AsiaPokhara
Lakeside reflections, soaring paragliders, and Himalayan tea houses.
Why visit
01 / 10The case for going
While Kathmandu buzzes with ancient temples and urban chaos, Pokhara offers a tranquil counterpoint: a laid-back lakeside base framed by the Annapurna range.
It is both Nepal's adventure hub, famed for paragliding and rafting, and the gateway to iconic short treks like the sunrise summit of Poon Hill, all easily accessible from the town.
What to do
02 / 10Ways to spend a day
Activities €50–100 total
- 01Float on Phewa Lake at sunrise with Annapurna reflections. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 02Hike or take a taxi to Sarangkot for panoramic mountain views. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 03Go tandem paragliding over the valley and lake. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 04Trek to the World Peace Pagoda for views across Pokhara. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 05Start the 3-day trek to Poon Hill for a stunning Himalayan dawn. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
Book activities & tickets
Lakeside reflections, soaring paragliders, and Himalayan tea houses.
Where to stay
03 / 10The right base
Accommodation €15–30/night
In Pokhara
Lakeside
central, buzzing with cafes, shops, and lake access
Pardi
quieter local feel, short walk to central Lakeside
In Ghorepani
Ghorepani
mountain village, popular overnight for Poon Hill trek
Find a place to stay
How to get there
04 / 10Easiest way in
Fly into:
- Pokhara International Airport PKR
- Tribhuvan International Airport KTM
Plan the journey
How to get around
05 / 10Once you land
Within Pokhara, auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available, or rent a scooter for independence. To reach trek trailheads, local buses or shared jeeps depart from the city. For longer distances, tourist buses link Pokhara to Kathmandu.
Get around
What to eat
06 / 10Order this
Food €8–15/day
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Dal Bhat
lentil soup, rice, curries
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Momos
steamed dumplings
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Thukpa
Himalayan noodle soup
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Sel Roti
crispy rice flour bread
By the numbers
07 / 10Cards on the table
Safety index
72/100
General guide, not advisory data
Best seasons
Spring · Fall
When it's at its best
Stay for
5 days
The sweet spot
Daily spend
$
Easy on the wallet
How to fit in
08 / 10Read the room
Embrace the relaxed pace of lakeside life in Pokhara, particularly in the mornings before the heat of the day. Greet locals with a 'Namaste' with hands pressed together, a gesture of respect.
How to pack
09 / 10What goes in the bag
Best in Spring
Spring: mild, clear mornings around 20-28C, with afternoon clouds often gathering around the mountain peaks.
- light, breathable layers
- good walking shoes or light hiking boots
- a daypack for short hikes
- sun hat and sunglasses
- reusable water bottle
How to prepare
10 / 10The boring bits
Three things worth sorting before you fly.
Tomorrow's detour
One place worth the trip.
Hand-picked, one a day.