Pokhara

While Kathmandu is the historic and cultural heart of Nepal, Pokhara is its serene, adventurous soul. Nestled in a tranquil valley and blessed with a stunning natural setting, this is the place where the mighty, snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna Massif are perfectly reflected in the placid, emerald waters of a beautiful lake. Pokhara is a city of profound peace and immense beauty, a laid-back haven that serves as the essential gateway and recovery station for some of the most famous trekking routes on Earth. It is a city that invites you to put your feet up, breathe deeply, and simply gaze in awe at one of the most spectacular mountain panoramas the world has to offer.

The undisputed centerpiece of Pokhara is the magnificent Phewa Lake. On a clear day, the view from its shores is nothing short of breathtaking. The iconic, fishtail-shaped peak of Machapuchare, along with the colossal wall of the Annapurna range, dominates the northern horizon. The sight of these pristine white peaks mirrored perfectly on the lake’s calm surface is the image that defines Pokhara and captures the heart of every traveler. The lakeside area, especially the tourist hub known as “Lakeside,” is a relaxed and charming promenade lined with guesthouses, yoga studios, massage parlors, and restaurants offering food from every corner of the globe.

Pokhara is the definitive starting and ending point for treks into the Annapurna Conservation Area, including the legendary Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit treks. The city’s atmosphere is filled with the quiet excitement of trekkers preparing for their journey and the relaxed satisfaction of those who have just returned, sharing stories of their adventures. But even for those not embarking on a multi-day trek, Pokhara offers a wealth of activities. It is Nepal’s adventure capital, a place where you can experience the thrill of paragliding alongside Himalayan griffons, take an ultralight flight for an up-close view of the peaks, or go zip-lining and white-water rafting.

A journey to Pokhara is a journey into a world of relaxed charm and epic landscapes. It is a place to recharge your batteries, whether that means embarking on a challenging mountain adventure or simply sitting in a lakeside cafe with a book, watching the colourful boats drift by. It is a city that perfectly balances the thrill of adventure with the profound peace of its natural setting, making it one of the most beloved destinations in all of the Himalayas.

Key Attractions:

• Phewa Lake: The beautiful heart of Pokhara. Hiring a colourful wooden rowboat (doonga) and paddling out onto the lake is the quintessential Pokhara experience. You can row to the small island in the middle of the lake, which houses the sacred Tal Barahi Temple. The reflections of the Annapurna range on the water during the early morning are a photographer’s dream.

• World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa): Perched on a high hill on the southern shore of Phewa Lake, this brilliant white stupa is a beacon of peace. The stupa itself is beautiful, but the main reason to visit is for the absolutely stunning, panoramic view it offers of the lake, the city of Pokhara, and the entire Annapurna mountain range. The view at sunrise is particularly spectacular.

• Sarangkot: A small village located on a hill to the north of Phewa Lake, Sarangkot is the world-famous viewpoint for watching the sunrise over the Himalayas. A pre-dawn drive takes you to the viewpoint to witness the first rays of sun hit the peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, turning them from soft pink to dazzling gold. It is also the primary launch point for paragliding in Pokhara.

• Devi’s Fall (Patale Chhango): A unique and powerful waterfall. Here, the Pardi Khola stream disappears underground into a mysterious, deep cavern. The sight and sound of the water plunging into the earth is dramatic and impressive, especially during the monsoon season.

• Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave: Located directly across the road from Devi’s Fall, this sacred cave is a major pilgrimage site. A winding staircase leads you deep underground into a series of caverns. In the main cave, you can see a massive stalagmite that is revered as a sacred Shiva Lingam. A further passage leads to a thrilling viewpoint where you can see the roaring waters of Devi’s Fall from below.

• International Mountain Museum: A modern and well-curated museum dedicated to the mountains of Nepal and the history of mountaineering. It houses a fantastic collection of artifacts from historic expeditions, information on the geology and ecology of the Himalayas, and exhibits on the different ethnic groups that inhabit the mountain regions. It is an essential visit for anyone interested in mountaineering.

• Seti River Gorge: The Seti Gandaki river flows directly through the city, but for much of its course, it is invisible, hidden deep within a narrow, powerful gorge. There are several viewpoints in the city, like the one at Mahendra Pul, where you can peer down into the deep, milky-white canyon and marvel at the force of the river.

• Old Pokhara: A walk through the old part of the city, north of the main tourist area, offers a glimpse into the town’s past. Here you can see traditional Newari architecture, old brick houses with decorated windows, and important local temples like the Bindhyabasini Temple.