Best 15 must-visit places in Pokhara
1) Phewa Lake:
Phewa Lake is the center of attraction in Pokhara. It is a beautiful lake surrounded by a bustling Lakeside Market. Like Thamle in Kathmandu, Lakeside Market is the tourist hub in Pokhara.
You can see stunning views of Mt. Fishtail and Annapurna range on the horizon of the lake. Kayaking and boating are quite popular among the travelers.
2) World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa):
Located on a hilltop, the World Peace Pagoda is an iconic landmark in Pokhara. You can see a panoramic view of Pokhara Valley, Phewa Lake, and Annapurna Range from here. The pagoda was built to establish peace and harmony.
3) Davis Falls (Patale Chhango):
Davis Falls is a stunning waterfall that disappears into an underground tunnel. During the monsoon season, the cascade of this waterfall is incredible.
4) Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave:
Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave is a sacred cave dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated near Davis Falls. Inside the cave, you can see natural rock formations and a view of Davis Falls.
5) Sarangkot:
Sarangkot, located at 1,600 meters, is a viewpoint. It is also famous for paragliding. You can see many paragliders here. From here, you can see a gorgeous sunrise, an aerial view of Pokhara city, and breathtaking mountain views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Fishtail.
6) International Mountain Museum:
The International Mountain Museum exhibits the culture, history, and biodiversity of the Himalayas. Likewise, you will also learn about famous expeditions, local communities, and mountaineering.
7) Bindhyabasini Temple:
Bindhyabasini Temple is an important religious center for Hindus. It is also a pilgrimage site. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and offers a fantastic glimpse into Nepalese religious faith and customs.
8) Begnas Lake:
Begnas Lake is located around 15 kilometers east of Pokhara in a peaceful setting. Unlike the Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake is not bustling and is surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and terraced farms. It is a great place to boat, swim, and fish.
9) Rupa Lake:
Rupa Lake is one of the least talked about lakes in Pokhara. It is located in the southeast part of the valley. The lake is untouched and serene.
If you want to escape from the bustle of the city, Rupa Lake is a fantastic alternative. It is also a great place to watch local and migratory birds.
10) Seti River Gorge:
Seti River Gorge is a fascinating place where you can see dramatic scenery. The gorge descends over 50 meters in some sections. You can see a superb view of the gorge from the Mahendra Bridge or KI Singh Bridge.
11) Mahendra Cave:
Mahendra Cave is an excellent limestone cave. This cave is popular for its unique rock formations and mysterious aura. The cave has impressive stalactites and stalagmites, making it a perfect place for adventurers and geology enthusiasts. There is also a temple inside the cave.
12) Bat Cave (Chamero Gufa):
Bat Cave is the most thrilling attraction in Pokhara. The unique formation of the cave and home to thousands of bats, a visit here will be quite adventurous.
It is also a limestone cave. The cave has dark, narrow passages, and crawling through a small opening is required to enter the cave.
13) Old Bazaar and Kali Temple:
In the Old Bazaar, you will see exquisite Newari architecture. It is a vibrant market that displays a range of vendors selling all sorts of foods, drinks, sourinvers, spices, etc.
Likewise, the Kali Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. The temple holds historic importance for the locals.
14) Tibetan Refugee Camp:
The Tibetan Refugee Camp is an ideal place if you want to learn about Tibetan culture and heritage. It was established in the 1960s to provide shelter to Tibetan refugees, which later became a permanent area. You will visit the Jangchub Choeling monastery here.
15) Gurkha Memorial Museum:
The Gurkha Memorial Museum showcases the history, legacy, and bravery of Gurkha soldiers. The museum has a fantastic collection of uniforms, weapons, artifacts, and photographs. You will learn a lot about the courageous Gurkha warriors in the museum.
Best 10 Activities you can do in Pokhara:
Apart from exploring tourist sites, you can also do many other adventurous, fun, and exciting activities in Pokhara. Not only that but you can also do relaxing activities.
Check the list below for more information:
- Paragliding
- Bungee jumping
- Day hiking
- Trekking
- Zip-lining
- Cycling
- Hot air balloon ride
- Helicopter tour
- Kayaking
- Rock climbing
Bonus:
- Yoga and meditation
- Street food tour
- Cooking class
- Pottery class
- Village tour
- Shopping
- Spa and massages
- Gateway in a luxury hotel or a resort
People Also Ask about Pokhara:
1) What makes Pokhara famous?
✓ Pokhara's laid-back ambiance makes it one of the most famous cities among foreigners in Nepal. The city is also the gateway to the popular Annapurna region, where trekking routes like Annapurna Base Camp, Ghorepani Poon Hill, Annapurna Circuit, Mardi Himal, Khopra Ride, etc, are situated. In Pokhara, you are living in a city and nature side by side.
2) What is the distance from Kathmandu to Pokhara?
✓ The road distance between Kathmandu and Pokhara is approximately 200 kilometers. You can cover this distance in 6 hours of driving. The highway is well made, and comfortable tourist standard buses are available at a reasonable price. You can also rent a private car.
3) How many famous lakes are there in Pokhara?
✓ Pokhara is known for its water bodies. There are many small and big lakes in and around Pokhara. We have listed the top four lakes below:
- Phewa Lake: It is the most popular lake and features Barahi Temple. The lake and surrounding area are a tourist hub in the city.
- Begnas Lake: Begnas Lake is more peaceful and serene. Away from the crowd, the lake is ideal for fishing, boating, and relaxing.
- Rupa Lake: Rupa Lake is relatively shorter but even more secluded. Not many travelers visit this lake, which makes it untouched. Fantastic is a place for birdwatching and solitary.
- Gude Lake: Gude Lake is a hidden gem in Pokhara. Situated amidst greenery and a peaceful atmosphere, the beauty of this lake is incredible.
4) What is the famous food to try in Pokhara?
✓ You will find all types of cuisine and trendy food in Pokhara. The options are limitless from vegan to gluten-free, vegetarian, and hala. Regardless of all the cuisines, we recommend local Nepali food. We have listed some of the must-try Nepali food below:
- Majhikuna grilled fish
- Thakali khana set
- Newari khaja set
- Chatamari
- Momo
- Local chowmein
- Stick food
- Sekuwa (Nepali BBQ)
- Tass
- Til ko achar
- Titaura
- Sel roti
- Dhido
- Syafalleh
- Street foods
Also Read: Best Foods in Kathmandu you Absolutely have to Try
5) Which three are the best clubbing places in Pokhara?
✓ Cat Walk and Club 16 are the two most famous clubs in Pokhara at the moment. These two clubs are quite known among youngsters. Likewise, the Old Blues Bar is another great place to hang out, hear good music, and dance.
6) Where are the nearest and shortest trekking places from Pokhara?
✓ Some of the nearest and shortest trekking places from Pokhara are mentioned below:
Day hike:
Short Trekking programs: We can customize the trek as per your availability
Conclusion:
Pokhara is a fantastic place to visit in Nepal. You can be in the city for months yet not find it boring. If you want to explore Pokhara, let us know. We will organize a Pokhara tour program for you at a very reasonable price.