Pokhara

Pokhara is Nepal's second-most-visited tourist destination after Kathmandu and the adventure capital of the country. Set at 827 m on the shores of Phewa Lake with the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre massifs rising dramatically to the north, its natural beauty is breathtaking. The city is the gateway for the Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, and Jomsom treks, and offers paragliding, boating, and endless adventure activities.

The climate is pleasant year-round. Spring (March–May) is warm with rhododendrons, monsoon (June–September) brings rain, autumn (October–November) offers the clearest mountain views, and winter (December–February) is cool and dry. The city is divided into Lakeside (the tourist strip along Phewa), the old city, and Damside.

By Plane

Pokhara International Airport (PKR) receives daily flights from Kathmandu (25 minutes, US$80–160). The airport is 5 km east of Lakeside; a taxi costs Rs 500–800.

By Train

No train service.

By Car / Road

Pokhara is 200 km west of Kathmandu (6–7 hours by bus). Tourist buses from Kathmandu's Gongabu Bus Park (Rs 700–1500) run hourly. The Prithvi Highway follows the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers through scenic countryside.

Walking along Lakeside is the main mode. Taxis (Rs 200–500 within the city), rickshaws, and rented bicycles and scooters are widely available. Ride-hailing apps like Pathao operate in Pokhara.

• Phewa Lake – The centrepiece of Pokhara, with boat rides and the Tal Barahi Temple on an island.

• World Peace Pagoda – A white Buddhist stupa on a hilltop south of the lake with panoramic mountain views.

• Sarangkot – A hilltop viewpoint 1,592 m above the city, famous for sunrise paragliding and Himalayan panoramas.

• Devi's Fall (Patale Chhango) – A waterfall that disappears into an underground gorge.

• Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave – A cave temple dedicated to Shiva, opposite Devi's Fall.

• Mahendra Cave – A limestone cave with stalactites and stalagmites.

• International Mountain Museum – Exhibits on the world's great mountain ranges and climbing history.

• Seti River Gorge – A deep canyon cutting through the city centre, visible from several points.

• Old Pokhara Bazaar – The historic market area with traditional buildings.

• Paragliding – Pokhara is one of the world's best paragliding destinations.

• Boating – Rowboats and kayaks on Phewa Lake.

• Ultralight flights – Scenic flights over the Annapurnas.

• Trekking – The Annapurna region offers treks for all levels.

• Zip-lining – One of the longest and steepest zip-lines in the world.

• Bungee jumping – Available at the Kushma and Hemja sites.

• Yoga and meditation – Numerous retreats and classes.

• Moondance Restaurant – Popular for its international menu and lakeside setting.
• OR2K Pokhara – Rooftop Middle Eastern and Italian food.
• Caffe Concerto – Excellent coffee and pastries.
• Fresh Elements – Healthy salads, wraps, and smoothies.
• Boomerang Restaurant – Traditional Nepali and Indian dishes.
• Manyaka – Japanese and Korean cuisine.
• Street food – Momos, samosas, and chatamari from lakeside stalls.

The Lakeside bar scene is lively, with dozens of bars offering drinks, live music, and lake views. Busy Bee and Club Oxygen are popular. Tap water is not safe – drink bottled or purified water only.

• Budget: Backpackers' hostels (Rs 500–1200) – Dorm and private rooms near Lakeside.
• Mid-range: Lakeside hotels (Rs 2500–6000) – Comfortable rooms with lake or mountain views.
• Upscale: Temple Tree Resort, Waterfront Resort (Rs 8000–20,000) – Luxury properties with pools and spa.

Lakeside is packed with trekking gear shops, souvenir stalls, pashmina stores, and art galleries. The old bazaar is better for local produce and fabrics.

• Sarangkot (5 km north) – Sunrise viewpoint and paragliding launch point.
• Begnas Lake (12 km east) – Quieter alternative to Phewa with fewer crowds.
• Bandipur (80 km east) – Preserved Newari hill town.
• Ghandruk (1–2 days trek) – Gurung village with Annapurna views.
• Jomsom (flight or 4–5 day trek) – Gateway to Upper Mustang.
• Annapurna Base Camp (7–10 days trek) – Classic teahouse trek.