Besieged in the middle of Nepal, Pokhara is just what heaven looks like, with picturesque landscapes and adventure along with a cultural experience served in their perfect blend. So, if you’re planning to visit the country, don’t just confine your stay to Nepal’s most popular city Kathmandu. Keep Pokhara on your to-do list as well.
As per the March 2024 records, Pokhara has drawn more than thousands of visitors all because of its scenic beauty, cultural richness, and array of activities it provides. It is important to check out the best things to do in Pokhara that make your stay in this city so enchanting.
1. Serene Boat Ride on Phewa Tal (Fewa Lake)
Phewa Tal is the second-largest lake in Nepal and the center for all-natural beauty within Pokhara. One of the best things to do in Pokhara for anyone is the serene boat ride around the 4.43 square kilometers of this freshwater lake. The average depth of the lake is approximately 8.6 meters, with a maximum of 24 meters in some places.
Most notable among these is the Tal Barahi Temple, a pagoda-style temple on an island in the lake. The temple was built in the 18th century and is dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Vishnu. The interesting thing is that you could reach the temple by boat only.
This lake hosts a large ecosystem characterized by various types of fish and over 70 species of birds. It is under constant environmental threat due to urbanization, and various measures are being deployed to salvage the situation in matters of maintaining biodiversity. The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is bright and the mountain scenery is fabulous.
2. Sarangkot Sunrise Magic
Watching the sunrise from Sarangkot (elevation 1,600 meters or 5,250 feet) is one of the best things to do in Pokhara. From Sarangkot, up at 1,600 meters (5,250 feet), one gets a panoramic view of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, and the Pokhara Valley.
It is about a half-hour drive and then a small walk from Pokhara. You should reach there a little earlier than the time of dawning, which is normally around 5:00 AM during summer and around 6 AM in winter. When the sun rises brightly, it colors the snow peaks in a blaze of color, it’s a sight to behold then.
The place is not only known for sunrises but also as a paragliding spot with an exit point of more than 250,000 flights taking off annually. This makes the picturesque spot a must-see location, having brought together natural aesthetics with adventure sports.
The area around Sarangkot is home to more than 500 plant species and is also a habitat for different bird species. The area, with its richness in natural resources, is manifested through the presence of the Sarangkot Biodiversity Park, sprawling over 10 hectares.
But for the benefit of photographers, the period from October to March during the clear winter months seems to have the best views. However, it gets pretty cold, down to about 5°C during the early morning time.
3. Nature’s Wonders: Devi’s Fall and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave
Nature lovers will have a fantastic time discovering Devi’s Fall and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, No doubt one of the best things to do in Pokhara. Devi’s Fall, alternatively named Patale Chhango in Nepali, is a big waterfall caused by the stream of Pardi Khola. The water falls into a gorge 500 feet deep—an awesome view, more so from June to September during the monsoon season.
This fall has some tragic history. It has been named after a Swiss tourist named David who was swept away in 1961. It is now one of the major tourist attractions, receiving over 100,000 visitors each year.
Across the road from it is the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, which is one of Nepal’s longest caves, measuring 2,950 meters in length. Inside the cave, there is a shrine of Lord Shiva, adding the Devi’s Fall among the views unique to this area.
The temperature inside the cave is always around 11°C, which does not fluctuate during the calendar year. Formations of stalactites and stalagmites impress with some over 100,000 years old.
Both are very reachable and located not far from Pokhara’s airport, about 2 km southwest of it. A visit during the monsoon season (June-September) is the most recommended as then, the waterfall is at its strongest point. At the same time, this period bears some risks, since the paths might be slippery. It normally costs 100 Nepali Rupees for a foreigner to enter each place.
4. Views and Relaxation at Shanti Stupa, or World Peace Pagoda
The best things to do in Pokhara include visiting the World Peace Pagoda. It stands at 1,100 meters, with a great view of Pokhara Valley. The Buddhist monument was built in 1973 as part of the Peace Pagoda mission, initiated by Japanese Buddhist monks.
There are more such stupas in 80 places around the world, and it was the first of its kind to be built in Nepal. Its bright white form, visible with a golden top, is 115 feet tall, and spread over 344 feet in diameter. There are four replicas of Buddha on the monument in four postures: birth, enlightenment, teaching, and death.
On the way to the stupa, one has to trek a moderate hike of a little over an hour from the southern shore of Phewa Lake or drive for 20 minutes, continuing the rest on foot. You will feel the exertion paid off when you find yourself face-to-face with breathtaking 360-degree viewpoints of the Annapurna range, Pokhara City, and Phewa Lake.
This stupa has more than 100,000 visitors annually. Sunrise and sunset are the busiest times. There is also a small museum that houses many Buddhist artifacts, and they are open to the general public, providing information about the history of the Peace Pagoda movement.
Engage during the dry season between October and April, as the weather is perfect then. Dress modestly and be silent in the meditation spots.
5. Ziplining Adventure for your Adrenaline Rush
For the adventurous, ziplining has to be high on the list of best things to do in Pokhara. It is one great activity that offers office-goers a respite from their regulated-paced lives and lets them have some high-speed and scenic pleasure. Pokhara hosts one of the world’s longest, steepest, and fastest ziplines, run by HighGround Adventures.
At 1.8 kilometers long, and 600 meters vertical drop, this zipline is rather an enormous one. As riders reach speeds up to 140 km/h, it is one of the world’s fastest zip lines. The whole experience takes about two hours with safety briefings and transportation.
This zip line takes off from the heights of Sarangkot to give stunning views of the Annapurna Range, the Seti River gorge, and the green Pokhara valley. This cross-country zip line was designed to conform to international safety standards, using state-of-the-art equipment that could render both safety and a great dose of thrill.
Since the operation in 2014, it has carried more than 50,000 people. Though functioning the whole year round, the best season for ziplining would be October to May since the weather is clearer.
The minimum allowable age for ziplining is 5 years, and there are weight limitations: 35 kg – 125 kg. Rates start at around USD 80 per person for adults, with a special discount for kids and groups. For added excitement, tandem zip-lining is available.
Anyone interested should be sure to book well in advance, particularly during peak tourist seasons, as this activity typically sells out.
6. Annapurna Region Trek
There is no second thought that trekking in the Annapurna region is probably among the best things to do in Pokhara, gaining entry into some of the best mountain sceneries in the world. The place is a part of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and has an area of 7,629 km2 with diverse representation in flora and fauna of over 1,226 species of plants, 102 species of mammals, and 474 species of birds.
The most popular trek is the Annapurna Circuit. The length of this journey is 160-230 km, it normally takes 15-20-odd days with an approximate elevation of 5,416 meters to reach Thorong La Pass. Another alternate route is the one leading to the Annapurna Base Camp: this one is a 10-12-day journey to an altitude of 4,130 meters.
More than 30,000 people go on treks each year in this one trek within the Ghorepani Poon Hill circuit alone, which features stunning views to a height of 3,210 m over 4-5 days, making it ideal for a very short stay.
The best time to trek here is from March to May, and September to November, spring, and autumn seasons respectively. The weather is much clearer, and temperatures are more moderate than at other times. For this reason, visitors wish to come during these periods. Trekkers are also expected to acquire an ACAP permit, which is approximately USD 30, and a TIMS card, which is around $10 to USD 20.
Although these treks are considered to be challenging, reasonably fit people can make it. The stunning natural beauty, along with cultural experiences, in addition to personal achievement, makes these treks a must-do activity when in Pokhara.
7. Cultural Immersion at Tibetan Refugee Camps
Visiting Tibetan Refugee Camps is arguably one of the best things to do in Pokhara, especially for cultural exposure. In the 1960s, four Tibetan settlements were formed within Pokhara: Tashi Palkhel, Tashi Ling, Paljorling, and Jampaling, right after the Tibetan uprising against the Chinese occupation.
Together, these settlements house approximately 1,000 Tibetan refugee–based residents and offer an introspection opportunity into Tibetan culture, its traditions, and craftsmanship. The largest and most visited, Tashi Palkhel, lies about 5 km north of Pokhara and hosts some 700 residents.
Every settlement has a monastery, a carpet factory, and shops that sell authentic Tibetan handicraft items. The prayer wheels and murals are colored, making the Tashi Palkhel monastery even more amazing. There are daily prayer sessions; hence, visitors can get the chance to involve themselves in traditional Buddhist rites.
The carpets woven in these factories assure good quality products. Visitors buy carpets directly from the weavers while viewing the weaving process.
Other handicrafts include traditional Tibetan jewelry, prayer flags, and thangka paintings. All these make good souvenirs and also contribute to supporting the community.
The best time to visit would be during Losar, the Tibetan New Year, which falls in February or March—the particularly vibrant festivals of the settlement come alive with all colors, musicals, and cultural programs.
8. Journey Through Time at the International Mountain Museum
The International Mountain Museum is best for enthusiasts of mountaineering history and culture. It was opened in 2004 and is established in an impressive area of 4.2 acres with over 100,000 historical mountaineering artifacts.
There are three themes as divisions prevalent within the museum: “Hall of Great Himalayas,” dealing with information about the geological and ecological aspects of the mountain range; the “Hall of Fame,” which includes exhibits focusing on famous mountaineers; and “Hall of World Mountains,” which houses exhibits on mountains of the world.
Some of the key exhibits include the Annapurna range 3D model, original tools used in historical expeditions of Mount Everest, flora and fauna, and also a rare collection of plants and animals native to no place other than the Himalayas. On the premises, there is also a 21-meter-high artificial climbing wall for a more experiential encounter with mountaineering.
One of the most famous exhibits is the “Yeti Corner,” which investigates the myth of the abominable snowman. The museum attracts over 100,000 visitors every year—which has been growing over the years.
Visibility is clearer during the dry season, from October to April; it is the best time to visit this place. The museum remains open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and has an entry fee of around 500 Nepali Rupees for foreign tourists.
Several events take place periodically dealing with the scope of various themes associated with the mountain culture and conservation of the Himalayas.
9. Time to chill by Lakeside
Unwinding by the Lakeside in Pokhara is one of the finest things to do, as it is the perfect concoction of natural beauty and the amenities of the city. The hustle and bustle here extend on the eastern shore of Phewa Lake, 5 kilometers in length from the south to north direction, encapsulating the very tourist center of Pokhara.
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There are over 250 hotels or guesthouses in Lakeside, from budget hostels to luxury resorts. More than 400 restaurants are available with a great variety, from traditional Nepali food to international dishes.
Many shops could be found selling handicrafts, trekking gear, and other souvenirs. Most of these are fair-trade institutions that help local artisans and village communities.
It is also a hub of health and wellness activity, from yoga and meditation with over 50 centers offering classes and retreats. For relaxation, numerous spa facilities provide traditional Ayurvedic treatments.
A stroll alongside the lake offers the quintessential promenade experience, especially during the sunset when sometimes the Annapurna range is visible. Numerous boat rentals provide peaceful rides on the lake.
Here, live music at bars and restaurants that stretch the length of Lakeside brings the nights alive. The area is generally safe, with a tourist police unit having been set up to assist visitors.
The best time to go is between October and April when the weather is most pleasant and the views are clearest. Not that the atmosphere isn’t brilliant all year round—but this is surely a time when Pokhara’s Lakeside should not be spared by any visitor.
Conclusion
Pokhara, the beauty of Nepal, is an incredible package of adventure, nature, and culture. Pokhara has it all, whether it is a boat ride on the serene Phewa Tal or zipping with excitement through the sky, from spiritualism at the World Peace Pagoda to enrichment from a cultural visit to Tibet refugee camps. This city enjoys a beautiful Himalayan backdrop set in any activity or leisurely walk and trek alike. It’s a city that oozes the warmth of hospitality and creates real experiences, an entrance to Annapurna—a must-visit destination. From adventure to leisurely, culturally rich moments, Pokhara offers life experiences in a manner that leaves one craving to come back.
Frequently Asked Questions
A nature enthusiast has umpteen places to visit in Pokhara. These include the Phewa Lake to experience unwinding boat rides and mountain reflection and the Annapurna Conservation Area for a variety of flora and fauna.
Tibetan refugee settlements open up a person to traditional crafts and monasteries. The International Mountain Museum is on mountaineering history. Both seem unique and out-of-the-box as well.
Paraglide over the Pokhara Valley to see it from above. Go trekking in the Annapurna region for an adventure in the mountains. Do not miss out on the amazing zip-flying opportunity, or rafting on the Seti River. The list of adventurous activities that you’ll have at hand during your visit to Pokhara is endless.
Hit the local restaurants for dal bhat, a blend of rice, and lentils, alongside delicious curries. You may even experiment with your taste buds and try the Nepalese momo. For an authentic taste have it from a street vendor.
Sarangkot viewpoint at sunrise with the Himalayas in view, and Phewa Lake capturing beautiful mountain reflections on the lake, are some of the perfect places in Pokhara to photograph. Capture the wonderful scenery on your lenses, and keep it in your memory books to cherish forever.
The number of days you decide to spend in Pokhara depends on how you have planned your trip. However, Pokhara has a lot to explore. So, a minimum of three days will help you to explore the in-and-out of Pokhara in depth.
Both have their own beauty and charm. Yet, when it comes to visually appealing landscapes, Pokhara weighs a little higher than Kathmandu.
The perfect month to visit Pokhara is October – November, as there is clear weather and moderate temperatures. This makes it ideal for sightseeing, exploring the city, and also indulging in adventure activities.
Kathmandu is at a higher altitude than Pokhara, so it is comparatively cooler throughout the year.
From Pokhara, you can see the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. However, it isn’t possible to see Mt. Everest from here.
When it comes to the cost of living estimates have it that Pokhara is approximately 8% cheaper compared to Kathmandu.