Top 10 Best Things To Do In and Around Pokhara, “Pokhara” being the beautiful city of lakes that it holds many places to visit that will sweep you off your feet with their scenic beauty and calm atmosphere. As it is the second most important city in Nepal after the capital city, Kathmandu. But for tourism in Nepal, there is no other city that is popular as Pokhara. The popularity of this city is reflected in the huge number of tourists visiting every year. Pokhara houses a variety of places that confirm the richness of the culture and nature of the country. Situated in the shadow of some of the most famous Himalayan mountains, Pokhara is beautiful.
Tourists from all age groups can have a wonderful time here as Pokhara is a perfect destination for relaxing and vacationing. Despite the small geographical area occupied by the city, it is never short of a various beautiful hill, lakes, markets, shrines; tourist places to visit.
The city is equally welcoming even if you’re a daredevil who wishes to get closer to the highest of the peaks by indulging in trekking or even if you’re someone who wants to relax in the soothing embrace of nature by sailing a boat on the calm waters of a lake. Pokhara is a place you cannot forget to not include whenever you plan to tour Nepal.
Let us help you know Pokhara better through our list of the “Top 10 Things” you can do in the city
1. A Visit To Tal Barahi Temple
A lake temple in the Kaski District of Nepal which is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Durga, this temple is located on a small island in Lake Phewa of Pokhara and contributes as a great source of spirituality in the Nepalese Hindu population.
Highlights: This most famous Hindu temple in Pokhara has a lot of grace added by the surrounding lake. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu to commemorate his boar incarnation in the 18th century. Over the years the temple has been comprehensively renovated and so the pigeons have decided to make it their permanent shelter. A must visit not only for the religious mind but also for a regular tourist alike.
Location: 10 minutes drive from Pokhara, located on an island in the middle of phew lake, it can be reached by a boat from Barahi ghat.
2. Visit Begnas Tal/Lake
Pokhara is the city of lakes and Begnas Tal is another beautiful and serene freshwater lake in Kaski district of Nepal that changes color depending on the season. Begnas Lake is the second largest of the eight lakes in Pokhara valley with a maximum depth of 10 meters. Since most tourists are unaware of this beautiful lake less, the original beauty is undisturbed. The lake supports irrigation and fisheries. The water level in the lake is regulated by a dam constructed in 1988 A.D as it fluctuates with season and because of use for irrigation. The pressure of increasing the human population is forcing the conversion of the swampy area into land for cultivation.
Location: It takes about 40 minutes by bus from Pokhara to reach the lake.
Highlights: Boating, fishing, and swimming are some of the activities you can indulge in, the bonus being surrounding green mountains.
Difficulty Level: Medium, you can easily try your hands on boating.
Best time to visit: October
3. A Visit To Sarangkot
A small village that has its own natural beauty situated on the outskirts of the Pokhara city. While you’re exploring the village, you can also get a glimpse of the beautiful sunrise that can be seen from the hilltops. And also, get a chance to view one of the most beautiful Annapurna Himalayan ranges.
Difficulty Level: Easy.
Best time to visit: October
4. A Visit To World Peace Pagoda
Also referred to as “Shanti Stupa ” which when translated in English is referred to as “World Peace Pagoda”. Buddhist monks from the Japanese Nipponzan Myohoji order constructed the stupa. The monument is said to depict the four prominent stages of the Buddha’s life in four directions: the place that he was born in Lumbini, the place he became enlightened in Bodhgaya, the place he taught most of his lifetime in Sarnath, and the place he reached nirvana at KushiNagar.
You can experience the joy of overlooking the southern shore of Phewa Lake after reaching the top of the monument and learning about its design to inspire harmony. The shrine except for being an impressive standpoint provides spectacular views of the Annapurna range and Pokhara.
Best time to visit: September to November.
Difficulty Level: Fairly easy
5. Boating in Phewa Lake
The second-largest freshwater lake in the country situated in the Pokhara Valley of Nepal. Many tourists frequent this place and many of them keep it in their travel list. The beauty and serenity of the lake know no bounds. As the lake has mirror-like reflections of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre in its waters. The lake is managed with the help of a Dam and is fed by a river stream, making it somewhat a mixture of a man-made and natural freshwater lake.
Location- Pokhara Valley, Nepal
Best time- October
6. A Visit To Tibetan Refugee Camp
One simply can’t miss the chance to see the Tibetan refugee camp while touring in Pokhara. The area is beautifully decorated with prayer flags which enhances the beauty of the place. As numerous monks have been housed here and therefore you can hear the rumbling of the monks chanting their prayers.
Highlights: You can also enjoy some cultural fests which are held in the Pokhara street from 28th Dec to 1st Jan.
Best time to visit: January and February
7. Visit Mahendra Cave
Mahendra cave has its own significance for the believer of Hinduism as the cave inhabits the statue of Lord Shiva. It was named after Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. The cave was discovered by young shepherds in the 1950s, who were grazing their cattle. A thorough survey was conducted during the 1970s by a team of speleologists from the UK. The cave sits 1100 meters above the sea level and comprises of young (Pleistocene) limestone and several stalactites and stalagmites. To observe this natural phenomenon after its discovery lots of people come from far and wide. It sits 5.8 miles from Lakeside, Pokhara.
Highlights: You can also visit the Bat Cave which lies on a ten minutes walking distance from this cave and is also an important tourist attraction.
Location: Close to river Seti in Pokhara, Kaski district
Best time to visit: Avoid visiting this cave during monsoons, however, it will be best if it could be done during October.
8. Visit Bindabasini Temple
A top of a beautiful mound near Bhimsen Tole Bazaar of Pokhara in Mohariya Tole is the popular Bindabasini Temple. Kaskeli King Siddhi Narayana Shah was responsible for the construction of the temple in 1842 B S. The temple compound is covered by 47 ropanis lands. In the middle of a paved courtyard stands the temple of Goddess Bhagwati. After climbing the long stone staircase situated 10 meters above the valley floor which sports a beautiful view of the city the temple can be finally reached.
9. Paragliding
Nepal is very well known for offering amazing treks into the beautiful mountains, but it is also equally famous for providing many other adventure activities to do such as paragliding. In fact, Nepal is one of the top five commercial tandem paragliding locations in the world! There are a few locations you can go to Paragliding in Nepal, but Pokhara is the best due to its ideal conditions. Due to stable thermals, convenient take-off and landing zones, the safety of a large lake below, and incredible mountain views.
10. Boating In Rupa Lake
Residing towards the south-east of Pokhara valley Rupa lake is the third-largest lake in Pokhara Valley. Rupa Tal also has its own unique beauty that makes it unique from other lakes. The glorious serene beauty of the lake will make you feel truly blessed.
Location: It is situated South-east of Pokhara valley.
Difficulty Level: Medium
