Top Things to Do in Pokhara, Nepal

Hidden in the background of the breathtakingly beautiful Annapurna mountain range is Pokhara, a Nepal gem. Pokhara is a mix of nature, adventure, and culture, so it is one of the most loved cities in Nepal.

Whether you are an adventure enthusiast, a nature lover, or a culture lover, Pokhara is the place to visit. Peaceful lakes and thrilling paragliding are reasons enough why the city is a point of destination both for international tourists and Nepalese nationals alike. Below are the activities to do in Pokhara that you cannot miss out on.

Boating the Tranquil Phewa Lake

Phewa Lake is the focal point and the iconic face of Pokhara. Its glassy emerald-green water is as calm as glass and reflects the hills and the surrounding mountains to depict a classic postcard scene.

• Take a colorful paddle boat (or the guided rowboat tour) and paddle across the peaceful waters for one or two hours.
• Proceed to the Tal Barahi Temple – this temple is situated in the middle of the lake and where you can witness colorful fish swimming around the lake.
• After completing your boating experience, you can enjoy your time having a snack or beverage at the nearby cafes.

A visit to Pokhara is incomplete without this quintessential experience.

Paragliding Over the Himalayas

Did you ever dream about flying as a bird? Pokhara is listed as the world’s top paragliding destination due to its stunning location, beautiful views, perfect weather and world-class paragliders.

• Sarankot is a hilltop which is situated at an altitude of 1600 meters (5250 feet) and is the spot from where paragliding starts.
• You will fly over Phewa Lake with a bird’s-eye view of the green forested areas, the crop fields, and the villages below.
• Takeoff is from the resort town of Sarangkot and affords breathtaking views over the Annapurna Mountains.
• While you are heading for Sarankot, you can also enjoy the thrill of the cable car ride.
• Flying over the Phewa Lake in Paragliding and capturing the moment in Go Pro is the ultimate fun.

If you are a thrill seeker, you should definitely try this. Professional pilots manage paragliding, so no prior experience is required.

Sunrise From Sarangkot

Sarangkot Viewpoint is also famous for its breathtaking sunrises.

• Wake up early and go to this viewpoint, which commands panoramic vistas over the Annapurna Mountain Range, Mount Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Himalchuli.
• Watching the first sunlight illuminate the white-topped peaks in hues of gold and orange is nothing short of magic.
• The recently built Ganesh Temple, which is 51 feet, is also a must-visit place while you are in Sarankot.

Pro tip: Carry a warm jacket with you because the weather in Sarangkot is chilly in the morning and night.

Trekking the Annapurna Circuit

Pokhara is home to the world-famous trekking routes Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Every year, thousands of tourists worldwide come to visit this place to witness this magical place. Also, other short treks that are best for family and friends, like Ghorepani trek, Mardi Himal Trek and Khopra Danda are also equally renowned here.

• For short treks, consider the Dhampus Trek, which takes 1–2 days and offers great views without strenuous climbing.
• Looking for an easy way to get your steps in? Take the World Peace Pagoda Hike, a 1.5-hour hike up to a stunning stupa with mountain and lake views. Pokhara trekking provides something for every experience and fitness level.

While you are in Pokhara, you can find the trek that suits your fitness level. You can find from short hikes to easy treks to strenuous treks here.

Recommended Trip

Annapurna Circuit Trek

16 Days

Difficult

View Detail

Visit the (Bhumeshwor)Pumdikot Shiva Statue

Situated at an altitude of 1,500 meters, you will find a big statue of lord shiva, which was recently built. The lord Shiva statue, which is 51 feet tall, is the second tallest statue of lord shiva in Nepal. There are lots of shops outside this temple where you can find souvenirs, food, drinks, and local produce.

• A breathtaking view of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre mountain ranges, as well as Pokhara Valley and Fewa Lake, is seen from here.
• Best place for photography and Tiktokers.
• You can enjoy the veg meal in the hotel and restaurant outside of the temple.

Don’t forget to carry sunglasses and a mobile/camera to capture the view.

Explore Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

To experience a touch of local mysticism, head to Davis Falls and the adjacent Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave.

• Observe Davis Falls tumbling spectacularly down to a system of subterranean caves.
• Cross over to the opposite side and see the Gupteshwor Cave, the depths of which contain a revered Shiva lingam.

They are both great examples of the rich heritage and natural beauty of Pokhara.

Discover Old Town

Though Lakeside receives the majority of tourists’ attention, Pokhara’s Old Town offers a more low-key, traditional ambiance.

• Step through the Bindhyabasini Temple of the goddess Durga and observe the older structures and shop buildings.
• The market streets are perfect for finding real souvenir goods, from thangka paintings that are hand-painted to Tibetan jewelry.

A welcome break from the thronging tourist areas

Relax at Rupa Lake and Begnas Lake

Skip the crowds at Phewa Lake and visit the adjacent Rupa and Begnas Lakes instead for a peaceful retreat.

• These are less visited lakes and are peaceful areas where people prefer to fish and boat or enjoy the natural
• You can also eat at the restaurants available near you where you can enjoy the peaceful scenery and fresh fish food.

A day trip here is perfect to relax and reestablish your rapport with nature.

Taste the Local Cuisine

Pokhara city is not only popular for adventure and trekking but also for its diverse range of culinary delights. While you are in Pokhara, here are the food that you must try it:

• Nepali meal Dal Bhat or a variety of momo(dumpling).
• If you love to try international cuisine, then you can visit the fancy restaurants on the Lakeside.
• From burgers and pizza to seafood, you can find a wide variety of dishes.
• For a unique dining experience, visit Moondance Restaurant or The Juicery Cafe near the lakeshore.

Food lovers will be spoiled for choice.

Take a Yoga or Meditation Class

Even though Pokhara is a famous city, the peaceful environment of this palace will amaze you. Pokhara is one of the best places in Nepal to practice mindfulness and relaxation.

• You can walk near the peaceful lakeside park to relax your body and mind.
• If you want to have a guide for yoga and meditation, you can join the retreats such as Purna Yoga Retreat.
• You can also enjoy a spa or massage in the Lakeside.

This wellness haven is all about nourishing your soul.

Immerse in Pokhara’s Adventure Activities

If you are seeking a thrilling adventure, then here is the list of things that Pokhara offers to you:

• Ziplining
• Bungee jumping
• Rafting
• Motor ride or cycle ride by renting
• Ultralight flights
• Hot air ballooning
• ATV adventures

These activities are bound to make your trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

How to Reach Pokhara

Pokhara is directly connected to other Nepalese cities and can easily be accessed through various means of transport. Here is the way you can access this beautiful city:

By Air

If you have a short vacation or are traveling from Kathmandu, then the quickest way to reach Pokhara is by a flight. There are quite a few domestic airlines such as Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines with numerous direct flights between Pokhara and Kathmandu and the journey takes just 25–30 minutes. During the flight, you can enjoy wonderful views from up in the air over the white-capped mountains, too.

By Road

The journey to Pokhara by road itself is worth taking with its combination of stunning landscape and local culture and people en route.

There are daily tourist buses available from Kathmandu, which is a cheap and comfortable means of transport with good views over rivers, villages and green hills. The trip will take 6–8 hours.

• Private Car/Van: The private car or van is also available to rent if you want extra comfort and convenience in your travel experience.
• Motorbike travel from Kathmandu is an option for those who love adventure and want to explore the countryside of Nepal.

From International Borders

Indian tourists have the option to travel to Nepal through border points such as Sunauli and Raxaul and travel in buses or private vehicles to Pokhara. It is suitable for people on a border road trip.

Best Time to Visit Pokhara

The duration you are planning to visit Pokhara will greatly contribute to your experience in this beautiful city since the city is year-round, but the subsequent seasons possess unique benefits:

Spring (March to May)

Spring is the best time to visit and explore Pokhara. The weather is neither cold nor hot, and the skies are so clear that they offer breathtaking views of the Annapurna range. The rhododendrons are in their flowering season and paint the sides of the hills in shades of pink and red.

Autumn (September to November)

The other ideal season to visit Pokhara is autumn. After the monsoon rains have washed through, the atmosphere is sharp and the clouds are crystal clear and ideal to hike and do other outdoor activities. This season is also the tourist season, and the city is teeming with tourists from all over the world and accordingly.

Winter (December to February)

Pokhara winter seasons offer refreshing, cool mornings and warm, sunny afternoons. Although the high-altitude treks are difficult during this time, the city itself is still a good option for relaxed tourists.

Monsoon (June to August)

Heavy rains in the monsoon season make trekking and other outdoor activities difficult, with muddy trails and gloomy skies. That being said, it is the best season for travelers who are looking for a calm vacation since the city is less visited and the landscape is more lush and green.

Top Hotels To Stay in Pokhara

Your Gateway to Unforgettable Memories

Pokhara is more than an Annapurna range; this city is filled with natural beauty, thrilling adventure and rich culture and traditions. People living here are friendly, and their warm hospitality will make you feel like you are in your own home.

Pokhara definitely should be on your bucket list. You can enjoy traveling to Pokhara either solo or through a guided tour. Plan now and make memories that you’ll cherish forever. Pokhara is calling, and it’s time to answer.