Pokhara Travelers Recommend

Pokhara is a popular starting point for long treks in the Annapurna range of the Himalaya, but it’s also an attractive and rewarding destination in its own right. Whether you’re passing through the lakeside city on the way to the mountains or it’s your final destination in Western Nepal, here’s how to get the most out of three days in Pokhara.

Day 1: All About the Views

Start your time in Pokhara by getting an overview of the city—quite literally. Wake up early and head up to Sarangkot, the hill to the north of Lake Fewa (Phewa Tal). It’s an ideal spot for watching the sunrise, with sweeping views over the Annapurnas, and the jumping-off point for paragliding over Pokhara. Most paragliding tours include gear, instruction, 30–40 minutes of flight, and hotel pickup and drop-off. After soaking in the views, enjoy a leisurely day by the lake. Paddle on Lake Fewa (or hire an oarsman to do that for you), visit the Tal Barahi Temple on an island in the lake, stroll along the promenade, and do some souvenir shopping in the Lakeside area. End the day at a bar or restaurant overlooking the lake—time it right and you can enjoy the sunset over the lake and mountains.

Day 2: Cultural Pokhara

Kathmandu may be better-known as a cultural destination in Nepal, but Pokhara has worthwhile cultural destinations, too. Just outside the city is a Tibetan refugee camp, which has been there for several decades. Tour the camp with a guide, where you can talk with residents, shop for handicrafts to support them, try some authentic Tibetan food, and visit the attractive monastery. Another cultural highlight, the International Mountain Museum tells the stories of the people who live in the Nepal Himalaya and those who explore and climb it, as well as providing information about the ecology and nature of the range. The museum will especially interest those who have been, or are planning to go, trekking in the nearby mountains.

Day 3: Mountain Trails and Villages

If you only have three days in Pokhara and are unable to go on a longer Himalayan trek, you can still spend one of your days hiking in the mountains to get a good taste of the Nepal Himalaya without the time commitment. The most convenient way to do this is to get a private transfer—ideally a four-wheel drive—to Phedi, Dhampus, or the Australian Camp. You’ll hike part of the way and be rewarded with mountain views and an intimate peek into Nepali village life. Going with a local guide is optimal for a deeper understanding of the landscape and culture of the places you visit. Return to Pokhara in time to enjoy a final sunset over the mountains and the lake before dinner.

Pokhara is a beloved outdoor-adventure-sport destination, and with two days in the city you can enjoy a range of experiences. From getting a bird’s-eye view of the Annapurna range to white-water kayaking, here’s how to spend two days in the lakeside city.

Day 1: Take to the Skies

**Morning:**Almost every day you’ll see colorful paragliders floating in the air above Pokhara’s Lake Fewa (Phewa Tal)—join them on your first morning in the city. The jumping-off point is Sarangkot Hill, and you’ll quickly see why this is said to be one of the best paragliding spots in the world: The views of the Annapurna range, the villages and farmland below, and Lake Fewa beyond are spectacular. 

**Afternoon:**After the morning’s excitement (and with big plans for the day tomorrow), spend a relaxing afternoon by the lake. Stroll along the promenade and snap some pictures of Pokhara’s famous paddleboats, shop for souvenirs, indulge in a massage or spa treatment, or enjoy an afternoon by your hotel pool. 

**Night:**An hour or so before sunset, take a private vehicle up to the Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa), on the south side of the lake. The bright-white stupa, on top of a hill with sweeping views over the lake and the mountains beyond, is a perfect sunset-viewing spot. Return to Pokhara for dinner.

Day 2: Water-Sports Fun

**Morning and Afternoon:**With the Seti River close to the city, Pokhara is an ideal base for day-trippers wanting to try some white-water rafting or kayaking. Beginners can enjoy rafting on the moderate, class II–IV rapids, and experienced white-water kayakers can practice their skills. 

Alternatively, spend the day on Lake Fewa instead, hiring a paddleboat (with an oarsman, if you wish) or even take a kayaking lesson. Sightseeing-boat rides make a stop at the Tal Barahi Temple, on a little island in the lake. 

**Night:**Pokhara’s Lakeside area has a vibrant nightlife scene, from cheap-and-cheerful shacks on the edge of the lake serving passable cocktails to more upmarket bars with a stylish ambience. Many bars offer happy-hour deals around sunset time, perfect for a final toast to Pokhara.

Pokhara, at the foot of the Annapurna mountain range, is a popular jumping-off point for multi-day treks in the Himalayas, but it’s also a rewarding destination in its own right. If you only have one day in the lakeside city, here’s how to spend it.

Morning: Sunrise at Sarangkot

Get up early and take a private vehicle up to Sarangkot, a hill above Pokhara, to see the sunrise over the Annapurnas. While the enormous peaks are somewhat visible from Pokhara city, the view from the top of the hill is spectacular. It can be cold up there, though, even in the warmer months, so don’t forget your sweater. After sunrise, head back down to Pokhara for breakfast, then spend a leisurely couple of hours shopping for souvenirs, walking along the lakeside promenade, or enjoying your hotel pool.

Afternoon: Paddle on Fewa Tal

Pokhara’s centerpiece is the pretty Lake Fewa (Fewa Tal), and the colorful wooden boats that line its banks are an iconic Pokhara sight. Spend an hour or two in the afternoon paddling on the lake, enjoying the peace and quiet and taking some impressive pictures. You can rent a small boat with an oarsman, hop on a slightly larger canopied boat that holds more people, or even take a kayaking lesson on the lake. Sightseeing-boat rides make a stop at the Tal Barahi Temple on a little island in the lake. 

Night: Happy-Hour Cocktails at Sunset

Although Pokhara isn’t a large city, its Lakeside area has a lively nightlife scene, and visitors can find lively bars and restaurants any night of the week. Many of the bars with views of the lake offer happy-hour specials around sunset, so pick one you like, and relax as you watch the sky turn pink over the lake. Wrap up your visit with dinner at a local restaurant. There are many Nepali and international dining options in Pokhara, so you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes.