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Metropolitan city in Gandaki Province, Nepal
Photo: Greenleaf44, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Pokhara is the second largest city in Nepal with about 520,000 people in 2021. It is the starting point for most of the treks in the Annapurna area. It is a very popular location with most people staying around the beautiful Fewa Lake. Dozens of hotels and restaurants are sprouting like mushrooms everywhere, and today it is much easier to find modern amenities not common to other locations in Nepal, but Pokhara is losing its small town charm and the lakeside now feels more like Khao San Road (with all the usual: yoga, reiki, massages by blind people, overpriced souvenirs and disingenuous locals).
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One of Nepal's most beautiful spots, Phewa Tal is surrounded by a combination of monkey-filled forests and high white peaks. The reflections in the mirror-like water in the early mornings are impressive. Hire a boat and row yourself across the lake, or hire a local to do it for you – there are some fine times to be had on this lake, even in the middle of the night.
Out of town and away from the hustle, Begnas Tal is quiet, clean and peaceful. There are a few basic hotels nearby and the odd refreshment shop. A very nice Vipassana Meditation Retreat is also here, one of many around the world. The walk along the road leading to Begnas Tal is fascinating; the seasonal rhythms of daily life in the country make great images.
One of the more remote lakes in Pokhara with limited accessibility and hence more serene and unspoiled compared to the other lakes. A must visit for any nature lover.
Beautiful lake where you can find wild lotus and wild swan. It is about 25 minutes walk from Sisuwa, the city centre of Lekhnath municipality.
Spectacular, especially after heavy rains. Devi's Falls plunge into a cave and disappear into the earth. The name is from a Swiss couple who were washed away (or fell in) and drowned.
Opened in 1999 on top of a hill just south of Phewa Tal, the Stupa offers great views of the Annapurna Mountains, including Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Annapurna III. This is a great place to watch the sunrise or sunset over Pokhara. The easiest way to get there is to take a taxi to the base of the Peace Pagoda (Rs1000 return, including waiting). If you want to go on foot, you must first get to the southern side of Phewa Tal, either by walking around the lake, getting a taxi or rowing across the lake. Then take a very steep hike through the forest (watch out for leeches during the monsoon) or from the road that passes Devi's Fall.
The perfect pre-trek warm-up. Head up Sarangkot, and be prepared as it's steep and hard work. You can rent a motor bike or use the cable car to go to the top. The road is rough, but traversable. Great views, spectacular images and a great way to get a taste of what it's like to be trekking.The Sarangkot south slope trail is a challenging run/polewalk workout. Go north through Lakeside about 5 km, through Kare until cable car bottom station. Follow the road up the hill and don't try to ride a motorbike or bike up this road, too rocky. Shortly after you've crossed under the cable cars, the trail goes off the road to the left (there's a sign, too) and soon the gruelling stone steps begin. Follow the steps all the way, notice the arrows carved into stones where confusing, but stay on stone step trail for the shortest way or use the road for a longer, less steep alternative. Morning views are best. This trail takes at least 1 hour from the bottom. Knee jarring descent takes 40 min, or an easy ride with the cable car (notice their many breaks during the day).
Kahun is the second nearest hill close to the city. At the top of Kahun there's a view tower locally called "Kahun Dharhara". You can get there by bus, motorbike or cycle. Hiking also shouldn't take more than 2½ hours to reach there from Ranipauwa. A spectacular view of Annapurna range can be seen straight from the tower. The Pokhara valley can also be observed. The environment is peaceful at the top, you should shop and carry required items either from the valley itself or from the local shop in Kahun as there are no shops, cafe or hotels available at Kahun Dharhara.
One of the hills that provides a closer view to the Himalayas. Located on the north of Mahendra Cave, one can reach it by hiking 2-3 hours all the way through Armala. The trail is about 5 km from Mahendra Cave. Beautiful scenery can be observed form the top.
Mahendra Gufa
Bigger than the Bat Cave, however you will need an extra guide to see the hidden parts (will involve some climbing and very narrow passages, only for the adventurous types).
Chamare Gufa
This cave is famous for the bats that can be seen hanging from the ceilings.
Contains a large stalagmite venerated as a representation of Shiva; two caverns: one the temple and the other leading to a spot near Devi's Falls.
Displays about the people living in the Himalayas, of the 14 highest peaks and their most famous expeditions. Also includes some exhibits from other mountain areas such as Slovenia and Japan.
Museum dedicated to the famous soldiers from Nepal. You can observe here the various historic uniforms, their famous knives and the different flags.
Don't miss soaring around Lake Pokhara and the Annapurnas.
The population of certain species of vulture has collapsed in many parts of Asia due to vultures eating dead cows that have been injected with a drug that helps the cows in old age but poisons the vultures when they eat them after their die. A charity has established a hospice for cows coming to the end of their lives. They look after the cows but ensure they don't have any of the drug that kills the vultures. When the cows eventually die they are given as food to the vultures. Trips are arranged to view such early morning vulture feasts. To find out more visit Blue Sky Paragliding.
Learn to ride custom bikes
Purna Yoga Retreat is residential centre for yoga and meditation offering 1- to 21-day courses. 10 en suite rooms, and a large and spacious glass-walled yoga hall with panoramic views of Pokhara, Phewa Lake and surrounding hills.
It offers morning yoga classes to its guests.
Offers free daily meditation classes, dharma talks and donation-based hatha yoga instruction.
offers various guided yoga treks in the mountains with yoga and meditation classes along the way. Yoga trek is a perfect combination of gentle trekking schedule, healthy yogic food, exercises to stretch muscles and ease breathing, time to relax, reflect and enjoy the location for a deeper trekking experience and to connect the body and mind with nature.
offers lodging including yoga classes and vegetarian meals costing Rs2,400 (2-night minimum)
Located along the main road through Lakeside on the opposite side from the lake. The only way you'll find this place is to look out for the handwritten sign sitting at the end of the alleyway that the restaurant sits in. Or by looking for a large shop named 'Almonds'; directly under this sign is an arcade that you walk through and it is at the end on the left. The food is great, huge servings and the food in the area. The family that owns the restaurant is friendly, hospitable and informative.
Small family run place 5 min north of the main strip, a few spots up from Newari. Cheap and delicious. Open all day, can even BYO.
Nice food with friendly staff.
A lovely small budget restaurant with a friendly proprietress. A great western-style breakfast with excellent hashbrowns; try the speciality dish, Simi Nariwal.
Nice and cosy coffee place, that serves breakfast, sandwiches and different varieties of coffee. Their set breakfast includes eggs, toast, hash browns and espresso coffee.
Great oven-baked pizza.
A beautiful outdoor garden bar, with Pokhara's best rock & roll acts on stage around 20:00.
Good and reasonably priced Spanish food. Pleasant atmosphere with Spanish owner.
Another location of this popular bakery chain. This one is especially good if you're walking into town from the airport or on your way to or from the hike to the World Peace Pagoda. Several tables, free Wi-Fi, good breakfasts including honey curd muesli as well as the usual bakery items.
Nice restaurant with lake views on the north end of Lakeside.
A popular place to eat, and although the prices are high so is the quality.
Next to Lakeview Resort towards the tourist bus stand end of town, this is an outdoor garden restaurant run by a Korean couple and serves authentic Korean dishes. Recommended are Vege Bibimbob Hotpot, Beef Bulgogi stew and pork skewers. Free Wi-Fi and the complimentary side dishes are lovely.
Italian and Indian cuisine, very old restaurant in Pokhara. Free Wi-Fi.
Serves a good range of Nepali, Indian & Western dishes and light snacks. Prices are moderate, and the views are stunning.
Popular place to eat, good breakfast, chapati wraps and renowned 500 ml shakes and smoothies.
Authentic Thakali meals (including Daal Bhat) served on a large platter with several different curries. One of the best places to eat in Pokhara if you're looking for authentic regional dishes.
This place sells tasty buns.
Various types of espressos, and other hot and cold drinks. The only completely dedicated organic coffee shop in Pokhara.
Local speciality "Sushi Bite with Delight" and Himalayan herb wine.
A Dutch-Australian run establishment a little away from the touristy strip of Pokhara.
Chilled beer, variety of wine, spirits and soft drinks such as smoothies, cocktails and mocktails.
It's a great place located in the centre of lakeside with beautiful view of lake and mountains from the garden of the bar. Live band every night, and late night camp fire.
Upscale nightclub with a strong sound system, VIP area, and regular live shows. LGBTQ-friendly. Flip-flops not permitted.
High-energy nightclub with resident DJs, VIP zone, lounge bar, and regular themed nights and live concerts. Free pick-up and drop-off van service available from Lakeside.
Lakeside; nice little hostel that has both dorms and double bedrooms.
Lakeside. Quiet, family-run, clean rooms and hot shower.
Khahare, north of lakeside, started in early 1990s is one of the most popular budget guest houses in town. Its slight elevation gives the most spectacular views to the lake. Run by a family.
Helpful staff, reasonable prices, big rooms with some of their profits going to the Butterfly Foundation charity. Also, they can arrange tours.
A friendly, family-run place that is handy for paraglider pilots/students as it is very near some of the paragliding schools. The rooms are fine and the atmosphere mellow. Be aware that there have been reports of a fake website for this hotel, that shows real pictures of the hotel but is rumoured to lead to fraudulent bookings.
Sedi Bagar, Lakeside. One of the finest views over the lake, great sunset. Busy throughout the year.
Very reasonably priced hotel with decent sized rooms. It has a nice courtyard, and a lot of socializing going on between guests. The Australian woman who manages the place is very friendly, helpful, and lives on premises. The Wi-Fi is pretty bad and the staff just tell you to use a neighboring hotel's Wi-Fi.
Good cheap hotel on Lakeside.
Draped with flowering vines. Clean, quiet, free Wi-Fi, nice garden. Modest breakfast available.
Lakeside, near Basundhara Park. Family-run hotel with clean, peaceful rooms with lake view from the rooms and hot shower facility. Arrangement for trekking to ABC, Ghandruk, Ghorepani, and many places on demand. Air, bus tickets booking facility.
Clean and well-managed, just off Lakeside Rd (Baidam Rd).
Opposite the Penguin Guest House and slightly cheaper at Rs400/night for a huge, private room with two beds. Fast Internet. Nice family. Good Chinese food. Very hot water.
Nice budget hotel with friendly owners and decent Rs500 rooms. TV, mountain views with balconies and secure parking. Quiet and rarely full.
Popular and friendly guesthouse in good location just off the main lakeside road.
A clean, comfortable, and family run guest house.
Located on Pachbhaiya hill, which separates Begnas and Rupa lakes. Run by local family. Most of the food items are grown in the garden and purely organic.
Lakeside; peaceful, magnificent terrace, elegant and spacious guest rooms and a serene escape from the bustling city or an adventurous getaway surrounded by nature.
Beautiful and Quest place with beautiful garden and Family.
Small, resort-style accommodation with a faux castle on a small hill overlooking Fewa Lake with ten rooms, heated swimming pool and an Irish pub.
A nice family-run place with friendly owner. All rooms have a silent generator, double beds. Mattresses are above par and visitors can sit on the roof and enjoy the views over the lake and mountains.
A modern, comfortable hotel with great, friendly staff, roof-top view, free Wi-Fi, orchid garden restaurant and bar.
Provides clean and spacious rooms for about USD30. They also have a great restaurant.
Nice family-run guesthouse. Just 4 rooms, nice garden, view of the lake, 2 shared bathrooms, hot shower. Homemade food by request.
A 4-min walk from the World Peace Pagoda and enjoying what is probably the best view in town, overlooking Phewa Lake and the mountain range stretching from Daulaghiri to Himal Ganesh, between them the Annapurnas, Fishtail (Machhapuchhre) and Manasalu. All tastefully-furnished rooms are en suite with solar powered hot water and 24-hour back-up power. Magnificent rooftop restaurant. With Western and Nepali co-owners. Internet connection available.
An attractive hotel in traditional Nepali design with engraved windows and brick work. The rooms are unique with exposed Nepali brickwork, natural wood furniture, etc. Free Wi-Fi. On a quiet street and 2min walk to the lakeside area. It is family operated.
Four-storey hotel with nice views and a shady, colourful garden. Clean rooms. Good views from balcony or rooftop. Traveldesk and big lounge/restaurant. Free Wi-Fi/desktop.
On the shores of Pokhara's largest lake. Sufficiently set back from the main road to guarantee peace, quiet & privacy, there are just 16 rooms, all with attached tiled toilets and 24 hours hot and cold water. Standard rooms with attached bath, and deluxe room with bath & air-con available. The lodge is built around one of the best gardens in town. Offers free very high speed Wi-Fi internet up to 250 Mbps.
Lovely renovated hotel with clean comfortable rooms and amazing views from the rooftop. Same management as Sacred valley Inn.
A clean quiet little place in a rural like setting, yet only a short walk from the main road. The family running the guesthouse are helpful and friendly, the owner Bhadra is also an expert trekking guide. Meals and laundry services are provided, along with a roof top view of Phewa Tal and free Wi-Fi.
Tourist favourite since 1998. Great location in Lakeside. Lovely airy rooms, some with balconies. Delicious breakfasts on the roof with amazing views.
Big airy rooms - some with mountain views. Lovely garden and great rooftop area for sitting and enjoying the views. Good breakfasts, Wi-Fi, helpful staff.
Da Yatra
Neo-classical 4-star hotel in the heart of downtown lakeside: Cozy, comfortable, spacious rooms. All rooms are sound-proof. 24-hour front desk, lift service with 2-sides glass to capture views of aquamarine Lake Phewa, sacred Varahi Temple, World Peace Stupa and Queen Forest and other rolling hills. Outdoor garden bar, water-fountains, roof-top terrace, patio and cozy restaurant. Serves world class beverages, exotic cocktails and mocktails till late night. Fooday's Restaurant on premises. Free parking, free Wi Fi in room and all public areas. Gift-shops, shoe-shine machine and 24-hour security. Approximately a 2-minute walk from the lake-shore road.
Located on a peninsula of Phewa Lake that is accessible from Lakeside via private boats.
Nepal's only 5-star resort outside of the capital. About ten minutes from the airport and offering unfettered views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges. Alongside the hotel is a former glacial canyon and the Seti-River gorge. Facilities at the hotel include four restaurants, one bar, a spa/health club, golf club and a casino.
Eco-lodge situated 30 minutes out of Pokhara has stunning mountain views, home cooking with local and organic produce and 18 rooms. An infinity pool, and a range of massage, yoga and meditation therapies. Expert local guides escort walks exploring local culture, flora and fauna.
A lodge on the top of a mountain near the World Peace Pagoda, offering what may be the best views in the area, 420 m above town.
An eco-resort with great service and comfort. Villas are peppered in the rice fields above the infinity pool looking at the mountains. As its off-grid the resort relies on solar panels and bio-gas for lighting and cooking, and the organic food from the farm next door.
By plane
Yeti Airlines, Buddha Air and Air Viva are reputable airlines that operate regular flights (US$102-106, 40 minutes) that can be purchased online and at the last minute.
By bus
Buses and minivans operate on most of the popular routes. These are crowded and uncomfortable but the fare is cheap and student discounts may be offered. Fare is Rs20–40 per way (as of March 2023).
By taxi
Comfortable taxis are available to be hired. You may also use InDrive app to hail a taxi or motorbike.
By bicycle
Bicycles can be hired in a lot of shops in Lakeside (Rs300-2,000/day). Make sure the seat is not too hard, and try realigning the seat if it is set uphill way, instead of sloping down.
By motorbike or scooter
It is also possible to hire a scooter or a motorbike in Lakeside (from Rs550/day). You will have to buy petrol (Rs120/litre).
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Pokhara · International · PHH
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