Pokhara

Pokhara is the second-largest city in Nepal after the capital, Kathmandu. It is the tourism capital of Nepal and attracts thousands of tourists each year for trekking, adventure sports, vacations, and sightseeing.

Pokhara is widely known as the “City of Lakes” because of the many freshwater lakes found across the valley, including the Famous Phewa Lake.

This close connection with lakes is also reflected in the city’s name. The word "Pokhara" comes from the Nepali word pokhari, which means "pond" or "lake."

Pokhara is the main gateway to the Annapurna region. It is the starting point for popular trekking routes such as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The city is especially memorable for the Machhapuchhre peak, which dominates the skyline.

Where Is Pokhara Located?

Pokhara sits in Kaski District, Gandaki Province, in central Nepal. It is roughly 200 kilometres west of Kathmandu.

The city is located at an altitude of 822 metres (2,697 feet), beside Phewa Lake. It is spread over 464.24 square kilometres of land.

The Pokhara Valley lies between the Mahabharat hills to the south and the Annapurna Himalayas to the north. The Seti Gandaki River flows through Pokhara and has carved deep gorges through the valley.

The city directly borders Parbat and Syangja districts to the west, and Syangja and Tanahun districts to the south.

Province	Gandaki Province
District	Kaski District
Elevation	About 822 m / 2,697 ft
Distance from Kathmandu	About 200 km / 124 miles west
Latitude	28.2096° N
Longitude	83.9856° E

What is Pokhara famous for?

Pokhara has a way of pulling people in and surrounding them with nature, relaxation, and full of things to do without ever feeling rushed.

• Phewa Lake and Lakeside

Phewa Lake is at the heart of Pokhara’s identity. It is the city’s best-known lake and the main reason the Lakeside area became Pokhara’s tourism centre.

The eastern shore of Phewa Lake is known as Lakeside Pokhara. This is where many of the city’s hotels, trekking agencies, cafés, restaurants, equipment shops, and souvenir stores are concentrated.

 

• Famous Machhapuchhre Peak

Pokhara is famous for close-up views of the Himalayas. The Annapurna mountain range rises north of the city which is visible from Pokhara Valley when the weather is clear.

The most recognizable is Machhapuchhre, or Fishtail Mountain, at 6,993 metres. It is instantly recognisable because of its sharp, twin-peaked summit, which resembles the tail of a fish. The mountain is visible from most parts of the main city, including the lakeside.

Other visible mountains include Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and parts of the Dhaulagiri range.

• Adventure Sports

Pokhara offers an incredible lineup of high-flying aerial activities for thrill-seekers. You can experience world-class tandem paragliding, scenic ultralight flights, hot air ballooning, and seasonal skydiving.

For ground and water-based action, the city features a wide variety of intense adrenaline sports. This includes extreme ziplining, bungee jumping, canyoning, white-water rafting, mountain biking, and ATV quad biking.

• Gateway to the Annapurna Region

Pokhara sits right at the edge of the Annapurna region, which is why so many trekking routes pass through the city.

From here, roads lead toward the foothill villages and trailheads that open into the Annapurna landscape. Trekkers either start their trek from Pokhara or return to the city to complete their journey.

• Peace and Wellness

Pokhara is also known for the calm atmosphere. Away from the busier streets, this peaceful setting has made it a popular place for yoga, meditation, massage, Ayurveda, and wellness retreats. Many trekkers stay for a few extra days after a trek simply to rest, recover, and enjoy the slower rhythm of the city.

20 Places to Visit in Pokhara

Pokhara has attractions spread across the city, Lakeside, nearby hills, and quieter parts of the valley. Some places are within walking distance of the main tourist area, while others require a short drive, boat ride, or uphill journey.

1. Tal Barahi Temple at Fewa Lake

Tal Barahi Temple (also known as the Lake Temple) is a famous two-story pagoda temple located on a small island in the middle of Phewa Lake.

The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Barahi, the protector deity representing the female force (Shakti). You can reach the temple by boat from the Lakeside shore.

2. Sarangkot

Sarangkot is a famous hilltop village at an elevation of 1,600 meters in Pokhara above Phewa Lake. It is one of the city’s most popular sunrise viewpoints and offers wide views towards the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges on clear mornings.

3. World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa)

The World Peace Pagoda, also known as Shanti Stupa, sits on Anadu Hill on the southern side of Phewa Lake at 1,100 m elevation. It gives a wide view over Pokhara city, Phewa Lake, and the Annapurna range.

The large white Buddhist stupa was built as a symbol of peace. Four Buddha images face the four main directions.

You can take a short boat ride from Lakeside across Phewa Lake, then climb the steep stone staircases to reach the stupa. Or, you can take a taxi or drive via Damside or Khapaudi to the nearby parking lot, followed by a short walk to the top.

4. Devi's Fall

Devi’s Falls is located in Chhorepatan, in the southern part of the city, and is easy to reach from Lakeside. Locally, it is also known as Patale Chhango, meaning "Underworld's Waterfall."

The waterfall is uniquely famous because its rushing waters crash into a deep, narrow gorge and completely disappear into a 500-foot underground tunnel system.

5. Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave is located directly across the road from Devi’s Falls in Chhorepatan. The cave’s entry is made via a striking, modern concrete spiral staircase.

Within the dark cave, you can see shrines and statues dedicated to Shiva and other Hindu deities. The cave contains a sacred Shiva shrine, limestone formations, and a deeper section where water from Devi’s Falls can be seen passing through the rock.

6. Mahendra Cave

Mahendra Cave is a natural limestone cave located in Batulechaur, in the northern part of Pokhara. It sits north from the main Lakeside area. It is known for its underground passages and natural stalactite and stalagmite formations.

7. Bindhyabasini Temple

Bindhyabasini Temple is one of the oldest and most important Hindu temples in Pokhara. It is located on a small hill in the northern part of the city, near the old bazaar area.

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bindhyabasini, a form of Durga. Devotees visit throughout the year to offer flowers, incense, and prayers, with the temple becoming especially busy during major Hindu festivals such as Dashain.

8. International Mountain Museum

The International Mountain Museum is located in the Rato Pairo area of Pokhara, southeast of Lakeside.

The museum focuses on mountaineering, Himalayan geography, mountain cultures, and the history of major expeditions.

Inside, visitors can see displays on famous climbers, traditional climbing equipment, photographs, maps, and information about Nepal’s major peaks.

9. Old Pokhara Bazaar

Old Pokhara Bazaar is located north of the modern city centre, around the traditional trading areas near Bindhyabasini Temple. The neighbourhood feels more local than Lakeside, with shops, temples, markets, and older Newari-influenced buildings.

10. Begnas Lake

Begnas Lake is the second largest lake in the Pokhara Valley and a much quieter alternative to Phewa Lake. It is located about 15 kilometres east of central Pokhara.

You can take a boat across the water, sit along the shore, or enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants overlooking the lake. Begnas is also closely connected to local life. Fishing and small-scale agriculture are common around the area

11. Rupa Lake

Rupa Lake is located east of Pokhara, close to Begnas Lake. It is the third largest lake in Pokhara.

A low ridge separates Rupa Lake from nearby Begnas Lake, and together they form a quiet twin-lake. Rupa Lake has a maximum depth of around 6 metres and is well suited for boating, canoeing, and fishing.

12. Tibetan Refugee Settlements

Pokhara is home to several Tibetan refugee settlements, including Tashi Palkhel, Tashiling, and Paljorling. These settlements are home to monasteries, handicraft centres, carpet-weaving workshops, local shops, and Tibetan restaurants.

13. Pokhara Disneyland

Pokhara Disneyland is a small amusement park located in the Khahare area of Lakeside, close to Phewa Lake and the main tourist strip. The park has a local fairground feel, with rides, games, bright lights, and a lively atmosphere after sunset.

14. Matepani Gumba

Matepani Gumba (also known as Karma Dubgyu Chokhorling) is a Buddhist monastery located on a small green hill in Kundahar (Matepani) area, east of the main city area.

Inside the monastery, visitors can see several eye-catching wall paintings, religious monuments, and beautifully decorated prayer spaces. One of the main highlights is the large meditating statue of Lord Buddha of about 11 feet tall.

15. Shiva Statue, Pumdikot

The Pumdikot Shiva Statue sits high on Pumdikot Hill south of central Pokhara. The statue of Lord Shiva stands about 51–52 feet tall.

The hill gives visitors a broad view over Pokhara Valley, Phewa Lake, the World Peace Pagoda, and the Himalayan skyline.

A short drive of 30 minutes from Lakeside can take you to the destination. You can also take a public bus which can take about 50 minutes.

16. Chamero Gufa (Bat Cave)

Chamero Gufa, or Bat Cave, is located in Batulechaur, around 10 km north of central Pokhara. It lies close to Mahendra Cave. The cave is best known for the thousands of bats that live inside it.

Chamero Gufa as a roughly 150-metre-long, U-shaped cave that is home to more than 15,000 bats of different species. Its entrance is narrow, but the interior opens into a much wider chamber.

17. Jangchub Choeling Monastery

Jangchub Choeling Monastery is located in Hemja, on the northern side of Pokhara Valley, around 10–12 km from the main city area. It sits near the Tashi Palkhel Tibetan settlement.

Inside the main shrine hall, visitors can see a seven-foot-tall Buddha statue plated with copper and gold, surrounded by hundreds of smaller Buddha figures.

18. Kedareshwor Mahadev Temple

Kedareshwar Mahadev Mani Temple is a peaceful Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located on the eastern shore of Phewa Lake at the southern end of Lakeside, Pokhara. It sits beautifully inside the Pokhara-Komagane Friendship Park.

19. Kaskikot Kalika Temple

Kaskikot Kalika Temple sits on the historic hilltop of Kaskikot, west of Pokhara, within Pokhara Metropolitan City. The temple is part of the old Kaskikot Durbar area.

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kalika and remains an important place of worship, especially during Dashain and Chaitra Dashain.

20. Gurkha Memorial Museum

The Gurkha Memorial Museum is a three-story building dedicated to honoring the exceptional bravery, history, and global contributions of the legendary Gurkha soldiers. It is located in the northern part of Pokhara, near the British Camp area.

How to Reach Pokhara City?

Pokhara is well connected with Kathmandu, Chitwan, Lumbini, and other major parts of Nepal by both air and road.

You can choose between a short domestic flight, tourist bus, private vehicle, or local transport depending on their budget and schedule.

By Air

Flying is the fastest way to reach Pokhara.

• From Kathmandu: Domestic flights operate between Tribhuvan International Airport and Pokhara International Airport. The flights take about 25-30 minutes and more than a dozen departures a day.
• From Bhairahawa: Gautam Buddha International Airport connects to Pokhara with a short 20 to 25 minute flight. It's best for tourists who want to combine Pokhara and a visit to Buddha's birthplace - Lumbini.

By Road

• From Kathmandu: The Prithvi Highway covers roughly 200 kilometres and takes 6 to 8 hours by tourist bus or private car, depending on traffic and road conditions.
• From Chitwan (Bharatpur or Sauraha): Around 4 to 5 hours, a common leg for travellers combining a jungle safari with the mountains.
• From Bhairahawa: Roughly 5 to 6 hours through hill roads, for travellers coming from Lumbini or nearby areas.

12 Things to Do in Pokhara

Pokhara appeals to both adventure seekers and travellers looking to relax. There are many fun, adventurous, and relaxing things you can do in Pokhara. Let’s have a look at them.

1. Boating on Phewa Lake

Rowboats and paddleboats are available all along Lakeside, and a boat ride to Tal Barahi Temple is one of the most relaxed ways to spend a morning.

2. Paragliding from Sarangkot

Pokhara is considered one of the best paragliding destinations in the world, with tandem flights launching from Sarangkot and drifting down over the lake.

3. Zip-lining

Pokhara's zip-line, Zipflyer, is one of the steepest and fastest in the world, dropping 600 metres over a 1.8-kilometre run.

4. Ultralight flights

A quieter alternative to paragliding, offering slow, scenic aerial views over the valley, lakes, and mountains.

5. Bungee jumping

Pokhara is home to Nepal's only tower bungee jump, an 80-metre platform near Hemja, with both solo and tandem options.

6. Rafting and Kayaking

Pokhara is also well positioned for river adventures. The Seti and Kali Gandaki rivers are among the waterways used for rafting trips in the region.

7. Mountain Biking

The hills and countryside around Pokhara are excellent for mountain biking. Popular routes run around Phewa Lake, Sarangkot, Naudanda, Dhampus, Begnas Lake, and nearby rural villages.

8. Hot Air Balloon Ride

A hot air balloon ride offers a slower and more peaceful way to see Pokhara from above. The balloon drifts over the valley while passengers take in wide views of the countryside, Pokhara city, and the mountains.

9. Skydiving

For travellers looking for a more extreme aerial adventure, skydiving is also available in Pokhara. Jumps take place above the Pokhara Valley. Both tandem and solo jumps are offered, depending on experience and availability.

10. Sunrise at Sarangkot

Watching dawn break over the Annapurna range from Sarangkot is one of the most popular activities in the city, whether reached by taxi, hike, or cable car.

11. Yoga and wellness retreats

Pokhara's relaxed pace has made it a hub for yoga studios, meditation retreats, and Ayurvedic spa treatments, popular with trekkers recovering from a big hike.

12. Lakeside evenings

Restaurants, live music venues, and cafés line Phewa Lake, offering a genuinely different pace after dark than daytime sightseeing.

Best Time to Visit Pokhara

Pokhara can be visited throughout the year, but autumn and spring are generally the best seasons.

Spring (March to May)

Spring brings warmer days to Pokhara and is another excellent season for outdoor activities. March usually begins with comfortable temperatures, while April becomes warmer and May can feel hot during the afternoon.

The mornings can still provide clear mountain views, although haze and clouds may become more common as the season moves towards May.

Around the city, gardens, forests, and surrounding hills become greener, while rhododendrons bloom along higher hiking and trekking routes.

Spring is a particularly good time for paragliding, boating, hiking, trekking, cycling, sightseeing, and visiting hilltop attractions. Holi also brings a colourful atmosphere to parts of Pokhara in March.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is widely considered the best time to visit Pokhara. The monsoon begins to withdraw in September, leaving the valley greener and the air cleaner.

By October and November, days are generally dry and pleasant, with clearer skies and excellent visibility.

Inside the city, daytime temperatures are comfortable for walking around Lakeside, boating on Phewa Lake, visiting temples, exploring Old Pokhara, and spending time at outdoor viewpoints.

Early mornings are particularly good for seeing Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range, especially from Sarangkot and around Phewa Lake.

Autumn is also one of the best seasons for paragliding, hiking, trekking, mountain biking, and sunrise trips.

Dashain and Tihar usually fall during this period, adding festivals, decorations, and local celebrations to the experience.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Pokhara is generally dry, with cool mornings and evenings but relatively pleasant afternoons.

Temperatures inside the valley are much milder than in the high mountains. Early mornings can feel quite cold, especially near the lake and at elevated viewpoints.

The benefit of winter is the visibility. Clear winter mornings can provide some of the sharpest views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range.

Winter works well for city sightseeing and day hikes. Travellers heading to higher elevations should expect much colder conditions than those experienced within Pokhara city.

Monsoon (June to August)

Monsoon brings Pokhara its heaviest rainfall of the year. Days are warm and humid, with periods of heavy rain, cloudy skies, and occasional clear breaks between showers.

The mountains are often hidden behind clouds, so this is not the most reliable season for Himalayan views.

However, Pokhara looks completely different during these months. The surrounding hills become deep green, Phewa and Begnas lakes are full, and Devi's Falls becomes particularly impressive because of the increased water flow.

Boating and outdoor adventure activities depend heavily on daily weather conditions.

Season	Daytime	Nighttime
Spring	20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F)	12°C to 18°C (54°F to 64°F)
Summer/Monsoon	25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F)	18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F)
Autumn	20°C to 27°C (68°F to 81°F)	10°C to 16°C (50°F to 61°F)
Winter	15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F)	0°C to 8°C (32°F to 46°F)

Culture and Festivals in Pokhara

Pokhara’s culture is shaped by the many communities that have lived in and around the valley for generations.

Gurung, Magar, Newar, Brahmin, Chhetri, Thakali, and Tibetan communities have all influenced the city’s food, festivals, temples, monasteries, music, dress, and everyday traditions.

Hinduism and Buddhism are the two most visible religions in Pokhara.

The Gurung community has an especially strong connection with Pokhara and the surrounding hills. Traditional Gurung music, dance, dress, and festivals are still an important part of local cultural life.

Festivals in Pokhara

• Dashain and Tihar

  Dashain and Tihar are Nepal’s two biggest Hindu festivals and are celebrated widely across Pokhara.

  During the 15-Day Dashain celebration, families gather, visit relatives, receive blessings from elders, fly kites, and take part in religious ceremonies.

  During Tihar, people worship crows, dogs, cows, and Goddess Laxmi. Homes and businesses are decorated with lights, oil lamps, flowers, and colourful rangoli designs which give a festive atmosphere in the evening.

• Tamu Lhosar

  The New Year festival of the Gurung, or Tamu, community is usually celebrated in December or early January. Festivities include traditional music and dance, cultural performances, traditional dress, and community feasts.

• Holi

  The festival of colours, also known as Fagu Purnima, is celebrated enthusiastically around Lakeside each March with crowds, water balloons, water, and coloured powder.

• Teej

  A major Hindu festival, particularly associated with women, involving fasting, prayer, singing, and dancing. It is generally celebrated in August or September.

• Maha Shivaratri

  Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this festival brings devotees to Shiva temples for prayers, offerings, fasting, and night-time religious observances. It usually falls in February or March.

• Thote

  An indigenous Gurung or Tamu community festival held in some areas of Pokhara, generally during the months of March and September. This festival includes cultural events, traditional music, dancing, and food for community members.

Other Pokhara-specific events

• Pokhara Street Festival

  A major Lakeside event held around the end of December and New Year. It features cultural performances, food stalls, music, parades, boat races, and other recreational activities. citeenglis.

• Phewa Festival

  Usually organised around Nepali New Year in mid-April, this tourism and cultural festival centres on Phewa Lake and Lakeside, with food, music, cultural performances, and water-based activities.

• Pokhara Festival or Pokhara Mahotsav

  A large commercial and cultural fair that includes concerts, exhibitions, local products, food, and business events. Its timing and format can vary from year to year.

History of Pokhara

Long before tourism, Pokhara was a trading post. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the valley sat on a trade route linking India and Tibet, with caravans passing through carrying salt, wool, and other goods, a role that shaped the city's early diversity.

In 1815, the British East India Company began recruiting Gurkha soldiers from the hills around Pokhara, establishing a recruitment depot that brought steady traffic and income to the area for generations. Being selected as a Gurkha soldier remains a point of considerable pride in the region today.

The city's demographics shifted again in 1959, when the Dalai Lama fled Tibet and Pokhara received an influx of Tibetan refugees. While many moved on to settlements in India, some stayed, establishing camps that grew into lasting communities with their own monasteries and craft traditions.

Pokhara remained difficult to reach by outsiders until 1968, when the first road connection to the rest of Nepal was completed.

Tourism developed quickly after that, with backpackers and trekkers arriving through the 1960s and 70s, drawn by the mountains and the city's relaxed atmosphere.

Tourism continued to grow over the following decades, shaping Pokhara into the relaxed, traveller-friendly city it is today. By the 21st century, it had become Nepal's second-largest city and the country's leading adventure tourism hub.

Where to Stay in Pokhara?

Lakeside is where most visitors stay, and for good reason: it puts hotels, restaurants, trekking agencies, and the lake itself all within easy walking distance.

• Budget guesthouses, homestays, and hostels are widely available around Lakeside. They usually offer simple private rooms, while some hostels provide shared facilities and a sociable atmosphere suited to backpackers and solo travellers.
• Mid-range hotels provide private rooms, attached bathrooms, breakfast, Wi-Fi, and other conveniences at moderate prices. Some have views of Phewa Lake or the surrounding mountains, although views depend on the property’s location, room, and weather.
• Luxury hotels and resorts are available along quieter sections of Lakeside and in nearby areas such as Damside and Sedi. These properties offer swimming pools, gardens, spas, lake views, and full-service restaurants, making them suitable for travellers seeking extra comfort before or after a trek.

Popular Foods in Pokhara

Pokhara offers a mix of traditional Nepali food, fresh lake fish, Tibetan cuisine, street food, and international dishes.

• Dal bhat: Steamed rice, lentil soup, and a rotating set of side dishes, vegetables, curry, pickles, and yoghurt. It's the everyday meal of Nepal and widely available at every price point.
• Momos: Steamed or fried dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, found on nearly every menu in the city.
• Thukpa: A Tibetan-influenced noodle soup, warming and filling, especially popular in cooler months.
• Fish from the lakes: Being a lake city, Pokhara has its own fish specialties, worth trying alongside the usual Nepali staples.
  • Fried trout or fried fish: Usually rainbow trout from local fish farms, marinated and deep-fried until crisp.
  • Poleko machha: Fish pan-cooked with minimal oil, flavoured with local spices.
  • Bhitte tareko: Small fish, deep-fried whole and eaten as a crunchy snack or side dish.
  • Saruwa: A rich, spiced fish head soup, considered a delicacy by many locals.
• Street food: Pani puri, samosas, pakoras, and the Newari sweet dumpling yomari are all easy to find, particularly around Mahendrapul and Chipledhunga, the city's older market areas.

Tibetan and Himalayan Foods

Thanks to Pokhara's Tibetan community, authentic Tibetan and Himalayan dishes are widely available throughout the city; this includes:

• Tibetan momos: Often heartier and more simply seasoned than the city-style momos found elsewhere in Pokhara.
• Thenthuk: A hand-pulled noodle soup, with a fried version that adds a crispy edge to the noodles.
• Gyurma: Tibetan blood sausage, usually pan-fried and served with chili sauce.
• Shabaley or shapta: Fried or stir-fried meat, often beef or buffalo, cooked with onions and spices.
• Tingmo: Steamed, fluffy bread, made for scooping up stews and curries rather than eating on its own.
• Butter tea: A salted Tibetan tea made with butter and tea leaves, warming and an acquired taste for most first-timers, common in Tibetan-run eateries around the city.

For international food, the Lakeside strip offers everything from Italian to Korean cuisine, along with numerous cafés serving Western breakfasts and baked goods.

Best Day Hikes from Pokhara

The following are some of the best hiking trails around the city.

• Sarangkot Viewpoint Walk: A popular half-day outing with panoramic views of Phewa Lake, Pokhara Valley, and the Annapurna range. A taxi can take you close to the viewpoint, while walking from Lakeside involves a 2–3-hour uphill hike.
• Dhampus Village Trail: Usually reached by a 30–45 minute taxi ride from Lakeside to Phedi, followed by a scenic 2–3-hour uphill walk through terraced hillsides, forest, and traditional Gurung settlements.
• Begnas Lake and Begnaskot Hike: A quieter alternative to Sarangkot, combining lakeside scenery with a climb through rural hillsides to Begnaskot. The hike covers about 6–7 km and takes around 2–3 hours one way.
• World Peace Pagoda Hike: A forested trail from the southern shore of Phewa Lake to the Shanti Stupa, usually reached by a short boat ride from Lakeside. The hike covers about 2–3 km and takes around 1–1.5 hours one way, with views over Phewa Lake, Pokhara, and the Annapurna range.

Popular Treks Starting from/Ending in Pokhara

Below are some of the most popular treks Starting from/Ending in Pokhara.

• Annapurna Base Camp Trek: An 11-day classic route into the Annapurna Sanctuary, passing through Gurung and Magar villages and Poon Hill's sunrise viewpoint on the way to the base camp itself.
• Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek: A shorter, beginner-friendly trek built around the famous sunrise viewpoint at Poon Hill (3,210m), with panoramic views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range.
• Mardi Himal: A quieter, less-travelled Mardi Himal ridge, ideal for trekkers who want to reach Mardi Himal Base Camp.
• Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake: A longer, more demanding route crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416m) and detouring to Tilicho Lake, the world's highest lake, for trekkers seeking a bigger, more varied Himalayan journey.

FAQs 

How high is Pokhara?

Pokhara sits at approximately 822 m / 2,697 ft above sea level.

How far is Pokhara from Kathmandu?

Pokhara is about 200 kilometres from Kathmandu. The flight takes 25 to 30 minutes, while the drive takes 6 to 8 hours by tourist bus or private car.

Can you see Mount Everest from Pokhara?

No. Mount Everest is too far east to be seen from Pokhara. Instead, the city offers views of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, and the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) peak.

How many days should you spend in Pokhara?

Three to four days is enough for the main sights, boating, and a day hike. Travellers combining Pokhara with a trek into the Annapurna region typically add several more days before or after.

Do you need a permit to visit Pokhara itself?

No. Pokhara is a regular city and requires no special permit to visit. Permits are only required once you head into the Annapurna Conservation Area for trekking.