Things to Do in Pokhara
The best things to do in Pokhara are centred around multiple leisure and adventure activities. Lying in the lap of the Annapurna range, this city is an abode for trekkers and nature lovers. Trekkers can also enjoy the Annapurna trek and Everest base camp trek. The spectacular view of the Annapurna circuit and the Seti Gandaki river flowing through the city creating several canyons adds a serene touch to the region. The Phewa Tal is famous for the World Peace Pagoda which attracts many travellers.
Along with the mountain ranges, Pokhara valley is home to eight lakes which is why it holds the name ‘city of lakes’. Most famous among all is the Phewa lake for its boating activities. Other lakes to the east of the valley are equally enchanting like the Begnas lake, Rupa lake, Maidu lake and Dipang lake, etc. Due to the presence of so many water bodies, the underground of Pokhara is porous favouring the formation of several caves in and around the city.
One of the highlights of this region is the elegant architecture of a number of temples and gumbas. The Radha Krishna Temple is a treat to the eyes during the evenings lit with diyas and lights making it glow like a charm. The Tal Barahi temple is a must visit place due to its location on the island in the middle of the Phewa lake.
Pokhara offers its tourists culturally and regionally enriched museums like the International Mountain Museum, Pokhara Regional Museum, Ethnographic museum and the Annapurna Natural history Museum. The flora and fauna of Pokhara is undoubtedly exceptional and well-preserved with an extensive collection of butterflies.
The local cuisine offers mostly Tibetan and Indian dishes with the main relish till date being the momos. Listing all the best things to do in Pokhara, it is no wonder that it has earned one of the top tourist positions in Nepal.
Highlights: You can check out the records of several mountaineers like Mr Herzog. It is however one of the must visit place when you are in Pokhara.
Price: 300 NPR.
Best time to visit: October.
Difficulty Level: Easy.
You can absorb in beautiful scenery which will make you feel that Nepal has a lot to offer. Just soak yourself in the extreme quietness of the place. You can hire your own boat and reach this temple too.
Best time to visit: February, October, November, and December.
Location: It is located in Pokhara 33700.
Price: Rs 510.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Sarangkot is an amazing place to visit in Pokhara for paragliding. You will get to fly over the vast phewa lake and it is going to be a unique experience. The thrill Himalayans give is a feeling of ecstasy. For sunrise, this is the perfect Pokhara tourist visit place. You will get to enjoy a beautiful morning along with your loved ones. You can also hike up to the heights if that is something you are interested in. Travellers get a taste of the local people and local food.
Location: North East of Sarangkot, Pokhara, Nepal.
The Phewa lake is a perfect place to visit in Pokhara. You will fall in love with the ambience of this place and it offers a pleasurable experience that you can enjoy with your family and friends. Phewa Lake is a famous Pokhara tourist place.
You can hire a boat, paddle at your own speed while enjoying the warm water below and the gorgeous rays of the sun above your head. You can escape the city life in this serene place. It is best to visit the place during daytime.
Highlights: The water is so clear that you can also see the reflection of Mount Machhapuchhre and Annapurna range.
Prices: Entry Free.
Best months to visit: October
Prices: Rs 30.
Difficulty Level: High, reaching the fall is however tough.
Best time to visit: Monsoon is the best time to visit.
Amidst the regular hustle and bustle of the city, it is a good place to spend some peaceful time. If you planning to visit this place it will be advisable for you to carry a torch along as it is usually dark.
Highlights: The Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave is a combination of Devi’s fall in the upstream and the cave in the downstream, one has to climb down the metal stairs to have a real look. Although it is a bit scary but its definitely worth a watch.
Price: Rs.50 to Rs.100.
Location: Chhorepatan. Pokhara.
Highlights: You can also view the service Khukri which is the traditional Gurkha knife used during the war times and the museum is only open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Price: Rs 100-200 and an extra of Rs20 for the camera.
Best time to visit: October is the best month to visit the place.
Location: Pokhara Nepal.
Highlights: You cn also visit the Bat Cave which lies on a ten minutes walking distance from this cave and is also an important tourist attraction.
Location: Kaski district close to river Seti in Pokhara.
Best time to visit: Avoid visiting this cave during monsoons, however it will be best if it could be done during October.
Prices: Free of cost
Location: It takes about 40 minutes by bus from Pokhara to reach the lake. Not far from the maddening crowd but extremely clean and quiet. Since it is visited comparatively less, the original beauty is undisturbed.
The lake supports irrigation and fisheries. Water level in the lake is regulated by a dam constructed in 1988 as it fluctuates with season and because of use for irrigation. Pressure of increasing human population is forcing conversion of swampy area into land for cultivation.
Highlights: Boating, fishing and swimming are some of the activities you can indulge in, the bonus being surrounding green mountains.
Price: There are whole lot of hotels around to suit different budgets but the entry to this lake is free.
Difficulty Level: Medium, you can easily try your hands on boating.
Best time to visit: October
Chamero Gufa, whose English translation is the Bat Cave is a famous Pokhara tourist visit place. It is known because it is a natural habitat of the horseshoe bats residing in the cave. The bats are all over the walls and the ceiling.
If you are really deciding to visit Nepal, the Seti River is a place to visit in Pokhara that you must visit at all costs. The river water flows directly from the Himalayas, so it is extremely clear and calm. The river is approximately 60 to 80 meters deep. Seti River Gorge is also called a wild Himalayan river. The milky river roaring through it will drag a piece of charm in your deep heart. It has got tourist-friendly surroundings. The flora and fauna across the river are also enchanting.
The amazing place of Pokhara Shanti Stupa is situated at the hilly edges of the Himalayas. The place is so silent that you will be able to hear your own breath. Once you reach the stupa, the view is marvellous. You have to climb 500 steps after you reach the stupa, so be prepared to sweat the effort in order to gain the entire satisfaction. When you come to the lake, you can take a boat and have your way through the waters.
The grounds of the Annapurna Butterfly Museum is located in the premises of a local University named Prithivi Narayan Campus. Once you reach the museum, you will be able to see hundreds and thousands of species of butterflies that you have probably never seen before and it is one of the famous Pokhara tourist places. Not only butterflies, you also get to see butterflies, insects, arthropods. The collection is displayed in different drawers so it is easy for visitors to locate and recognize and learn about them.
This monastery creates for you the perfect ambience for meditation. It is a nice small place to visit if you are in a hurry. When you hear the monks chanting in the area, you feel you have been purified spiritually. You will also be greeted and treated well by the monks of the area. It also has a lot of paintings which have their own significance. There were also several Buddhist statues. Just enjoy yourself and have a nice time at Jangchub Choeling Monastery.
Rupa Tal
Location: It lies towards the south-east of Pokhara valley. The freshwater lake in Nepal is Rupa Tal which is also the third largest lake in Pokhara valley.
Highlights: It provides boating opportunity for all the tourists which makes Rupa Tal an important tourist destination for many.
Prices: Entry is free.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Highlights: Shop for some fruits vegetables, fruits, spices and stunning wares made of brass, copper and bronze. You can also view some temples and shrines which is likely to make Old Bazaar worth a visit.
Best months to visit: October to March.
Price: Entry Free
Shree Gaden Dhargay Ling Monastery is a serene and friendly place. You will feel sacred once you are able to hear and experience the prayers. It keeps resonating in your ears and heart. It shall feel an honour to be feeling such a feeling; it will make you feel like you are one step closer to enlightenment. You can also shop in the markets and money spent at the markets is used to take care of the people who reside at the monastery, that is, 140 children and 60 monks.
The Big Splash Waterpark is fairly new, so all goods are working in perfect conditions. During Monsoon time, this place is a great option. The water slides are amazing for kids as well as adults. The pool is also refreshing to swim and you will enjoy yourself in the shade of sun.
The trek in the place to visit in Pokhara is worth every drop of sweat that you sacrifice. You can walk all the way from the lakeside to enjoy the mystic Pokhara tourist visit. There is a peaceful atmosphere and the hike towards it is tiring, fun and the serene quality that you get surrounding it is satisfying to a whole different level. It is very quiet that you can only see and hear the sounds of nature. The temple is located on the hill so you also get a very nice view of the whole city.
Location: Matepani, Kundahar area of Pokhara, Kaski district in Nepal.
Landruk
Highlights:When the fog is lifted in the region, you will experience a nature rendezvous that you wouldn’t have imagined before. The small clearing, nestled with the forests and incredible mountains is a must have. The Landruk village itself has farming terraces that will instantly capture your heart.
Location: Ghandruk Village.
Things to keep in mind:This is a moderate trek that can be undertaken by beginners and trek lovers alike. Just ensure that you don’t carry items that cannot be disposed easily or could harm the environment. Don’t forget to carry sunglasses and sunscreen along with water bottles.
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Why is Pokhara famous?
Where can I do ultra flight in Pokhara? What are its charges?
Ultralight flying is a breathtaking way of watching over the Annapurna mountains and provides a jaw-dropping view of the scenery underneath
The ultralight aircraft can fly over the Pokhara valley at a speed of 50-90 km per hour. It is offered by the Avia Club Nepal, Pokhara Ultralight and the Fishtail ultralight
Charges depend on nationality and type of flight. There are 4 categories of flights:
- Fly For Fun, which uses an Open Aircraft.(Duration: 15 min, ChargesRs. 7,500-8,500)
- Glory of Mt. Fishtail, uses an Open and Closed Aircraft.(Duration: Half an hour, Charges: Rs. 13,500-15,000)
- Mountain Sky Trek, uses an Open and Closed Aircraft. (Duration: An hour long, Charges: Rs. 23,500-25,000)
- In The Heart of The Himalayas, which uses a Closed Aircraft. (Duration: 90 min, Charges: Rs. 31,500-33,000)
Which are the places to go for bungee jumping in Pokhara?
It is the highest water touch bungy in the world and jumping is done from a tower at a height of 80 meters, from which you dive into a pond which is 18 mt. deep.
The most popular venue for the activity is Bhote Koshi. Sarangkot is also known to provide the same.
Where can I enjoy zip flying in Pokhara? How much will it cost?
Zip flying, is an adrenaline-inducing activity and Pokhara is famous for the highest zip flyer in the world. The base is located at Sarangkot. The zipflyer here boasts a drop of a massive 600 m!
Where can I do mountain biking in Pokhara? Which are some popular routes?
The Pokhara Lumbini Chitwan Mountain Biking tour, is a well known biking package which takes you on a sensational ride across the rugged terrains of the Himalayas.
Some of the most popular routes are the Annapurna Circuit biking tour and the Upper Mustang biking tour. The region has a lot of mountain biking companies that rent bikes, helmets and other essentials for the ride. The most common route is from Pokhara to Lo-Manthang. Costs about Rs. 1000-1500 per person.
Which are some famous campsites near Pokhara?
The Annapurna foothills, Sarangkot, Poon hill and the Upper Seti river camp are some of the most common camping places in Pokhara. It is one of the best weekend getaways that fit the budget within Rs 1500 to 2000. These campsites include all kinds of adventure activities including kayaking, canoeing, water abseiling, rock climbing and canyoning.
Can I do canyoning in Pokhara? Is it safe to do it there?
Yes, you can do canyoning in Pokhara. The season for canyoning is between September to June. The canyoning zone is located in Ghalel Village of Kaski District.
It is considered safe due to high care and trainer supervision and sport administration at the sites.
Hence, a lot of care is gone into maintaining its tourist reputation of being most visited and preferred adventure place in Nepal.
What are the best things to do in Pokhara?
Below mentioned are the best things to do in Pokhara:
- Mountain Climbing
The high mountain ranges here, offer the best hill-top views. The most prominent of these, is Macchapucchre. It is a fish-tailed peak, dazzling like a snow-covered needle in the sun. Climb these mountains for a most adrenalizing experience
- Peace Stupa
The Peace Stupa is a pagoda that houses four statues of Buddha, symbolic of the Four Great Sights. It is open to people of all races, regardless of religion, race or sexuality
- Adventure Travel
Pokhra is replete with splendid options for adventure tourists, including trekking, hiking, paragliding, river rafting, canyoning, water abseiling and the special Ultralight motor gliding.
- Davi’s Falls
Known for their scenic beauty, these resounding cascades make for an excellent venue for water abseiling.
- National Memorial Museum
Pay a visit to the National Memorial Museum and get acquainted with the rich history of the Gorkha race.
- Kashikot Village
Get tutored on Organic farming in the ancient Kaskikot village, known for its rustic and tribal way of life.
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