Travel isn’t about where you go, but how you see the world!
There’s a quote ”Travel far enough, you meet Yourself. ”
With the historic city, adrenaline activities, rich cultures, local foods, and excellent landscape along with the surreal Phewa Lake at the center, Pokhara is an eternal magnet for visitors.
Situated in the Annapurna region it’s the second-largest city in Nepal after Kathmandu. And it surely is one of the most beautiful cities with some spectacular mountain views. 
Mountains in the background stealing the limelight!
Pokhara features on the bucket list of travelers from across the world. More than one million tourists visit Pokhara each year (Including Nepalese citizens as well). The city is extremely tourist-friendly and of course the most popular tourist destination. It certainly has a lot to offer and is the ideal destination for tourists belonging to all age groups.
Want the real, most honest, straight-to-the-point guide on Pokhara?
Planning for the perfect trip to Pokhara? Go through The Ultimate Pokhara Travel Blog written for active travelers like yourself!
How to go from Kathmandu to Pokhara?
At a distance of 146 km from Kathmandu, it takes a maximum of 25 minutes to reach Pokhara via a flight. Likewise, tourist buses, take around 7 hrs with a driving distance of (200km). However, we would highly recommend taking a flight as it is easier and the bus ride seems to take quite a long time as well.
After a short flight to Pokhara, you can check into the hotel and rest for a couple of hours. Regarding hotels, there are a number of them available depending upon your choice (five-star hotel to a normal).
Places to Visit in Pokhara
Many places in Pokhara certainly are worth exploring. You will be so overwhelmed with the picturesque beauty and the blissful atmosphere. Here are some of the places you must not miss visit while in Pokhara.
- Phewa Lake
Phewa Lake: The signature landmark of Pokhara
Spending some time around the periphery of Phewa Lake in the evening is one of total bliss. Phewa Lake surely is the signature landmark of Pokhara. And it is one of the best ways to witness and explore the colorful city as the sunset is to go down to the lakeshore.
You can find several bars around the lakeside where you can listen to live music you can grab some drinks and enjoy the chilly night. I bet you will find such a vibe nowhere. All you can do is just live in the moment.
World Peace Pagoda/Shanti Stupa
The sparkling White Peace Pagoda
Situated at an altitude of 1000m, The World Peace Pagoda also termed Shanti Stupa lying in the Southwest of Pokhara is such a beautiful place accompanied by peaceful surroundings. The active hikers can choose to hike up to the Stupa from Phewa Lake.
Likewise, if you rather prefer to skip the hike then you can drive up to the base of Stupa and climb a 10-minute staircase.
The place is highly suitable for meditation. You can witness several people doing meditation in a blissful environment. Moreover, you can witness a breathtaking view of the Pokhara valley on one side from the top of Stupa.
Sarangkot Sunrise View
Magnificent Sunrise view!
Sarankot, located on the outskirts of Pokhara, far from the city hustle and bustle, and at an altitude of 1592m is well-known for its excellent sunrise and sunset view.
Likewise, the jaw-dropping panoramic view of Mt.Annapurna Massif, Fishtail, Dhaulagiri range, and Manaslu are worth exploring. You can either take 40 minutes of drive or hike up to Sarangkot.
Enjoy the magnificent view from Sarangkot
The best possible way to witness the early sunrise view is by spending a night at Sarangkot and the next day you can wake earlier and enjoy the magnificent sunrise view.
Don’t you think the view is so surreal? Well only seeing the pictures and hearing about the places won’t make any difference. You have to break your busy life schedule take yourself out and create some pleasing moments.
Meanwhile, you do not have to worry about hotels in Sarangkot. There are several excellent hotels and you can enjoy very warm hospitality from the local people too.
Davis Fall
A mysterious waterfall
Also known as Patale Chango and a 30-minute drive from the center (lakeside) of Pokhara, Davis Falls is a waterfall heading underground. It is believed that one of the trekkers named David was washed away and mysteriously vanished.
Mahendra Cave
Inside view of Mahendra cave
Mahendra Cave/Mahendra Gufa is a large limestone cave that is locally known as the House of Bats. It is one of nature’s wonders in Pokhara which is the house of many stalagmites and stalactites as well.
International Mountain Museum
Inside the International Mountain Museum
We all know Nepal is the home of the highest peak in the world along with eight other peaks above the height of eight thousand meters. The museum showcases the preserved history of the mountains and mountaineering together with all its values and mysteries.
Moreover, you can see record, and document the lifestyle, tradition, and culture of the Sherpa community along with the past and present development in Mountaineering activities in general.
Things to Do in Pokhara
Pokhara is generally packed with adventurous activities. Pokhara, being a thrill-seeker dream destination surely has a lot to offer and so it is famous for its adventurous sports. You can do Paragliding, Mountain biking, Hiking, Bunjee jumping, Jeep flyer, and Helicopter flight to Base Camp to see the outstanding Himalayan view.
Paragliding
Feel the adrenaline rush!
Can you just imagine seeing the mighty Annapurnas while you glide over rivers, lakes, and mountains in the sky? Well, there’s nothing that can flutter the excitement of being up in the sky and flying like a free bird and observing the terrific scene of pristine lakes and snow-capped mountains.
Flying high above and enjoying marvelous views of the Himalayan peaks from the viewpoint is gonna be a lifetime experience that you will never forget!
Boating
Explore the tranquil lake
Boating in Fewa Lake is another refreshing recreational activity in Pokhara and a major attraction too. On a bright day, the crystal clear reflection of Annapurna massif on the lake’s mirror surfaces is magical indeed!
While boating you will see a small island in the middle of the lake which is the home of Tal Barahi Temple. You can drop by there for a few minutes and visit the temple.
Regarding the entrance ticket, you will be charged Rs 500 per hour with a boatman. And lifejackets are mandatory at Rs 10. Wooden boats are available at different boat stations.
Bungee Jump
Isn’t it Ironic when your heart skips a few beats, you feel the most alive?
Bungee Jump is another most popular and thrilling adventurous activity in Pokhara. It is also known as the highest water touch Bungee worldwide. Located in Hemja close to the Zip Flyer, it takes 20 minutes to drive from Lakeside.
Moreover, enjoy the eye-captivating view of the Himalayas; the glorious views of the Annapurna range, massive green hills, and a serpentine river right from the bungee spot that will take your breath away.
Are you wondering about the price? No worries. Here’s what you are looking for:
- For Nepali citizens: Rs 4200
- Indian citizen: Rs8200
- Foreigners: $82
PS: Videos and photographs extra cost: Rs 1500 /for all.
Also, you must book your trip in advance so without registration tickets, service is not available at Bungee spot.
Jeep Flying
From Sarangkot all the way down to Hemja.
Pokhara exhibits another steepest, fastest, and longest Zipline. With a 1.8km long cable and running at a speed of 140km per hr, the zip flyer is another most appealing adventurous sport in Pokhara.
It starts from Sarangkot (1625m) and ends all the way down at Hemja (960m). The spectacular view of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, lakes, and the city is truly eye-satisfying.
Are you an adventurer? Are you willing to accept the challenges? Yes. Yes, You Do! For instance, take a deep breath and leap faith. And just go for it.
Helicopter Flight to Annapurna Base Camp
The Heli tour adventure never goes out of style!
Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter flight is one of the finest and quickest alternatives to explore the Annapurna Region precisely in a very short duration. After 30 minutes of a dramatic flight from Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp, you will be given 15-30 minutes to explore the mighty Annapurnas.
Dhaulagiri and ABC are the major highlights of the Heli ride package. It is the best option for those with very limited time but still want to explore the trans-Himalayas within a tour duration of 1 – 1.5 hours.
The tour is possible in two ways;
Charter Basis Private Heli Tour
You can fly either single or with your group on your schedule. The flight can also be operated anytime in the day under favorable weather conditions. It costs around $1800.
Group joining Heli tour
Likewise, in a group joining the Heli tour, 5 different people will be sharing the cost and flying to ABC in a single flight. And it costs $275 per person.
After spending some time and witnessing the 360-degree Himalayan view you will then be flying back to Pokhara.
So guys what are you waiting for? It’s time to step out and do some adventurous activities for lifelong memories. The time is all yours!
You can check the Kathmandu Pokhara Tour to know the detailed itinerary, cost, including exclude, and so on.
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