Things to do and places to visit in Pokhara

  • Updated on May 21, 2023
  • Govinda Gurung
  • 1284 views

Due to its amazing tourist attractions and activities, Pokhara is an attraction of choice for many tourists. It is a significant tourist destination in Nepal and the second gateway to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill after Kathmandu.

Pokhara, the most well-liked tourist destination in Nepal, is renowned for its lakes and Himalayan mountains. Adventure sports including boating, trekking, rafting, canoeing, and bungee jumping are also popular in Pokhara.

Pokhara will astound you with the number of sacred caves, magnificent mountain landscapes, lakeside night walks, natural waterfalls, and more. Pokhara was once thought of as a vital commerce route between India and China and quickly developed into one of the top tourist destinations in Nepal. It is located in the shadow of the Annapurna range.

Pokhara, the second-largest city in Nepal, is located around 200 kilometers to the west of Kathmandu. Pokhara is a city that is definitely worth seeing because it has some of the most magnificent natural beauty in the nation. Here are some fantastic places to go and activities to do in Pokhara.

Table of Content

Visit Phewa Lake

The center of Pokhara is Phewa Lake. The north coast is highly well-liked by tourists and is densely inhabited with bars, cafes, restaurants, and gift shops. Phewa Lake is the biggest freshwater lake in the Pokhara Valley and the second biggest lake in all of Nepal. It is well-known for its breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, as well as the holy Machapuchhre (Fishtail) Mountain, which reflects in the lake's crystal clear waters.

Taking a lake tour is one of the main tourist attractions. You can paddle a boat or a canoe-shaped boat onto the lake and just take in the tranquility. On the lake, stand-up paddle boarding is an option for thrill seekers. The Barahi temple, which is situated in the center of Phewa Lake and is only accessible by boat, is another attraction there. The lake is renowned for a wide range of fish species, many of which are frequently served in nearby hotels and restaurants.

Sunrise at Sarangkot, Pokhara

As if beautiful Pokhara required a more attractive relative! Sarangkot is the icing on a delicious dessert. privileged access to some breathtaking mountain views. Sarangkot is always a few degrees colder than Pokhara at any given time.

An excellent location to see breathtaking sunrises, but don't anticipate being the only one who gasps in awe. Tourists who are hoping to see the majestic Himalayas frequently visit this location. There are only a few abandoned forts and some breathtaking views to be had here. You only need a few hours to do this location justice.

Gupteshwore Mahadev Cave

The stories from the Mahabharat are thought to have some connection to this cave, which is very significant to Hindu visitors. The spiral stairway that leads to the cave's entrance will make you think of an archaeological site excursion.

It is thought that the natives found this cave in the sixteenth century. It has numerous god and goddess statues that have been carved during the course of its existence. In this cave, there are two sections.

A section of the cave is 40 meters away from Shivalinga. The second part begins after the temple has been completed and ends with David's falls. The passageway is 2 meters high and 3 meters wide, and the halls are extremely small, which severely limits passenger movement.

World Peace Stupa

At the peak of the mountain, on the southern side of Phewa Lake, sits the World Peace Stupa. It is among Pokhara's best and most well-liked hiking locations.

The Annapurna range's breathtaking mountain vistas can be seen from the summit of the hill, which is the obvious reason for this. On one side, you'll also get a stunning view of the Pokhara Valley. There are four primary Buddha statues in the Peace Pagoda. These statues together depict the Buddha at four key points in his life.

To start, Lumbini, Nepal, is where he was born. Second, Bodhgaya, India, is where he attained knowledge. Finally, he attained nirvana at Kushinagar, India, after spending the majority of his life teaching in Sarnath, India.

Visit the Old Bazar

The Old Bazaar of the city is in opposition to Pokhara's natural beauty. You gotta see this crowded street market to believe it! Each merchant here sells a vast variety of unique and unusual garments, and they come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. Even if you don't plan to purchase, the Old Bazaar in Pokhara is worth exploring for the sights and sounds, although we highly suggest you do! While modern materialism has tarnished many of Nepal's bazaars, this place nonetheless exudes an old-world beauty. The Old Bazaar in Pokhara is roughly 4 kilometers from Lakeside. It is also very simple to locate and explore because it is such a well-liked center point in the city.

Fly high with the Ultralight flight

The shortest extreme flight gives you breathtaking views of Sarangkot mountain, the Buddhist temple, and the south side of the city in addition to flying over Pokhara and Phewa Lake. You only get a taste of freedom on this flight, and you long for more! This trip, which travels between 50 and 90 kilometers per hour, offers a birds-eye perspective of the entire Annapurna Range as well as distant views of another 8,000-meter peak, Dhaulagiri. The highest point reached is 5,000 feet.

Go Bungee jumping

Everyone may enjoy themself at Nepal's first and only tower bungee, High Ground Bungee & Swing. The jump site, which is conveniently located 20 minutes from Pokhara Lakeside, provides a breathtaking view of the Himalayas, hills, and rivers along with a 70-meter vertical drop.

Try Zip-lining

One of the more challenging zip lines, it travels 1.80 km (1.12 mi) in total at a speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) at a vertical height of 610 m (2000 ft). This zip line ride is a fantastic adrenaline-pumping experience because of its altitude and speed. Sarangkot Mountain, which is 45 minutes drive from Pokhara, is where the zip-lining begins. Both on the way up and down the slopes, the vistas are breathtaking.

Nearest treks from Pokhara

Annapurna sanctuary trek

Bindhyabasini Temple

In the old market, Bindhyabasini Temple is the hub of religious activities. It is devoted to the goddess Bindbyabasini, another representation of Hinduism's shakti (Power). Another manifestation of Shakti, the goddess Bhagwati, is honored at the Bindhyabasini Temple. Near the Old Bazaar, on a hill, is where the temple is located. People who practice religion come here to make sacrifices, especially on Saturdays. A wonderful aerial view of the mountains and city is available from the temple.

Bat’s Cave

But it's worth exploring, so come on in. Locals refer it this by the nickname "Chamero Guffa." This cave is located far west of the Mahendra Cave and is home to a high number of bats.

This location is worth your attention because of the stone carvings on the wall that depict gods and goddesses and animals. The limestone cave is surrounded by woodland, making it the ideal place to get lost in the foliage. Just a ten-minute walk separates this cave from Mahendra Cave, another well-known tourist destination in Pokhara.

The exit of this well-liked tourist destination has a unique custom. To reach the end, you should climb out of a small hole. It is thought that those who have not sinned can only make it through. The biggest sin, in our opinion, is choosing not to visit this location. Visiting this location in Pokhara is not something you should leave to chance. Visit here to take part in the adventure yourself.

International Mountaineering Museum

Another place to spend the day is the International Mountaineering Museum. It is situated in the serene Ratopahiro Pokhara Submetroplis-17 neighborhood. Here, you may learn about mountaineering in the history and present in Nepal, Japan, Slovakia, and other nations. The museum has a fantastic collection of plants and animals that were gathered from the Himalayas and other places.

Here, you may view a mountain model of the Himalayas, including Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Everest, and other peaks. This museum informs you about the Himalayan mountains in addition to Everest.

It will be enjoyable and interesting to explore this museum, which showcases some of the tallest and most challenging ascents in the history of humanity. There is also equipment from many years ago that was used to climb some of the tallest mountains in the world. The trip to the International Mountaineering Museum will be informative for you as well.

Barahi Temple

The southeast corner of Phewa Lake is where this temple is situated. To honor the goddess Durga, King Kulmandhan Shah commanded the building of this two-story Pagoda-style temple. It was created in 1864, under his rule. With a thatched roof, this building is made of stone, bricks, and wood. Additionally, this area is equipped with seats so that you may take in the view of this magnificent location.

This is a fantastic location to experience a spiritual or religious vibe. You can travel by boat to this location, which is surrounded by vegetation. Usually, this location is visited as part of the Phewa Lake tour.

The name is Barahi connotes the power of Shakti and a boar's visage with sharp tusks ready to pierce her malevolent foes. It is thought that Goddess Durga assumed this form so she might use her tusks to vanquish evil. She allegedly went to Pokhara after the battle and stayed because she found the city to be so captivating.

And you think you can restrain yourself when even the goddess Barahi couldn't! We bet you'll want to remain here forever if you try it out for yourself. The boats are the sole access points to the shrine. Phewa Lake itself is a well-known tourist destination. Consequently, the combination of these two places will make your journey incredible.

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