🏛️Main Attractions
- ✓Phewa Lake
- ✓Sarangkot
- ✓World Peace Pagoda
- ✓Davis Falls
- ✓International Mountain Museum
- ✓Gupteshwor Cave
Pokhara
Pokhara
Nepal's adventure capital and second-largest city, Pokhara is a scenic lakeside town nestled in the Himalayan foothills. Gateway to the Annapurna Circuit, it offers stunning mountain views, serene lakes, and world-class paragliding, making it a paradise for trekkers and adventure seekers.
🌐Other Cities in Nepal
Recommended Hotels in Pokhara
Hand-picked hotels and accommodations from Agoda (20 properties)
🏨Recommended Hotels
- ★Temple Tree Resort & Spa
- ★Atithi Resort & Spa
- ★Hotel Barahi
- ★Fishtail Lodge
- ★Pavilions Himalayas
- ★The Begnas Lake Resort & Villas
- ★Waterfront Resort
- ★Hotel Pokhara Grande
- ★Lake View Resort
- ★Hotel Tulsi
🍜Restaurants & Food
•Moondance Restaurant
mid-rangeInternational menu, famous steaks and burgers in lakeside setting
•OR2K
budgetMiddle Eastern vegetarian cuisine, sister restaurant to Kathmandu location
•Fresh Elements
budgetHealth-conscious cafe with smoothie bowls, salads, and vegetarian options
•The Olive Cafe
mid-rangeContinental and Nepali cuisine with lakeside views
•Caffe Concerto
budgetItalian coffee, pastries, and breakfast in garden setting
•Krishna's Kitchen
budgetAuthentic Nepali dal bhat and traditional local dishes
🛍️ Shopping
- •Lakeside (Baidam) Marketmarket
Main tourist shopping area along Phewa Lake. Trekking gear, handicrafts, pashmina, singing bowls, and souvenirs. Bargaining expected.
- •Tibetan Refugee Campcrafts
Tibetan settlement selling authentic hand-woven carpets, thangka paintings, and handicrafts. Support local artisans with fair prices.
- •Old Bazaarmarket
Traditional local market away from tourist areas. Authentic Nepali shopping experience with everyday goods, spices, and local products.
- •Trekking Gear Shopsoutdoor
Numerous shops renting and selling trekking equipment. Good quality gear available - rent rather than buy if doing short treks.
💡 Travel Tips
- • Book paragliding a day in advance and go early morning for best conditions and clear mountain views.
- • Lakeside area is safe to walk at night but still exercise normal precautions.
- • Trekking permits (TIMS and Annapurna Conservation Area) available from Tourist Office in Lakeside.
- • October-November offers clearest mountain views after monsoon. March-April has blooming rhododendrons.
- • Rent trekking gear in Pokhara rather than buying - high quality and much cheaper than purchasing.
- • Sunrise at Sarangkot requires 4:30am departure - arrange taxi night before.
- • Drink bottled water only. Lakeside restaurants are generally safer than street food stalls.
- • Negotiate all prices - taxis, tours, souvenirs. Bargaining is expected and part of local culture.
🔗 Related Information
📋Quick Info
📅Best Season
October to November (post-monsoon, crystal clear mountain views) or March to April (spring flowers, warm weather). Avoid June-August monsoon - rain obscures mountains.
💰Daily Budget
$20-35 per day (very affordable - cheap guesthouses, budget food, free lake activities)/day
👥Popular With
Trekkers and hikersadventure sports enthusiastsparagliding fansyoga and wellness seekersbudget travelersmountain photographers
🗓️Recommended Stay
3-5 days for sightseeing and relaxation, 10-20 days if trekking Annapurna Circuit or Base Camp
🌐Timezone
NPT (UTC+5:45)
💬Local Language
Nepali, English widely spoken in tourist areas
💱Currency
Nepalese Rupee (NPR) - ATMs available in Lakeside, carry cash for day trips
📅Pokhara 3-Day Itinerary
Recommended plan for efficient sightseeing
Lakeside Relaxation & Orientation
🌅
Morning2h
📍
Phewa Lake boat rental
💡 Rent colorful wooden boat (NPR 500-700) and row to Tal Barahi Temple island. Peaceful experience with mountain reflections.
🌅
Morning0.5h
🎭
Visit Tal Barahi Temple
💡 Hindu temple on island in middle of lake. Remove shoes before entering. Small but photogenic.
☀️
Afternoon1h
🍜
Lunch at Lakeside restaurant
💡 Many lakeside cafes with mountain views. Try Moondance or Fresh Elements for international cuisine.
☀️
Afternoon2h
🛍️
Lakeside walk and shopping
💡 Explore the main Lakeside strip. Window shop for trekking gear, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Bargaining expected.
🌙
Evening2.5h
🎭
World Peace Pagoda hike or boat + hike
💡 Take boat across lake then hike 45 minutes uphill to pagoda. Stunning sunset views. Bring water and flashlight for descent.
🌙
Evening1.5h
🍜
Dinner in Lakeside
💡 Enjoy dinner with live music at many restaurants. The Olive Cafe or Caffe Concerto recommended.
💡Tips
- •Book paragliding and Sarangkot sunrise separately or as package through reputable agencies
- •October-November offers clearest mountain views - book accommodations in advance during peak season
- •Lakeside ATMs can run out of cash - withdraw enough for several days
- •Trekking permits (TIMS card + ACAP) available at Tourist Office near Immigration Office
- •Weather changes quickly - bring layers even on sunny days