2 Days in Pokhara: The Perfect 48-Hour Itinerary (2026)
Annapurna sunrises, two lakes, a paragliding flight and old Pokhara at an easy pace
- 2 Days
- 8 stops
- 1 bookable experience
- From $ 1,099.00
With 2 days in Pokhara, spend day one on the Sarangkot sunrise, Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Cave, a boat to Tal Barahi Temple and sunset at the World Peace Pagoda. On day two, go paragliding, visit the International Mountain Museum, explore Old Bazaar and Bindhyabasini Temple, see the Seti gorge and watch sunset at Begnas Lake.
- Best season
- Oct–Apr for mountain views
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Base
- Lakeside, Pokhara
- Getting around
- Taxi, boat and walking
- Budget
- About USD 60–150 per person (excl. hotel)
- Highlights
- Sarangkot, Phewa, paragliding, Begnas
Overview
Two days in Pokhara gives you time to see the city properly and still feel on holiday. Day one covers the classics: sunrise over the Annapurnas from Sarangkot, Davis Falls, a boat on Phewa Lake and sunset at the World Peace Pagoda. Day two is for flying, mountains and the quieter side of Pokhara: a paragliding flight over the lake, the International Mountain Museum, the old town, the Seti River gorge and sunset on peaceful Begnas Lake. If you only have one day, use our 1 day in Pokhara itinerary.
How this 2-day Pokhara itinerary works
Pokhara’s best views come early, so both days start with the mountains. Day 1 stays around Phewa Lake and the hills above it. Day 2 heads east across the city: the museum, Old Bazaar and the Seti gorge, ending at Begnas Lake, 30 minutes from Lakeside and far less busy. Paragliding goes on the morning of day 2 so that if the weather cancels it, you still have a spare slot.
What you will see in 48 hours
- Sarangkot: sunrise over Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri.
- Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave: a waterfall that vanishes underground and the sacred cave beneath it.
- Phewa Lake and Tal Barahi: a boat to the island temple.
- World Peace Pagoda: Pokhara’s best sunset viewpoint.
- Tandem paragliding: one of the world’s most famous flying sites.
- International Mountain Museum: the story of the Himalaya, its peoples and the first ascents.
- Old Bazaar, Bindhyabasini Temple and the Seti gorge: traditional Newari Pokhara and a river that runs through a canyon in the middle of the city.
- Begnas Lake: a quiet lake with fish farms, rice terraces and mountain views.
Who this itinerary suits
It suits couples, families, and anyone with two days before or after the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Walking is light, with one short climb to the Peace Pagoda. Combine it with 2 days in Kathmandu or 3 days in Kathmandu for a week in Nepal, or read our full Pokhara travel guide.
Before you go
Mountain views are clearest from October to April and early in the morning. Book paragliding a day ahead with a licensed company. Carry small notes for tickets and boats (see money in Nepal), and check our Nepal safety guide before you travel.
Getting around
Lakeside is walkable. Hire a taxi for the Sarangkot sunrise, the waterfall and caves on day 1, and for the museum, Old Bazaar and Begnas Lake on day 2. Agree the price for each half day with your hotel the evening before.
2 Days plan
Day 1Day 1: Sarangkot Sunrise, Phewa Lake and the Peace Pagoda
Pokhara's classic day: the Annapurnas at dawn, a waterfall and cave, a boat to the island temple and sunset over the lake.
- Early morning
Sunrise at Sarangkot
Leave Lakeside at about 5:00 and drive 30–40 minutes to Sarangkot (around 1,600 m). Watch Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) turn pink, then gold, with the lake still in shadow below. Have tea at the top before heading down.
💡 Tip: Bring a warm layer; it is cold before sunrise even on hot days.🎟️ Book this part of your day - Morning (late)
Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave
After breakfast in Lakeside, take a taxi to Davis Falls (Patale Chhango), where the river crashes into a gorge and disappears underground. Cross the road to Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, a sacred Shiva shrine, and follow the steps down to see the waterfall pouring through the rock.
💡 Tip: The cave steps are wet. Wear shoes with grip. - Afternoon
Lunch and a boat to Tal Barahi Temple
Eat a Thakali set or lake fish in Lakeside, then hire a rowing boat to Tal Barahi, the two-tiered pagoda temple on its island in Phewa Lake. On clear afternoons, Machhapuchhre is reflected in the water.
💡 Tip: Life jackets are provided on every boat. Wear one. - Evening
Sunset at the World Peace Pagoda
Have your boatman drop you at the far shore and climb 30–45 minutes through forest to the World Peace Pagoda for sunset over the lake and mountains. Head down before dark and finish with dinner and live music in Lakeside.
💡 Tip: If you'd rather not walk down in the dusk, arrange a taxi to collect you from the road on the far side.
Day 2Day 2: Paragliding, Mountain Museum, Old Pokhara and Begnas Lake
Fly over Phewa Lake, learn about the Himalaya, explore Pokhara's old town and Seti gorge, then watch the sun go down over quiet Begnas Lake.
- Morning
Tandem paragliding from Sarangkot
Meet your pilot in Lakeside around 9:00 and drive up to the take-off point at Sarangkot. Flights last 20–30 minutes, riding the morning thermals over the hills with the Annapurnas on one side and Phewa Lake below, before landing on the lakeshore. No experience is needed. If flying isn't for you, take a slow walk along the lakeshore or a boat ride instead.
💡 Tip: Morning flights are usually calmer. Your pilot decides on the day if the weather is safe. - Morning (late)
International Mountain Museum
Take a taxi to the International Mountain Museum, about 15 minutes from Lakeside. Its halls cover the geology of the Himalaya, the cultures of Nepal's mountain peoples, and the story of climbing Everest and the other 8,000 m peaks, with original gear from famous expeditions. Allow 1.5 hours.
💡 Tip: Leave time for the gardens outside, where you can see the Annapurnas on a clear day. - Afternoon
Old Bazaar, Bindhyabasini Temple and the Seti Gorge
Have lunch, then explore Pokhara's Old Bazaar, where traditional Newari houses and small shops line the streets. Climb the steps to Bindhyabasini Temple on its hilltop, one of the city's oldest and busiest temples, with mountain views from the courtyard. Nearby, look down into the Seti River gorge, where the milky-white river runs through a canyon tens of metres deep in the middle of the city.
💡 Tip: Remove your shoes in the temple area and walk clockwise. - Late afternoon
Sunset on Begnas Lake
Drive about 30 minutes east to Begnas Lake, Pokhara's second lake and much quieter than Phewa. Hire a boat for an hour among fish farms and rice terraces, with the Annapurnas behind the hills, and stay for sunset from the lakeshore. Return to Lakeside for a farewell dinner.
💡 Tip: Begnas has a few simple lakeside restaurants if you'd like to eat fresh fish before heading back.🎟️ Book this part of your day
Plan Your 2 Days in Pokhara
Prices, budget, food and transport for a two-day visit.
Entry Fees & Prices
Approximate prices for foreign visitors
Prices change from time to time and are paid in rupees. Carry small notes.
| Stop | Foreigners (approx.) | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Sarangkot viewpoint | NPR 50–100 | 1.5 hours |
| Davis Falls | NPR 100–200 | 30 minutes |
| Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave | NPR 100–200 | 45 minutes |
| Rowing boat, Phewa Lake | NPR 700–1,000 per hour | 1–2 hours |
| World Peace Pagoda | Free | 1.5 hours incl. walk |
| Tandem paragliding | USD 75–110 | Half day |
| International Mountain Museum | NPR 400–500 | 1.5 hours |
| Bindhyabasini Temple | Free | 45 minutes |
| Rowing boat, Begnas Lake | NPR 500–800 per hour | 1 hour |
SAARC nationals pay lower prices at most sites.
Two-Day Budget
Per person, excluding hotel
Taxis are the biggest cost after paragliding; share them if you can.
| Item | Budget | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Entry fees and boats | USD 20 | USD 25 |
| Meals (2 days) | USD 20 | USD 60 |
| Taxis (shared by 2) | USD 20 | USD 40 |
| Paragliding (optional) | — | USD 75–110 |
| Total without paragliding | about USD 60 | about USD 125–150 |
Where to Eat
Local food worth planning around
Lakeside has every kind of food; try the local dishes at least once.
| Meal | Where | Try |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Lakeside bakery | Tibetan bread, masala tea |
| Day 1 lunch | Lakeside Thakali kitchen | Thakali set |
| Day 2 lunch | Old Bazaar local eatery | Momos, chow mein |
| Dinner | Begnas or Lakeside | Fresh lake fish, sekuwa |
Getting Around
Drive and walk times
Lakeside is walkable; book a taxi for each half day.
| Route | Time |
|---|---|
| Lakeside to Sarangkot | 30–40 min by car |
| Lakeside to Davis Falls | 15 min by car |
| Lakeside to Mountain Museum | 15 min by car |
| Museum to Old Bazaar | 15 min by car |
| Old Bazaar to Begnas Lake | 25–30 min by car |
| Begnas Lake to Lakeside | 30–40 min by car |
Frequently asked questions
Is 2 days enough for Pokhara?
Yes. Two days lets you see Sarangkot, Phewa Lake, the Peace Pagoda, Davis Falls and the caves, and still have time for paragliding, the Mountain Museum, the old town and Begnas Lake.
What is the best 2-day itinerary for Pokhara?
Day 1: Sarangkot sunrise, Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Cave, a boat to Tal Barahi Temple and sunset at the World Peace Pagoda. Day 2: paragliding, the International Mountain Museum, Old Bazaar and Bindhyabasini Temple, the Seti gorge and sunset at Begnas Lake.
How much do 2 days in Pokhara cost?
About USD 60–150 per person excluding your hotel, for entry tickets, boats, taxis and meals. Paragliding adds roughly USD 75–110.
Is paragliding in Pokhara worth it?
For most people, yes. It is one of the best places in the world for tandem paragliding, with views of the Annapurnas and Phewa Lake. Fly with a licensed company and only in good weather.
Is Begnas Lake worth visiting?
Yes, if you want a quieter lake than Phewa. It is about 30 minutes from Lakeside, with rowing boats, fish restaurants and rural scenery.
What else can I do with more time in Pokhara?
Hike to Australian Camp or Dhampus for mountain views, visit the Tibetan settlements, go white-water rafting on the Seti River, or start a short trek to Poon Hill or the longer Annapurna Base Camp trek.
When is the best time to visit Pokhara?
October to April for clear mountain views. March and April add rhododendron flowers; June to September is monsoon, with green landscapes but cloudy peaks.
Can I combine this with the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
Yes. Spend one day before the Annapurna Base Camp Trek to rest and one day after to celebrate, or do both days together at the end of the trek.
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