Pokhara
Pokhara
Pokhara is Nepal's second city, set at 827 metres on the shore of Phewa Lake with unobstructed views of the Annapurna massif — a base for treks, paragliding, boating, and the relaxed lakeside pace that balances Kathmandu heritage with Himalayan adventure. Last updated June 2026.
What to do in Pokhara
Phewa Lake dominates the city. Hire a wooden boat to the Tal Barahi temple on its island, walk the lakeside promenade at sunset, or kayak the calm morning water when Annapurna reflects on the surface. The World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) sits on a hilltop south of the lake — a 45-minute hike or short taxi ride for 180-degree views of the lake and peaks.
Davis Falls (Patale Chhango) is a waterfall that disappears into an underground tunnel. The nearby Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave holds a sacred Shiva shrine. Devi's Falls and the cave together take about 90 minutes. The International Mountain Museum documents Himalayan expeditions, ethnic groups, and climbing history with artefacts from Everest summits.
Lakeside (Baidam) is the traveller hub — restaurants, gear shops, and hotels along the eastern shore. Old Pokhara (Purano Bazaar) and Bindhyabasini Temple offer a quieter, local side of the city away from the tourist strip.
Sarangkot and the mountain views
Sarangkot, at 1,600 metres on a ridge north of Pokhara, is the classic sunrise viewpoint. On clear mornings the panorama runs from Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) west to Annapurna II and Machapuchare (Fish Tail) east. Most visitors leave Lakeside by 4:30 am for the 30-minute drive plus 15-minute walk to the viewpoint.
Paragliding launches from Sarangkot daily (weather permitting) — tandem flights of 20 to 30 minutes with Annapurna as backdrop. Flights operate year-round but peak season is October to April when thermals are stable and visibility is highest.
Machapuchare (6,993 m) is sacred and has never been summited — its distinctive fishtail profile is visible from Pokhara on clear days without leaving the city.
Adventure activities and trekking gateway
Pokhara is Nepal's adventure capital. ZipFlyer Nepal runs a 1.8 km zip-line with a 600-metre vertical drop — one of the steepest commercial lines in the world. Bungee jumping operates from a 70-metre platform near the city. Hot air balloon flights at dawn float over the lake with the Annapurna range as horizon.
The city is the standard gateway for Annapurna treks. The Annapurna Base Camp trail starts with a short drive to Nayapul or a flight to Jomsom for upper routes. Ghorepani Poon Hill (3,210 m) is a popular four-day loop with rhododendron forests and a famous sunrise viewpoint — no high-altitude experience required.
Ultralight flights and microlight aircraft offer 15 to 60 minute scenic flights around the Annapurna range from Pokhara airport. Mountain biking, white-water rafting on the Seti River, and canyoning are available as day activities between trek rest days.
Getting there and best season
Pokhara is 200 km west of Kathmandu — 25-minute flights (multiple daily) or 6 to 8 hours by road through the Prithvi Highway. Flights are reliable in dry season but can cancel during monsoon cloud cover (June to September). Tourist buses and private cars run daily.
October to November and March to April are peak season — clear views, comfortable temperatures (12 to 25 °C), and all activities operating. Monsoon brings heavy rain and leeches on trails but empty lakeside hotels at lower rates. Winter (December to February) is cold at night but often clear for mountain views.
Most travellers spend three to four nights in Pokhara — enough for lake activities, Sarangkot sunrise, and one adventure day, with optional trek departures from here.
Last updated June 2026.
Tours featuring Pokhara
Sample packages from our Kathmandu desk. Every quote is customised to your dates and group size.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
12 Days / 11 Nights · Moderate
Bungee Jumping from Pokhara
1 Days / 0 Nights · Easy
Ziplining in Pokhara
1 Days / 0 Nights · Easy
Hot Air Balloon Ride in Pokhara
1 Days / 0 Nights · Easy
Nepal Highlight Tour
10 Days / 9 Nights · Easy
Frequently asked
Answers from our specialists
The things travellers ask most, answered by guides who lead these trips, not by a script.
Three to four nights covers lake activities, Sarangkot sunrise, and one adventure day. Add three to twelve days if departing on an Annapurna trek from here.
Yes, on clear days Annapurna, Machapuchare, and Dhaulagiri are visible from Lakeside and Sarangkot. Visibility is best October to November and March to April. Monsoon and winter haze can obscure peaks for days at a time.
They serve different purposes. Kathmandu is for heritage and culture; Pokhara is for mountain views and adventure. Most first-time itineraries include both — typically Kathmandu first, then Pokhara.
Daily flights take 25 minutes. Tourist buses and private cars take 6 to 8 hours via the Prithvi Highway. Our packages include the transfer method that fits your itinerary and budget.
Plan this destination
Talk to a specialist about Pokhara.
Hand-built itineraries, permits, and licensed guides from our Kathmandu desk. Most quotes go out within four working hours.