If Kathmandu is Nepal's busy heart, Pokhara is its place to breathe. Nepal's second city lies beside the calm waters of Phewa Lake, at only 820 m, yet less than 30 km from peaks rising above 8,000 m. On a clear morning, the fishtail summit of Machhapuchhre and the snowy wall of the Annapurna range seem to hang directly above the lake. Few cities sit this close to mountains this big.
Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurna treks, the adventure sports capital of Nepal and simply a lovely place to relax. We send trekkers through Pokhara every week, so this is what we tell them: what to do, where to stay and eat, how to get there and which treks start nearby.
Quick answer: the best things to do in Pokhara are watching sunrise from Sarangkot, boating on Phewa Lake to the Tal Barahi temple, hiking to the World Peace Pagoda, tandem paragliding, visiting Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Cave, and the International Mountain Museum. Two to four days is ideal. Stay in Lakeside. Pokhara is reached by a 25-minute flight or a 6–8 hour drive from Kathmandu.
Pokhara at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Altitude | About 820 m |
| Distance from Kathmandu | About 200 km |
| Getting there | 25-minute flight or 6–8 hours by road |
| Main area for visitors | Lakeside (Baidam) |
| Mountain views | Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I–IV, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu |
| Time needed | 2–4 days |
| Best time | October–April |
Top things to do in Pokhara
1. Sunrise at Sarangkot
The hill of Sarangkot (1,600 m), just above Lakeside, is the classic place to watch sunrise over the Himalaya. From the viewpoint, the sun lights up Dhaulagiri to the west, then Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre and the Annapurnas, while mist lies over Phewa Lake below. Drive up before dawn (about 30 minutes) or hike up from Lakeside in two hours. Bring a warm layer.
2. Boating on Phewa Lake
Rent a colourful wooden boat, with or without a boatman, and paddle out on Phewa Lake. On calm mornings, the mountains are reflected in the water. Visit the small island temple of Tal Barahi, dedicated to the goddess Barahi, which is especially busy on Saturdays.
3. World Peace Pagoda
On a ridge above the southern shore, the white World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa), built by Japanese Buddhist monks, looks out over the lake, the city and the Annapurna range. Take a boat across the lake and hike up through forest (about 45 minutes), or drive most of the way.
4. Tandem paragliding
Pokhara is one of the world's best places for tandem paragliding. You take off from Sarangkot with an experienced pilot and soar over Phewa Lake for 20–60 minutes, with the Himalaya on the horizon and eagles circling nearby. No experience is needed. Flights are best from October to May and are cancelled in unsafe weather.
5. Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Cave
Davis Falls (Patale Chhango) is a waterfall where the Pardi Khola disappears into a deep underground channel. It's at its loudest in and just after the monsoon. Across the road, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave leads down into a cavern with a Shiva shrine and a view of the falls from below.
6. International Mountain Museum
The International Mountain Museum tells the story of the Himalaya: its geology, peoples, cultures and mountaineering history, with exhibits on the first ascents of the 8,000 m peaks. It is excellent before or after a trek.
7. Begnas and Rupa Lakes
About 30–40 minutes east of Lakeside, Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake are quieter and more rural than Phewa. Go for a boat ride, a walk along the ridge between them or a night in a lakeside resort.
8. Seti River Gorge and Mahendra Cave
The Seti Gandaki river has carved a narrow gorge through Pokhara, in places tens of metres deep and only a few metres wide. View it from bridges in the city or at K.I. Singh bridge. North of the city, Mahendra Cave and the Bat Cave are fun for families.
9. Tibetan refugee settlements
Pokhara is home to several Tibetan settlements established in the 1960s, such as Tashi Palkhiel and Tashiling. Visit the monastery, watch carpet weaving and buy handicrafts directly from the community.
10. Adventure sports
Beyond paragliding, you can take an ultralight flight over the lake and mountains, ride a very steep and long zip-line from Sarangkot, bungee jump over the Modi Khola near Kushma, go white-water rafting on the Seti and Kali Gandaki, kayak on the lake or mountain bike in the hills around town.
11. Relax in Lakeside
Sometimes the best thing to do in Pokhara is nothing at all. Stroll along the lakeside promenade, read in a café with a mountain view, get a massage after your trek and watch the sunset from a lakeside restaurant.
Day hikes and overnight walks from Pokhara
- Sarangkot hike: walk up from Lakeside through villages (2–3 hours).
- World Peace Pagoda to Lakeside: a half-day loop with a boat crossing.
- Australian Camp and Dhampus: an easy overnight with close views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
- Panchase: a forested hill with a sacred lake and panoramic views, as a day or two-day hike.
- Ghandruk: a two- or three-day trip to the Gurung village with mountain views.
Best treks from Pokhara
Pokhara is the starting point for the Annapurna region's famous treks.
| Trek | Days from Pokhara | Max altitude |
|---|---|---|
| Ghorepani Poon Hill | 4–5 | 3,210 m |
| Mardi Himal | 4–5 | about 4,500 m |
| Khopra Danda | 6 | 3,660 m |
| Annapurna Base Camp | 7–10 | 4,130 m |
| Annapurna Circuit | 12–16 | 5,416 m |
| Upper Mustang | 12–14 | about 4,000 m |
If you cannot trek, the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour flies you into the Sanctuary in a morning, and the Muktinath tour reaches the sacred temple by flight and jeep via Jomsom.
Where to stay in Pokhara
| Area | Best for | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Lakeside (Baidam) | Most visitors | Hotels, restaurants, cafés, shops and the lake promenade |
| Damside | Quieter stays | South end of the lake, calmer, good views |
| Sarangkot | Mountain views | Hilltop lodges and resorts above the lake |
| Begnas Lake | Peace and nature | Resorts and guesthouses in a rural setting |
| Hilltop resorts | Luxury | Spa resorts with panoramic views outside the city |
What to eat in Pokhara
Lakeside has some of the best restaurants in Nepal outside Kathmandu, serving everything from Nepali and Tibetan food to wood-fired pizza, Korean barbecue, Israeli, Indian and Italian dishes. Look for:
- Thakali set meals: a refined version of dal bhat from the Mustang region, with many side dishes.
- Fresh fish from the lakes, grilled or curried.
- Momos and thukpa in Tibetan restaurants.
- Bakeries and cafés with local coffee and cakes.
- Lakeside barbecues in the evening.
Getting to Pokhara
| Option | Time | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|
| Flight from Kathmandu | 25 minutes | US$100–130 one way |
| Tourist bus | 6–8 hours | US$10–25 |
| Private car | 6–7 hours | US$120–160 per vehicle |
| From Chitwan by road | 5 hours | US$10–20 bus, more for private |
Pokhara International Airport opened in 2023. For the best mountain views on the flight from Kathmandu, sit on the right-hand side.
Getting around Pokhara
Lakeside is compact and walkable. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are cheap for trips to Sarangkot, the caves and the bus park. Many visitors rent bicycles or scooters to explore the lake shore and nearby villages. Boats connect Lakeside with the World Peace Pagoda trail.
Best time to visit Pokhara
October and November bring the clearest mountain views and ideal temperatures. December to February is sunny and mild during the day, with cool mornings and occasional haze. March and April are warm, with rhododendrons in the hills but more haze. The monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain. Pokhara is one of the wettest cities in Nepal and the mountains are often hidden, though the hills are very green.
Suggested itineraries
Two days
Day 1: arrive, boat on Phewa Lake, visit Tal Barahi, sunset in Lakeside. Day 2: Sarangkot sunrise, paragliding, Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Cave, World Peace Pagoda at sunset.
Three to four days
Add the International Mountain Museum, a Tibetan settlement, Begnas Lake and an overnight hike to Australian Camp. Our Pokhara Tour covers the highlights with flights and a guide.
Pokhara with a trek
Combine a night in Pokhara before and after a 4–10 day trek, such as Poon Hill, Mardi Himal or Annapurna Base Camp.
Pokhara with children
Pokhara works well for families. Children enjoy boating, the caves, the Mountain Museum, pony rides and the zip-line (older children). The lakeside promenade is safe for walks, and many hotels have gardens and pools. See our Nepal Family Holiday, which spends several days in Pokhara.
Practical tips
- Book paragliding the day before in peak season; morning flights have the best views.
- Carry a warm layer for Sarangkot sunrise.
- Swimming in Phewa Lake is possible, but check with locals about safe spots.
- ATMs are plentiful in Lakeside; trekking agencies and many shops accept cards.
- Pick up snacks and gear for your trek in Lakeside; there are good trekking shops.
- Leave extra luggage at your hotel while you trek.
A short history of Pokhara
For centuries, Pokhara was a trading post on the salt route between Tibet and India, where mule caravans from Mustang met merchants from the plains. Its population was a mix of Gurung, Magar, Brahmin, Chhetri, Newar and Thakali communities. The city grew quickly after a road connected it to Kathmandu in the 1970s and trekkers began arriving on their way to the Annapurnas. Lakeside developed from a handful of guesthouses into the relaxed traveller district it is today, while the old bazaar area to the north retains traditional Newari houses and temples, including the hilltop Bindhyabasini Temple.
Pokhara in a Nepal itinerary
Pokhara fits naturally into almost every Nepal trip. The classic route runs Kathmandu – Pokhara – Chitwan – Kathmandu, taking 7–10 days without trekking. With a trek, add 4–12 days. From Pokhara you can also continue to Lumbini (about 7 hours by road), Bandipur (2–3 hours) or Tansen. Our Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan tour is a good starting point.
A perfect day in Pokhara
If you only have one full day in Pokhara, here is how we would spend it. Wake at around 5 a.m. and drive up to Sarangkot for sunrise, watching the first light touch Dhaulagiri and then Machhapuchhre. Stay for a cup of tea as the valley below fills with light, then return to Lakeside for breakfast at a café with a lake view. Mid-morning, if the weather is clear, go paragliding; flights usually take off between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., when thermals are good and views are still clear.
After a late lunch, take a boat across Phewa Lake, stopping at the Tal Barahi temple, and hike up to the World Peace Pagoda for the afternoon light over the lake and mountains. Walk or drive down, and spend the evening wandering along the lakeside promenade, where locals gather at sunset to chat, eat roasted corn and watch the boats come in. Finish with dinner at one of Lakeside's excellent restaurants and, if you have trekked, a well-earned massage.
Pokhara for trekkers: before and after the trail
Most Annapurna treks begin and end in Pokhara, and the city is set up perfectly for trekkers. Before a trek, Lakeside's gear shops can supply anything you have forgotten, from trekking poles and gloves to water filters and snacks. The Nepal Tourism Board office in Damside issues the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, although your trekking company will usually arrange this. Leave your extra luggage at your hotel, which will store it safely until you return.
After the trek, Pokhara is the perfect place to recover. Lakeside has spas offering massages designed for tired trekking legs, laundry services that return your clothes clean by evening, and restaurants serving everything you dreamed about on the trail. Many trekkers plan an extra rest day here before travelling on to Chitwan or back to Kathmandu, and we highly recommend it.
Paragliding in detail
Paragliding is Pokhara's signature adventure, and for good reason. The combination of reliable thermals, the lake below and the Himalaya on the horizon makes it one of the finest places in the world to fly. Tandem flights take off from the launch site near Sarangkot at around 1,500 m and land in a field beside Phewa Lake. Standard flights last about 20–30 minutes, and longer "cross-country" flights of up to an hour are available for those who want more.
You need no experience: after a short briefing, you simply run a few steps with your pilot, the wing lifts you, and you are flying. Pilots can take photos and videos with a camera mounted on a stick. The best months are October to May; in the monsoon, flights are often cancelled because of cloud and rain. Choose a licensed, established operator, check that they have insurance, and do not fly if you feel unwell. Most operators have weight limits and minimum age requirements. For something different, ultralight flights in small open aircraft take you faster and closer to the mountains, with an engine behind you instead of silence.
Pokhara's lakes compared
| Lake | Character | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Phewa Lake | The largest and busiest; Lakeside and the island temple | Boating, views, restaurants |
| Begnas Lake | Quiet, rural, surrounded by fish farms and hills | Relaxing, walking, peaceful stays |
| Rupa Lake | Small and very quiet, with a birdwatching ridge | Nature, birds, few other visitors |
Shopping in Pokhara
Lakeside is full of shops selling trekking gear, pashmina, singing bowls, Tibetan jewellery, handmade paper, felt products and clothing. Tibetan women sell handicrafts along the lakeside and in the refugee settlements, where you can also buy carpets directly from the weavers. For local products, look for Nepali coffee and tea, locally made soaps and cosmetics, and handicrafts from fair-trade shops that support women's cooperatives. Prices are negotiable in most small shops; be polite and fair when bargaining.
Evenings and nightlife
Pokhara's evenings are relaxed. Lakeside restaurants and bars offer live music, especially in the peak season, with local bands playing everything from Nepali folk to classic rock. Some restaurants host cultural dance performances with dinner. The lakeside promenade is pleasant for an evening walk, and in the dry season there are sometimes open-air events and festivals. Most places close by around 11 p.m., and the town is safe to walk around at night in the main areas.
Festivals in Pokhara
Pokhara celebrates Nepal's major festivals with enthusiasm. During Dashain and Tihar in autumn, homes and shops are decorated with lights and flowers, and families gather. The Pokhara Street Festival around the New Year (late December) turns Lakeside into a lively market with food, music and performances. Tal Barahi temple is especially busy during Dashain, when devotees make offerings on the island.
Pokhara in the monsoon
Pokhara receives more rain than almost anywhere else in Nepal, as the Annapurnas trap the monsoon clouds. Between June and September, expect heavy downpours, especially in the afternoons and at night, and cloud that hides the mountains for days. Yet the monsoon has its charms: the hills are intensely green, waterfalls such as Davis Falls are at their most powerful, rice planting takes place in the fields, and the town is quiet and cheaper. If you visit then, plan indoor activities such as the Mountain Museum and caves, and keep outdoor plans flexible.
Staying safe and healthy in Pokhara
Pokhara is safe, but a few precautions help. Swim only in areas locals recommend, and avoid the lake after heavy rain. Choose reputable operators for adventure activities. Drink filtered or bottled water. Traffic has increased in recent years, so take care when crossing roads and riding scooters. In the hot months, drink plenty of water and use sun protection; the sun at Sarangkot can be strong even when the air is cool.
Day trips beyond Pokhara
If you have extra time, there are good day trips and short excursions from Pokhara. Bandipur, a beautifully preserved Newari hill town, is about two to three hours away and makes a lovely overnight stop between Pokhara and Kathmandu, with car-free streets, old merchant houses and mountain views. Tansen (Palpa), about five hours south, is another historic hill town with Newari architecture, a palace museum and the famous dhaka weaving tradition. At Sirubari and other village homestays in the hills, you can stay with Gurung families. Closer to Pokhara, the villages of Dhampus, Ghandruk and Landruk give you mountain views and village life with only a short drive and walk.
Pokhara on a budget and in luxury
Pokhara suits every budget. Backpackers can find clean guesthouses in Lakeside for US$10–20 a night, eat dal bhat and momos for a few dollars, rent a bicycle and hike to Sarangkot and the World Peace Pagoda for free. Mid-range travellers have a wide choice of comfortable hotels with lake or mountain views for US$40–100, and can mix local and international restaurants. At the top end, hillside resorts and boutique hotels outside the city offer infinity pools, spas and panoramic views of the Annapurnas, with private transfers and guided excursions. Whatever your budget, the views are free, and on a clear morning they are among the finest anywhere.
Our team's favourite Pokhara moments
We asked our guides and office team for their favourite moments in Pokhara. Several mentioned sitting at the Sarangkot viewpoint before dawn, drinking hot tea as the stars fade and the first pink light touches Machhapuchhre. Others love the quiet of Begnas Lake on a weekday, rowing out with nothing but birdsong and the distant mountains. One guide, who has led hundreds of trekkers, said his favourite moment is the first dinner in Lakeside after a trek, when tired, happy trekkers share photos and stories and toast the mountains they have just walked among. Pokhara has a way of turning a good trip into a great one.
Pokhara in a few words
Pokhara is where Nepal slows down. After the intensity of Kathmandu or the effort of a high trek, the lakeside offers calm water, mountain reflections, good food and friendly people. Adventurers come for the paragliding and treks, but many visitors stay longer than planned simply because it is such a pleasant place to be. Give yourself at least one unplanned day here, and let the lake and the mountains set the pace.
Why we love Pokhara
After weeks in the mountains, our guides and trekkers always look forward to Pokhara: a hot shower, a lakeside dinner, a massage and a morning coffee watching the Annapurnas turn pink. It is the perfect place to begin or end a Himalayan adventure. If you would like help planning your time in Pokhara, contact our team, or browse our Annapurna treks.