Pokhara, paradise on earth
No air pollution, no litter on the streets, minimal traffic, relaxed people, incredible landscapes—Pokhara is one of the most beautiful cities in Népal.
No air pollution, no litter on the streets, minimal traffic, relaxed people, incredible landscapes—Pokhara is one of the most beautiful cities in Népal. It's also the gateway to most of the trekking itineraries. Pokhara is visited not only by tourists but also by Nepali citizens who consider the city to be THE resort destination of the country.
People visit Pokhara for various reasons. Whether your stay in Pokhara is recreational, family-oriented, or backpacking-focused, the city offers the best facilities to meet every need. The most popular area of the city sits around the Phewa Lake. You'll find a multitude of shops, hotels, restaurants, cafés, and bars. You can also rent a small boat: the best times of day for boating are dawn and dusk. The landscapes around this lake are breathtaking!
"World's best destination for paragliding"
On a small island in the lake stands a temple dedicated to a Hindu goddess. You can also navigate to the temple and visit a Hindu religious site to gain insight into how gods in this part of the world are glorified and revered. 
Pokhara is one of the world's best destinations for paragliding. Gliding through the sky like a bird above the city and its lake is a unique experience. Around you, you'll spot the immense snow-capped peaks of the Himalaya, dozens of small streams, verdant valleys, and in the distance, Bagnas Lake. Pokhara is also an ideal place for hiking. You can visit the famous Devi's Falls. The best time of year to visit the waterfall is during the monsoon season, which runs from July to September. You can also explore caves or hike to the World Peace Pagoda. This Buddhist religious site sits atop a hill. Another excellent way to explore the city is by renting a bike. You can simply cycle along the river or through the market area. The weather is pleasant almost year-round for such activities. For shopping enthusiasts, many local shops sell handicrafts, traditional clothing, and all manner of souvenirs.
Relaxation and adventure—a complete escape from the stress of the capital, Katmandu. 
Frequently asked questions
The best time to visit Pokhara is from October to November and March to April, during the dry seasons. The sky is clear, offering spectacular views of the Himalaya, ideal for paragliding and trekking. The monsoon (July-September) is not recommended for outdoor activities, except to admire Devi's Falls at full force.
From Katmandu, you can reach Pokhara by bus (6 to 8 hours, approximately 10-15 USD on a tourist bus) or by plane (25 minutes of flight, starting from 80 USD). The bus is the most economical option and allows you to enjoy the mountain road scenery, while flying is ideal for saving time.
Pokhara is considered one of the world's best destinations for paragliding. Tandem flights with a certified instructor typically take off from Sarangkot Hill and last between 30 minutes and 1 hour. Prices range around 70 to 100 USD. You'll fly over Phewa Lake and have a stunning view of the Himalayan peaks, including Annapurna and Machhapuchhre.
Must-do activities in Pokhara include a boat ride on Phewa Lake at sunrise, a paragliding flight above the city, visiting Devi's Falls (especially during the monsoon), hiking to the World Peace Pagoda, and exploring the local market by bike. The city is also an ideal base for starting treks to Annapurna and Poon Hill.
A stay of 3 to 5 days is ideal for exploring Pokhara and its surroundings at a leisurely pace. This gives you time to enjoy Phewa Lake, take a paragliding flight, visit the main sites (Devi's Falls, temples, World Peace Pagoda), and possibly embark on a short day trek in the area.
