specialty tours, customized holidays, corporate MICE travel, inbound travel and destination weddings.

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Sarangkot Mountain Lodge

Pokhara, Nepal

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The lodge has 30 comfortable rooms each having en suite facilities and private balconies that offer unobstructed views of the Annapurna range.

Guran, their main dining room offers a broad selection of food while enjoying mountain views from inside or from the seating area on the veranda. The highlight is their rooftop infinity pool. There is a bar adjacent to the pool where you can enjoy a cocktail before dinner or even have your meal there.

Other facilities include the Tripti Spa, and they also have a few mountain bikes on site.

Recognizing the fact that most guests stay at Sarangkot for the views, the property has been built in such a way that each room offers a view of the surrounding peaks. The legendary Nepalese hospitality is quite apparent here as they serve a very generous breakfast on the terrace while you admire the views.

OUR RATING: First Class

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Photos of Sarangkot Mountain Lodge

The property has 28 deluxe rooms that are decorated with earthy colors. The decor is modern, and all rooms come with tea and coffee making facilities, air conditioning, in-room safe and Wi-Fi. They have two suites that have a separate living room and bedroom. The bedroom also features a bathtub with a view of the mountains. All rooms and suites have a private balcony offering mountain views.

At an elevation of 1,600 m (5,249 ft), the lodge can be reached in half an hour via the winding roads from Phewa Lake.

Food and drink

Named after the rhododendron, the national flower of Nepal, the main dining room is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers a broad selection of local and continental cuisine. If it’s a clear day, you can always dine outside on the veranda to enjoy the mountain views. The bar is adjacent to the rooftop pool where you can enjoy a cocktail before dinner or even have your meal there.

Facilities and activities

If you’d like to explore the surrounding area, there are several hikes that they would be happy to recommend. For cycling enthusiasts, Sarangkot Mountain Lodge has mountain bikes available for guests to tour the village. A guide will accompany you on the bike ride. On returning you can treat yourself at the Tripti spa that has a team of experienced therapists who can offer a range of treatments.

Tour ideas in Pokhara

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Sarangkot Mountain Lodge as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Discover Nepal

13 days from $4,290pp

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map, alternative places to stay nearby.

Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.

Temple Tree Resort & Spa

Tiger Mountain Lodge

Pokhara and nearby places.

• Tanchock 6 miles away
• Dhampus 6 miles away
• Birethanti 6 miles away
• Ghandruk 11 miles away
• Annapurna 20 miles away
• Bandipur 37 miles away
• Seti River 38 miles away
• Kurintar 50 miles away
• Chitwan National Park 63 miles away
• Lumbini 67 miles away

Kings’ World Tour

5 kings, 7 months, many countries.

Chapter 8.3 – Pokhara

We left Lumbini on a small domestic flight headed for Pokhara. We were done with our visit to the girls school; next up was a boys school. 

When we told our families that we were considering a visit to Nepal, we quickly learned that Allison had a family connection there. Aunt Sondi put us in touch with her good friend Leela who had a deep passion for Nepal. Leela is an Italian America – a self described child of the 60s. She had fallen for India and Nepal decades ago, and had visited many times since. 20 years back she met a young monk who had a vision to build a monastery on a magical piece of land outside of Pokhara. Although he’d had no exposure to modern life, he was charismatic and determined, and he single handedly raised the money to build it. His vision was contagious. Leela helped to create a foundation to support the work, and raised money to build a guesthouse next to the monastery for visitors to stay. 

Leela was incredibly helpful – a font of information about Nepal – and urged us to visit the monastery. It was a compelling pitch.

The Pema Ts’al monastery is home to roughly 200 boys and men who are training to become Buddhist monks. They move to the monastery as young as 4 years old, leaving their families and old lives behind. They come from all over, but particularly from the rugged mountain area north of Pokhara known as Mustang. They learn how to become Buddhist monks, obviously, but they also get broader education including math, science, English, etc. The boys are sent for a variety of reasons, but one of the most common was simple need: the monastery provides these boys with a great education, plus free room and board. For many poor families in the area, this was an irresistible opportunity – even if it meant saying goodbye to their sons. 

The seven of us arrived and were greeted by Rigzen – the manager of the guest house. He would be our guide while we were there – guide and coach and teacher and friend. He was magnetic, bonding easily with adults and kids alike. He had been a monk at the monastery for many years, and he knew it inside and out. We were in wonderful hands. 

We dropped our bags off in our rooms – three rooms in a row all with amazing views. The place was clean and simple – as we expected. We were the only ones at the expansive guest house, giving it a peaceful, at times ghostly feel. We proceeded to lunch at the basic restaurant, and then Rigzen took us next door for a tour of the monastery. 

The first impressions of the monastery were of its size and beauty. The place was like a Buddhist Hogwarts: an expansive boarding school where students in colorful uniforms thronged the halls. We marveled at the beautiful designs of the temple. Then we proceeded inside the warren – winding through the small corridors and staircases. The boys were on short break between classes, and the place was buzzing with energy – it was electric. We had expected somber and serious, but instead we found exuberant. There were only a handful of adults in the place, so the more senior students were responsible for keeping order – or at least something like it. Mischievous little apprentice monks – 5 and 6 years old – ran past us chasing each other at full speed. We watched  a group of late-teens playing a game of barefoot soccer, trash talking playfully. Older boys greeted us warmly and wanted to chat. We stumbled across a group of 8-10 year olds playing dodgeball, and our boys quickly joined in, disappearing into the fray. 

The following days saw a similar pattern. Whenever the young monks were on break, Hudson and Cooper would sprint over from the guesthouse and vanish into the monastery. They played ping pong, soccer, cricket. Whatever was happening, they were invited in. We would lose them for hours, and then they’d emerge red-faced and sweating, beaming with pleasure. They were welcomed with open arms, and after 6 months on the road with just their family, it was a much-needed release. 

It wasn’t just the boys who were welcomed at the monastery. We adults felt the same inclusive warmth as the kids. While the boys (and sometimes Gabby) were playing, we took advantage of the opportunity to ask some deeper questions. We had an audience with one of the senior monks and interrogated him about the meaning of life. We did a meditation session with Rigzen to the sound of him chanting. We had many discussions about Buddhism and contemplation and happiness and monastic life – all while enjoying lattes at the guest house’s unexpectedly great coffee shop. 

We also made a field trip to the nearby Tibetan settlement. The Nepalese government had given these refugees a home decades ago when China asserted its sovereignty over Tibet, and now a generation later it was now home to about 500 stateless people. They were stuck in a no man’s land: they couldn’t return to Tibet, they wouldn’t want (or qualify for) Chinese passports, and the local government wouldn’t allow them Nepali citizenship. Our vivacious guide – a magnetic woman who had been born in the settlement – told us about the challenges of life here. She took us to a Tibetan monastery; she toured us around a local business that made peanut butter and fruit juice (an intriguing combo). She then escorted us to the one restaurant in the settlement: her family’s. We met her mom and four sisters, and they greeted us like we were family. We chatted with the sisters as they cooked; we petted the stray dogs that wandered in; we laughed with their 90 year old mom; we helped ourselves to the drinks in their fridge; we delighted over the Tibetan dumplings (mo mo’s) they lovingly crafted. It would have been one of our favorite meals in Nepal even if the old matriarch hadn’t randomly declared that I had a “lucky” forehead. 

The mornings at the monastery were particularly magical. The adults would naturally wake with the sunrise around 5 / 5:30 and marvel at the views of the mountains and the monkeys playing on the gate. Then we’d groggily head to the temple for the morning meditation. Had it not been for Leela’s urging, we might have slept through these 6am “Pujas.” But thank goodness we didn’t. We removed our shoes at the temple entrance, and quietly took our seats on the side. In the middle of the temple, lining both sides of a central aisle, sat about two dozen monks. Adorned in their iconic red-orange robes, they began their morning chant. 

Chant isn’t quite the right word for it; more musical than a chant, less musical than a song. Most of the monks were reading the lyrics from beautiful stacks of papers. There were varying melodies and rhythms. There was clapping and snapping. There were hand gestures. There were instruments and incesnse and candles. Our first monring, the puja lasted an hour. Our second, it was 2.5h (though we didn’t stay for all of it). It was one part meditation; one part giving thanks; one part asking for blessing for all sentinent beings. It was unlike anything we’d seen before.

The monastery was a special place. And as with all special places, it was the people that made it. There were several people that stood out – the headmaster who patiently walked Gabby and I through the story of the Buddha’s life; the coffee shop lady to played Jenga with our kids; the 18-year old monks who took care of our boys. And Rigzen, most of all. Ghen Rigzin was like a brother to us. From the moment we arrived, his company was warm and generous and peaceful and fun-loving. He delighted in playing with the kids. He took care of us. He indulged our innumerable questions about meditation and Buddhism and Nepal. He shared his story and his wisdom and his heart with us. And we’ll forever be grateful.

On our last afternoon, we bade farewell to the monastery and moved to a small hotel in Pokhara so that we could prep for the next day’s trek. The Lakeside district is packed with good restaurants and knock-off hiking shops, and we stocked up with some new pants, sunglasses, and rain jackets. The boys manage to find (yet another) gem store, and we had a delightful time chatting with the young owner Nehmet. We had one final farewell dinner with the grandparents, who sadly (and perhaps wisely) wouldn’t be joining us on our trek. To have shared this time in Nepal together was incredibly special – something we would always have together. 

And so we went to bed, excited and a bit nervous for the following morning’s early departure to the Himalayas. Thank you Pokhara – we hope to come back some day.

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Two parliamentary subcommittees to probe suspected irregularities in Pokhara and Bhairahawa airports

Matrika Dahal

The Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives has formed two subcommittees to probe suspected irregularities in the construction of two international airports in Pokhara and Bhairahawa.

The parliamentary committee on Thursday said that it formed the probe panels to investigate the entire construction processes of the Pokhara Regional International Airport and the Bhairahawa-based Gautam Buddha International Airport.

Rastriya Prajatantra Party chair Rajendra Lingden will head a 12-member committee—comprising Arjun Narsingh KC, Gokul Prasad Baskota, Janardan Sharma, Tara Lama Tamang, Teju Lal Chaudhary, Deepak Giri, Dev Prasad Timilsina, Prem Bahadur Ale, Ram Krishna Yadav, Rukmani Rana Baraili, and Leknath Dahal—to probe the construction of Pokhara airport.

Likewise, an eight-member team led by CPM-UML lawmaker Yogesh Bhattarai will investigate the Bhairahawa-based airport. Lawmakers Achyut Prasad Mainali, Amresh Kumar Singh, Bikram Pandey, Manju Khand, Shyam Kumar Ghimire, and Saraj Ahmed Farooki are among the committee members.

According to Hrishikesh Pokharel, chair of the public accounts committee, both sub-committees have been asked to submit their findings within a month.

The reports will cover everything from the proposal to build the airspaces, investment and contracts, and the entire proceedings from their construction to the current state.

Despite being built as projects of national pride, neither of the airports have been able to operate international flights on a regular basis.

The Pokhara airport was provided a loan of Rs22 billion by China while the Asian Development Bank had provided a loan of Rs7 billion for Gautam Budhha International Airport.

“Both the airports were built as national pride projects but have not been able to operate international flights,” Pokharel said. “Did these projects increase the pride of the country? Why were these projects built if they cannot operate flights? Why were there no discussions about the feasibility of international flights to the airports before their initiation? We have to look deep into these issues.”

Spread over 3,899 ropani [198.36 hectares] of land, the Pokhara airport, the construction for which began in fiscal 2015/16, was initially scheduled to be completed by fiscal 2018/19 at an estimated cost of Rs22 billion. The completion was delayed by two years to fiscal 2020/21 and the cost was shown to be Rs25.34 billion.

The airport was inaugurated in May 2022 by then Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba.

The airport has been operating at a loss as it has been unable to operate any international flights.

Likewise, the construction of the Gautam Buddha International Airport was planned to begin on January 15, 2015, and be completed by December 2017. However, the deadline was extended by four years to December 2021.

Despite being officially opened to the public in May 2022, the airport has come to a virtual standstill. The initial estimation of the cost of construction was said to be Rs30.91 billion, but with the extension of the deadline, the cost shot up to Rs35.66 billion.

The parliamentary committee has also directed the government to cooperate with other countries and airline companies to facilitate flights to both airports.

In January 2015, former Prime Minister Sushil Koirala had laid the foundation to upgrade the Bhairahawa domestic airport into an international airport.

The foundation for the Pokhara Airport was laid by former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in April 2016.

The two projects had to bear the brunt of the 2015 earthquake, blockade, Covid pandemic, economic slowdown, inadequate resources, and protests from locals. They took nine years and Rs61 billion in total to come to fruition.

Until April 2024, Jazeera Airways operated 110 flights to the Bhairahawa airport. The Himalayan Airways also operated 68 two-way charter flights to Malaysia from Bhairahawa.

Since May of last year, a Nepali Airlines flight from Malaysia touches down in Bhairahawa every Tuesday before arriving in Kathmandu.

The Pokhara airport, however, has yet to see any regular international flights. Although the Bangladeshi airline operators are eager to fly to Pokhara, official discussions on the matter are yet to happen.

Matrika Dahal Matrika Dahal is a reporter for Kantipur Publications Limited covering crime, national security and social affairs.

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Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Nepal

N epal is a country of rich and diverse culture, as it is home to a diverse mix of people, languages, ethnicity, and social structures. Every year thousands of tourists visit the country to explore its natural habitats and cultural heritage. There are hundreds of destinations in Nepal that beckon tourists from across the world to explore the bountiful beauty that nature has gifted this country.

Here are the top 10 tourist attractions in Nepal that one can add to their next-to-go list and explore — 

Annapurna Conservation Area

Annapurna Conservation Area is one of the most popular places in Nepal owing to its proximity to the Annapurna Base Camp. It is also one of the closest trekking destinations from Pokhara, which lies around 40kms north of the city. 

Established in 1992, Annapurna Conservation Area is home to several endangered plant and animal species.

The world’s deepest gorge — the Kali Gandaki Gorge, and the Annapurna Mountain Range lies in the north of the region.

Peaks of Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Himchuli, Gangapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchre, and Shringi Himal are visible from the region.

Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha National Park is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites that was built in 1976 by the Nepal Government in the Everest region.

Several trekking destinations like the  Everest Base Camp Trek , Gokyo Lake, and Three Passes, that lie within Sagarmatha National Park are very popular among tourists.

Along with trekking, the National Park also offers magnificent views of the Mahalangur Mountain Range, including the highest peak in the world — Mount Everest.

Besides, there are several other mystic mountains in this area, including Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Island Peak.

Sagarmatha National Park is home to several endangered animals, such as the snow leopard, Himalayan Tahr, Red Panda, and 194 species of birds and several rare herbal trees and shrubs.

Travelers can reach Sagarmatha National Park by taking a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla or via bus to Salleri and then trek to Lukla.

Manaslu Conservation Area

Manaslu Conservation Area, a popular tourist attraction in Nepal, was established in 1998. It covers a total land area of 1663 square kilometers and is home to 33 species of mammals, 110 species of birds, 11 species of butterflies, and three species of reptiles.

Manaslu Conservation Area, that starts from Arughat and ends in Larke La Pass, is rich in diverse climatic conditions as it spreads widely from sub-tropical to Nival regions.

The beautiful vistas of Mount Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Chamar, Shringi Himal, Tsum Valley and the Kali Gandaki river are a must-visit.

Travelers can reach Manaslu Conservation Area after a drive from Kathmandu to Besi Sahar and then trek to Arughat.

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is also called ‘The City of Temples.’ The city is famous for its holy sites and shrines like Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Budhanilkantha, and Dakshinkali.

The Kathmandu Valley is very rich in history as well. The three Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan are significant to the Malla and Shah Dynasties , who ruled the Kingdom of Nepal for centuries. The Royal Courtyards, Golden Taps, Halls and historical sites are some of the must-visit parts of the Durbar Squares.

Besides, there are several historical landmarks such as Dharahara, Clock Tower (Ghantaghar), Sahid Gate, Rani Pokhari, and Hanumandhoka.

Kathmandu can be visited all across the year to explore Nepal’s culture and history.

Pokhara is one of the top tourist attractions in Nepal. The beautiful ‘City of Lakes’ has several beautiful lakes like the Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake, and Rupa Lake.

Pokhara is a vantage point to view Himalayan peaks like Machhapuchre, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Himchuli. The shadow of Machhapuchre that dances on the surface of Phewa Lake is one of the top attractions.

Besides lakes, there are several places to visit in Pokhara, like Sarangkot Hill, International Mountain Museum, Tal Barahi Temple, Davis Falls, Mahendra Cave, and Shanti Stupa.

The nightlife on the Lake Side is very popular among partygoers as the city has several westernized pubs and hospitality centers where one can enjoy live music, dance parties, and free drinks.

Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park lies in the central Terai region of Nepal, and it is one of the best destinations to go on a jungle safari. 

It is a protected area established in 1973 AD by Nepal Government to conserve wildlife and plant species.

Besides the National Park, there are several other destinations like Bis Hazari Lake, Elephant Breeding Sanctuary, Devghat, Jalbire Waterfall, and Tharu Village where travelers can explore the culture and natural heritage of the Terai region of Nepal.

Travelers can reach Chitwan after a drive from Kathmandu Bus Park or by taking a direct flight to Bhadrapur Airport.

Bardia National Park

One of the main reasons to visit Bardia in Nepal is the Bardia National Park, which is a sanctuary well-known for its Bengal Tigers.

Popular Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio had visited the Bardia National Park to spread awareness for protecting the endangered species.

Bardiya National Park is home to 642 species of animals, 407 species of resident and migratory birds, 125 species of fish, and 839 varieties of plants.

There are several homestay facilities in the Tharu community that can be visited to experience the culture of Nepal.

Travelers must not miss the Machhan Tree House when they visit Bardiya, alongwith the jungle safari, and bird watching at Bardia Shiva Community Forest.

Muktinath Temple

Muktinath is one of the holiest places for both Hindu and Buddhist devotees. It is one of the high-altitude tourist destinations that lies 3,762 meters above sea level. Travelers can reach directly by taking a flight to Jomsom and then hiking to Muktinath. it can also be explored as part of the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Muktinath Temple has 108 spouts where people take a holy dip believing that their sins get washed away after bathing in the water bodies. The Eternal Flame and other shrines around the temple are also very popular. 

Tatopani, a natural hot spring close to Muktinath, is where trekkers take a bath after covering the exhausting Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Upper Mustang

The Upper Mustang is a cold desert region in Nepal that is popular among adventure-seekers and travel enthusiasts.

The trek starts with a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom and then a hike to Kagbeni. Along the way, there are diverse Thakali and Sherpa settlements where travelers can enjoy the hospitality and Thakali cuisine.

For followers of Buddhism, the ancient Tibetan Gompas are a must-visit. The wall-carved settlements of Lo-Manthang provide historical insights into the ancient kingdoms in the region. 

Those visiting the Upper Mustang region can view the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain range, Gompas, traditional villages, and lush green forests.

Lumbini – the birth place of Lord Buddha

Lumbini, is one of the holiest sites for Buddhists as Lord Buddha was born here.  The city, which falls in Kapilvastu district of Nepal, has several tourist destinations like Maya Devi Temple, Maya Devi Garden and Pool, Ashoka Pillar, and the Palace, that are very popular among tourists.

Lumbini has several meditation centers that help people mediate and attain inner peace.

Travelers can reach Lumbini by driving to Kapilvastu or by taking a flight to Bhadrapur or Bhairahawa and then taking a short ride to the destination.

(Above mentioned article is consumer connect initiative. This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of IDPL, and IDPL claims no responsibility whatsoever)