Pokhara is a perfect getaway for both locals and foreigners. For those looking to relax and chill, it is the best option. The city is in the lap of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre mountains which you can see from most places on a clear day. The best thing about Pokhara is that it is always vibrant. There are plenty of things to do in Pokhara and to experience them all takes a few days at least. In this blog, we enlist and discuss things to do and see in this colorful Pokhara city.
Explore the city.
Almost everyone loves to be in Pokhara, mostly when you arrive from the crowded and busy Kathmandu. Pokhara has clean surroundings and good vibes to relax and chill. It is a place for all kinds of travellers. Explore the city and you won’t be disappointed.
Enjoy the sunrise from Sarangkot.
Sarangkot lies within a 30 mins driving distance from the lakeside (Phewa Lake). It is a hilltop famous for its sunrise views. You will be astonished as the first rays of sun hit the Fishtail and Annapurna mountains.
Mt Machhapuchhre during sunrise
Phewa lake boat ride
Phewa lake is what keeps the city alive. It is the second-largest lake in Nepal. The lake has a temple island in the middle. The boat ride at Phewa lake is relaxing. You can either hire a boat to ride by yourself or hire a boatman to ride you around. The boat ride will cost you $5 to $10 depending on the time duration.
Fewa Lake, Pokhara
Wander around the lakeside
The most famous is the lake shore’s refreshing walks in the morning and evenings. There are cafes around and places which offer views of the lake.
Boating in Begnas and Rupa lake
Pokhara is also known as the city of lakes. Begnas lake is the second largest of the eight lakes in Pokhara. While Fewa Lake is crowded and lies near the city, Begnas and Rupa lakes are away from the main crowd. These lakes offer a peaceful environment and are perfect for people looking to avoid crowds.
Begnas Lake
Enjoy Live Music
Live music is played by local bands and sometimes by famous bands in Bars and Pubs. During peak tourist seasons and occasions, live music is played almost every day. However, the places are crowded during weekends. If you are looking for a place to enjoy Live music with food and drinks, these are some of the popular ones: Busy Bee Cafe, H20 and Trisara.
Paragliding in Pokhara
Pokhara is home to adventure sports in Nepal and especially paragliding. Paragliding is the most loved adventure sport in Pokhara. Paragliding in Pokhara offers amazing views of mountain ranges, lakes and the city. Most of all, it is an amazing experience. Sarangkot hill is the spot for takeoff. The flight will last 30 to 45 minutes.
Zip Flying
This is a comparatively new adventure sport in Pokhara. But it is the tallest, longest and steepest zip flyer in the world taking you to speeds of 120 mph in the vertical drop of 600m. It can also be combined with bungee in a single package.
SkyDiving
Skydiving in Pokhara allows you to witness beautiful landscapes in and around the city with amazing views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre mountains. You will be amazed by the beauty and thrilling adventure above the clouds to finally land a few kilometres away from Fewa lake.
Cycling around the city
Hiring a bike to explore the city is a good idea in Pokhara. The roads are plain and well-maintained. Road traffic might be a problem for some. Also, see the weather as it often rains in summer. You will be able to see most places if you are an experienced rider.
Hike to Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa)
Peace Pagoda lies southwest of Fewa lake on the top of a hill (Ananda Hill). It can be perfect for a short hike or a half-day tour. A 30 minutes drive will take you to the Peace Pagoda from the Lakeside. If you are willing to hike, it will take you around 2 hours. It is a good viewpoint for the Fewa Lake and the city.
Peace Pagoda
Visit Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave and Mahendra Cave
The caves of Pokhara are not so amazing tourist spots for many. But there are many willing to explore the complex geographical and religious aspects of the cave. The caves are within 15 mins of driving distance from the lakeside. They are often crowded on weekends.
Davi’s fall
The water from this fall goes to Gupteshwor cave. In 1961, a couple drowned in the fall and they wanted it to be named David’s fall but it gradually changed to Davi’s Fall. This is one of the most visited places in Pokhara. It’s also known as Patale Chango meaning underground waterfall.
Devis Falls
Shop and Eat
Pokhara is an alternative to Kathmandu for shopping for your trek essentials if you are at Pokhara before the trek. You can find varieties of arts, crafts, clothes, etc around the street if you want something memorable to take back home. You will also find food menus ranging from low-cost local foods on the street side, traditional foods in restaurants to 5-star cuisines.
Bungee Jumping
Bungee jumping is not actually in Pokhara but you can do this in less than a day if you are in Pokhara. It lies at a distance of 30kms from Pokhara and is an 80m drop with ~3 seconds of freefall.
Old Bazaar
Old Bazaar is known as Purano Bazaar among the locals and it lies 5kms from the lakeside. It is an interesting place with temples, old culture and streets. You can reach there on walking or by cycle.
Meditation and Yoga in Pokhara
If you do yoga and meditation, Pokhara offers peaceful places for you. There are several spots for this. If you want to learn, there are trainers available and you can also do that by visiting monasteries. If you want to do yoga or meditation in your trek, your itinerary can be organized accordingly.
International Mountain Museum
This museum in Pokhara is a showcase of history, culture, geology, flora, fauna and mountaineering. It is worth a visit and also has a climbing wall. It is easy to get there as it is only 5 km from the Lakeside.
Annapurna Butterfly Museum
The museum is a good place to see and know about butterflies. It is located at a place called Bagartol. It has free entry.
Get a massage
Massage is a perfect way to end your trek. Trekkers stop at Pokhara to chill and relax after the trek before heading to crowded Kathmandu. There are various massage centres and spas apart from those in your hotel.
If you have confusion about travelling to, staying or enjoying in Pokhara, read our blog post-Pokhara Travel Guide.
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