Pokhara City Map
Pokhara is Nepal's second-largest city and the tourist capital, famous for its stunning lakes, panoramic views of the Annapurna range, and as the gateway to some of the world's best trekking routes.
City Information
About Pokhara
Pokhara lies in a valley beneath the towering Annapurna massif, with the famous fishtail-shaped Machapuchare (6,993m) dominating the skyline. The city is built around three lakes: Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake, and Rupa Lake. It serves as the starting and ending point for most Annapurna region treks.
Major Attractions
- Phewa Lake - Nepal's second-largest lake, perfect for boating
- Lakeside (Baidam) - Main tourist area with hotels, restaurants, and shops
- Sarangkot - Famous viewpoint for sunrise over the Himalayas
- World Peace Pagoda - Buddhist stupa with panoramic views
- Davis Falls - Unique waterfall that disappears underground
- Gupteshwor Cave - Sacred cave with Shiva shrine
- International Mountain Museum - Museum dedicated to mountains and mountaineering
Adventure Activities
- Paragliding - Tandem flights over Phewa Lake with Himalayan backdrop
- Ultralight flights - Experience flying close to the Himalayas
- Zip-lining - One of the world's steepest and longest zip-lines
- Bungee jumping - Multiple sites near Pokhara
- White water rafting - On the Seti and Trishuli rivers
Trekking from Pokhara
Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurna region:
Getting to Pokhara
Tourist buses from Kathmandu follow the Prithvi Highway and take about 6 to 8 hours, with stops for meals; the road is scenic but often slow because of roadworks. Flights from Kathmandu take about 25 minutes and land at Pokhara International Airport, which opened in 2023. Buses also run to Chitwan (Sauraha) and to Sunauli on the Indian border.
Best Time to Visit
The clearest mountain views are from October to December, when Machapuchare and the Annapurna range are reflected in Phewa Lake. Spring is also good, though haze can hide the peaks by midday. Pokhara is one of the wettest places in Nepal during the monsoon, from June to September.
Short Hikes Around Pokhara
- World Peace Pagoda: cross Phewa Lake by boat and climb about an hour through forest.
- Sarangkot: a sunrise viewpoint reachable by road, on foot or by paraglider.
- Australian Camp and Dhampus: an easy overnight hike with close views of the Annapurnas.
- Begnas Lake: a quieter lake 15 km east of Lakeside, good for kayaking.
Tal Barahi Temple
This small two-tiered pagoda sits on an island in Phewa Lake and is dedicated to the goddess Barahi. Rowing boats ferry visitors across from Lakeside, especially on Saturdays when local families come to worship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Kathmandu to Pokhara?
About 6 to 8 hours by tourist bus, or 25 minutes by plane.
What is Pokhara famous for?
Phewa Lake, views of Machapuchare and the Annapurna range, paragliding from Sarangkot, and being the starting point for Annapurna treks.
When is the best time to visit Pokhara?
October to December for the clearest mountain views, and March to April for spring weather.