Best areas to stay in Pokhara
Pokhara sits on the shore of Phewa Lake, with the Annapurna range rising to the north. It is the base most trekkers use before setting out on the Annapurna Circuit, and the city itself is built around the lake rather than around a single historic core.
For a visitor, the practical geography is simple: almost all tourist accommodation is in Lakeside and Damside, both near Phewa Lake, with a small cluster of guesthouses uphill in Sarangkot and a scattering of options around Begnas and Rupa lakes further east. This guide covers which of those areas to base yourself in, and what each is like for different kinds of traveller.
Best areas to stay in Pokhara
1. Central Lakeside
Central Lakeside is the main tourism hub of Pokhara, running along Phewa Lake. This is where you find the widest choice of places to stay, from budget guesthouses and hostels to mid-range hotels, along with the restaurants, shops and trekking agencies that go with a tourist strip. It suits first-time visitors who want to be within walking distance of the lake, the main road and the services they need.
It is also the busiest and noisiest part of town. If you want quiet, look at the side streets just off the main lakeside road, where several places sit in quiet lanes a short walk from the water.
2. Lakeside East (Baidam)
The eastern stretch of Lakeside, around Baidam, is still part of the Lakeside area but slightly removed from the centre. Accommodation here ranges from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels, often on side streets off Baidam Road rather than on the main lakeside strip. It suits travellers who want to be near the lake and the main road but with a little less bustle.
Several places here are set back from the road, which keeps them quieter, and the area is still walkable to central Lakeside.
3. North Lakeside and Khahare
North of central Lakeside, the Khahare area is a more relaxed end of the lakeside strip. It has a mix of budget and mid-range guesthouses, some of them set slightly uphill, which gives them views over the lake. It suits travellers who want a calmer base with the lake close by, and those staying longer who prefer a quieter setting.
Because it is at the northern end, you are further from the main concentration of shops and restaurants in central Lakeside, though still on the same lakeside road.
4. Damside
Damside is the other main accommodation area, near Phewa Lake and close to the airport and Damside Chowk. It has a mix of hotels, including mid-range places, and is handy if you want to be near the airport or arrive and depart by air. It suits travellers who prefer a slightly different base from the main Lakeside strip while still being near the lake.
It is a separate area from Lakeside, so check how far your plans are from here before committing.
5. Sarangkot
Sarangkot is uphill from the city and has around a dozen guesthouses. It offers better views and less air pollution than the lakeside areas, but accommodation and food are much more expensive. It suits travellers who prioritise views and quiet over convenience and cost.
Note that these guesthouses are not accessible by car. From the taxi stand in Sarangkot it is a 20-minute walk uphill on gravel, so plan for that with luggage.
6. Around Begnas and Rupa lakes
Further east, the area between Begnas and Rupa lakes has a small number of places to stay, including guesthouses run by local families. It is well outside the city and suits travellers who want a rural base away from Pokhara's tourist areas, with walking and lake views rather than restaurants and shops on the doorstep.
This area is a bus or taxi ride from Pokhara city, so it works best if you are staying put rather than using the city as a base for daily trips.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: guesthouses, hostels and small family-run lodges, mostly in Lakeside and Damside, with dorm beds and simple private rooms, often with shared bathrooms and hot showers.
- Mid-range: hotels and larger guesthouses in Lakeside and Damside, with private en-suite rooms, gardens or rooftop views, and sometimes a restaurant on site.
- Splurge: resort-style places, including some on hills overlooking the lake and a few near the World Peace Pagoda, with en-suite rooms, views and additional facilities.
Best area for a first visit
Central Lakeside is the best base for a first visit. It puts you in the main tourism hub of Pokhara, near Phewa Lake, with the widest choice of accommodation, food and trekking services within walking distance. If you want the same convenience with less noise, look at the quiet lanes just off the main lakeside road.
Frequently asked questions
Where are most of Pokhara's tourist accommodations located?
Virtually all tourist accommodations are in Lakeside and Damside, near Phewa Lake.
Is Sarangkot a practical base if I have luggage?
It can be, but note that the guesthouses there are not accessible by car. From the taxi stand in Sarangkot it is a 20-minute walk uphill on gravel.
Can I find somewhere to stay for a longer period in Pokhara?
Yes. Medium and long-term accommodation is possible, and the best approach is to ask locally. Places geared exclusively for tourists in Lakeside are more expensive than what you can find by scouting around for a few days.
Is it cheaper to stay outside the main Lakeside area?
Sarangkot offers better views and less air pollution but is much more expensive for both accommodation and food. The area around Begnas and Rupa lakes is a rural alternative well outside the city.
Compare live prices for the area you choose with the booking tools on this page.