Things to do in Pokhara

A beautiful lakeside city in the heart of the Himalayas, Pokhara is one of the must-visit places in Nepal. Situated at the base of the Annapurna range, Pokhara offers a fascinating landscape with several cultural attractions and adventurous activities. There are myriad best things to do in Pokhara, ranging from cultural sightseeing tours, day hiking, and thrilling adventurous activities. You'll get truly amazed by the different natural and cultural wonders of the city. 

Pokhara is a popular tourists destination in Nepal filled with many exquisite places to explore. Pokhara valley sightseeing tour includes several landmarks such as Mahadev cave, bat cave, ancient Tal Barahi temple, Bindhyabasini temple, International Mountain Museum, Davis Fall, etc. Exploring these places will showcase the ancient history, rich culture and tradition, unique architecture, and arts.

Likewise, the adventure junkies will love the city's splendid landscapes by indulging in adventures like paragliding, mountain biking, ultralight flight, ziplining, white river rafting, etc. Further, Pokhara is also the gateway to the several popular treks of the Annapurna region of Nepal, such as Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, etc. 

Although there are countless things to do to get the best experience in Pokhara, you can still opt for some of the top things to do and place to vistit in Pokhara from the list below. 

Adventurous Activities To Do In Pokhara

Pokhara is a great place for adrenaline junkies as it is an ideal place to seek life thrills. From paragliding, ziplining, ultralight flying, skydiving, kayaking to white river rafting, Pokhara covers almost everything on your adventure book. So, adventure sports is another best thing to do in Pokhara. Here are the lists of the best adventurous activities to do in Pokhara. Just follow it and never get bored here again.

Paragliding

Undoubtedly, Paragliding is one of the preferred outdoor activities in Nepal. And Pokhara is the perfect option to get the best paragliding experience ever. Pokhara comprises stable thermals, convenient take-off and landing zones, incredible mountain views, and shimmering Phewa lake. 

The perfect times of day for Paragliding are 10:30 AM, 12 PM, and 2 PM. There needs to be enough heat to create the necessary thermal for lift. Likewise, the best time for paragliding is the same as peak trekking months like September, October, November, February, March, and April. During these months, the views are clear, and thermals develop quickly and can fly up to 3,000m. So be ready to glide with the birds!

Ziplining

Ziplining in Pokhara is a new, still enticing adventure activity that will push your adrenaline to the next level! For thrill-seekers, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you would come across in Pokhara. Get ready to experience the world's most incredible fastest, and highest zip line with 600 meters vertical drop, 1.8km long, and 140+ km/hour speed. It's an exhilarating and fun activity where you get to enjoy the clear, majestic picturesque vistas of the Annapurna range and the rolling dense green hills canopy below. No doubt, it will be one of your fantastic experiences. So ready to challenge your spirit and take this as thrills and fun as you have never experienced before! 

Bungee Jumping

Bunjee Jumping is another thrilling experience you'll love to try once in Pokhara. With the Pokhara homes to tons of beautiful bridges, rugged canyons, and gushing rivers, you'll find Nepal's first only bungee tower. It lies just 25kms from the central city of Pokhara. You'll get to enjoy a spectacular drop of 70 feet with 3 seconds of free fall. You can enjoy a phenomenal fall while soaking in the picturesque mountain landscapes surrounding this bridge.

Ultralight Flight

Pokhara is undoubtedly one of the best places to get exhilarating experiences of ultralight flight in Nepal. It is ideal to discover the hidden Himalayas and an aerial view of Pokhara valley and majestic Phewa Lake. It will just take 15 minutes to fly at the height of 9,000 feet above sea level amidst the scenic Himalayan range. You'll get enjoy the bird's eye view of Phewa Lake, Pokhara Valley, and snow-clad Annapurna range, and Mt. Machhapuchhare. You'll hold cherishable memories for an entire lifetime after experiencing ultra-flight in Pokhara. 

Skydiving

For thrill-seekers, skydiving in Pokhara is an enriching experience. Pokhara is the most beautiful lake city surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks, including Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, and Manalsu range. For skydiving, you need to take a short drive from lakeside to Pame Danda, west of dazzling Phewa Lake. From here, you'll jump from a helicopter or small twin otter aircraft at the height of 12,000ft/3658m. During skydiving, a professional skydive crew will accompany you. Enjoy 40 seconds of free fall along with the backdrop of magnificent mountain peaks, scenic lakes, and stunning Pokhara valley before deploying your parachute. No wonder you'll scream out full of excitement and get a lifetime memorable experience! 

Mountain Biking Tour

Mountain biking is another great activity. You can opt for a half-day or full-day riding around the valley. You'll get the best experience along the remote countryside, numerous small settlements, etc. In addition, you'll also enjoy the astonishing views of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhare. Intermediate riders can opt for mountain biking trips. You can begin your ride from Hallan Chowk behind the lakeside and alongside the lake, paddy field, traditional settlements, and suspension bridges. With lush green hills and a gorgeous mountainside, you'll get the best biking experience from lakeside to Pame and then ride back to Pokhara. You'll find a perfect tranquil trail for yourself on a mountain bike. 

Canyoning

Pokhara Canyoning is another exciting, adventurous activity for adventure enthusiasts. Canyoning involves descending through a series of waterfalls through a canyon rappelling, jumping, sliding, and boulder scrambling. You will climb through rough structures like rocks, gorges, walls, and waterfalls. All these cascading waterfalls add beauty to the surroundings and thrill to the adventure junkies. It challenges you both physically and mentally and yet provides you with a fantastic refreshment experience. Thus, step out from your comfort zone and experience one of Nepal's best treats. You can combine canyoning adventure with whitewater rafting or kayaking. 

Seti River Rafting

Seti Khola is safe and easy for rafting, so it is ideal for every level of adventure seeker. This gentle flowing river has plenty of small and straightforward rapids. However, during the monsoon season, the intensity of rapids increases and doubles, exciting the rafters. The gorgeous Seti River passes through stunning jungle scenery, green hills, and valleys. It also offers an excellent opportunity for bird-watching. Thus, white river rafting in the Seti River provides a perfect opportunity to experience some stunning river scenery in Nepal without facing challenging or complex rapids. So, it is very suitable for family trips and learns kayaking in Nepal. 

Boating in Phewa Lake

Boating in Phewa Lake is the most enjoyable recreational activity to do in Pokhara. You can hire a colorful bota and take a tour around picturesque Phewa Lake. You can either row a boat yourself or hire a boatman; however, both options are great. Green hills beautifully surround the lake. The view of Machhapuchhare peak and Annapurna range reflected in the lake will leave you spellbound! In the middle of the lake, there is Tal Barahi temple. Also, you'll get a glimpse of the white stupa on the top of the hills from the lakeside. Also, Begnas and Rupa Lakes are great options for boating in Pokhara. 

Kayaking

Kayaking is another most adventurous activity you can do in Phewa Lake, Pokhara. Likewise, it is a fun activity to explore the abundant nature ad wildlife by boat. You can spend a day kayaking on Phewa Lake, with astounding views of Mt. Machhapuchhare and Annapurna range. Phewa Lake has a small island where there is Tal Barahi Temple which is famous among Hindu devotees.  

Hot Air Ballooning

A Hot Air Balloon ride with your loved one is the perfect way to experience something magical. If you plan for special occasions such as anniversaries, marriage proposals, honeymoons, or birthdays, then a balloon ride over one of the most amazing places on earth is the best way to celebrate with your loved ones. As you take off, you'll be stuck with the enchanting view of the surreal landscape and magical lake that lies below you. During the ride, you'll gently drift over the Phewa Lake over the green hills for 40-60 minutes. The diversified picturesque landscapes, fantastic mountain views, and stunning Pokhara valley will surely leave you breathless!

Short Hikes At Outskirts Of Pokhara City

Pokhara valley is one of the pleasant cities of Nepal with an endless list of things to do. Every corner of the city, you are surrounded by natural and cultural beauty. It is a paradise for trekking, hiking, and sports activities. Hiking is a wonderful way to explore the place and get to know the local people. There are lots of options for day or short hikes to see some of the best panoramic views of Pokhara, surrounding landscape, and mountains. Some of them are listed below;

Short hike to Shanti Stupa

Shanti Stupa is one of the ideal locations to get one of the best views of Pokhara Valley, Phewa Lake, and the Annapurna mountain range. You can either hike or take a drive to the World Peace Pagoda or Shanti Stupa. For hiking, you need to take a boat across Phewa Lake and get to the trailhead, where you start to climb through the forests and reach Pagoda. The trail is quite fascinating as from several stops, you’ll get a picturesque view of Phewa Lake and Pokhara Valley. Shanti stupa is a symbol of peace and an important Buddhist monument of Nepal. You'll get panoramic sight of the huge white Pagoda from Pokhara lakeside. Once you reach the top, you'll enjoy the tranquil surroundings, picturesque view of Phewa Lake, the city beneath, the magnificent Annapurna range, and Mt. Machhapuchhare. 

Sunrise or Sunset from Sarangkot Hill

Sarangkot Hill is famous for the glorious sunrise view of Mt. Machhapuchhare, Annapurna, and the Dhaulagiri range. It lies on the edge of Pokhara city and rises right above Phewa Lake. You can either drive or take a three-hour hike up to the top of the hill. From Sarangkot, you'll get a jaw-dropping sunrise view over the Annapurna and Machhapuchhare mountain range. You'll be truly amazed by watching one of the world's best sunrise as the sun slowly lights up the Pokhara valley enveloped in the mighty Himalayas against blue skies. Sarangkot sunrise view is the best sunrise watching experience in the world, with the views of some of the highest mountains in the world, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhare. Likewise, the sunset from the hill is equally fascinating and worth watching! 

Thulakot Hill Day Hike

A day Thulakot Hill Hike lets you grasp the stunning views of Annapurna ranges. Another best viewpoint in Pokhara, besides the mountain views, you'll get to experience the unchanged mountain lifestyle of the local people. Another highlight of the Thulakot hill hike is exploring Begnas Lake at the end. This short hike is a perfect blend of nature and culture. This day hike is ideal for those who have limited time but still want to see the Himalayas. Once you reach the top of Thulakot Hill, you'll get face to face with Annapurna, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung mountain ranges. Along the trail also the landscapes are truly unique, and the entire view of Pokhara valley will stun you!

A Short Hike to Pumdikot View Tower

Pumdikot View Tower is a relatively new destination that you can consider while traveling to Pokhara. Lies in the Pumdi-Bhumdi VDC, you'll have to take a 45-minute hike uphill from the Peace Pagoda. It is a short hike that lies on the outskirts of Pokhara valley. Hiking along the pristine and quiet trails, you'll get a pure natural vibe. On the track, you'll enjoy the enticing view of Mt. Machhapuchhare on your right and the alluring Phewa Lake on your left. This three-storeyed view tower offers a mind-blowing view of Pokhara valley and the Annapurna mountain range. Moreover, the views of Phewa Lake, Sarangkot, Pame, and World Peace Stupa are joyful to watch. 

Best Places To Visit In Pokhara

Pokhara is one of the holiest landmarks of Hindus and Buddhists. Nestled amid the mighty Himalayas, the valley has also been the center of religious attractions for travelers. Several famous historical sites such as ancient temples, caves, museums, parks, and monuments help witness glorious history.  So, while visiting Pokhara, you should not miss these places.

Davis Waterfall

Famously known as Davis waterfall, but its actual name is Patale Chhango. The fall is actually named after Mrs. Devis, a swiss tourist who accidentally swept away after a dam overflowed on Phewa Lake. This waterfall is an outflow of Phewa Lake that forms a small stream that cuts through the surrounding valley then passes through a narrow gorge before starting a waterfall. The small gorge is about 500 feet long and 100 feet deep. Especially during the monsoon season, the overflow of waters increases and makes a fun place to explore. At the existing point of the gorge, the stream passes through Gupteswor Mahadev Cave. 

Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave is one of the longest caves in Nepal and a very sacred place for Hindus. The cave sits across Davis waterfall, so inside the cave, you'll hear the thundering sound of water. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, you'll get sight of well-preserved Shiva lingam. Inside the cave, you'll witness many shrines and statues dedicated to Shiva and other Hindu deities such as Paravati, Nageswor, and Saraswoti. Apart from this, the deep and dark cave offers you an excellent opportunity to explore the natural wonders in the purest form. You need to walk slowly as the path might be slippery due to the continuous drip from the aperture. Further, the waterfall at the end of the cave is really fascinating and mysterious at the same time. 

Chamero (Bat) Cave

If you are looking for something different adventure, then exploring Bat Cave or Chamero Gufa in Pokhra is a perfect option. As the name suggests, you'll encounter thousands of bats thriving in the dark, gloomy, and moist chambers of the cave. Most of them are Horseshoe Bats clinging upside down on the ceilings of the cave. You can explore the entire cave within 10 minutes and exit through a narrow shaft. 

Bindhyabasini Temple

One of the most visited temples in Pokhara is the fascinating Bindhyabasini temple. Stands atop of a hill, the temple looks calmly over the bustling Pokhara city. The white pagoda-styled temple is dedicated to the goddess Durga, the guardian deity of Pokhara valley. The temple also offers an enticing view of the Annapurna range and Mt. Machhapuchhare. During the biggest festival Dashain, the temple receives a larges number of devotees coming to offer sacrifices. Lies 10 meters above the valley, the temple is an excellent vantage point to observe incredible views of Pokhara town and the impressive Himalayas views.

International Mountain Museum

International Mountain Museum has a wonderful collection of artifacts, original trekking gears, travel stories and photographs of the mountains, history of the highest mountain climbing, etc. While exploring the museum, you'll get a good description of the habitats loving in the Himalayas and the 14 highest peaks and their expeditions. Moreover, you'll see four exhibit halls in the museum covering a specific topic relating to the mountains. They are; Hall of mountain people, Hall of world mountains, Hall of mountain activities, and Hall of the temporary display. 

Gurkha Memorial Museum

Nepal is well renowned throughout the world for being the home of the fierce soldiers known as Gurkhas. Thus Gurkha Memorial Museum is another must-visit place in Pokhara. Located near Mahendra Pul, here you can get be part of the outstanding achievements of the Gurkha regiment. The Gurkha Museum stands as a token of gratitude for our brave Gurkha soldiers who stood brave and fought during World War I and World War II. It displays the awards that the Gurkhali soldiers have received throughout the years. You'll be part of their contribution to peace and prosperity in the world. 

Tal Barahi Temple

Considered the holiest Hindu shrine in Pokhara, this beautiful Tal Barahi Temple lies at the right-center of the Phewa Lake. You can get there on a rowboat from Varahi Ghat. Lakeside is one of the famous destinations among both national and international tourists. Whether day or night, the tranquilizing view of crystal clear water of Phewa Lake and the surrounding landscape will never fail to amaze you. In the evening, you can enjoy the sandhya aarti. Dedicated to the Varahi goddess, an incarnation of the Durga goddess, the temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindu devotees. 

Final Say

No matter where your interests lie, you'll always find something in this incredibly beautiful lake city of Pokhara that excites you in every way. You can just involve yourself in lots of fun activities like Pokhara sightseeing, paragliding, bungee jumping, mountain biking, etc. Also, you can just even spend some leisure time relaxing and daydreaming around the Phewa lake, admiring the surrounding scenery. Thus, all these best things to do in Pokhara allow you to make most of your vacation a memorable and delightful experience.

Useful Links

How to get Pokhara from Kathmandu?
Pokhara Peace Pagoda Hike - 1 Day
Pokhara - Naudanda Sarangkot Hike - 1 Day
Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour - 9 Days