Pokhara Valley

Pokhara Valley

Pokhara is a city on Phewa Lake, in central Nepal. It’s known as a gateway to the Annapurna Circuit, a popular trail in the Himalayas. Tal Barahi Temple, a 2-story pagoda, sits on an island in the lake. On the eastern shore, the Lakeside district has yoga centers and restaurants. In the city’s south, the International Mountain Museum has exhibits on the history of mountaineering and the people of the Himalayas. 

Elevation: 822 m

Two things tend to bring travellers to Pokhara: mountain adventures and a chance to unwind.

Stretched along the shores of Phewa lake dotted with colourful bobbing paddle boats, this little slice of tranquility is one of our favourite places in Nepal.

For those seeking a place to chill (and wash) after three weeks of trekking in the Himalayas, or simply an escape from the chaos of Kathmandu, Nepal’s tranquil lakeside town is the perfect antidote.

Each morning on our recent week-long stay, we’d head ‘lakeside’ to walk in the calm morning air, and admire the towering peaks rising amongst the clouds in the distance.

These are the 8,000 metre-high snow-capped giants of the Annapurna range, awe-inspiring in their size and stature. On a clear day, they can be seen from everywhere in Pokhara like watchful guardians over the sleepy town.

This proximity to the Annapurna circuit has attracted travellers to Pokhara for many years, and while many arrive simply as a stop-off point after epic trekking experiences, they stay for the laidback vibes and burgeoning adventure activity scene.

There are a number of epic things to do in Pokhara, especially for those chasing adrenalin, with white water rafting and some of the best paragliding on earth all available here.

Somehow, despite the buildings getting taller and the crowds slightly busier in recent years, it still manages to retain an oasis-like feel; carefree and relaxed but with all the familiar traveller essentials.

In this post, we’re sharing our favourite things to see and do in Pokhara, as well as our recommendations on where to find the best food and drinks. We’ve also included our tips on where to stay, where to shop, and most importantly where to relax your days away. 

Machapuchre Himal

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