Pokhara City

Pokhara, one of the largest city of Nepal in terms of area is widely known as the gateway to the Annapurna circuit trek. Home to many Gurkha Soldiers and only 200km west from the capital city of Kathmandu/ International Airport to Nepal, tourist/ local buses and various travel agents will ensure your safe journey to Pokhara.

This beautiful city is surrounded by the Annapurna Mountain range with three of ten highest peaks: Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Manaslu and Mt. Dhaulagiri of the world. The city has subtropical humid climate, but the peak’s elevations helps in keeping the temperature moderate and making it the area to receive the high amount of precipitation compared to other areas of Nepal. But there are so many other facets for this beautiful valley besides the famous Annapurna trek. From spine-tingling adventures to leisure getaway spots, Pokhara provides the best of both worlds. So here are some fun things to do while in Pokhara.

1. Boating in Phewa Lake/ Tal Barahi Temple.

The first thing that pops up in mind when we hear Pokhara is the famous Phewa lake. Phewa lake is also the only way to reach the most religious Hindu monument Tal Barahi temple situation right in the middle of the Phewa Lake. A day of boating and enjoying the scenic beauty of the lake and its serenity brings a calmness and peace.

2. Hiking to The World Peace Pagoda.

Situated at an altitude of 1000m, it is a popular destination to enjoy the panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks and the Pokhara valley. The hill top provides a perfect view of sunset and sunrise. It is a Buddhist pagoda style monument and is easy to spot the white pagoda uphill. The adventurous hiking trail crossing the Phewa lake or the cycling tracks provides amazing view to the surrounding landscapes or alternately, you can hire any vehicle or take a local bus, but still have to walk few steps to reach the main viewpoint which in reaching, it’ll be worth it.

3. Sarangkot View Tower

At an altitude of 1600m, west of Pokhara, Sarangkot is renowned for its panoramic Himalayan range providing the perfect sunrise and sunset over the snowy peaks and the Pokhara valley. A 45 min drive from the city will take you to the top of Sarangkot. It is also the launching point for the thrilling paragliding recreational sport. A flight around the valley soaring wing to wing with the eagles above the glistening water of Phewa lake provides a surreal experience.

4. Bat cave and the Davis Fall

Come up close with the horseshoe bats in the dark and spooky bat cave of the Pokhara. The cave is made up of limestone and a habitat for the bats over the cave’s walls and the ceilings. The damp slippery rocks and the  dark narrow pathway makes sure you get the thrill you signed up for but the cave may be off limits for the claustrophobics.

Davis fall is an underground waterfall which is a popular attraction. The underground tunnel runs 100 feet below the ground level. Once known as a suicide point (since locals as well as tourists jumped from the cliff down to the bottom of the fall) is now an attraction with series of statues showcasing Nepali traditional wears and houses.

5. Escape the crowd and chill in Begnas Lake

Located to the south east of the Pokhara valley, Begnas lake is the third largest lake of Nepal and second largest after Phewa lake. A perfect getaway form the hustle and bustle of pokhara, the lake is less crowded and touristy compared to Phewa lake but carries more scenic beauty with a peaceful and mesmerizing surroundings.

And of course, there is more to Pokhara than just these. It is filled with power packed adventure spots and other recreational relaxing activities. Visit it yourself and explore the adventures the city has to offer. Create your own  adventure. Create your own story.