See Pokhara in all its grandeur. Here’s a selection of photos of the lakeside city.
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Things to do in Pokhara
When you are done covering some tough trails in the laps of the Himalayas, spend time relaxing in the laid-back milieu of Pokhara. From short hikes, to drinking beer by the serene lake, or indulging in endless water activities, there are plenty of things to do in Pokhara. Here is our list of handpicked activities for you and your loved ones:
Get airborne
Run off the cliff and find yourself soaring high up in the sky as you tandem glide over Pokhara. Paragliding offers one of the best views of this scenic city, and on best days gliders can get an exquisite site of the Himalayan range to the north, the gleaming Fewa lake below, and lush hills that surround it. A tip — if you are prone to motion sickness, please take necessary precautions!
Explore the other lakes
Fewa may be at the heart of all-things-entertainment in Pokhara, but Begnas is where you want to be for everything-nature. When the music gets too loud at lakeside, take a short bus trip to Begnas or Rupa and soak in the bliss of silence. If you are up for a rewarding challenge, take a boat across the lake, hike up a short hill and take in the breathtaking view of Begnas on one side and Rupa lake on the other.
Hike up the Peace Stupa
Located on top of a hill, the white stupa is easily visible even as you take a stroll along the footpath by the Fewa lake. For a closer look and a better experience, take a boat to Lychee Garden across the lake. 45 mins of scenic hike later, find yourself at steps of the Peace Stupa. Capture Pokhara in all its glory in your camera and hike back down along the ridge to Damside, and cab it back to Lakeside.
Sunrise from Sarangkot
Anyone who has been to Pokhara has Sarangkot on their list. A classic way to do it is to take a cab to the top of the hill. The sunrise is stunning, but you will have to share it with a dozen of other people. Watch the sky change its color as golden rays of the sun land on the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges, with Fishtail stealing all the thunder. As the sun rises higher up in the sky, hike your way down to Palme after breakfast in Sarangkot. The hike itself is a treat!
Be a water baby
Your staycation in the lake city isn’t complete if you’ve not been in the water. While boating is a traditional favorite, take the offbeat path to explore the vast lakes. Go kayaking if you are up for it, but if you ask us, we absolutely adore paddle boarding. Hire a board for an hour or two and get to know the nooks and crannies of the hills that border the waterbody. Discover hidden waterfalls, take a dive in one of the lagoons, and try a mud-mask while you lounge on the beach.
Try fishing the local way
If you are comfortable with a fishing rod, there are many stores along the lakeside where you can hire one. Head to Palme and find a spot for a leisure day fishing. Or, try your hands at something local. The shores in Palme are usually filled with young locals catching buckets of fish with just a coke bottle, fishing string and a hook. Sounds fascinating, doesn’t it?
Go sightseeing
Adventure may be Pokhara’s biggest claim to fame, but if you are the kind of person who likes to visit iconic landmarks of every destination, this city will not disappoint. From Devi’s Fall to bat-ridden caves, to temples on the middle of the lake, monasteries, mountain museum – there is enough to keep you busy for an entire day.
Follow a trekking trail
Some folks just can’t get enough of the trials. And we don’t blame you. Top off Fishtail Race with some scenic trek up to Ghorepani/Khopra, Mardi, ABC, Dhampus, Sikles – you name it! These treks range from a day to several days, whatever your schedule allows. But hey! That’s walking. You can always run it. Just be a little cautious and prepared for the altitudes in Mardi and ABC.
Where to Eat in Pokhara
For a rather small city, Pokhara boasts a plethora of eateries that pleases even the most insatiable of gluttons. When hunger summons, here’s where you are most likely to find us:
Godfather’s Pizzeria
If you liked the movie, you will like this place too. Native to Pokhara, the pizza here is considered to be one of the best in the city. Try it for yourself and let us know if you agree.
Busy Bee
Food may not be king here, but the ambience makes this place a definite winner. Drop in for a few glasses of beer in the evening and some loud, live music.
Old Mike’s Kitchen
Located at the lakeside, Old Mike’s is the place to be for a hearty breakfast. A lot of the ingredients for their dishes come from their own vegetable garden, which is just an organic bonus.
Krazy Gecko Bar & Rest
Laid-back and secluded defines this gem of a place. Perfect for a lazy afternoon of good food and refreshing drinks, there is also a rope swing that (if you desire) could end with a cool plunge into the lake.
OR2K
Looking for a vegan or vegetarian place? Look no further than OR2K; the restaurant serves some of the best Middle Eastern food in the country. Head here for the fantastic food and a superlative view of the Fewa lake.
Now that all the secrets to Pokhara have been unveiled, we hope you will make the most out of your stay in this adventure hub. Relax and get recharged or get some adrenaline kick. In Pokhara, you can do it all.