Best Things to Do in Pokhara, Nepal

Pokhara sits in a valley in the central hills of Nepal, a city of lakes, waterfalls, and breathtaking mountain views that serves as the chief gateway to the Annapurna Conservation Area — one of the most popular trekking destinations on earth. The things to do in Pokhara divide neatly between adventure activities (paragliding, trekking, kayaking, zip-lining, ultralight flights) and the simple pleasure of sitting lakeside in a cafe watching the Annapurna range change color through the day. The city itself has grown enormously since the trekking boom of the 1970s and now has a well-developed tourist infrastructure along Lakeside Road, though it retains a laid-back character quite different from Kathmandu’s intensity.

Best time to visit

October and November are the best months: the post-monsoon sky is clear, trekking trails are in peak condition, and mountain views are exceptional. March and April are the second-best window, with rhododendrons in bloom on the trek approaches. December and January are cold but clear and crowd-free. The monsoon season (June through September) brings heavy rain, leeches on trails, and poor mountain visibility; most trekkers avoid this period, though the valley turns intensely green and falls into tourism slumber. February can be hazy due to dust and smoke.

Getting around

Pokhara’s Lakeside district is walkable. Taxis and auto-rickshaws connect the lakeside to the bus station and airport (3 km from Lakeside). The new Pokhara International Airport opened in 2023 with regional flight connections. For day trips to Sarangkot, taxis or the bumpy 45-minute walk are the options. Renting a bicycle or scooter is popular for exploring the valley. The trek to Annapurna Base Camp starts from Nayapul (90 minutes by road); the Poon Hill trek starts from Nayapul or Birethanti. Tourist buses and jeep-sharing cover the Kathmandu-Pokhara route (6-7 hours) or a 25-minute flight is available.

What to eat and drink

Lakeside has a comprehensive range of restaurants catering to trekkers: dal bhat (the Nepali lentil rice staple, unlimited refills in most trek-oriented places) is the base, supplemented by momos (steamed or fried dumplings with meat or vegetable filling), thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup), and a full range of Western comfort food (pizza, pasta, burgers) that vegetarians especially appreciate after weeks on the trail. Mustang Coffee (a local chain) is a reliable cafe stop. Cheaper local food in the old city bazaar area is better value than the tourist restaurants.

Top things to do

Paragliding over Phewa Lake – Pokhara is one of Asia’s premier paragliding sites. Launch from Sarangkot hill and glide 30-45 minutes over the lake with Annapurna behind you. Multiple operators along Lakeside; flights cost $70-100 and can be booked same-day. The thermal conditions from late morning are optimal.

Sunrise on Sarangkot – The classic Pokhara experience: wake at 4am, reach the viewpoint by taxi or on foot before dawn, and watch the Annapurna range catch the first sunlight. Machapuchare (Fish Tail) is the most dramatic foreground peak. Busy at sunrise but genuinely impressive.

Phewa Lake – Rent a wooden rowboat (around $5/hour) and paddle out to the Barahi Temple on an island in the middle of the lake. The lake reflections of the mountains in calm morning light are the photographs that sell Nepal to the world.

World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) – A Japanese Buddhist peace pagoda on a ridge south of the lake, reached by a 45-minute uphill walk or boat + short hike. The 360-degree views of the lake, city, and mountains are among the best in Pokhara.

Trekking – Pokhara is the start (or end) point for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek (7-12 days), the Annapurna Circuit (12-21 days), and the Poon Hill Trek (3-4 days, best short trek in Nepal). All require a TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, both obtained in Pokhara.