Lakeside calm under the Annapurna peaks
Pokhara is a relaxed lakeside city in central Nepal, with views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare peaks. It is the starting point for treks and a base for paragliding, boating and yoga. It suits adventure seekers, backpackers and couples who want mountain scenery without the bustle of Kathmandu.
Tap a card to open it. Day trips are marked.
A large calm lake beside the city, reflecting the mountains on clear mornings. You can hire a rowing boat to reach the island temple.
Boat hire charged; price not verified.
A hilltop viewpoint with sunrise views of the Annapurna range. Many people go before dawn.
Taxi and entry fees vary; not verified.
A white stupa on a ridge above Phewa Lake with views of the water and mountains. Reached by boat and hike or by road.
No fee.
A waterfall that vanishes into the ground and a nearby cave temple with a large Shiva shrine. They sit close together.
Small entry fees; not verified.
An old market quarter with a hilltop temple dedicated to a goddess. A look at Pokhara before tourism.
No entry fee.
A museum about Himalayan peaks, climbing history and mountain cultures. Good if you plan to trek.
Entry charged; price not verified.
Tandem flights launch from Sarangkot and glide over the lake. It is one of the best known activities in Nepal.
Priced per flight; price not verified.
A small two storey temple on an island in Phewa Lake, reached by boat. Peaceful and photogenic.
Entry free; boat paid.
Two quieter lakes east of Pokhara, with fishing villages and hills. A calm alternative to Phewa.
No entry fee; boats paid.
Limestone caves where you can walk through dark passages, with bats in the neighbouring cave. A short adventure.
Small entry fee; not verified.
Everything above is open to read. A Hodolog account lets you build the trip around it.
Choose how many days you have.
Day one is lake and temples, day two is the pagoda and caves, and day three is paragliding and a museum.
A preserved hilltop Newari town with mountain views.
50 mi · Bus or taxi, about 2h30
A Gurung village with trek views.
22 mi · Jeep and short walk, about 2h
A day hike with views over the lake.
12 mi · Drive then hike, about 3 to 4 hours
Best: October to November and March to April. Skies are clearer and mountain views are best, though temperatures are mild.
Daily high and average, by month
Typical inches per month
Quiet season. Lower prices, fewer crowds.
Climate normals: NASA POWER (public domain). For your own dates, a trip's Plan tab shows the forecast and the usual weather.
Usually September or October (varies)
Nepal's biggest festival, with family gatherings and holidays.
Usually October or November
The festival of lights, with lamps and colourful decorations.
Usually February
Music, food and cultural shows in town; confirm dates each year.
UK advice notes flash flooding and landslides in some areas in 2026, plus earthquake and flight disruption risks, so check current advice and trek with a licensed guide.
Lakeside is walkable, but hills and distances to other sights require taxis.
Local buses and microbuses exist but are crowded; taxis are the main option.
The neighborhoods that suit most first visits.
Best for: backpackers, first-timers
Restaurants, shops and tour offices along Phewa Lake.
Best for: quiet stays, couples
A calm area near the lake with mountain views.
Best for: views, adventure
Hilltop stays with sunrise views.
Best for: mid range
Good restaurants and quieter streets.
Best for: budget
Cheaper stays near the old town.
| Main airport | Pokhara International Airport (PKR), 2 mi from the center |
| To the center | Taxi to Lakeside takes about 15 minutes. |
| Around town | Taxis and rented scooters are common. Many sights are best reached by taxi or a day tour. |
| Ride apps | Pathao, InDrive |
A set meal of lentils, rice and curry.
Steamed dumplings.
Hearty noodle soup.
Fried or grilled near the lake.
Local snacks like choila.
| Plugs | Types C, D and M, 230 V |
| Tap water | Use bottled water |
| Tipping | Tipping of about 10 percent is welcomed if service is not included. |
| Payments | Cash in rupees is important; cards work at larger hotels and some restaurants. |
| Etiquette | Remove shoes at temples, dress modestly, and ask before photographing people. Use your right hand for giving or receiving. |
Pokhara was a trading stop on routes between India and Tibet. The Gandaki area was ruled by small kingdoms before Nepal's unification in the 1700s. The city grew rapidly after roads and tourism arrived in the 20th century. It is now a major centre for trekking and outdoor activities.
Researched 2026-10-12. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.