What makes Pokhara the perfect mixture of adventure, peace, and natural beauty?
Pokhara, located in the heart of Nepal, is a city everyone must visit at least once in their lifetime. Gateway to several trekking routes, such as the Annapurna Circuit, Poon Hill, Khumai, and others, the city is famous for its history, traditions, natural beauty, and lifestyle.
As a travel freak, I find Pokhara the best destination for enjoying diverse activities. Within a day, I can spiritually connect with Goddess Durga in the middle of Fewa Lake during the peaceful morning hours. Later, I can experience the thrill of flying over Pokhara in a paraglider, enjoying stunning views of the Pokhara Valley, the surrounding hills, and the majestic mountains.
As the sun goes down, I can relax my mind while watching the golden hour view of the sun, clouds, and the Annapurna Range from various viewpoints. It is a place where adventure and peace live side by side. And the best part is, I don’t have to travel far to find it.
Here are the activities you, as a travel lover from any corner of the world, can do within the Pokhara Valley.
11 Things to Do in Pokhara, Nepal
1. Walk Along the Lakeside and Talbarahi Temple
Fewa or Phewa Lake is the biggest lake in Pokhara and is considered one of the major tourist destinations in Nepal. This is where you can spend your whole day without getting bored.
Simply begin your day with a peaceful boat ride to Talbarahi Temple, which is located in the middle of Fewa Lake. There, you can offer your prayers to the goddess Durga.
You can then walk around the lakeshore of Fewa Lake throughout the day, enjoying the incredible views while taking pictures from various angles.
In the evening, participate in a cultural performance (Maha-Aarti) and dine at one of the many restaurants facing the lake.
2. Hike to Peace Pagoda and Shiva Statue
You can hire a boat from the Lakeside to cross the lake to the other end and start a 50-minute hike to the Peace Pagoda, where you can relax in the quiet surroundings of the stupa.
Hike for another hour to reach the Shiva Statue, Pumdikot, from which you can take in the stunning views of the Pokhara Valley, Fewa Lake, and the mountains, after addressing your prayers to Lord Shiva.
Alternatively, you can book a cab from any place in Pokhara to reach both destinations, which will take between 20-30 minutes.
3. Enjoy Stand Up Paddleboarding in Fewa Lake
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), which is currently gaining popularity, is a great way to spend time with loved ones, friends, and family. This well-liked water sport involves standing or sitting on a board and moving across the water using a paddle.
The reservations can be made online with various applications or websites, or through several agents near the lake. Anyone can participate in this enjoyable sport with expert guidance.
4. Paragliding
One of the most popular things tourists do when they visit Pokhara is paragliding, which takes around 30 minutes from Lakeside to Sarangkot. The landscape is amazing, especially while flying over the small villages, lakes, jungles, and historic monasteries.
The flights are very reasonably priced. You can make bookings at local or nearby tour agencies or through online apps.
5. Recharge Your Mind and Body at a Spa
Pokhara is known for paragliding, trekking, ziplining, boating, and other adventurous activities. After these intense activities, getting proper relaxation is mandatory.
A spa visit is perfect for relaxing sore muscles and recharging for more thrilling and exciting adventures. Many spas in Pokhara are located near the Lakeside or surrounded by mountains, providing a peaceful environment that enhances the wellness experience.
Here, professionals use authentic traditional therapies using local herbs and ancient techniques for physical and mental healing. My personal favorite is Ayurveda Spa & Salon.
6. Ride a Hot Air Balloon
The newly introduced adventurous activity in Nepal, hot air ballooning, is widely gaining popularity. You can enjoy the 360-degree views of Pokhara Valley and the mountain range and take photos and videos for 30 to 45 minutes in the chilled air above the lake city.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience perfect for showcasing on social media and leaving your followers in wonder. Make your reservation from the websites or various tour agencies around Pokhara.
7. ATV Adventure
Every adventure enthusiast should experience Pokhara’s newly developed, exhilarating All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) adventure trip. ATVs are simply off-road vehicles.
The ride offers you an overview of the culture, history, and nature, along with great views of Fewa Lake and a fun off-road trip through hills and forests. You can book a ride via websites.
Also Read: Things to Do in Nepal Other Than Trekking
8. View of Sunrise, Sunset, and Annapurna Range
Sarangkot is among the most prominent sights in Pokhara, you should not miss out on it. At Sarangkot, you may witness some of the most breathtaking sunrises, sunsets, and the breathtaking Annapurna Range Valley. Activities like zip lines and sky paragliding are also famous here.
Similarly, Thulakot and Kaudada are two other popular places to spot the mesmerizing 360-degree view of sunrise and sunset, Pokhara Valley, and the mountain range. It’s a 30-minute ride to Kaudada and 50 minutes to Thulakot from Lakeside.
9. Visit Famous Lakes in Pokhara
Pokhara is known as the city of lakes. Some of the lakes you should explore are:
- Begnas Lake: It is the second largest lake in the Pokhara Valley. It is around 45 minutes away from Fewa Lake. There are hotels, lodges, and restaurant choices for tourists, and people can enjoy boating and swimming in the lake.
- Rupa Lake: It is almost one hour away from Lakeside. This lake offers peace, natural beauty, and a vibrant environment for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and those seeking a peaceful getaway.
- Khaste Lake: It is a beautiful freshwater lake. Located only 40 minutes from Fewa Lake, it is the best destination for those wanting a tranquil escape.
- Gude and Neureni Lake: It provides a peaceful retreat in the middle of nature, showing how biological diversity and cultural heritage may coexist. These lakes are divided by a small land barrier. It takes around forty minutes to get there from Lakeside.
- Dipang Lake: It is one of the smaller lakes in the Pokhara and Kaski area. It is home to a variety of fish and aquatic plants. This lake is a popular spot for a picnic and is often called Honeymoon Lake. It is located just 15 minutes away from Begnas Lake.
- Maidi Lake: It is quite similar to Dipang Lake and is only a 5-minute walk away from Dipang Lake. While still unknown to most tourists, many eco-tourists, local people, and cultural explorers are gradually taking notice of Maidi Lake.
10. Cafe Hopping in Pame
Since Pokhara is the city of lakes, you can find many lakeside cafes and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy food and drinks with a stunning lake view.
Some of my personal favourites are Krazy Gecko, Beach Lodge and Bar, and Coco Beach. And do not forget to visit Palm Beach and Lounge. It features a gate similar to the Bali gate, where you can take pictures, making it perfect for capturing memories or uploading them to social media.
11. Movie Garden
Movie Garden, located in Pokhara, is Nepal’s first outdoor amphitheater. It offers thrills you have never had before. You can watch classic movies paired with food and beverages while watching the stars shine.
They show different films every night, from comedies to classics, musicals, and documentaries for you to relax and enjoy. It is just a short, uphill stroll from Lakeside Street.
Conclusion
Pokhara, located in the heart of Nepal, is a perfect spot where adventure meets tranquility, set among stunning nature. From participating in adventurous activities to meditating in peaceful nature, Pokhara gives everything.
Experience Nepal’s nature and culture in all their beauty in Pokhara, where every moment is an invitation to explore and be fascinated.
Also Read Best Places for One Day Trip Near Kathmandu
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the famous thing in Pokhara?
Pokhara is famous for its stunning natural beauty, especially Phewa Lake, a range of mountains like Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri range, and adventure activities like paragliding and trekking.
What food is Pokhara famous for?
Pokhara is known for Thakali Khana Set, fish (machha), and a variety of international cuisines popular among tourists.
What is the old name of Pokhara?
The old name of Pokhara was Pokhari Bazar, which refers to its early days as a small trading town around ponds and lakes.
Asmita is a travel enthusiast who enjoys discovering new places, trying local dishes, and finding hidden gems across Nepal. As a writer for Travel Nepal Guides, she shares honest tips and personal experiences to help travelers explore Nepal with confidence.
