Pokhara - The Lake City in Nepal

Many travelers have drawn inspiration from Pokhara's serene beauty. It is known as "the jewel in the Himalayas" for its clear air, stunning snow-capped peaks in the background, turquoise lakes, and lush surroundings. Pokhara is a fantastic place for both a weekend break and a long relaxing vacation, with the gorgeous Annapurna range serving as the backdrop and the tranquility of the Cluster of 9 Lakes, which has three big ones: Phewa, Rupa, and Begnas. Pokhara Valley, the entrance to the Annapurna region, is ranked highly on the list of "must-visit" locations in Nepal. Here, many trekkers find their Shangri-La.

Pokhara is formerly situated along a crucial commerce route connecting Tibet and India. Even today, mule trains still set up camp on the outskirts of the city to transport commodities from far-flung Himalayan locations, such as Mustang. The majority of the population is made up of Gurungs and Magars, who have gained worldwide recognition as formidable Gurkha warriors. Native to the Thak Khola district of Mustang, Thakalis are well-known for their business acumen and operate teahouses alongside the hiking routes in the Annapurna region. The breathtaking vista of the Annapurna range is what makes Pokhara famous. It is maybe one of the few locations on earth where mountains higher than 6,000 m can be seen clearly from an altitude of 800 m within a 28 km radius.

Many people's most enduring memory of Nepal is of Machhapuchhre's jagged "Fish Tail" mountain piercing the skyline or mirrored in the placid waters of Phewa Lake. In recent years, the Pokhara Valley has become more popular as a location for adventure sports including paragliding and light aircraft flights. Pokhara has everything, including boating, bird watching, trekking, and mountain riding.

How to get to Pokhara?

From Kathmandu, you can fly directly or drive to Pokhara. Similarly, you can fly or take a public bus to Pokhara from the border towns. Please also take a look here How To Find A Tourist Bus From Kathmandu To Pokhara

Accommodation in Pokhara

Pokhara offers a variety of lodging options, from luxurious world-class hotels and resorts that provide modern services and amenities to comfortable lodges with basic amenities.

Things to do in Pokhara

1. Paragliding: Unquestionably, paragliding is a popular outdoor activity in Nepal. The best paragliding experience has to be had in Pokhara, the ideal choice. Pokhara offers steady thermals, easy takeoff and landing areas, breathtaking mountain vistas, and the glistening Phewa Lake.

10:30 am, 12 pm, and 2 pm are the ideal times of day for paragliding. To generate the requisite thermal for lift, there must be sufficient heat. The finest months for paragliding coincide with the busiest months for trekking, such as September, October, November, February, March, and April. The views are clear during these months, and thermals can develop swiftly and soar up to 3,000 meters. So be ready to glide with the birds!

2. Ultralight Flight: Unquestionably, Pokhara is among the top locations in Nepal for thrilling adventures with Ultralight Flight. Discovering the undiscovered Himalayas and getting a bird's-eye perspective of Pokhara Valley and the magnificent Phewa Lake are wonderful. Flying through the picturesque Himalayan range at 9,000 feet above sea level will only take 15 minutes. You may take in the aerial view of Mt. Machhapuchhare, the snow-covered Annapurna range, Phewa Lake, and Pokhara Valley. After experiencing ultra-flight in Pokhara, you'll have priceless experiences to treasure for the rest of your life.

3. Ziplining: A brand-new, nevertheless alluring adventure sport that can amp up your pulse is Ziplining in Pokhara. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for thrill-seekers that you would find in Pokhara. Get ready to experience the 600 meter vertical drop, 1.8 km length, and 140+ km/hour speed of the world's fastest and highest zip line. You can experience the clear, magnificent, and gorgeous sights of the Annapurna range and the rolling, dense, green hills canopy below while participating in this thrilling and enjoyable activity. It will undoubtedly be a terrific experience for you. So eager to test your spirit and provide thrills and fun unlike anything you've ever had!

4. White Water Rafting: Every level of adventure seeker will benefit from rafting on the Seti River because it is both safe and simple. There are many simple, minor rapids on this gently flowing river. However, the strength of the rapids doubles and increases during the monsoon season, thrilling the rafters. The picturesque Seti River flows through valleys, hills, and beautiful forest scenery. Additionally, it provides a fantastic opportunity for bird viewing. Thus, white river rafting on the Seti River offers the ideal chance to take in some breathtaking river scenery in Nepal without having to navigate difficult or complicated rapids. Therefore, it is ideal for family vacations and kayaking lessons in Nepal.

5. Bungee Jumping: There are three bungee jump locations in Nepal: The Last Resort , High-ground Bungee Jump and Kushma Bungee Jump. Among them there are two around in Pokhara.

Another exhilarating activity you'll want to attempt while in Pokhara is Bungee Jumping. There is only one tower bungee(High-ground Bungee Jump)  in Nepal, but Pokhara is home to several stunning bridges, craggy canyons, and flowing rivers. It is around 25 kilometers from Pokhara's main city. You will experience a breathtaking 70-foot drop and 3-second free fall. Enjoy a spectacular fall while taking in the stunning alpine scenery that surrounds this bridge.

With a height of 228 meters, Kushma Bungee Jump is the second-highest bungee jump in the world and the highest in Nepal. The 520 Meter Suspension Bridge in the George of Kaligandaki River connects these two districts, Parbat and Baglung.  Kushma Bungee Jumping location is only 60 KM in distance from Pokhara. It can be reached within 2 hours from Pokhara.

6. Mountain Biking: A fantastic activity is mountain biking. You can choose to ride around the valley for a full or half day. The sparsely populated countryside, various tiny towns, etc. will give you the finest experience. You will also marvel at the breathtaking views of Machhapuchhare and the Annapurna range. Mountain biking excursions are an option for intermediate riders. Starting from Hallan Chowk, you can ride by the lake's edge and past traditional communities, paddy fields, and suspension bridges. You'll get the ideal riding experience traveling from the lakeside to Pame and then returning to Pokhara thanks to the lush green hills and stunning mountainside. On a mountain bike, you'll discover the ideal, peaceful track for yourself.

7. Hot Air Ballooning: To share a magical moment with your special someone, take a hot air balloon flight. The ideal way to celebrate with your loved ones on special events like anniversaries, marriage proposals, honeymoons, or birthdays is with a balloon trip over one of the most breathtaking places on earth. You'll be stuck with the alluring view of the fantastical scenery and enchanted lake as you lift off. For forty to sixty minutes of the journey, you will be softly floating over the Phewa Lake over the lush hills. You'll be taken aback by the lovely Pokhara valley, magnificent mountain views, and variety of scenic surroundings.

8. Boating or Kayaking in Fewa Lake: The most delightful leisure activity in Pokhara is boating or kayaking in Phewa Lake. You can hire a vibrant boat or kayak and go on a tour of the lovely Phewa Lake. The lake is wonderfully surrounded by green hills. You'll be mesmerized by the beauty of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhare summit reflected in the lake. Tal Barahi Temple is located in the center of the lake. Additionally, from the lakefront, you can see the white stupa perched atop the hills. Additionally, Pokhara's Begnas and Rupa Lakes are fantastic places to go boating and kayaking.

9. Day Hike to World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa): One of the best places to see the Pokhara Valley, Phewa Lake, and the Annapurna mountain range is Shanti Stupa. To get to the World Peace Pagoda, you can either climb there or drive there. To access the trailhead for hiking, you must take a boat over Phewa Lake. From there, you can begin to climb through the forests until you reach Pagoda. The trail is particularly interesting because it offers numerous stops from which you can see beautiful views of Pokhara Valley and Phewa Lake. The Shanti Stupa is a significant Buddhist structure in Nepal and a representation of peace. From lakeside, you can see the enormous white Pagoda in its entirety. You may take in the serene surroundings, beautiful views of Phewa Lake, the city below, the famous Annapurna range, and Mt. Machhapuchhare after you reach the summit.

10. Sunrise or Sunset Tour to Sarangkot Viewpoint:  Sarangkot viewpoint is renowned for its breathtaking sunrise/sunset views of the Dhaulagiri range, Annapurna, and Mount Machhapuchhare. It rises directly over Phewa Lake and is located on the outskirts of Pokhara. To get to the top of the hill, you can either drive there or trek there for three hours. You may witness a breathtaking dawn across the Annapurna and Machhapuchhare mountain range from Sarangkot. You'll be in awe as the sun slowly illuminates the Pokhara valley, which is encircled by the powerful Himalayas, against a backdrop of clear skies. With views of some of the highest mountains in the world, such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhare, Sarangkot sunrise view is the best sunrise viewing experience in the entire globe.

Highlighted places to visit in Pokhara

1. Davi’s Fall: Its official name is Patale Chhango, although it is better known as Davi’s waterfall. The fall is actually named for Mrs. Devi, a Swiss tourist who perished by accident when a dam on Phewa Lake overflowed. This waterfall is a little stream that emerges from Phewa Lake and flows through the valley below before passing through a small gorge and beginning a waterfall. The narrow gorge measures 500 feet in length and 100 feet in depth. The overflow of waters grows, especially during the monsoon season, and creates a pleasant area to explore. The stream flows through the Gupteswor Mahadev Cave at the existing gorge's narrowest point.

2. Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave:  This cave is one of Nepal's longest caves and a very sacred site for Hindus. You may hear the rumbling sound of water inside the cave because it is located across from Davis waterfall. You can see a Shiva lingam that has been kept and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Numerous statues and temples to Shiva and other Hindu deities including Paravati, Nageswor, and Saraswoti can be seen inside the cave. In addition, the dark, deep cave gives you a fantastic chance to discover the natural beauties in their most unadulterated state. You must move gently because the walkway may be slick from the constant trickles coming from the cave’s ceiling. Additionally, the Davi’s waterfall at the end of the tunnel is both fascinating and enigmatic.

3. Bindhyabasini Temple: The intriguing Bindhyabasini temple is one of Pokhara's most popular temples. The temple, perched on a hill, offers a serene view of the busy city of Pokhara. The goddess Durga, the protector deity of the Pokhara valley, is honored at the white pagoda-style temple. The temple also provides a captivating vista of Mt. Machhapuchhare and the Annapurna range. A considerable number of worshippers visit the temple to make sacrifices during the largest festival, Dashain. The temple, which sits 10 meters above the valley, offers spectacular views of Pokhara's town as well as the magnificent Himalayas.

4. International Mountain Museum:  The International Mountain Museum includes a fantastic collection of antiques, authentic hiking equipment, travelogues, and mountain photos, as well as information on the history of the highest mountain climbing. You'll learn a lot about the 14 tallest peaks in the Himalayas, their expeditions, and the habitats that they support as you tour the museum. In addition, each of the museum's four display halls will focus on a different aspect of the mountains. Hall of the temporary display, Hall of the world's mountains, Hall of mountain activities, and Hall of the people of the mountains.

5. Bat Cave or Chamero Gufa: If you're seeking for a unique adventure, visiting Chamero Gufa or Bat Cave is a great choice. As the name suggests, thousands of bats live and thrive in the cave's dim, ominous, and damp chambers. The majority of them are Horseshoe Bats that are hanging upside down from the cave's ceilings. Within ten minutes, you can explore the entire cave and make your way out through a small shaft.

6. Tal Barahi Temple: This stunning Tal Barahi Temple, which is thought to be the holiest Hindu shrine in Pokhara, is located in the right-center of the Phewa Lake. From Varahi Ghat, a rowboat can take you there. One of the popular tourist spots for both domestic and foreign visitors is Lakeside. The serene vista of Phewa Lake's crystal blue water and the surrounding environment will never cease to astound you, day or night. You can delight in the sandhya aarti in the evening. The temple, which is dedicated to the Varahi goddess, an embodiment of the Durga goddess, is a significant place of pilgrimage for Hindu believers.

7. Gurkha Museum: The tough soldiers known as Gurkhas are well known around the world as coming from Nepal. Gurkha Memorial Museum is another must-see location in Pokhara as a result. Here, close to Mahendra Pul, you can take part in the remarkable accomplishments of the Gurkha regiment. The Gurkha Museum was built as a symbol of appreciation for the valiant Gurkha warriors who served in both World Wars. It lists the honors that the Gurkhali soldiers have accumulated over time. You'll participate in their commitment to global prosperity and peace.

In Conclusion

You will always find something in this breathtaking lake city of Pokhara that piques your curiosity, no matter what your interests may be. You may merely get involved in a variety of enjoyable activities, such as mountain biking, paragliding, bungee jumping, hot air ballooning and sightseeing in Pokhara. You can also simply rest and daydream while strolling about the Phewa lake and taking in the surrounding surroundings. With all these top things to do in Pokhara, you can make the most of your getaway and have a memorable and enjoyable time.

*Dream Big! Dream Travel!*