For trekking enthusiasts, Pokhara has become one of the essential stops before or after an expedition into the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.

With breathtaking views of the Annapurnas, it is the third largest city in the state (after the capital and Birâtnagar). With its vast lake, Pokhara is known as a beach resort for Nepalis and also as a former popular destination for hippies in the 1960s.

Information

Pokhara is located approximately 200 km west of Kathmandu.

The city covers approximately 56 km², and more than 300,000 people of different nationalities live and work in the city's streets.

Unlike most other cities in the country, it is very easy to exchange currency: hotels, banks, airport, specialist shops—you have plenty of choice.

City Attractions

The main tourist attractions in the city are:

Phewa Lake

A landmark not only in Pokhara, but for all of Nepal. On the hill above the lake stands the Shanti Stupa—often represented as the symbol of the city. It faces the outside world: its four Buddhas were brought from different countries—Japan, Vietnam and China (the fourth Buddha is "local," Nepali). Around the lake there are many hotels and water sports centers where you can rent a kayak for an afternoon.

The Temple of Goddess Kali

Ritual sacrifices are still practiced here (animals and birds are the victims): those with sensitive natures should abstain from visiting. Other popular attractions in Pokhara are the Varaha Temple and Devi's Fall.

Museum enthusiasts also have places to explore:

• Annapurna Museum;
• International Mountain Museum;
• Pokhara Museum;
• Gurkha Museum.

Sports Activities

For sports enthusiasts, Pokhara is associated with two things: paragliding and mountain hiking. There are many paragliding clubs in the city, and Sarangkot Mountain, which is half an hour from Pokhara, is considered an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced paragliders due to surprisingly good thermal conditions.

Not far from Pokhara lies Mount Annapurna, crossed by trekking routes known throughout the world. The most famous route is called "the Annapurna Circuit."

Hotels in Pokhara

Hotels in Pokhara are numerous and you can find either a simple, inexpensive basic room or a 5-star hotel complex with all European comforts.

Those who wish can also rent a villa, guesthouse or stay in a lodge. In total, the city offers more than 230 accommodation options.

Here are some partner hotels we recommend during our expeditions:

• Hotel Landmark
• Hotel The Kantipur
• Hotel Trek-O-Tel
• Hotel Queens Park
• Temple Tree Resort & Spa

Restaurants and Cafés

Most restaurants and cafés in Pokhara offer traditional Indian and Nepali cuisine; you will also find restaurants with international cuisine, though these are more expensive.

Top-rated restaurants:

• Rosemary Kitchen Pokhara;
• Harbour Restaurant
• OR2K Pokhara
• Fresh Elements

Shopping

Pokhara is a popular place for tourists, with countless shops selling souvenirs, electronics and clothing:

• Hemp products—passport covers, phone cases, laptop bags, wallets, hats;
• A variety of tea from all regions of Nepal;
• Traditional Nepali musical instruments;
• Jewelry shops (the most popular are glass bracelets and necklaces) and products made from precious and semi-precious stones, gold and silver;
• Rudraksh fruit bead necklaces;
• Hand-woven carpets;

Located in the city center at 827 meters altitude, the airport is accessible only by local flights.

From Brussels Zaventem, Paris Charles de Gaulle or Geneva-Cointrin airports, you must first make a connection from New Delhi (if you fly with Air India), Doha (Qatar Airways), or Dubai (Emirates) for a second transit at Kathmandu airport. Yeti Airlines or Buddha Air will handle your final flight.

You can also drive there. Following the Prithvi Highway, the journey will take approximately 6 hours. There is also regular bus service between Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Tourist buses depart mainly in the morning, with several day buses available. The cost of the journey is $7–10 USD. Minibuses depart from the North Kathmandu fleet every 20–30 minutes; travel with them is cheaper ($5), but will be MUCH less comfortable than on the tourist bus.

Climate

In Pokhara, temperatures are slightly warmer than in Kathmandu. In winter, temperatures average between 15 and 18°C, but at night the temperature drops to 6°C. Summer is moderately warm, with daytime temperatures rarely exceeding 30°C and nighttime temperatures around 20°C.

From mid-June to mid-September, the rainy season hits Pokhara hard, so it is best to visit the city from September through late April.