Nepal · Central Nepal

Pokhara

Nepal's lakeside adventure capital — Phewa Lake, Annapurna views + paragliding

Pokhara is Nepal's lakeside adventure city — Phewa Lake reflection of Machapuchare + Annapurna range, world's top paragliding site (Sarangkot), Sarangkot sunrise + Peace Pagoda + gateway to Annapurna Circuit + Base Camp trekking.

Airport
Pokhara PKR (opened 2023)
From Kathmandu
25 min flight or 6-8h bus
Best season
October-November + March-April
Elevation
822m (much lower than Kathmandu)

Pokhara highlights

Sarangkot sunrise

1,600m viewpoint — sunrise over the Annapurna range. Drive 30 min from Lakeside + 20-min walk. Free.

Paragliding from Sarangkot

World top-5 paragliding site — 20-45 min tandem flight from Sarangkot to Phewa Lake. $80-150.

Phewa Lake boat + Tal Barahi Temple

Rent a wooden dungas (boat) $2-5/hr. Row to the temple on the small island in the middle.

Peace Pagoda

White Buddhist stupa across the lake — 90-min hike or 15-min boat + 30-min hike. Panoramic view.

International Mountain Museum

Excellent overview of Himalayan mountaineering + expedition history. NPR 400.

Devi's Fall + Gupteshwor Cave

Waterfall disappearing into a cave — combined with cave temple visit. NPR 100.

Lakeside dining + nightlife

The tourist strip — restaurants, bars, live music. Everest Steak House + Moondance famous.

Annapurna Base Camp trek departure

Pokhara is the trailhead for ABC (7-10 days) + shorter Poon Hill (4-5 days).

Getting there

Pokhara International Airport (PKR) opened 2023 — direct flights from Kathmandu (25 min) + international via Chengdu. Or 6-8h bus from Kathmandu (~$15).

Getting around

Walking along Lakeside. Taxi ~NPR 200-400 per short trip. Scooter rental NPR 500-800/day.

Best time to visit

October-November (clear mountain views) + March-April (rhododendron season). Avoid June-September (monsoon).

Budget per day

$20-40 backpacker · $50-120 mid-range · $250+ luxury (Fish Tail Lodge, Temple Tree Resort)

Where to stay in Pokhara

Frequently asked about Pokhara

How do I get from Kathmandu to Pokhara?
25-min flight from KTM to PKR (~$100-180). Or 6-8h bus (~$15 tourist, ~$8 local). Or 30-min Buddha Air flight is famous for mountain views.
How many days do I need in Pokhara?
4 days — day 1 arrive + Lakeside + Peace Pagoda, day 2 Sarangkot sunrise + paragliding, day 3 Devi's Fall + Mountain Museum, day 4 Poon Hill trek prep or Chitwan onward.
When is the best time to visit Pokhara?
October-November for clearest mountain views + trekking. March-April for spring rhododendrons. Avoid monsoon (June-September).
Is Pokhara worth visiting?
Yes — the perfect counterpoint to Kathmandu's chaos. Essential for trekking + relaxation. Combined with Kathmandu = full Nepal experience.