Pokhara

Gandaki and Annapurna

800 m2,625 ft above sea level

Set beneath the dramatic Annapurna range, Pokhara is a city of lakes, green hills and mountain views. It is one of Nepal’s most beautiful places to slow down, enjoy the outdoors and prepare for a journey into the Himalayas. On clear days, the distinctive summit of Machhapuchhre, or Fishtail Mountain, rises above the valley, its sharp profile reflected in the still waters of Phewa Lake.

Life in Pokhara often centres on the lakeside. Visitors can take a traditional wooden boat onto Phewa Lake, paddle along the shoreline or cross to Tal Barahi Temple, which stands on a small island in the water. Cafés, restaurants and small shops line the nearby Lakeside neighbourhood, making it an easy place to enjoy a relaxed meal or an evening walk. Beyond Phewa, the wider Pokhara Valley includes other lakes, such as Begnas and Rupa, where the pace is quieter and the scenery feels more rural.

For a memorable view over the valley, head to Sarangkot around sunrise, when the light may reveal the Annapurna peaks and nearby hills. Another popular viewpoint is the World Peace Pagoda, a hilltop Buddhist stupa overlooking Phewa Lake. Both offer expansive scenery, though mountain views depend on weather and visibility.

Pokhara has plenty to explore beyond its viewpoints. Devi’s Fall plunges into a deep, narrow channel, while nearby Gupteshwor Cave leads visitors through striking underground formations. The Seti River, which cuts through the city in a deep gorge, reveals another side of the landscape. For insight into Nepal’s mountaineering history and the people of the Himalayas, the International Mountain Museum presents exhibits on climbing, mountain environments and local cultures.

The city is also a centre for adventure. Depending on the season and conditions, visitors can try paragliding, boating, mountain biking, rafting and short hikes in the hills around the valley. Pokhara is best known, however, as a gateway to the Annapurna region. Treks to Annapurna Base Camp, the Annapurna Circuit, Jomsom and Mustang begin from or pass through the area, and Pokhara is a natural place to rest, organise supplies and meet fellow travellers before setting out.

Pokhara’s character reflects the diversity of western Nepal. Gurung and Magar communities have deep roots in the region, while Thakali culture is closely connected with the historic trade routes between the middle hills and Mustang. Local temples, the old bazaar and neighbourhood markets offer glimpses of everyday life beyond the lakeside visitor district. In local restaurants, try Nepali favourites alongside Thakali meals and dishes from across the country.

Whether you come for mountain scenery, a few days by the lake or the start of a Himalayan trek, Pokhara offers a welcoming balance of activity and ease. Spend a morning on the water, explore the valley’s caves and viewpoints, or simply watch the mountains change colour as clouds move across the peaks. The city makes a rewarding destination in its own right and an ideal base for discovering the Annapurna Himalayas.

Best time to visit: October to May
Getting there: Fly from Kathmandu (about 25 minutes) or drive about 200 km (5-7hrs)
Suggested stay: 2 to 3 nights

Places in and around Pokhara

Groups always run in this order. Inside each group, the must-see picks come first; hikes and places to stay follow the order Windhorse recommends.

Sights and attractions in Pokhara

Temples & Monasteries

Bhimsen Temple

Bhimsen Temple is located at the Old Pokhara town, this small two tiered temple is dedicated to the Newari god of trade and commerce.
Museums & Institutions

Gorkha Memorial Museum

Gurkha Memorial Museum is a tribute to the brave Gorkha soldiers who joined the Brithish army since 1815 and later the Indian army after the independence of India in 1947.
Museums & Institutions

International Mountain Museum

The International Mountain Museum is a landmark destination in Pokhara.
Sight

Old Town Pokhara

With the inception of tourism, Pokhara has changed considerably, old brick houses gave way to modern buildings and the city has rather lost its old world charm.
Sight

The Lakeside in Pokhara

Lakeside is one of the most popular tourist destination in Pokhara.
Temples & Monasteries

Barahi Temple

The Tal Barahi Temple also known as the -˜Lake Temple' is a Hindu temple dedicated to goddess durga(barahi), the protector of gods.
Sight

Tibetan Settlement Camps

Pokhara is home to thousands of Tibetan refugees, majority of them live in refugee settlement camps.
Sight

Sarangkot

Sarangkot, perched on a hilltop in Pokhara, Nepal, is famed for its stunning panoramas of the Annapurna mountain range and Pokhara Valley.
Sight

World Peace Pagoda

World Peace Pagoda also known as the Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist pagoda style monument.
Nature & Viewpoints

Gupteshwar Mahadeva Cave

Gupteshwor Mahadev cave is a sacred cave located near to the Davis falls.
Temples & Monasteries

Bindhyavasini Temple

After Phewa Lake, if Pokhara is famous for any other sights, then it's the Bindhyavasini Temple.
Nature & Viewpoints

Phewa Lake

Phewa Lake (Phewa Tal) is a serene freshwater gem nestled in Pokhara, recognized as the country’s second-largest lake at roughly 4.4 km², situated at about 742 m above sea level.

742 m / 2,434 ft
Nature & Viewpoints

Seti River Gorge

The Seti Gandaki and the Seti river Gorge are two other important places to visit in Pokhara.
Nature & Viewpoints

Davis Fall

Davis falls is an amazing waterfall that lies about 2 kms from central Pokhara.

Restaurants in Pokhara

Restaurants

Caffe Concerto

Italian restaurant known for thin-crust pizzas, pasta, espresso and homemade gelato, with a fireplace and a relaxed evening bar.
Restaurants

Moondance Restaurant & Bar

A Lakeside institution with an open fire and a varied menu of pizzas, steaks, and Indian and Thai curries. Its lemon meringue pie is famous.
Restaurants

OR2K Pokhara

Lakeside branch of the Thamel vegetarian favourite, over three floors with views of Phewa Lake. Middle Eastern plates, smoothie bowls and vegan options.
Restaurants

Tara’s Restaurant

Small, highly rated home-style vegetarian place serving dal bhat, thalis and momos (try the chocolate ones), with plenty of vegan options.

Trips that visit Pokhara

Hilltops and Village Tour of NepalDay 4: Drive to Kathmandu & Fly to Pokhara-Drive to Sarangkot 8 days
Classic Nepal TourDay 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara 8 days
Annapurna Base Camp TrekDay 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara 11 days
Highlights of NepalDay 3: Fly Kathmandu to Pokhara 10 days
India Nepal & Bhutan OdysseyDay 8: Kathmandu Tour-Fly to Pokhara 17 days
Annapurna Circuit TrekDay 10: Drive from Muktinath to Pokhara 12 days
Tilicho Lake TrekDay 13: Drive to Pokhara 16 days
Nar Phu Valley TrekDay 3: Drive to Koto from Kathmandu 14 days