Pokhara

पोखरा

Gateway to the Annapurna region, this lakeside city offers stunning Himalayan views, adventure sports, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for trekking preparation. Home to Phewa Lake and extensive outdoor activity options from paragliding to boating.

Things to do

• Paragliding over Phewa Lake — Launch from Sarangkot ridge and glide over the lake with panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
• Phewa Lake Boating — Rent a rowboat or motorboat to explore the lake, visit the lakeside temples, and experience the reflection of Machhapuchhare (Fishtail Mountain).
• Barahi Temple Visit — Take a boat to this two-story pagoda temple located on an island in Phewa Lake, a sacred site for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims.
• Sarangkot Sunrise Trek — Hike 1.5 hours to this viewpoint before dawn to witness the Himalayan peaks emerge in golden light.
• Fewa Lakeside Walk — Stroll along the well-maintained promenade on the south shore of Phewa Lake, passing cafes, shops, and enjoying local street food.
• Annapurna Base Camp Trek Preparation — Use Pokhara as the acclimatization base and starting point for multi-day treks into the Annapurna region.
• International Mountain Museum — Explore exhibits on mountaineering history, Sherpa culture, and Himalayan expeditions with artifacts and documented climbing routes.

Food to try

• Momo — Steamed or fried dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, served with spicy chutney and deeply embedded in Nepali cuisine.
• Dal Bhat — A staple rice and lentil dish served with seasonal vegetables and pickle, representing the everyday meal of Nepal.
• Newari Cuisine — Traditional dishes from the Newari community including spiced meat preparations, yogurt-based curries, and fermented vegetable specialties available in lakeside restaurants.
• Thakali Khana — Hearty mountain cuisine from the Thakali people featuring rice, dal, and local greens, perfect for preparing the body for trekking.
• Chowmein — Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and meat or egg, a popular street food and quick meal throughout Pokhara's bazaar areas.
• Raksi and Local Alcohol — Traditional Nepali rice wine or millet-based spirits served in casual lakeside bars as part of evening social culture.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Sacred Spaces — Remove shoes before entering temples and religious sites, and always circumambulate stupas and shrines clockwise out of respect.
• Bargain Respectfully in Markets — Haggling is expected in local bazaars and with street vendors, but maintain a friendly tone and accept final prices gracefully.
• Dress Modestly — While Pokhara is more relaxed than rural areas, cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples and in conservative neighborhoods.
• Learn Basic Nepali Greetings — Using 'Namaste,' 'Dhanyavaad' (thank you), and 'Tapailai kasto chha?' (how are you?) shows respect and creates warmth with local people.

Nearby

• Tansen (Palpa) — 40 km
• Tanahun Gorge (Central Terai) — 60 km
• Bandipur — 60 km
• Gorkha — 67 km