Pokhara

Pokhara, Nepal's second-largest city, sits at the foot of the Annapurna mountain range. The city is known for its lakes and proximity to trekking routes. In Pokhara, you can paddle on Phewa Lake, hike to the World Peace Pagoda, or watch the sunrise illuminate the Himalayas from Sarangkot viewpoint. The city serves as a gateway to Himalayan treks and provides a base for both relaxation and adventure.

Location and Geography

Pokhara lies about 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu in central Nepal. The city sits at an elevation of around 800 meters, surrounded by hills and with views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Several lakes dot the Pokhara Valley, with Phewa Lake being the largest and most central to the city. The geography of Pokhara allows for a variety of activities, from water sports on the lakes to trekking in the nearby mountains.

Phewa Lake

Phewa Lake forms the heart of Pokhara's tourist area. On clear days, the lake reflects the Annapurna mountains, creating a striking view. You can rent a colorful wooden boat to paddle around the lake or hire a boatman to do the work for you. Many restaurants and cafes line the eastern shore, known as Lakeside, where you can relax with a view of the water. The lake also has a small island with a temple, which you can visit by boat.

World Peace Pagoda

The white World Peace Pagoda sits atop a hill south of Phewa Lake. Built by Japanese Buddhist monks, the stupa provides a panoramic view of the lake, city, and mountains. You can reach it by boat across the lake and then a steep hike, or by taxi and a shorter walk. The pagoda itself is a place for quiet contemplation, with four golden Buddha statues facing the cardinal directions. The walk up to the pagoda takes you through forested areas where you might spot monkeys and various bird species.

Sarangkot Viewpoint

For the best views of the Annapurna range, head to Sarangkot. This hill north of Pokhara attracts many visitors at sunrise, when the first light hits the snow-capped peaks. On clear days, you can see Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu - three of the world's ten highest mountains. Sarangkot is also a launch point for paragliding flights over the valley. Even if you don't come for sunrise, the viewpoint allows you to see the mountains throughout the day.

Adventure Activities

Pokhara serves as the starting point for treks in the Annapurna region, including the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp treks. If you're short on time, you can do day hikes in the surrounding hills. Many visitors try paragliding, with flights lasting 30 minutes to an hour. For water adventures, try stand-up paddleboarding on Phewa Lake or white-water rafting on the nearby Seti River. You can book these activities and rent necessary equipment from local agencies.

Cultural Sites

Visit the International Mountain Museum to learn about the history of Himalayan climbing and the mountain peoples of Nepal. The museum houses gear from famous expeditions and information on the geology and ecology of the Himalayas. Explore the Tashi Palkhel Tibetan refugee settlement north of the city to learn about Tibetan culture. Here you can visit a Buddhist monastery and shop for Tibetan handicrafts. The settlement provides insight into the lives of Tibetan refugees in Nepal.

Food and Dining

Pokhara's Lakeside area has many restaurants serving Nepali, Indian, and Western cuisine. Try local dishes like dal bhat (lentils and rice) or momos (dumplings). For a special experience, book a table at one of the restaurants on Phewa Lake's Barahi Island, reached by a short boat ride. Fresh fish from the lake features on many menus. Local cafes often serve Nepali coffee, grown in the hills of the country.

Getting There and When to Visit

Most visitors reach Pokhara by air or bus from Kathmandu. Flights take about 30 minutes, while the bus journey takes 6-8 hours. The best time to visit is from October to April, when the weather is dry and the mountain views are clearest. December and January can be cold, especially at night, but offer the crispest mountain views. The monsoon season from June to September brings rain but also lush green landscapes.