While Kathmandu holds Nepal’s main cultural highlights, Pokhara is Nepal’s base for adventure. The city lies on the doorstep of the Annapurna Himalaya and borders Phewa Lake and other smaller foothills, making it a great spot for a variety of outdoor activities. It offers a number of ways to relax, whether you’re interested in yoga or pleasant walks around Phewa Lake. It provides the visitors with a plethora of activities, all set against the stunning backdrop of towering peaks like Annapurna, Machhapucchre, and Dhaulagiri. For trekkers heading to trekking routes like Annapurna Base Camp Trek, this city is the prefect starting and ending point. However, for trekkers and non-trekkers alike, Pokhara has a lot to offer.
From beautiful landscapes to an array of outdoor activities.
1. Tandem Paragliding Flight
Paragliding
Pokhara is one of the best places in the world to paraglide given the stable thermals created by the lake and surrounding mountains. If you’ve ever thought of trying it, this is a great opportunity, and one of the best backdrops you’ll find. The flight lasts 20-30 minutes and takes off from Sarangkot Hill, where you’ll often see a large number of parachutes descending each morning. The entire experience itself, including the drive up to the launch pad, takes about one hour. For the flight, you’ll be flying tandem, securely attached to your pilot.
2. Visit the Tal Barahi Temple
Barahi Temple
Popular for first-time visitors to Pokhara, a thirty-minute boat ride across Phewa Lake takes you to Tal Barahi temple located on a small island in the middle of the lake. It’s a picturesque spot and a nice way to relax, especially combined with the peaceful boat trip across the lake. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Barahi. With the head of a sow, Barahi is the Shakti (feminine energy) of Baraha, the boar incarnation of the god Vishnu. In Nepali, she is called tal Barahi mandir.
3. Hike or Drive to the World Peace Pagoda
World Peace Pagoda
You can either drive or take a short hike up to the World Peace Pagoda which commands one of the best views of the Pokhara Valley and the Annapurna Himalaya. The pagoda was built by Buddhist monks from the Japanese Nipponzan Myohoji Order and is one of 80 Peace Pagods worldwide. To hike up, take a boat across Phewa Lake to the trailhead, where you’ll begin the climb through the forest to the steps leading to the pagoda.
4. Watch Sunrise or Sunset from Sarangkot Hill
Sunrise
Sarangkot Hill is just on the edge of Pokhara and rises right above Phewa Lake. You can either drive or take a three-hour hike up to the hilltop village. The trail takes you through lovely forests and for a large part of the way there are uncut slabs of stone forming a rough path of steps. From Sarangkot, you’ll have great views of the Dhaulagiri Hilam, Annapurnas and Machapuchare, especially beautiful at sunrise.
5. Visit Davis Falls (Waterfall)
Davis Falls
The outflow of Phewa Lake forms a small stream that cuts through the surrounding valley, then passes through a narrow gorge before forming a waterfall. The small gorge is about 500 feet long and 100 feet deep, making it a fun place to explore. After exiting the gorge, the stream passes through Gupteshwor Mahadev cave. The falls were named after Mrs. Davi, a Swiss tourist who visited Nepal in 1961 and accidentally was swept through the waterfall after the dam overflowed on Phewa Lake.
6. Explore Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave
Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave
Just after Devi’s Fall, the stream leads into an underground cave. A giant stalagmite within this cave is honored as a Shiva lingam and the devout flock here to pray. Entry tickets allow you to enter the temple. You can also obtain entry to the tunnel behind, which comes out at a wet cavern right behind the gushing Devi’s fall. Once inside the cave, look up at the ceiling and you will see detritus and branches in cracks in the rock; these have actually been pushed up there by floodwaters that fill the cave during the monsoon.
7. Visit & Shop at Tashi Ling Refugee Camp
Tashi Ling Refugee Camp
Tashi Ling is one of twelve official settlement camps in Kathmandu and Pokhara for Tibetan refugees. There are also several smaller settlements in the hillsides around Nepal. Up until 1989, Tibetan exiles were allowed ID cards and economic assistance, but due to recent political pressure, Nepal no longer recognizes Tibetan Refugees. Because of this, Tibetans are not allowed to legally work nor own a house or claim state benefits. Therefore, the refugees have resorted to making their living by selling homemade jewelry, trinkets, carvings, and carpets, making this a great place to stop and shop to support their local community.
8. Stroll Along Phewa Lake
Phewa Lake
Phewa is the second largest lake in Nepal at around 4.43 square km. The warm waters are inviting and great for a short tour on one of the many small wooden boats you’ll find along the lakeside. Along lakeside, you can explore the various souvenir stores, bookshops, and restaurants. From the shore, on clear days, you’ll have views of the Himalaya and see the reflection of the Annapurna and Machapuchare peaks on the water’s surface.
9. Yoga Meditation or Massage
Yoga
Pokhara is ideal for yoga meditation with its fabulous natural sceneries and has some world-famous yoga studious too. But if you’re more looking for a perfect spot to bring your yoga mat and enjoy the natural beauty, there are a lot of recommended sites for yoga meditation in and around Pokhara. The most common is at the World Peace Shanti Stupa or around Phewa Lake. More secluded places like Begnas Lake or Rupa Lake are just a half-hour drive away from the city. There are even hiking available in combination with yoga meditation to enjoy the Himalayas. Massages are a great way to rejuvenate yourself and be cleansed of all the pollution that city life can provide. Try out the special Ayurveda massages with natural and healthy Himalayan oils. Nothing beats a relaxing massage in Pokhara to start your day fresh! Try out yoga meditation or massage in Pokhara and rejuvenate yourself the Himalayan way.
10. The cooking class
Roti-Tarkari
Your holiday in Pokhara can be an opportunity to cook delicious Nepali dishes like dal, bhaat, momos and other dishes. There are plenty of cooking classes available around Pokhara that will allow you to explore the flavors of Nepal while chatting about various contemporary topics of Nepal. Where cooking classes and dal bhaat cooking classes are popular hosts in Pokhara. However, they offer a unique experience to interested visitors and allow them to learn how to cook delicious food. So wherever you join a cooking class, these acctivites will fill your stomach with love and mouth-watering dishes.
11. Half or Full Day of Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking
There are a number of trails and routes you can take in the surrounding hills around Pokhara. A half day or full day of riding can be arranged and customized to your skill level. By bike is also a great way to explore around Phewa Lake, as well.
12. Short hike in Pokhara
Ghorepani Poonhill
It is needless to say Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurna region, which means there are plenty of places near Pokhara that are perfect for weekend hiking amidst nature. Destinations like Poonhill, Ghandruk, Dhampus, Australian Base camp and Panchase Hill are some short treks that can be completed in 2-3 days from Pokhara.
‘These short hiking destinations around Pokhara allow visitors to not only enjoy the panoramic sights of the Himalayas but also to explore the ethnic village settlements and groups of the region.Short hiking in each of these destinations is set to offer a unique experience. For example, Poonhill is famous for the majestic sights of sunrise and sunset views, while Panchase Hill is known for its remote trail. Similarly, the Ghandruk trek allows you to clad in the cultural Gurung dress and get a peek into the lifestyle and culture of the community. Although the main highlight of these treks is the panoramic sights of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Macchapuchre, each destination has different attractions set to offer a new experience to the visitors.
13. Go Ziplining or Bungee Jumping
Bungee Jumping
Also atop Sarangkot Hill, if you’re looking for a bit of adrenaline, you can go zip lining and bungee jumping. The zip-line has a vertical free fall of 2000 feet (600 m) and runs a distance of almost 5,900 feet (1800 m) at 140 km per hour. It’s one of the tallest and steepest zip-lines in the world. For bungee jumping, the jump site offers a spellbinding view of the Himalaya, the hills, and the rivers below.
14. Ultralight Flight
Ultralight flight
For something a bit more unique, an ultralight flight gives you a panoramic view of the entire Annapurna Range. The speed of this flight ranges from 50-90 km per hour and at a maximum altitude of 5,000 feet.
15. Hot Air Ballooning
Hot air balloon
Another amazing way to see Pokhara is through a hot air balloon ride, where you will float in the sky at an altitude of 500-1000 meters for about 40-60 minutes while enjoying a bird’s eye view of the mountains, lakes and Pokhara city. Due to the popularity of hot air balloons, hot air ballooning in Pokhara is a different kind of activity offered for special occasions, engagements, anniversaries and birthdays. Apart from making your special day memorable, you can also go for a sunrise or sunset flight to soak yourself in the golden hour amidst the Himalayas. You will get breathtaking views of Annapurna, Fishtail, Hiunchuli, Lamjung Himal and Dhaulagiri during the golden hour. But please note that sometimes due to different weather conditions, hot air ballooning can be closed so please get the right information before getting interested.
16. International Mountain Museum
Museum
Another great addition to your itinerary while in Pokhara is the International Mountain Museum. It showcases the mountaineering legacy of the Himalayas which can be quite helpful if you are in Pokhara as part of an elaborate trekking adventure such as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. In this museum, you can get insights on the flora and fauna, geography, and the history of different parts of the Himalayas.
Tips for Travelers
To ensure a hassle-free, convenient, and organized tour in and around Pokhara Valley, follow these tips!
- The best time to visit Pokhara is during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). Since this is also the peak season for trekking in Nepal, this tip is useful for people visiting Pokhara as part of their trekking itinerary.
- If you are planning to go for adventure activities, it is highly recommended to go with registered companies. Reputable tour operators ensure your safety during the activity by using proper safety equipment. Always follow safety guidelines.
- Although Pokhara is considered a safe city to explore, it is always advisable to take standard safety precautions. Avoid wandering in poorly lit areas at night and keep your valuables safe.
With these things in mind, you can have a great experience while exploring Pokhara Valley. Now pack your bags and start your journey!
