Things to Do in Pokhara

Pokhara attractions at a glance

Spend time around Phewa Lake

Start with the lake rather than rushing into a vehicle.

Walk sections of the lakeside, take a boat trip when conditions are suitable and allow time simply to enjoy the setting.

See Pokhara from the World Peace Pagoda

The hill above the lake provides one of Pokhara’s classic elevated perspectives.

Visit by vehicle or incorporate walking, depending on fitness, weather and trail conditions.

Go to Sarangkot

Sarangkot is associated with sunrise and Himalayan views.

Cloud can obscure mountains in any season, so treat the view as weather-dependent rather than guaranteed.

Visit Davis Falls and Gupteshwar

These neighbouring attractions are easy to combine.

Conditions change with water levels, particularly around the monsoon.

Explore Old Pokhara

The older market area and Bindhyabasini Temple give a more local perspective than spending the entire trip around Lakeside.

Learn at the International Mountain Museum

A useful option for understanding Nepal’s mountains, mountaineering history and mountain communities: and a good wet-weather activity.

Choose an adventure

Pokhara is a major base for:

• paragliding;
• hiking;
• mountain biking;
• kayaking;
• rafting connections;
• ultralight flights; and
• other adventure activities.

Only book with operators using current permits, qualified staff and appropriate safety procedures.

Start an Annapurna journey

Pokhara is the main gateway to many Annapurna-region routes.

Do not treat every trek as interchangeable. Compare altitude, duration, guide/TIMS requirements and current trail conditions.

Pokhara by area

Lakeside: Lake, restaurants, easy evening activity

South/World Peace Pagoda: Views and walking

South-west attractions: Davis Falls and Gupteshwar

Old Pokhara: Bazaar and Bindhyabasini

Sarangkot: Sunrise and adventure

One day in Pokhara

Morning: Sarangkot or lakeside

Late morning: Phewa Lake

Afternoon: World Peace Pagoda

Evening: Lakeside

Two days

Add Davis Falls, Gupteshwar and Old Pokhara.

Three days

Add an adventure activity, museum or longer hike.

Common mistakes

Trying to schedule a mountain view as though weather is guaranteed.

Spending the entire visit on one Lakeside street.

Booking adventure activities only by price.

Underestimating monsoon rainfall.