Pokhara — Tour Highlights and Travel Tips
Tour Highlights
- North of the buzzing tourist-oriented center, immerse yourseld in exploring the old Pokhara. This is the perfect place to step back in time and discover the city as it once was.
- As the second largest lake in the country, Phewa Lake is the city’s most coveted attraction. Along the eastern shore, you will find a plethora of bars and restaurants, whereas southwestern parts of the lakeside are more ripe for nature exploration.
- Davi’s Falls is located in the southern part of Pokhara. The plunging stream of water from Phewa Lake drops into a 150-meter-long underground tunnel. Try your luck at the at wishing pond near the waterfall.
- Pokhara is home to three of the world's highest mountains — Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m) and Manaslu (8,163 m); and is the starting point for famous treks in Nepal like the Annapurna Base Camp trek, Annapurna Circuit hike, and Poonhill trek. For the more adventurous, Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is definitely a beautiful challenge. Grab your hiking boots and go on a long trek through various ethnic settlements along the foothills of Annapurnas.
- Pokhara Shanti Stupa is perched atop of the Ananda (Peaceful) Hill on the southern shore of the lake. Nepal’s first World Peace Pagoda is also a great spot to get views of the Phewa Lake and its Himalayan backdrop. You can reach this Stupa on foot as well.
- Also, check out the Taal Barahi Temple that sits atop a rock in the middle of Phewa Lake. You will need to catch a boat.
Travel Tips
- Pokhara is a great place for shopping, whether you are eyeing up handmade jewelry, soft pashmina shawls or local art. In case you decide to dive into the world of Pokhara’s busy markets, don’t be afraid to haggle. You might end up getting a great bargain!
- Pokhara tends to experience occasional power cuts, so it is advised to remain vigilant when exploring the city at night.
- Peak tourist season in Pokhara are the months of October and November. This is when the city experiences fewer rains and a generally sunny weather; however, this is also when accommodation prices tend to get steeper. Winter sports enthusiast will find the best adventure offer during the months of December and January.
- Paragliding, bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, and waterfall abseiling are some of the exciting adventure activities that you can do in while in Pokhara.
- If you want to catch the first rays of the sun against the backdrop of the majestic Annapurna range then catch a cab to Sarangkot, you will not regret the stunning sunrise! Don't forget your camera though. Sarangkot is also the launchpoint of paragliding flights that eventually land near the Phewa Lake.
Nepal has seasonal weather so please do check up on the best time to visit Nepal before planning your tour. If you’re still hunting for more things to do and places to explore in Nepal, do check out our Nepal Travel Guide for more information.