Pokhara

The best places to visit in Pokhara are Phewa Lake and Tal Barahi Temple, Sarangkot, the World Peace Pagoda, Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, the International Mountain Museum, the Seti River gorge, Begnas Lake and the hill villages of Dhampus and Australian Camp.

Top things to do in Pokhara include paragliding from Sarangkot, watching sunrise over the Annapurnas, boating on Phewa Lake, hiking to the World Peace Pagoda, the zipline, ultralight flights, rafting, short treks and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Yes. Pokhara combines a peaceful lake, close-up views of 7,000–8,000 m Himalayan peaks, world-class adventure sports and easy access to the Annapurna treks. It is the best place in Nepal to relax and enjoy the mountains without trekking.

Two to three days is enough to see Pokhara's highlights, enjoy Sarangkot sunrise and try paragliding. If you are trekking, add the days for your trek — for example about 12 days for Annapurna Base Camp.

October and November are the best months, with clear skies and the best mountain views. December to April is also very good. June to August is the monsoon, when Pokhara gets heavy rain and the mountains are often hidden.

Pokhara is about 200 km west of Kathmandu. It takes around 25 minutes by plane or roughly 6–8 hours by tourist bus or private car, depending on traffic.

No, Everest is too far east to see from Pokhara. Instead you get close-up views of the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Dhaulagiri. To see Everest, take an Everest helicopter tour from Kathmandu.

Tandem paragliding in Pokhara is popular and generally safe when you fly with a licensed, experienced operator and follow the pilot's instructions. Flights may be postponed for wind or cloud, so keep your schedule flexible.

The main paragliding season runs roughly from September to May, with October to December offering the clearest views. Many operators reduce or pause flights during the monsoon months of June to August.

Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurna region: Annapurna Base Camp, Ghorepani Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, Khopra Ridge, Dhampus and Australian Camp, and the end point of most Annapurna Circuit treks. See our Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Lakeside is the best area for most visitors, with hotels, restaurants and Phewa Lake on your doorstep. Choose Damside for a quieter stay, Sarangkot for sunrise views, or Begnas Lake for peaceful countryside lodges.

Yes. Families enjoy boating on Phewa Lake, Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Cave, the International Mountain Museum, easy hikes to the World Peace Pagoda and Dhampus, and calm Lakeside walks.

Try a Thakali thali, fresh lake fish, momos, dal bhat and sel roti. Lakeside also has excellent bakeries, coffee shops and international restaurants.

Pokhara is one of the safest and most relaxed cities in Nepal. Take normal care with valuables, wear a life jacket on the lake, and book adventure activities only with licensed operators. The Tourist Police can be reached on 1144.

Yes, but expect heavy rain, especially in the afternoons, and cloud that often hides the mountains. It is a green, quiet time with fewer crowds, and Davis Falls is at its most impressive. Check activity schedules, as some flights and paragliding may pause.