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Pokhara is Nepal's second-largest city, spread beside Phewa Lake in a valley in the center of the country, with the Annapurna range rising sharply to the north. The pointed summit of Machapuchare, known as Fishtail, dominates the skyline on clear days. A relaxed lakeside atmosphere makes it the country's main leisure destination and the starting point for many Annapurna treks.
Life centers on Phewa Lake and the Lakeside district, where cafes, guesthouses and gear shops line the shore. Rowboats carry visitors to the island shrine of Tal Barahi Temple, and on a ridge across the water the white World Peace Pagoda looks over the lake toward the mountains. At dawn, people drive or hike up to Sarangkot to watch the sun strike the Annapurnas, and paragliders launch from the same hill later in the day. Davis Falls plunges into a narrow chasm, and across the road Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave shelters a Hindu shrine. The International Mountain Museum covers Himalayan climbing and culture. North of the center, the Seti Gandaki river cuts a deep gorge visible from Mahendrapul, with the Bat Cave and Mahendra Cave nearby, while the Old Bazaar keeps traditional Newar houses around Bindhyabasini Temple.
Pokhara suits trekkers, couples and anyone seeking a slower pace after Kathmandu. Monsoon clouds often hide the peaks in summer, and short treks such as Poon Hill begin a few hours away.
WiserMap travel guidePokhara Nepal Phewa Lake Sarangkot Sunrise and AnnapurnaPlan Pokhara with this guide to Phewa Lake, Sarangkot sunrise, the World Peace Pagoda, caves, Begnas Lake, local food, seasons and Annapurna trek permits.Read the guide
Phewa Lake is Pokhara's centerpiece, with the Annapurna range reflected in its water on clear mornings. Lakeside is the strip of hotels, cafes, bookshops and trekking agencies along its eastern shore. Rent a painted wooden boat to row across. The calmest water and clearest mountain views come early in the day.
Two quieter lakes about 15 kilometers east of Pokhara, separated by a forested ridge with a village on top. Begnas has boat rentals, fish farms and a few lakeside guesthouses, while Rupa is smaller and more rural. They make a peaceful half day trip by bus or taxi, with a walk along the ridge between them.
A small two-tiered pagoda temple on an island in Phewa Lake, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Barahi, a form of Durga. Short boat rides from the Lakeside shore take visitors over, and it is busiest on Saturdays when worshippers bring offerings. Boats are paid both ways, so agree on the return ride when you go.
A white Buddhist stupa on a ridge above the south shore of Phewa Lake, built by Japanese monks of the Nipponzan Myohoji order. It gives broad views of the lake, the city and the Annapurna range. Many visitors cross the lake by boat and hike up through forest for about an hour. Dress modestly at the stupa.
The Old Bazaar in north Pokhara keeps traditional Newar shop houses and is a busy local trading area for spices, cloth and household goods. Nearby, the Bindhyabasini Temple sits on a small hill and is a major Hindu shrine with mountain views. Mornings bring the most worshippers and market activity.
A hilltop village northwest of Phewa Lake known for sunrise views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Machhapuchhre. It is also the main launch site for paragliding, which glides down to Lakeside. Reach it by taxi before dawn or hike up in about two hours. October to December usually brings the clearest skies.
Australian Camp is a grassy ridge with lodges and close views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre, reached by a short walk from Kande on the Baglung road. Dhampus is a nearby Gurung village with homestays. Together they make an easy one or two day trek. Stay overnight for sunset and sunrise views.
Called Patale Chhango locally, this waterfall drops into a narrow underground channel just south of Pokhara near the airport road. A small park surrounds it with viewpoints and stalls. The flow is strongest during and right after the monsoon. Combine it with Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, which is across the road.
The Seti Gandaki River carves a gorge so narrow and deep through Pokhara that the milky water is hard to see in places. Mahendrapul bridge in the old town is one of the best spots to look down into it, along with the K I Singh bridge. The river is white from glacial silt. Keep children close at the railings.
A cave temple dedicated to Shiva, entered by a spiral staircase across from Davis Falls. Inside is a natural lingam shrine, and deeper passages lead to a spot behind the falling water of Davis Falls. Photography is not allowed in the shrine. Paths can be wet and slippery, so wear shoes with good grip.
Two limestone caves in the Batulechaur area north of the city. Mahendra Cave has lit passages with stalactites and a small Shiva shrine, while the Bat Cave is dark and home to many bats, with a tight squeeze to exit. Bring a flashlight for the Bat Cave, and expect slippery rock throughout.
A large museum about the Himalaya and mountaineering, with exhibits on the 14 peaks over 8,000 meters, famous expeditions, mountain peoples and geology. Outside is a climbing wall and a model of Manaslu. It is a good rainy day activity and helpful background before trekking. Allow around two hours.
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