Pokhara is the second largest city in Nepal and the Capital city of Gandaki Province. Pokhara is known as the City of Lakes and the tourism capital of Nepal, which sits at an elevation of 822m above sea level. The city has nine lakes, including the three largest lakes in Nepal: Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake, and Rupa Lake. There are many beautiful places to visit in Pokhara, including Phewa Lake to Sarangkot.
Pokhara is famous for its clean environment, Natural Beauty, views of the Annapurna ranges, Lakes, and adventurous activities. Pokhara is the major hub for tourism. Many domestic and international tourists find Pokhara attractive for adventurous activities. Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurna base camp and the Annapurna circuit trek; it also makes Pokhara a major attraction for tourism.
The major ethnicities in Pokhara are Hill Brahmins, Gurung, Chhetri, and Magar, mostly from the Indo-Aryan and Sino-Tibetan families. Pokhara is warmer than Kathmandu. The average temperature of Pokhara in Summer ranges from 25° to 35°, and the average temperature in winter is -2° to 15°. This guide presents the major places to visit in Pokhara, where you can enjoy the beauty of the Himalayan landscapes.
Distance from central Pokhara: 11 kilometers
Sarangkot is one of the best places to visit in Pokhara. It lies on the city’s western side at an altitude of 1600m. One can reach Sarangkot from the Pokhara lakeside within a 30-minute drive covering 11.3 km. Sarangkot is a famous place in Pokhara because it gives wide views of the Pokhara Valley and mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, and Manaslu.
You can also see beautiful views of Phewa Lake from here. Sarangkot is the highest point of Pokhara and is popular for its Sunrise and Sunset views over the Annapurna ranges. To witness the view, you must hike to the hill viewpoint for three hours in the morning. There is an option for those looking for a cable car, which will take just 10 minutes to reach Sarangkot Hill.
Sarangkot is famous for paragliding and is one of the best places in Nepal for paragliding activities. For adventure seekers and nature lovers, the best time to visit Sarangkot is from October to April. Some major activities in Sarangkot are hiking, camping, zip lining, bird watching, and paragliding.
You can take the most convenient method and take a 30-minute taxi. Or, you can also rent a bike and get there. For those who want a little adventure, they can hike their way up to Sarangkot. It takes 2 to 3 hours to hike from Pokhara to Sarangkot.
Distance from central Pokhara: 3.8 kilometers
The International Mountain Museum(IMM) is a famous tourist attraction in Pokhara. Approximately more than 100,000 domestic and international visitors visit here. It is located in Ratopairo, 11 minutes away from Lakeside Pokhara and 3.8 km away via the Siddhartha highway. The IMM was inaugurated in May 2002 by the Everest summiteers: Miss Junko Tabei from Japan and Miss Appa Sherpa from Nepal.
It is famous for its three main exhibit halls: the Hall of the Great Himalayas, the Hall of Fame, and the Hall of World Mountains. These exhibits are about the famous peaks, mountaineers, the culture and lifestyle of mountain people, and rare flora and fauna. The International Mountain Museum offers to explore the history of mountaineering and cultural exhibits, highlighting the traditions of the Sherpa people. They display traditional dresses and utensils.
Tickets are required to enter the Museum. The following are the prices for the tickets:
| Visitors | Price(Rupees) |
| Foreigners | 750 |
| SAARC nations visitors | 350 |
| Nepali Citizen | 150 |
| Residents’ Visas | 350 |
| Garden Entry | 70 |
| Special activity and Photography | 1500 |
| Music Videos | 10000 |
| Movie Shooting | 15000 |
You can take a taxi from Pokhara, which takes around 11 minutes. There are also local buses that run from different locations to the museum area.
Distance from central Pokhara: 13 kilometers
Pumdikot Shiva statue is a hill station near Pokhara that is located at an altitude of 1500m. It will take 1.5 hours of hiking from the other side of Phewa Lake to the World Peace Pagoda, also known as Shanti Stupa. After that, hike uphill for another 1 hour, and you will reach Pumdikot Shiva State Hill. You can also reach there by a 1-hour drive from the Davi’s Falls area.
It offers the best view of Pokhara city, Shanti Stupa, and Fewa Lake. The Pumdikot Shiva Statue is Nepal’s second-tallest Shiva statue, and it was completed in 2021. The statue is 51 feet tall and sits in the Stupa, which adds 57 feet more height; the total structure of the Statue is 108 feet. 216 Shiva Lingas encircle the base of the statue.
The place holds historic and cultural significance for the Hindu people. People come together to celebrate festivals like Nawadurga puja in Dashain and Haritalika teej. It also provides the best views of the Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and other Himalayan ranges.
You can take a taxi ride from Pokhara, which takes around 45 minutes, or rent a bike or scooter. Similarly, you can take a local bus heading towards Pame or Sarangkot and get off near the base of the hill. Or, you can hike from World Peace Pagoda to Pumdikot, which takes around 1 hour.
Pokhara Was Amazing
Catherine
Canada
Loved The Pokhara City
Henry
United States
Distance from central Pokhara: 7 kilometers
World Peace Stupa is one of the must-see sights in Pokhara. It is known as the Shanti-Stupa, a Buddhist Monument that reflects peace and harmony. It was built by the Nipponzan-Myōhōji monk Morioka Sonin with local supporters under the guidance of Nichidatsu Fujii and inaugurated by the former Prime Minister of Nepal, Girija Prasad Koirala, in 1999. Pokhara Shanti Stupa is the first World Peace Pagoda in Nepal and the 71st peace pagoda in the world, and it is 115 feet tall.
It is located on the Anadu Hill at 1100m high. It is 7km from Mahendrapool; you can reach it by hiking, cycling, or taxi. Hiking to the stupa will take an hour. First, you must cross the Phewa Lake by boat, then walk uphill through dense forest to reach Shanti Stupa. It will take 25 minutes to drive by taxi from Chorepatan, and public transportation is also available. The entry fee is free.
It offers stunning views of the Pokhara Valley, Phewa Lake, and the Annapurna ranges. It is also famous in Pokhara because of the mesmerizing sunrise and sunset views. It is not only a natural beauty but also has religious importance. The World Peace Pagoda in Pokhara contains Buddha statues from different countries, which reflect Buddha’s dharma and teachings.
There are Dharmachakra Mudra from Japan, Bodh Gaya from Srilanka, Kushinagar from Thailand, and Lumbini from Nepal, and each statue reflects important events related to Buddha.
You can take a taxi ride to the stupa, which takes around 30 minutes. Or, you can hike from Pokhara’s Lakeside or Damside following the marked trail. Similarly, you can take a boat ride from Lakeside to Phewa Lake and take a steep uphill hike to World Peace Pagoda.
Distance from central Pokhara: 10 kilometers
Mahendra Cave is a major tourist attraction located in Pokhara at 1100m above sea level. The cave is 30 minutes away from the Pokhara airport by taxi. It is situated northwest of Pokhara Lakeside, 10km from the city. Mahendra Cave is a large limestone cave with rare rock formations of Stalactites and Stalagmites. It is named after King Mahendra; previously, it was named Andheri Bhawan.
Mahendra Cave is a must-visit tourist place in Pokhara, offering adventure seekers a journey. It is a sacred place for the Hindu people, and a Lord Shiva statue can be found inside the cave. The cave is home to wild bats and is dark inside, with continuous water dripping. Artificial lights are provided inside the Cave.
Even though the cave is dark and adventurous, its surroundings are beautiful. It is full of greenery, and horses can be seen grazing. There is another cave called Bat Cave nearby; you may also visit this place, which is just 10 minutes away on foot.
An entry fee is required to visit this place:
Take a 30-minute taxi ride from Pokhara to Mahendra Cave or get on a local bus from Lakeside to Chipledhunga to Batulechaur. Note that you will have to walk to the cave entrance from the bus stops. You can also take a hike to Mahendra Cave, which takes around 2 hours from Pokhara.
Distance from central Pokhara: 4 kilometers
Phewa Lake is one of Pokhara’s most popular tourist destinations, and it lies 742m above sea level. Phewa Tal is the second largest lake in Nepal, covering 4.4 square kilometers and having a maximum depth of 28m. The place offers the scenic beauty of its surroundings and the best views of the Machhapuchhre and the peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
Phewa Lake is culturally significant. The Tal Barahi temple, a Hindu temple in Pokhara, is located in the middle of the lake’s tiny island. You can do activities like boating and fishing in the lake. The best time to visit Phewa Lake is in the spring and autumn, when it provides the best view of the peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, reflected in the lake’s clear water.
You can encounter the traditions and culture of the Nepalese people here. One of the best events you may experience is the New Year celebration in mid-April, which is celebrated by boat races, live music, and other cultural programs. Big Hindu festivals like Dashain, Tihar, and Teej are celebrated with kite flying, playing swings, and decorating homes with lights. You have the great experience of living the local culture and tradition.
If you are staying in the lakeside area, it just takes a short walk to reach Phewa Lake. From the Pokhara city center, you will need to take a taxi or a local bus. A taxi is undoubtedly quicker and takes about 10 to 15 minutes to reach Phewa Lake.
Distance from central Pokhara: 4 kilometers
The Lakeside Area is the heart of Pokhara and attracts many tourists. Lakeside is the perfect place to visit in Pokhara at night time. The beautiful places offer stunning views of Phewa Lake and the Annapurna mountain range. The lakeside area is the best place to roam around at night and have dinner with your family and friends.
The place includes various cafes, restaurants, and live music venues. You can go boating and visit the Tal Barahi temple in Phewa Lake. You can also hike to Sarangkot to witness the mesmerizing sunrise and sunset views.
You will need to take a taxi or a local bus to get from the Pokhara city center to the Lakeside Area. It takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes by taxi to reach the Lakeside Area.
$USD 540 per person
4 Days
One of the peaceful and fun activities in Pokhara is boating. There are many lakes in Pokhara that offer Boating facilities. Among them, Phewa Lake is the most popular and crowded one. You can go boating with or without a guide. You can enjoy boating in Phewa Lake with the reflection of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks on the water’s surface.
If you want to enjoy boating and fishing, Begnas Lake is perfect. It is the third largest lake in Nepal and the second largest lake in Pokhara among the eight lakes of Pokhara. This lake is not very famous, but it gives you peace and calm with its green surroundings.
Rupa Lake, the third biggest lake in Pokhara, also offers boating activities. You can enjoy boating here and view different rare flora and fauna. Different species of fishes can be seen in the Rupa Lake.
Prices for boating
Ziplining is one of the most adventurous things to do in Pokhara. It is the most thrilling experience you can get in Pokhara. Ziplining is built at Sarangkot, one of the world’s highest and steepest ziplines. It offers 180 ° views of the Pokhara Valley, surrounding views, and the Seti River Gorge. It also offers stunning views of the Machhapuchhre and Annapurna Mountain range. The total length of the zip line is around 1.8km, with 600 meters of vertical drop at a 56° slope.
Price for Ziplining in Pokhara
| For Nepali Citizens | Rs. 6850 per person |
| For Foreigners(including SAARC residents) | Rs. 8850 per person |
For Photography and Videography, there is an Extra cost of Rs . 1500.
Pokhara offers a range of hiking and trekking, from 1-day hikes to multiple-day treks. Pokhara is the starting point for the Annapurna region trek that can go up from 1100 meters of World Peace Pagoda to 5200 meters of Thorog La pass. All the treks are easily reached from the Pokhara, such as; Sarangkot Hike, Dhampus Village Hike, Austrailian Camp, Panchase Trek, Poon Hill Trek, etc.
Pokhara is the gateway to moderately difficult treks like the Annapurna Base Camp trek, Annapurna Circuit trek, and off-the-beaten-path treks like the Manaslu trek, Upper Mustang trek, and Upper Dolpa trek.
Paragliding is one of the most popular activities to do in Pokhara. It is the best way to have a bird ‘s-eye view of Pokhara. You can see the majestic views of the Highest mountains like Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri. Good weather and a clear sky are needed for paragliding, so the best seasons to offer favorable weather are spring and autumn.
Paragliding in Nepal offers a safe landing, but you must be careful when choosing an agency that provides paragliding activity. It is a 30-minute to an hour flight from the Sarangkot hill point that will land close to the Lakeside area and take you over the valley and close to the mountains.
Price for Paragliding in Pokhara
Hot Air Balloon is the newest activity that a city provides and has become a top attraction for tourists in a very short time. You get to experience floating above the ground that offers stunning views of the beautiful Pokhara city and the Himalayan ranges. You will be in the air for 30-40 minutes. The hot-air balloon is available throughout the year, but for the best view from the air, October to April is the best time to enjoy the activity.
Price for the Hot Air Balloon in Pokhara
Mountain biking is one of the adventurous activities in Pokhara. Adventure-seeking visitors can go Mountain Biking to have a thrilling experience. You can enjoy stunning views of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre mountains along with Phewa Lake. You can also see wide views of Pokhara city while mountain biking. There are many mountain trails for mountain biking that suit both beginners and experienced people.
You can ride along the Lakeside area and enjoy the view of Phewa Lake, which is suitable for beginners. You can also ride downhill from Sarangkot through World Peace Pagoda, where you can have the best view of the Pokhara Valley and the Annapurna ranges. It could be challenging to complete the trip, so you should take safety precautions beforehand.
For those looking for an adventure-packed ride, you can ride from the Kalabang to the Australia camp, which is a 25-30 km round trip. The trails are off-road, and it is challenging to complete the ride. You should consider guided tours for the off-road route. You can take on the journey in the Spring and Autumn seasons for clear weather.
Bungee Jumping is one of the thrilling adventure activities in Pokhara. The Bungee Jumping point is just a 20-minute drive away from Lakeside Pokhara. It offers the bungee jump from the 80m high tower. You can see the mesmerizing view of the rivers, hills, and mountains.
Pokhara bungee jumping is one of the most famous tourist activities and is the safest bungee jump in Nepal. If you have sound physical health, then only bungee jumping is recommended. People with high blood pressure and heart disease issues should not do Bungee jumping.
Price for Bungee Jumping
Pokhara is also a religious site for many devotees. You can visit temples and Buddhist monasteries in Pokhara for pilgrimage and peace of mind. One of the oldest temples of Pokhara, Bindhyabasini temple, is a must-visit site that is a religious place for the Hindu people. Other temples include Tal Barahi, Bhadrakali, Akala Devi, Gupteshwar Mahadev, and many more.
You can hike to Shanti Stupa and Matepani Gumba and attend the Morning Prayer. You can also learn Buddhist spiritual philosophy. Pokhara offers natural beauty; you can meditate by the Phewa Lake and go for a nature walk to keep you calm and connected to nature.
Lovely City Of Pokhara
William
Australia
There are many options to reach Pokhara. Here are the primary ways to reach Pokhara.
By Airways: One of the best and most convenient ways to go to Pokhara is by taking a flight. You can take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara airport, which will take about 25-30 minutes. You can also get a flight to Pokhara if you travel from different cities in Nepal. There is also the availability of a Helicopter charter from Kathmandu to Pokhara. It is a bit expensive option but gives you the best scenic views of the landscape.
By Roadways: You can choose many roadway options based on your preferences and suitability. If you enjoy the road trip with comfortable seats, you can choose the Tourist Bus. If you are looking for budget travel, then local buses and microbuses suit you. But they are not as comfortable as a Tourist Bus.
If you want privacy and flexibility, you can travel in private vehicles like a car or van. If you are an adventure traveler, you can travel on Motorbikes, but you must be extra careful, as the trail can be challenging. Road trips from Kathmandu to Pokhara can take approximately 6-8 hours.
Bhimsen Temple is the oldest temple in the city, believed to have been built in the 18th century. The temple is located in the old Pokhara bazaar. The temple is dedicated to Lord Bhimsen, one of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. The temple was significant for the Newari community, and people worshipped it as the deity of trade and commerce. The temple was built in Pagoda-style architecture. It is one of the rich cultural heritages of Pokhara.
Gupteshwor Mahadev Mandir is a cave temple in the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave near Davi’s Falls and the World Peace Pagoda. It is believed to have been discovered in the 16th century. The temple is a religious place for the Hindu people. It is believed that the Shiva lingam has emerged inside the cave, which makes it an important holy place. Many shrines and statues are found inside the dark cave, dedicated to Hindu gods such as Shiva, Parvati, and Nageshwor.
The Seti Gandaki River, also known as the Milk River, is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Pokhara. The Seri River is the holiest river in Nepal, and it is worshipped and dedicated to the Vishnu god. Rafting in the Seti River with family is a highly recommended activity to enjoy. You can see a variety of birds and lush green forests from the Seti River.
