15 Fabulous Things to do in Pokhara

The things to do in Pokhara are paragliding, boating, trekking, zip lining, bungee jumping, mountain biking, and visiting many more religious places. Pokhara is located between the Annapurna mountains and Phewa Lake, the most crowded place filled with tourists. Every location in Pokhara provides you with breathtaking adventure and scenery. 

The heart of Nepal and the most popular destination for tourists is Pokhara. The adventure capital of Nepal is filled with mountains, lakes, cities, temples, and many other natural places. Pokhara holds the best things to do for adventure with a calm and peaceful culture. It is the best place for adventure lovers that will give you the thrill of a natural and spiritual journey.

Why is Pokhara loved by everyone?

Pokhara is 200 kilometers away from Kathmandu. It is located around 822 meters above sea level, covered with mountains, lakes, and temples. Pokhara provides a clear view of the highest peaks, like Annapurna, Machapuchare, Dhaulagiri, and Hiunchuli. The unlimited source of adventure and natural scenery made it one of the most popular destinations for tourists. 

It is one of the most hyped and crowded places filled with tourists because trekking and other breathtaking adventures are the things to do in Pokhara with family, friends, or solo. Some of the most popular trekking paths, like the Annapurna Base Camp trek, the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, and the Mardi Himal trek, start from Pokhara. The travelers have many other adventure options available if they are not interested in trekking. 

This blog will help to get the knowledge of the 15 best things to do in Pokhara, so you can plan your itinerary and contact our “Access Nepal” team. We will provide you with the most budget-friendly option without compromising your comfort. 

Major Things to do in Pokhara

Sunrise from Sarangkot

Sarangkot is the best place to watch the sunrise from a hilltop above 1,600 meters above sea level. You can enjoy the majestic view of the entire Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Machhapuchhre. The clear sky at 4 am will show you a clear view of snow-capped mountains as the sun rises above them.

The place can be crowded, so make sure to book a hotel beforehand so you can enjoy tea while waiting for sunrise. You can reach the viewpoint in two or three hours on foot. If you are traveling to a high-altitude place, make sure to wear warm clothing because the temperature can drop significantly.

Boating

Boating is one of the most popular and best things to do in Pokhara for adventure. The most beautiful and second-largest lake in Nepal, Phewa Lake, is located in Pokhara. You can enjoy the peaceful boat ride while enjoying the reflection of the Annapurna Mountain range on clear days. You can enjoy the ride for hours while enjoying the peaceful environment surrounded by water. 

You can even enjoy the pagoda-style Tal Barahi Temple built on an island in the middle of the lake. The temple holds the cultural value of Hindu devotees. The Hindu goddess Barahi is worshiped there, and you can even enjoy the aarti in the evening. The travelers can hire a boat for an hour and click beautiful pictures while enjoying the majestic view of their surroundings.

Davis Fall

Exploring Davis Falls is also known as the best thing to do in Pokhara. The waterfall is referred to as Patale Chhango by locals, as the water from the Pardi Khola flows through an underground tunnel into a cave. You can feel the full force of water flowing during the monsoon. Waterfalls are generally rare in Nepal, and Davis Falls is not large but unique. 

The Swiss tourist named Mrs. Davis fell into an underground passage in 1961. So the waterfall was named after her, referring to the incident. You can reach the destination after traveling 2 kilometers from Pokhara Airport. You can also visit Gupteshwor Cave, which connects to the waterfall through an underground passage.

Zip-lining and Bungee jumping 

The zipline and bungee jumping are the best things to do in Pokhara. Those who seek adventure can try the world’s longest zipline with a distance of 1.8 kilometers. It lies above 600 meters. You will travel over 120 kilometers with breathtaking mountain and valley views. It is located at the Sarangkot station with all the safety measures. 

You can even enjoy bungee jumping.  You will jump straight down 230 ft from the same platform with all the safety equipment approved and certified by the travel board. The safety guide will provide you with all the needed equipment, but you have to wear good shoes and a comfortable dress. Make sure you are mentally and physically fit before doing these activities. 

Rupa and Begnas Lakes

Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake are also two of the best adventures to do in Pokhara. It is located 15 kilometers away from Pokhara. It is the twin lake, which is not that developed or commercialized, so it is more isolated than Phewa Lake. But you can enjoy Begnas Lake, the third largest lake in Nepal, where you can enjoy boating and fishing. 

Rupa Lake is smaller than Begnas Lake, but it is just as beautiful and protects the endangered birds and species. If you are looking for a short hike, you can explore the village and forest between the two lakes. You can rent a boat and bring a lunch that you can enjoy in the middle of the lake and enjoy the reflection of the mountains on a clear day. 

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking in Pokhara is one of the most fun things to do in Pokhara. The streets of the city are filled with lights and crowds. You can enjoy the best cycling routes and travel through local villages, farmland, and lakeside, and you can even enjoy the majestic view of mountains, but the trails can be difficult and rough. 

You can use the common route of Phewa Lake, riding to Begnas and Rupa Lake while enjoying the viewpoint like Sarangkot. You can rent a bike in rental shops with all safety equipment and the map of the entire city. If you take a tour guide, they can take you through the trails where you can enjoy the sunrise and sunset. You can even take a cooler picture with the better lighting. 

Trek in the Annapurna Region 

The most popular and best thing to do in Pokhara among tourists is trekking in the Annapurna region. The adventurous journey, where trails are filled with difficulty and challenges. Pokhara is the starting point of popular trekking spots like the Annapurna Circuit, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Poon Hill, and Mardi Himal. You can book the trip according to your time and health. 

You can travel the short trekking routes like Poon Hill, which you can complete in 3 to 4 days. You can enjoy the beautiful views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges at sunrise. The Annapurna Base Camp trek will take 7 to 12 days, and the Annapurna Circuit can take 15 to 20 days, according to your itinerary. You can choose according to your interest. 

World Peace Pagoda

The spiritual site World Peace Pagoda is located at the top of the Ananda Hill. If you are looking for things to do in Pokhara, you must visit this place, a white Buddhist stupa built by Japanese Buddhist followers. The main point of building the stupa was to promote peace through temples and shrines throughout the world. 

You can reach the pagoda through the forest, which takes 45 to 60 minutes of walking, or you can take a boat and then walk up the steep stone stairs. The pagoda offers the majestic view of the entire Annapurna range, Phewa Lake, and Pokhara city. You can even see the rhododendron bloom during the spring, and the sunset provides the best view to enjoy and take photographs.  

Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave 

The Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave is located right next to the Davis Falls. This is one of the sacred caves providing an underground adventure dedicated to Lord Shiva. The cave is over 3,000 meters in length, connected to the falls above. You can explore a cave with a narrow passageway. When the light falls below the stone, it creates a majestic view for travelers.  

You can look at the Davis Falls from below, where a hole in the roof allows the water to flow underground. It is the best thing to do in Pokhara. Make sure you bring the good shoes because the surfaces are wet and slippery. Wear warm clothes because the air and the temperature inside the cave are cold. The cave holds religious and spiritual importance for people. 

International Mountain Museum

Nepal is one of the most popular destinations for mountaineering. If you are one of the travelers that is interested in climbing mountains, you must visit the International Mountain Museum. It is the most fantastic thing to do in Pokhara, which provides information regarding high climbing, their culture, and the history of past climbers who have successfully completed the expedition. 

The museum shows gratitude to the famous climbers like Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, who had achieved many achievements in climbing the Himalayas. You can look at the original equipment and complete information about their expedition. The museum hall is filled with a collection of over 100 photographs sharing the exploration stories of the Himalayas. 

The Bindhyabasini Temple

The Bindhyabasini Temple is one of the most respected and the oldest temples that you can visit in Pokhara. The temple holds the local culture and spiritual and religious value and is located at the top of a small hill near the old bazaar. The local people and visitors have worshiped the temple for hundreds of years, and you can even enjoy the majestic view of Pokhara and its surroundings. 

The bells, music, sacred ponds, and small shrines dedicated to various Hindu gods and goddesses have surrounded the temple grounds. You can even take a walk to the old bazaar, where you can find a local market selling spices, vegetables, and crafted souvenirs. The place is mostly crowded by local people and tourists, so you can visit early in the morning to worship in peace.  

Exploring the Tibetan Refugee Camp 

The Tibetan Refugee Camp is known as the largest camp, which was established in 1962 after China took over Tibet. It conserves the Tibetan culture and tradition after their land was captured by the Chinese government. There are four main official Tibetan settlement camps. The Tashi Palkhel, Tashi Ling, Jampaling, and Paljorling. 

After the China-Nepal trade agreement, the refugees cannot work legally. They make handcrafted things and sell them for their economic survival. The visitors can purchase from them to support their family and contribute to preserving their culture. More than 700 people and a monastery housing over 200 monks are living there. 

Annapurna Butterfly Museum

The Annapurna Butterfly Museum is one of the most visited places in Pokhara, located on the second floor of Prithvi Narayan University. You can observe the very large collection of butterflies and moths. More than 660 different species exist in Nepal. The collection is well arranged according to its color and rarity, so you can locate them easily. 

Many species are protected under glass inside the wooden drawers according to the families of insects. It is one of the unique museums of Nepal that is mainly focused on insects and their species. The museum also has several charts that show 70 different plants and fungi found in that region. It also demonstrates around 150 different species of birds in that area. 

Enjoy the nightlife of Pokhara

Club 16 is one of the most popular bars in Pokhara, located on street no. 16. You can enjoy a live concert while drinking beer. The DJs and many exciting performances, like belly dancing and saxophone, make the environment energetic. You can enjoy the remaining time after your long journey, celebrate with music and dance, and enjoy the Pokhara nightlife.

Another Bee Cafe, located in the center of Lakeside, is open till late at night. You can enjoy your food and drinks on the terrace of the cafe while enjoying the view of the lake, with fire pits keep you warm. The place is crowded, so it is important to book a table before visiting there. The cafe also has pool tables and a projector for major events to broadcast for entertainment. 

Shopping and relaxing at the lakeside

Walking and shopping are the best things to do in Pokhara. You can take a walk around the different parts of town while enjoying the cultural and religious places. The different shops sell handmade souvenirs. The many restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, and hotels provide the best relaxing spots while enjoying the peaceful view of lakes and Nepali food. 

Lakeside has a really active nightlife, where they perform different events related to culture and religion. The cafe and restaurant provide live shows and performances, which are always filled with locals and tourists. The local shops sell trekking gear, jewelry, and many handcrafted souvenirs, which you can purchase to support the local arts economically. 

Things to Know Before Visiting Pokhara

Best time to visit Pokhara

March to May and October to December offer the clearest skies, perfect weather, and the best mountain views. March to May, also known as the blooming season for rhododendrons, has been warm and comfortable for traveling. The monsoon season from June to September brings rain, which can be a major obstacle to your travel. The skies are covered with black clouds, and uninvited rain makes the weather uncomfortable. The winter lasts from January to February. The temperature can drop below 5 degrees Celsius, and the higher you travel, the colder it can even drop to the freezing point. But the skies are clear, which is perfect for the clear view of the mountains. 

How to reach Pokhara by bus or flight?

The domestic flights from Kathmandu, which is easily accessible, can reach your destination within 25 minutes, and if you are planning to travel by bus, it might take a 6 to 7-hour drive through Prithivi Highway. The new Pokhara International Airport has improved connectivity. Tourist buses, private vehicles, and luxury coaches regularly operate between Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Food and Accommodation in Pokhara

The hotel around the lakeside offers the widest range of accommodation, from budget rooms to luxury resorts. But during March to May and October to December, the hotels are crowded, so make sure to book in advance during the peak season for your comfortable travels. The hotel around the lakeside or on the opposite side of Phewa Lake provides the majestic view of the surroundings but can be a little expensive. 

Budget to Stay in Pokhara

Pokhara is one of the most popular tourist destinations with a budget-friendly environment. The travellers can enjoy their stay with $20 to $30 per day, which includes accommodation, meals, and local transport. During peak season, it can even cost you $50 to $100, according to the luxury you need. Activities like mountain biking, paragliding, trekking, and other activities have their own price range, which can be different according to the season and weather conditions. 

Pokhara Itinerary

If you are planning to visit Pokhara, make sure you have a properly planned itinerary, which will be very helpful to save you money and time. You can check “Access Nepal” for a detailed itinerary and the latest cost of the adventure activities. We will take care of your accommodation, meals, transport, and other logistical things so you can enjoy your journey carefree. We will even provide you with the list of the best things to do in Pokhara so you can make choices accordingly. 

From climbing above the mountains to enjoying the view of Pokhara and the mountains through the sky while paragliding across the city. Pokhara offers the adventure that every traveler is craving. They can travel to places that are crowded or walk the trails of peaceful mountains while enjoying the natural beauty. You can travel to many religious temples and many historical places. 

The best things to do in Pokhara are beyond your imagination. The visitors can enjoy every type of breathtaking adventure while being close to nature. The perfect weather and the clean streets make even these places more attractive. This place creates the perfect opportunity to get close to nature while enjoying every minute of their life. The scenery, tall mountains, cultural places, stupas, and many other places provide an unlimited amount of activities that are budget-friendly without compromising the fun. 

 FAQ’s on Pokhara

What is the best time to visit Pokhara?

March to May and October to November are known as the best times to visit Pokhara to enjoy the majestic view and perfect weather under the clear skies.

Are paragliding and bungee jumping safe in Pokhara?

Yes, both paragliding and bungee jumping are safe and among the most popular adventure activities to do in Pokhara. The equipment and the operators have to get a government license connected to the Nepal Tourism Board to run these activities. 

Can I visit Pokhara during the monsoon season? 

Yes, you can visit Pokhara during the monsoon, but the uncertain weather can be a major problem for your adventure. The skies are filled with dark clouds, and many activities are closed due to slipperiness. The mountain views and the surroundings are covered with dark clouds.  

Is Pokhara suitable for families with children?

Pokhara is the most family-friendly place, which is suitable for all ages. The teens can enjoy trekking, boating, and many other activities. The babies and toddlers can visit the park, the museum, and many other activities 

How many days are needed to explore Pokhara?

Normally, you can explore the major attraction places like Phewa Lake, World Peace Pagoda, Sarangkot, and Davis Falls, and major activities can be done within 4 to 5 days. But they can be different according to your itinerary.