Pokhara is the second largest city in Nepal and has been featured as one of National Geographic’s Best Spring Destinations. Pokhara’s bewitching beauty has been the subject of many travel features. Its pristine air, spectacular backdrop of snowy peaks, serene lakes and surrounding greenery makes it ‘The Jewel in the Himalaya”, a place of remarkable natural beauty. With the magnificent Annapurna mountain range forming the backdrop and the serenity of three major lakes – Phewa, Rupa and Begnas – Pokhara is the ultimate destination for relaxation.
Must experience
- Short Day Hikes: Pokhara Valley is at the end of the famous Annapurna Circuit and a gateway to some of the most famous long-distance treks in Nepal. It also offers plenty of rewarding short walks and day trips suitable for children and weary trekkers where you can explore Gurung village and the traditions and culture at Dhampus village.
- Visiting Phewa Lake, the second largest lake in Nepal, is another highlight in Pokhara. Surrounded by greenery, the reflection of Mount Machhapuchhre on the lake on a bright day is breathtaking. Boating, the unique water ball activity and other water sports have gained popularity here. The north shore of the lake has developed into a lakeside tourist hub with numerous souvenir stores, bookshops, hotels, restaurants, and bars catering to tourists.
- A visit to Barahi Temple, the island temple. The Barahi Temple is situated on a small island in Phewa Lake surrounded by marvelous views. This Hindu temple in Nepal is dedicated to Goddess Ajima in the form of a boar called Barahi with pointed tusks to pierce her enemies. Barahi Temple is a very important center of worship for Hindu devotees and locals as well as a popular tourist spot.
- Ultra-light flights: This is a very light aircraft with no windows and seating for just two people, the pilot and the passenger. Powered by engines, these aircraft fly very close to the mountains giving you the feeling of flying like a bird with spectacular views. The Ultra-light flights take off from Pokhara Airport for your journey through nature. Flying over the Pokhara Valley, soaring through the clouds, amidst the snowcapped mountains, green hills and beautiful lakes, this is without a doubt a bucket list experience. These flights are only available in Pokhara, Nepal.
Must eat: Pokhara is full of culinary delights and a food lover’s paradise. It has an amazing selection of restaurants offering local and international multi-cuisine menus catering to all tastes. From locally sourced fresh fish from the Phewa Lake, specialty coffee joints, local bites to lakeview restaurants serving Nepali, Indian, Japanese and Italian cuisine, there are plenty of choices in this relaxing lakeside city. You must try poleko machha (pan-cooked fish without oil) and aalangkhu (buckwheat dumpling soup).
Best nightlife: Pokhara is the place to be when talking about nightlife in Nepal. Along with an amazing variety of restaurants, Pokhara also has several bars and clubs offering jazz, live music and dance performances. We recommend Fresh Elements for lunch and Moondance for dinner or enjoy a pizza while watching an outdoor movie at Movie Garden. After dinner, head to Busy Bee or All That Jazz bars for cocktails and live music.
Best time to visit: Travel is best in late February to early May or September to early December. October and November are the busiest months of the year as they coincide with one of Nepal’s biggest festivals.
Top tip: Even though December and January are winter months and generally low season, the temperature in Pokhara varies between 7 to 21°C. It is relatively less crowded with some clear weather days for great mountain views and is a good off-season time to plan your visit.
Our recommended DMC: The local travel team at Dharma Adventures, led by Pawan Tuladhar, will plan your getaway to Pokhara and throughout Nepal and Bhutan.