12 Things To Do in Pokhara

The list of things to do in Pokhara is almost endless. Surrounded by mountains and embellished with lakes, the city of Pokhara feels less like a destination and more like a little escape. With the sunrise over the Himalayas, in between pauses between sightseeing, moments of adventure, and meals by the lakeside, the days here unfold gently.

Moreover, the activities here are catered to all sorts of visitors. Whether you’re looking for thrilling activities, a holiday with parents and children, or a sweet time with your partner, Pokhara has countless ways to make people experience its charm. Here’s a list of the top things to do in Pokhara that you must try.

1. Enjoy the Mesmerizing Sunrise From Sarangkot

Tucked between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, Pokhara exhibits the beauty of the Himalayas right from the get-go. One of the best ways to enjoy the breathtaking mountain views is by catching the sunrise from Sarangkot. Approximately 7 miles away from Pokhara Lakeside lies the hilltop of Sarangkot. You can either drive or trek to the hill.

When the rays of the sunlight gently strike the snow-capped peaks of Annapurna, Lamjung, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre, it transforms the atmosphere into magical bliss. Sipping the warm coffee while enjoying such a magnificent view is truly a delight for every visitor. Hence, this morning moment is a great way to start the day.

Apart from the sunrise and sunset, Sarangkot has other ranges of activities. From the peak of Saragkot, you can slide down on a zipline while taking in the expansive view of Pokhara. So, don't forget to try this adrenaline-rushing ziplining from Sarangkot.

Perched high above Pokhara Valley, Sarangkot offers one of the most breathtaking sunrise experiences in Nepal. As the first rays of sunlight slowly touch the snow-capped peaks of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre, the sky transforms into shades of gold, pink, and orange. Below, the city of Pokhara awakens beneath a blanket of mist, creating a magical contrast between the glowing Himalayas and the tranquil valley. This peaceful morning moment at Sarangkot is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a serene start to the day.

2. Find the Mystery Behind Davis Fall and Explore Gupteshwor Cave

Davis Falls impresses the visitors with its enigmatic beauty when the roaring river abruptly disappears into an underground tunnel, forming a striking and captivating scene. A short walk over the road will take you to Gupteshwor Cave, where you can see the depths of a very sacred cave, with a naturally formed Shiva lingam, in the limestone cavern. The bubbling of water shrills in the cave to the credit of the mystic touch. Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Cave are an exclusive combination of natural beauty, myth, and adventure, and so, this is an attraction and an enjoyable things to do in Pokhara with kids and family too.

3. Visit the World Peace Pagoda

Standing tall on top of the Anadu Hill, World Peace Pagoda serves as a symbol of hope and peace for people. With the Buddhist architecture exhibited in shimmering white color, this stupa immediately becomes eye-catching for visitors. On top of that, the stunning view of Phewa Lake against the Macchapuchre from World Peace Pagoda makes this place a must-visit.

The foot of the hill can be approached through a taxi or a local bus ride that you can take in the lakeside area of Pokhara. After getting to the foot of the hill, you can walk up the steep trail to the top, or you can rent a boat and cross the lake and walk up on the opposite side. Climbing to the World Peace Pagoda takes approximately an hour, yet the beautiful scenery of the mountains and the lake around is worth the effort.

4. Fishing in the Begnas Lake

Pokhara is embedded with clusters of 9 freshwater lakes, including Phewa, Rupa, Begnas, and many more. Begnas Lake is the third largest lake in Nepal and the second largest in Pokhara, situated at the outskirts of Pokhara. Surrounded by lush greenery, this lake is a perfect place for people who want to escape the crowd and enjoy the tranquility. With the abundance of fish in this lake, you can enjoy fishing by the lake shore. Kayaking has also been one of the great fun things to do in Pokhara at Begnas Lake. With the increasing popularity of Begnas Lake, this destination is becoming a favourite for boating, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. 

5. Boating on the Phewa Lake

Another best things to do in Pokhara is enjoying boating on the Phewa Lake. When you gradually glide across the calm, fresh water of Phewa Lake, you’ll experience the serenity of nature. The reflection of Annapurna ranges on the water captivates the heart of every visitor. Moreover, as you paddle the boat, you will come across the iconic Tal Barahi Temple in the middle of the lake. You can get off the boat and visit the temple. This temple is a perfect resting spot to soak in the view of the lake and enjoy feeding the fish.

The price for boating may start from Nrs. 500 for one hour. If you know paddling, you can even rent the whole boat and go enjoy on your own. No matter how you decide to enjoy this handy refreshment, it will undoubtedly enhance your tour in Nepal. Apart from boating, another things to do in Pokhara at night is enjoying the street food by the lakeside.

6. Soak in the Spiritual Essence of Bindabasini Temple

Bindabasini Temple is a highly sanctified Hindu temple in the city of Pokhara and is situated on a tiny hill in the center of the city. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Bhagwati. This temple provides a serene religious experience with incense fumes, ringing of temple bells, and the view of praying devotees, all putting one in a great, relaxing mood. The visitors can also get beautiful views and the distant hills around the temple, which make it a worthy visit point during the Nepal Spiritual tour. 

7. Explore the Tibetan Refugee Camp

Among many free things to do in Pokhara, you must include a trip to the Tibetan Refugee Camp. A tour to the Tibetan Refugee Camp is an eye-opener on the lives, culture, and traditions of the Tibetan people as found in Nepal. You will also be able to observe the ancient crafts, colorful prayer flags, as well as local monasteries, and get acquainted with local craftsmen and their rich history. The camp is a genuine cultural experience that gives the visitors the opportunity to enjoy the Tibetan art, spirituality, and strength in a peaceful and friendly atmosphere

8. Paragliding

Among many unforgettable and adventurous things to do in Pokhara, Paragliding definitely tops the list. Imagine yourself taking off from the vantage point like Sarangkot and gliding smoothly through the sky and flying like a bird. What a thrilling experience, isn't it? As you are soaking in the view of scenic landscapes beneath you while surrounded by towering mountains, you will feel the mountain air caressing you. Whether you’re trying paragliding for the first time or you’re an adventurous spirit, this experience will definitely treat you unique perspective of Pokhar. Hence, make sure to include paragliding in your Nepal Holiday Tour if you are feeling extra adventurous. 

9. Enjoy a Meditation or Yoga Session

When life gets a little tense, or you need a break, a meditation or yoga session in Pokhara can be your ultimate solution. These sessions will allow you to relax your mind, stretch your body, and reconnect with yourself. Moreover, the peaceful and serene setting of Pokhara will definitely help you concentrate and calm down. Whether you opt for a retreat near the lakeside or a quiet hilltop, meditation and yoga will offer you a deeper sense of well-being during the best of Nepal Tour.

10. Ultra Light Flights

Ultra Light Flights are the newly introduced concept in Nepal. During this journey, you’ll fly on the lightweight, 1 or 2-seat fixed-wing aircraft. This journey will allow you to enjoy the whole of Pokhara in a bird's-eye view. You can fly either opt for 15 minutes flight or 1 hour flight where you’ll be flying over Pokhara, near Sarangkot, and the World Peace pagoda. You can get close-up view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range in this thrilling journey.

11. Go For Trekking or Short Hikes

Pokhara is known for trekking, as most of the treks like Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, etc, start from Pokhara. If you do not want long days trekking, you can opt for short hikes like Australian Base Camp and Dampus. However, if you want multi-day trekking, then Pokhara will definitely be the starting point for many of your short and long treks in Nepal. 

12. Participate in Other Adventurous Activities

To adrenaline-junkies, Pokhara is the adventure hub for many heart-racing activities. Whether you set your eye on white-water rafting through the Seti rivers, bungee jumping, zip-lining, mountain biking or a canyoning trip, Pokhara has it all. These activities against the magnificent backdrop of the Himalayan scenery will definitely give the experience of thrill, pleasure, and lifetime memories.

Pokhara is an ideal combination of adventure, natural beauty, and culture. Whether flying until you are above the valley on a paragliding adventure, finding time to relax by Phewa Lake, exploring some enigmatic caves or having a spiritual time at temples, the city has its share of things that can be done by any traveler. Make sure to plan your visit with Mountain Adventure Trekking Pvt Ltd to experience the magic that makes Pokhara one of Nepal’s most cherished destinations. Contact us today.