There are so many fun things to do in Pokhara I’d recommend staying for at least two days.
Pokhara, Nepal’s most popular tourist destination, is known for its Himalayan range and lakes. Pokhara is also well-known for its adventure activities such as boating, trekking, rafting, canoeing, and bungee jumping.
If you’re planning on heading to Pokhara, do set aside some time to explore the rest of this beautiful city! Pokhara is famous tourist destination in Nepal. The place is treasure of scenic sightseeing locations and special in own way. Pokhara offer interesting spots of various types, lakes, treks, historical, cultural and scenic.
This is the list of the top things to do in Pokhara during your visit in Nepal.
Sunrise at Sarangkot, Pokhara
As if pretty Pokhara needed a more beautiful cousin! Sarangkot is the cherry on top of a delicious cake. Privy to some spectacular views of the mountains. At any given hour, Sarangkot is at least a couple of degrees cooler than Pokhara.
A great place to witness jaw dropping sunrises, but don’t expect to be the only one gasping in surprise. This place is very popular amongst tourists who want to catch a glimpse of the mighty Himalayas.
Other than the magnificent vistas, there’s not much to do here except a couple of abandoned forts. A few hours is all you need to do justice to this place.
Take a Boat Ride on Fewa Lake
Lake Phewa is gorgeous and clean. Nothing is more pleasant that getting a boat and explore this amazingly beautiful lake. The nature surrounding the Phewa Lake is stunning and since I visited Pokhara during low season, there was not that many people around. For most of the time it was just me and my travel buddy.
The eastern shoreline of the lake, popularly known as Lakeside or Baidam, consists of seemingly endless strip of lodges, restaurants, bookshops and souvenir shops. One of the fascinating parts of lakeside is the splendid view of the mountains, especially when the still water reflects the peaks, creating a double image.
Walking to World Peace Pagoda:
The pagoda is a massive Buddhist stupa and is situated on top of a hill on the southern shore of Fewa lake. World peace pagoda is located on top of the Ananda hill above Pokhara at the height of 1100 meters. It is the first World Peace Pagoda in Nepal and seventy-first pagoda built by Nipponzan-Myōhōji in the world.
It is a perfect spot for view of the Himalayan range, Fewa Lake and Pokhara city.
Bindhyabasini Temple:
Bindhyabasini temple is the centre of religious activity in the old bazaar. It is dedicated to goddess Bindbyabasini, yet another manifestation of shakti (Power) of Hindu. Bindhyabasini Temple is dedicated to goddess Bhagwati, another manifestation of Shakti.
The temple is situated on the hill, very close to Old bazaar. Especially on Saturdays, worshippers come here to perform sacrifices. From the temple is nice view of mountains and city from above.
Mahendra Gupha (cave) and Chameri Gupha:
Mahendra Gupha is the large limestone cave. Shepherd boys are said to have discovered it around 1950. A two hour walk to the north of Pokhara, it is best to bring your own torch to see the stalactites and stalagmites, although most of them have been carted out by souvenir hunters.
Chamero Gupha locally called Chamero Odhaar (“House of Bats”) located near by Mahendra Gufa
Davis Falls:
Locally known as Patale Chhango (Hell’s fall), Devi’s fall (also known as Devin’s or David’s) is an awesome waterfall lying about 2 km south-west of Pokhara airport on the highway to Tansen, Butwal.
An interesting modern legend says that a foreigner named David was skinny-dipping in the Pardi Khola (river) when the floodgates of the dam were opened, sweeping him into an underground passage beneath the fall, never to be seen again. Devi’s Falls were discovered in 1961 and now became a popular attraction for tourists that visit Pokhara.
The most beautiful part of the waterfall is descents through tunnels to Mahendra cave.
Do a Paragliding in Pokhara
Paragliding is one of the most amazing adventurous sports. Gliding above the earth’s surface and watching the majestic Himalayas in the distance and villages, monasteries, lakes and jungles below is an experience no one could forget. If you ever desired of being a bird then you can fulfill your desire by paragliding.
Paragliding has been for decades one of the most popular activities in Pokhara. There is even a professional competition held there every year since the city boasts of being one of the best places in the world for these flights.
Pokhara has the perfect conditions for an exciting and safe experience at the same time, a good take-off area like Sarangkot, stunning views of the Himalayas.
Do a Mountain Biking:
Mountain biking gives you an opportunity to explore the beautiful city, riding through the lush green vegetations, delightful little villages, up and down the hills, along the river banks, around the temples and along the highway.
The bikes could be rented on an hourly basis or for a day from the various bicycle rental shops around the city. You can also take a guided trip if you do not want to miss the coolest spots and the understanding of the culture and lifestyle of the villages.
Do a Ultra-lights
The place that looks beautiful from the ground looks even more splendid from above and everyone at some point of their life has a desire to have a bird’s view of the beautiful landscapes.
The desire can be fulfilled and you can watch the beautiful lake city from the sky through the ultra-light flights. The two-sitter flight operates from Pokhara airport beginning September through June.
They can take off and land on a field or even a dirt road and can ascend to a maximum height of 5000 meters.
Try a local food
Pokhara is the second biggest city in Nepal. However, it feels like a small city located at Phewa Lake. For tourists, the neighbourhood close to Phewa Lake is the place to be. From here (if the weather allows) you have a great view of the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas. Pokhara is a good place to start your multi-day trek, but also a nice place to come back after a hike for some relaxing! The city is packed with lovely restaurants, bars, spas and coffee shops. The perfect place to relax and have a delicious meal before or after a challenging hike.
Pokhara is a Every Trekker’s Paradise
We can not deny the fact that Nepal is a big hub for trekking and nature lovers. You see them everywhere, excited about their adventures in the beautiful country. Pokhara is no exception. There are a few highly recommended treks (like Ghorepani Trek, Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, Annapurna family lodge Trek ) around Pokhara you shouldn’t miss.
Do a Day Hiking Pokhara
Pokhara is small valley city of nature with lakes and mountains. It is famous by Mount Annapurna and Mount Fistail Himalayas. The reflection of moutain on the lakes are excellent. There are many excellent day hikes can be done from Pokhara to the nearby hills.
It offers countryside experience, good views of himalayas and beautiful lakes. Under one day hiking trips, you can travel to the place around the valley and enjoy the natural beauty with very friendly peole.
Pokhara Day Hiking: This is the best view point to view the serene 7 lakes around Pokhara. The panoramic view of Annapurnas and the experience of village life is the higlight of the hiking.