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Ask anyone about Nepal’s serene cities, and one name dominantly rises to prominence: Pokhara. With splendid scenery, blue lakes and skies dominated by the snowy peaks, Pokhara is a true treasure trove for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. This picturesque city, cradled by the majestic Annapurna Mountain Range and blessed with serene lakes, is a piece of paradise waiting to be discovered. Whether you want to row the colorful wooden boats in Phewa Lake or paraglide from Sarankot, there are a plethora of things to do in Pokhara. That said, here are the top 10 things to do in Pokhara.
Your travel to Pokhara is incomplete without a boat ride across the tranquil Phewa Lake. Boating in Phewa Lake rewards you with mesmerizing reflection of the Annapurna range and iconic Machhapuchre (Fishtail). The colorful wooden boats, also called paddle boats, are a means to soak in tranquility. Perched on a small island in the heart of the lake is the Barahi Temple; don’t forget to visit it.
As you glide across the lake, the majestic mountains in the backdrop, the grandeur of the lake, and the lush greenery of the lakeside forests perfectly blend to captivate your heart and soul. The boats are available for rent, and you can opt to row the boat yourself or hire a boatman to guide you. After a serene boating experience, visit Fishtail Lodge for a cup of soothing tea or a refreshing beer to rejuvenate and relax.
Just about 2 km from Phewa Lake is the iconic monument-World Peace Pagoda-that boasts breathtaking panoramic views of Phewa Lake and the Annapurna range and surrounding peaks. The scenic-and-short hike to this stupa combines natural beauty with spiritual serenity. As you embark on this hike, you will ascend verdant hills, all while soaking in the beauty of Pokhara. The magical sunrise and sunset, the bird-eye view of the lake and the city, and the towering peaks from this vantage point are truly incredible, making it a popular spot for photographers.
The World Peace Pagoda, perched on a hilltop overlooking the Phewa Lake, features four gold statues of the Buddha in all cardinal directions. Beyond its spiritual significance, this stupa is a symbol of hope and unity. Please note that if you hate to hike, you can get a taxi from Pokhara and drive up to the parking lot, and the stupa is within short walking distance. If you want a guided tour of this stupa, we can organize it for you. Our highly experienced guides are ever ready to take you there! They can also guide you on the packing list for the stupa.
Pokhara is undoubtedly one of the best, if not the best, paragliding spots in Nepal, and for good reasons. The natural grandeur, consistent wind patterns, and favorable weather conditions make paragliding a must-do adventure in Pokhara. Imagine soaring high above the emerald Phewa Lake and Annapurna range and Fishtail looming in the background. This is nothing short of magical.
Sarankot is the Launchpad for paragliding in Pokhara. Standing on the precipice before the takeoff is a thrilling adventure in itself. As you sail through the sky, you can admire the stunning views of Pokhara Valley, breathtaking landscapes, and mountains in the vast expanse of the sky. If it’s your first time doing it, you are in safe hands because Pokhara boasts a community of professional pilots and a well-established paragliding industry. You can contact Take On Nepal to arrange a paragliding activity for you.
While Pokhara is renowned for beautiful lakes and majestic mountains, it has mysterious cave systems that beckons intrepid travelers. Exploring the mystical underground labyrinth will surely transcend the ordinary experience. Gupteswor Cave, Bat Cave and Mahendra Cave are among the popular cave systems in Pokhara. The eerie darkness and silence create a unique ambiance as you venture deep into the cave. The colony of bats in the Bat Cave, the fascinating rock formations of Gupteswor Cave, and the stunning Shiva lingam provide an unforgettable adventure.
One often overlooked must-do activity in Pokhara is cycling. Cycling around Pokhara is a great way to explore Pokhara. The stunning natural landscape, serene lakes, lush forests, and towering mountain ranges let you immerse yourself in this enchanting destination. As you cycle through the city’s vibrant market or pedal away from the countryside dotted with traditional villages, you are sure to enjoy every minute. The two-wheeled adventure in Pokhara and its surroundings is not just an activity; it’s a voyage through natural paradise.
Mountain bikers, bikers, mountain biking aficionados, or adventure enthusiasts, the must-do activity in Pokhara for you is mountain biking. While trekkers and climbers alike flock to the Annapurna region for its famous and classic trails, an awesome adventure awaits you to navigate the city or the mountainous space on two wheels. Mountain biking in Pokhara won’t disappoint those looking for an adrenaline rush. Whether you love to ride through smooth, winding roads or the challenging off-road trails, Pokhara has a diverse range of terrains for you. You can take a short ride along the Phewa Lake or embark on an epic multi-day adventure.
Sarankot, a picturesque hill in Pokhara, promises awe-inspiring sunrise and sunset. The golden hues of dawn gently caressing the snow-capped peaks and the silvery light of dusk creating a dreamy silhouette of the towering peaks is definitely a spectacular show. An overnight hike to Sarankot is the perfect way to do this sunrise-to-sunset adventure; it’s an unforgettable odyssey. You can start from Pokhara Lakeside and make sure to hit the trail in the early evening or late afternoon so that you don’t miss the sunset. It is advisable to book your accommodation in advance. And to bask in the golden embrace of sunrise, start the day with an early wake-up call.
A mountain flight or helicopter ride to Annapurna Base Camp is an exhilarating escapade that rewards unbelievable views of the Himalayan landscape. This is a time-effective alternative to days of trek to the base camp. As you hop on a helicopter or airplane, you’ll be whisked away from the urban landscape, introducing the Himalayan wilderness and jaw-dropping grandeur of the Annapurna range. If you hate to trek, a mountain flight or helicopter ride is undeniably the best option for you to marvel at the beauty of the Annapurna range and surrounding peaks. One key difference between a mountain flight and a helicopter ride is that a helicopter can land directly at the base camp, while a mountain flight offers bird-eye views.
Bungee Jumping in Pokhara is beyond doubt among the must-do adventures in Pokhara. Nothing can beat the ultimate thrill of standing at the edge of the 70-meter-high towering cliff and taking a leap, plummeting towards the abyss. This adrenaline-pumping adventure in Pokhara truly calls thrill-seekers and promises an adrenaline rush like no other. The bungee jumping spot is a short drive away from Pokhara, near Hemja Valley. The operators in Pokhara follow the highest standard of safety for bungee jumping. The sheer height, thrilling freefall, safety standard, and breathtaking natural beauty all combine to offer unforgettable memories.
Last but not least, we have rafting as one of the must-do activities in Pokhara. Pokhara provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable rafting trip with its pristine rivers, picture-perfect sandy beaches, stunning landscapes, and mountains looming far off as a striking backdrop. Picture yourself in an inflatable raft, swaying along the roaring currents of the river flanked by lush forests. Seti River and Kali Gandaki are two prominent rivers for whitewater rafting in Pokhara. Adding to this, Marsyangdi River, with challenging rapids, is an ideal choice for experienced rafters. When planning for a rafting adventure, choosing a river and difficulty level that impacts the rafting experience is crucial. We can assist and arrange everything for you to make your rafting adventure as seamless as possible. If you are ready, so are we.
