My first thought when visiting Pokhara was, “How the heck can a single town have lazy beach-town vibes AND snow-capped peaks?”
I spent 7 months living in Nepal and visited Pokhara four times. Pokhara acts as a waystop before heading into the Annapurna mountain range for trekking, but it is also an unmissable place to visit in Nepal on its own.
Pokhara lies on the banks of Phewa Lake, the second largest lake in Nepal. It has a lively main strip with shops and restaurants on the waterfront. There are also so many incredible Pokhara activities to do beyond trekking.
On this list of what to do in Pokhara, you’ll find hot air balloon rides over the lake, tandem paragliding, spectacular sunrise views from Sarangkot, cheap spa treatments, and traditional Nepali cuisine on the waterfront.
In this guide to the best tourist attractions in Pokhara, you will discover how much there is to do in this small but mighty Nepali town. You’ll want to add at least a couple of days in Pokhara to your Nepal itinerary.
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How to Get to Pokhara?
Pokhara is located about 200 km (142 miles) west of Kathmandu. It is only a two hours drive from the entrance to Annapurna Conservation Area, one of Nepal’s most popular trekking regions.
The road between Kathmandu and Pokhara is not for the weak. It is incredibly windy, full of potholes, and has cliff drop-offs for large portions.
There are three main ways you can get to Pokhara from Kathmandu:
- Take a Bus
The buses are the cheapest option to get to Pokhara from Kathmandu. The drive takes between 8 and 12 hours because of the mountain conditions, traffic, and frequent road construction.
There are various bus options, ranging from local buses to VIP tourist buses. First, I will say DO NOT take one of the local buses to Pokhara. They get completely overpacked. This is not only uncomfortable but also very unsafe. Too many buses go off cliffsides and crash in Nepal for comfort. When I lived there in 2019, one of the local buses went off the road en route to Pokhara, and another crashed for similar reasons on the road to Nagarkot.
That being said, I recommend paying for one of the most comfy VIP travel buses because of how long the journey is. You can book your bus journey in Thamel in person or online in advance here.
VIP Bus to Pokhara to Kathmandu: Book here!
- Take a Private Car
The middle-ground price option is to hire a private car to go to Pokhara from Kathmandu.
The drive will be a lot more comfortable and slightly quicker than taking the bus. You can arrange a fixed price in advance. Most accommodation options will help you arrange this, but you can book in advance if you prefer.
Private Vehicle Transfer to Pokhara from Kathmandu: Book Here!
- Fly
Flying to Pokhara is by far the easiest and safest option. It is expensive for tourists, costing approximately 300 USD roundtrip for a 30-minute flight. However, it is way more convenient than dealing with a 10 hour journey by road. If it’s a clear day, it is also one of the most scenic flights in Nepal.
🙋🏻♀️ My Experience Getting to Pokhara: The first time I went to Pokhara, we opted for the private vehicle because there were three of us. It was a treacherous journey. The second time, I bit the bullet and paid for the flight. I ended up choosing the flight option the third and fourth time I visited Pokhara.
The 21 BEST Tourist Attractions in Pokhara
1. Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Rice Fields and the Himalayas
I treated myself with a hot air balloon ride in Pokhara my second time visiting and it ended up being one of my favourite experiences in my entire 7 months in Nepal.
The hot air balloon rides take off shortly after sunrise, rising 1000 feet above the remote landscape around Pokhara. The views of the snow-capped peaks rising impossibly high over it all are incredible. You’ll soar above Phewa lake and lush valleys for the most serene and scenic experience in Nepal.
The hot air balloon ride includes hotel pickup to the remote take off location. The flight lasts between 30 – 45 minutes and is done first thing in the morning for the most clear and glowy conditions. The flights are up to international standards of safety so you can feel assured and enjoy the peaceful experience.
⭐️ Book the Tour: The Best Hot Air Balloon Experience in Pokhara
2. Try Tandem Paragliding
Paragliding is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Pokhara. The flights take off from a tall hillside above Phewa Lake, gliding over fields, the town of Pokhara, and the sparkling water.
The tandem paragliding flights last about 30 minutes and you can opt in for some thrilling aerial tricks that spin and spiral in the air. The take-off point is typically from Sarangkot, where you’ll get a run-down of what to expect before attaching to your tandem pilot and running off the side of the hill. You’ll land by Phewa Lake.
You can also opt in for go-pro photos to remember your adventurous experience. The pilots are all incredibly experienced and the flights come with insurance.
⭐️ Book the Tour: Paragliding Experience in Pokhara, Nepal
3. Trek the Famous Poon Hill for Sunrise
You can’t talk about things to do in Pokhara without mentioning the iconic Poon Hill trek. Poon Hill is the most famous trek in the Annapurna region because it is one of the shortest treks in Nepal that offers the most reward.
Poon Hill takes about 3 – 4 days, bringing trekkers through the remote mountain villages with incredible views of fish-tail mountain, Annapurna’s peak, and Dhaulagiri. The grand finale is the 5 am hike from Ghorepani to the top of Poon Hill to watch the sun rise over the panoramic mountain viewpoint.
As of 2023, all treks in Nepal’s Annapurna Region (and other restricted regions) need to be done with a local guide. Here are some of the best guided tour options:
You can also arrange a private trek with a local guide in person at one of the travel agencies in either Kathmandu or Pokhara. They can be arranged relatively last minute, often even the day before departure.
4. Hike One of the Larger Treks in the Annapurna Conservation Area
If you are visiting Nepal specifically to trek and have more time in your itinerary, I strongly recommend considering one of the longer treks in the Annapurna Region for deeper immersion in mountain life.
The region is one of the most stunning in Nepal, and you can dedicate a week or even three to trekking its mountain ranges.
The Best Longer Treks from Pokhara Include:
- Annapurna Base Camp (ABC): A 7 – 10 day trek that takes you to the base of Annapurna Mountain. This is a moderate trek, which by Nepal’s standards means it is still pretty difficult. The route takes you up and down several smaller mountains, passing through quaint towns like Ghandruk, Chomrong, Sinuwa, and Deurali. You can even take a slightly different trail on your way back to pass through Jhinu Danda, which has hot springs.
- Mardi Himal: This 4 – 6 day trek is slightly more off the beaten path and offers a completely unique set of views from Poonhill and ABC. Mardi Himal has a diverse range of landscapes that pass through dense green forests, exposed mountain ridges, and to the base of Mardi Himal Mountain.
- Annapurna Circuit: If you are an experienced trekker, consider doing the 15 – 20 day Annapurna Circuit trek. It takes you through the Annapurna range and crosses one of the highest mountain passes in the world, Thoron La Pass, at over 5400 metres.
All three treks require proper permits and either a local guide or an organized tour to embark.
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5. Relax at the Spa
The spas in Pokhara are relaxing and cheap!
There are a large number of them spread throughout the small town to provide a relaxing massage or treatment for people who have exhausted their bodies trekking in the mountains.
My favourite part about them is how cheap they are compared to spas elsewhere in the world, so you can really go all out without breaking the bank.
The Best Spas in Pokhara Are:
- Dorjes Resort and Spa – Dorjes is a short taxi ride out of the town centre and is surrounded by greenery overlooking Phewa Lake. This is one of the most picturesque spas to visit in Pokhara, with beautiful pools and a delicious on-site restaurant. This will be on the pricier end of options for Pokhara.
- Tranquility Spa – This is one of the highest reviewed spas in Pokhara known for their pampering environment and tranquil atmosphere.
- Jiva Spa – This was my favoruite spa in Pokhara because it feels like a garden oasis by the water front. I loved relaxing with a cup of tea while waiting for my treatment and then the head and foot massage I had was heavenly.
7. Shop for Souvenirs on the Main Strip
Pokhara’s main strip along the waterfront is lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, and trekking supply stores. It is really fun to simply wander and shop for souvenirs. You can purchase local handicrafts, jewelry, and clothing to take home with you.
Keep an eye out for Nepali pashmina shawls, singing bowls, artwork inspired by the Himalayan mountains, and prayer flags. And make sure to always bargain! It’s a big part of the shopping experience in Nepal. Never settle for their first price
8. Take a Boat Ride on Phewa Lake
One of the most unique things to do in Pokhara is to take a scenic boat ride on Phewa Lake. Walking along the waterfront, you’ll notice hundreds of long colourful wooden boats bobbing at the shoreline and out on the lake. The lake is surrounded by mountains and it is especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
You can rent a rowboat or paddleboat yourself or pay for a guided tour.
9. Hike to Sarangkot for Sunrise or Sunset
Sarangkot is a small hill top about 11.5 km from Pokhara’s waterfront. It overlooks the lake and has great panoramic views of the Himalayas. It is particularly popular for sunrise or sunset.
You can get to the top by taking the Annapurna Cable Car. The ride takes about 10 minutes and you can find the updated prices here. The cable car is just outside of town so its best to take a cheap and short taxi ride.
Sarangkot can also be accessed by taking a taxi ride directly from town. They can take you right up to the hilltop village and wait for you for a couple hours for a pre-agreed upon price (usually around 2000 Nepali rupees).
There is a hike to Sarangkot that takes about 3 hours to reach the top. You can find a trailhead beside the cable car and it is a steep climb to the top. The hike trails through forest and passes through small villages.
Out of all the tourist attractions in Pokhara, this is a must!
📍 Location: Sarangkot Hill Top | Annapurna Cable Car
10. Visit the World Peace Pagoda
The World Peace Pagoda is one of the best places to visit in Pokhara. It is a white Buddhist stupa that has panoramic views over Pokhara and the mountains. It was built in the 1950’s to pray for world peace in response to World War II.
The stupa sits high on a hilltop and has a peaceful environment. Many people choose to visit for sunrise or sunset and some even get some meditation in.
The Pagoda is about 8 km from Pokhara’s town centre. You can choose to hike from the south end of Phewa Lake which takes about 2 hours or take a boat to the base of a hill and hike 45 minutes to the top.
There is also a car park near the top if you want to take a taxi instead with about 200 stairs left to climb to the top.
📍 Location: World Peace Pagoda
11. Visit Gupteshwor Cave
Gupteshwor Cave is popular because of its stunning rock formations and the shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva that sits inside. There is a massive man-made stair case lined with orange railings that descends in a spiral into the earth.
The walls of the cave create narrow tunnels that you can walk through. Gupteshwor also has a small waterfall that adds a mystical element. It takes about 30 minutes to explore. It is close to Devi’s Falls so I recommend combining the visit to them.
📍 Location: Gupteshwor Cave
11. See the Disappearing Waterfall at Devi’s Falls
Devi’s Falls is another unique thing to do in Pokhara, with the water cascading into an underground gorge. It is often called the “disappearing falls” because of this. There are walking paths with railings that get you close to the white rushing water at the top of the falls.
I recommend dedicating at least 30 minutes to the falls and visiting the nearby Gupteshwor Cave at the same time.
📍 Departure Location: Devi’s Falls
12. Visit Bindhyabasini Temple
Bindhyabasini Temple is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Bindhyabasini. It is painted a bright white colour with gold and red accent colours.
It is high on a hilltop, so there are also great views of the mountains. Bindhyabasini is one of the oldest temples in Pokhara so a lot of local people visit it to practice their religion.
📍 Location: Bindhyabasini Temple
13. Visit the International Mountain Museum
The International Mountain Museum in Pokhara is dedicated to the history and culture of mountaineering in the Annapurna region. The museum exhibits artifacts from famous expeditions, information about the mountains’ natural environments, and displays about indigenous cultures.
The museum is located just outside of the main lakeside area, about 10 minutes drive. You can easily spend an hour or two there.
📍 Location: International Mountain Museum
14. Take a Helicopter Flight to Annapurna Base Camp
If you want to get right into the mountains without the week long trek, take a helicopter ride!
Annapurna is the tenth highest mountain in the world, and its base camp is STUNNING. A helicopter ride will not only fly you to this beautiful location, the flight itself will also be incredibly scenic. You’ll soar over mountains, tiny villages, terraced fields, and mountain passes to get there.
Book the Experience: Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Landing Tour
15. Take an Authentic Nepali Cooking Class
One of my favourite things to do in new countries I visit is take a cooking class. Cooking classes in pokhara are with a local family and offer an insight into the traditional dishes they eat on a regular basis. The food is delicious and its a great way to look deeper into the local culture.
Book the Experience: Pokhara Cooking Class
16. Visit Tibetan Settlements
After China took over Tibet in the late 1950s, thousands of Tibetans fled into Nepal. There are now several Tibetan refugee settlements in and near Pokhara. Over the years these communities have become fantastic communities that preserve Tibetan culture and traditions.
There is a fantastic half-day tour that brings you to some of these settlements and is run by a Tibetan guide. The tours focus on providing first-hand stories, sampling Tibetan food, and learning about their daily life directly from the source.
Book the Experience: Tibetan Cultural Tour in Pokhara
17. Try the Zipflyer Experience
Just outside of Pokhara there is the world’s steepest zip line. The zip line is 1.9 km (1 mile) long and you can reach speeds up to 100 km (62 miles) per hour. The experience is done from the top of Sarangkot.
Book the Experience: ZipFlyer Tour in Pokhara
18. Visit the Annapurna Butterfly Museum
If you are interested in natural wildlife, there is a small museum just outside of Pokhara completely dedicated to butterflies.
The Annapurna Butterfly Museum exhibits over 600 different species of butterflies and moths that are native to Nepal. They even have artwork displaying where the different species came from throughout the country.
Keep an eye out for the Atticus Atlas, which is the moth with the largest wingspan in the world.
The museum is about 7 km out of Pokhara’s main street so its easiest to get there by taxi. Entry is by donation.
📍 Locations: Annapurna Butterfly Museum
19. Party at Club 16 or Busy Bee Cafe
Pokhara has a surprisingly good night life scene. Club 16 is a full on night club with a massive dance floor and a stage where DJs and dancers perform.
If you want to try something a little more lowkey than that, I personally loved the Busy Bee Cafe. It is a cool bar with tables set up and a small dance floor. The ambience was really fun with cool light features, but my favourite was that local dogs would occasionally wander onto the dance floor!
📍 Locations: Club 16 | Busy Bee Cafe
20. Have a Meal by the Water
One of my favourite things to do in Pokhara was sit at one of the waterfront cafes sipping on a smoothie or having lunch. The lakeside is so peaceful and stunning with views of the rainbow-coloured boats. Some of the best places to sit and eat by the water are:
Metro Crepes – the most delicious crepes (I ate there for breakfast almost every morning) with a rooftop patio with a view over the lake.
Juicery Cafe – An excellent cafe serving delicious smoothie bowls and farm to table meals.
OR2K – One of the best restaurants in Pokhara serving Middle-Eastern, Nepali and Thai food. They have an excellent view over the lake.
21. Take a Stroll by the Water
There is a wonderful pathway that leads directly along the side of the lake. I spent tons of time just wandering up and down it taking photos of the lake and enjoying the mountain views over the water on a clear day. There are lots of adorable dogs wandering the path as well (don’t worry, they are a lot more chill than the ones in Kathmandu).
Where to Stay in Pokhara
There are basically two options of where to stay in Pokhara: Either stay as close to the main lakeside strip as possible or opt for one of the beautiful resorts a short drive outside of town.
Pokhara Town Centre/Lakeside:
- $ Forest Lake Backpacker Hostel – This is one of the best hostels in Pokhara. It has comfortable beds with amenities like privacy curtains, lockers, and reading lights. There is shared hangout space outside and a restaurant.
- $$ Pokhara Tourist Home – A simple, clean and comfortable hotel with some of the rooms offering beautiful lake views.
- $$$ Hotel Middle Path and Spa – If you have a mid-range budget (still dirt cheap for most countries), I highly recommend this hotel. Its central, has beautiful modern rooms, and there is a spa and aesthetic pool on-site. I loved this hotel, it has great views over lakeside.
Pokhara Resorts:
- $$$$ The Pavilions Himalaya (The Farm) – If you are willing to pay for taxis into Pokhara, this resort is a stunning garden paradise. It is an hour drive from downtown, but it has a pool, a restaurant, and a relaxing atmosphere.
- $$$$ Dorje’s Resort and Spa – Only a short 5 minute drive out of Pokhara’s centre, Dorje’s is one of the most luxurious resorts in the area. It is very modern, has a beautiful pool with a view, and is surrounded by bright green gardens. There is a spa and gourmet restaurant on site.
- $ Zostel – I stayed here for one of my visits and it is the best place to stay for a view on a budget. It is a short 5 minute drive outside of town and the hostel is on beautiful grounds. You’ll have stunning views over rice fields and mountains.
Plan Your Trip to Nepal – Logistical Tips:
📱 Stay Connected Without Expensive Roaming Fees
I never travel without an E-Sim now. Stay connected at a fraction of the price of roaming fees, and my favourite part, you can simply download the E-Sim to your phone and don’t have to switch SIM cards around. The service I always use is Airola. You can also get plans that cover multiple countries in Europe if you are travelling beyond Croatia.
🏠 Book Your Accommodation
I always use Booking.com to find and book the best hotels at the cheapest rate. If you are interested in staying in a hostel to meet people and take advantage of their activities, you can book private rooms and dorms through Hostelworld.
🏄♀️ Book Your Tours and Excursions
The best search tool I use to book tours in Nepal and the rest of the world is Viator. It has the largest selection of tours with local operators and offers flexible cancellation.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Pokhara
Pokhara is so much more than a simple waystop! There are adventurous activities like hot air balloon rides, paragliding, and hiking. There are extraordinary cultural attractions like the World Peace Pagoda and the Tibetan settlements. And finally, there are plenty of opportunities for relaxation in a serene environment like at Jiva Spa or watching the sunset from Sarangkot. Pokhara is a must-visit in Nepal.
Happy adventuring!
* Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. I only recommend products and companies that I use. Thanks for the support!
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