Things to do in  Pokhara

Pokhara is Nepal’s second most famous city, popular with trekkers as a gateway to trails in the Annapurnas. It’s also perfect for relaxing, with bars and restaurants lining Phewa Lake and crisp views of the holy Fishtail Mountain. Pokhara is also known for watching the sunrise or paragliding at Sarangkot.

Wake up early and jog or drive to Sarangkot for sunrise. Return to Lakeside for breakfast, then take a rowboat across to Devi’s Falls and walk up to the Peace Pagoda. Come back to Lakeside for an afternoon massage and sunset cocktails overlooking Phewa Lake.

For its relaxed vibe, temperate climate, and magnificent views of the white-capped Annapurnas, Pokhara is worth visiting. If it’s a stopover before or after trekking or the main destination itself for a city break, yoga detox, or as a base for day tours, Pokhara should be on your Nepal itinerary.

Boating on Phewa Lake in a primary-colored wooden row boat, watching the sunrise over the Annapurnas at Sarangkot, hiking up to the World Peace Pagoda, cycling around the lake, and paragliding are some of the top attractions in Pokhara. The German bakeries and cocktails at sunset are also not to be missed.

Book at least two nights or longer in Pokhara. It takes either a flight or a long drive to get there from the major towns, so you might as well make it worth your while. It takes a few days to fully unwind and get used to the slower pace of life in Pokhara.

Spring and fall are the best times to visit Pokhara when the monsoon rains have stopped and the temperatures are pleasant. These are the main trekking seasons, so you’ll share the city with many other tourists. But it’s worth it for the crisp Annapurna views.