Stand at the edge of Phewa Lake just after dawn and the water holds the Annapurna range so completely that the boats seem to be floating on the mountains themselves. This is the Pokhara most travellers come for, and it is best seen before the day's wind picks up and the mirror breaks.
The city suits trekkers using it as a base for the Annapurna region, but also anyone content with lakes, caves, hilltop viewpoints and a slow afternoon on the water. It rewards those willing to walk or ride a little beyond Lakeside.
This guide covers the sights and experiences worth your time, drawn from what is reliably documented, followed by a one-day plan that strings the best of them together.
Top things to do in Pokhara
1. Phewa Lake (Phewa Tal)
Phewa Lake sits just west of the city, ringed by monkey-filled forests and high white peaks. The reflections in the mirror-like water in the early mornings are the reason to come at first light. Hire a boat and row yourself across, or hire a local to do it for you.
Boats can be taken out even in the middle of the night, though the calm morning water is the finest time. Combine a crossing with the southern shore if you plan to walk up to the World Peace Pagoda.
2. World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa)
Opened in 1999 on a hilltop just south of Phewa Lake, the stupa offers views of the Annapurna Mountains, including Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and Annapurna III. It is a fine place to watch sunrise or sunset over Pokhara.
The easiest approach is a taxi to the base, with a return fare including waiting. On foot, first reach the southern side of Phewa Lake by walking around it, taking a taxi or rowing across, then take the very steep forest hike. Watch out for leeches during the monsoon. Entry is free, and it is open daily 05:00–18:00.
3. Sarangkot
Sarangkot makes a perfect pre-trek warm-up, and the climb is steep and hard work. You can rent a motorbike or use the cable car to reach the top; the road is rough but traversable. The views and images are spectacular, and it gives you a taste of trekking.
Morning views are best. The south slope trail is a challenging run or pole-walk workout: go north through Lakeside about 5 km through Kare to the cable car bottom station, follow the road up, then take the stone-step trail off to the left shortly after crossing under the cable cars. It takes at least an hour from the bottom; the descent jars the knees for about 40 minutes, or you can ride the cable car down. The cable car runs 05:00–07:00, 07:30–11:30 and 12:30–17:30, with single and return fares available.
4. Devi's Falls (Patale Chhango)
Devi's Falls is spectacular, especially after heavy rains, plunging into a cave and disappearing into the earth. The name comes from a Swiss couple who were washed away or fell in and drowned.
Entry is Rs25. It sits south of the city near Damside, which makes it easy to combine with Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, whose second cavern leads to a spot near the falls.
5. Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave
This cave, south of Damside near Devi's Falls, contains a large stalagmite venerated as a representation of Shiva. It has two caverns: one is the temple, the other leads to a spot near Devi's Falls.
Entry is Rs30 or Rs100. Pair it with Devi's Falls in the same visit, since the two are neighbours.
6. International Mountain Museum
At Ghari Patan, this museum displays material about the people living in the Himalayas, the 14 highest peaks and their most famous expeditions. It also includes exhibits from other mountain areas such as Slovenia and Japan.
It is open daily 09:00–17:00. Entry is Rs100 for SAARC visitors and Rs300 for others.
7. Mahendra Cave (Mahendra Gufa)
North of Pokhara near Batulechaur, Mahendra Cave is bigger than the Bat Cave. Seeing the hidden parts requires an extra guide and involves some climbing and very narrow passages, so it suits the adventurous.
Opening hours vary by season: May–Aug 07:00–18:30; Sep–Nov and Feb–Apr 07:00–18:00; Dec–Jan 07:00–17:00. Entry is Rs150 for foreigners, Rs80 for SAARC citizens and Rs50 for Nepalis.
8. Bat Cave (Chamare Gufa)
About ten minutes south of Mahendra Cave, this cave is famous for the bats hanging from its ceilings.
Its seasonal hours match Mahendra Cave's, and entry costs the same: Rs150 for foreigners, Rs80 for SAARC citizens and Rs50 for Nepalis. Visit the two caves together in one trip north of the city.
9. Gurkha Memorial Museum
In the northern part of Pokhara, near KI Sing Bridge at the front of the British Gurkhas Pokhara camp, this museum is dedicated to the famous soldiers from Nepal. You can see historic uniforms, their famous knives and different flags.
It is open 08:00–16:30 every day. Entry is Rs200 for foreigners, Rs100 for SAARC residents and Rs2 for Nepalis, with discounts for children.
10. Begnas Lake (Begnas Tal)
Out of town and away from the hustle, Begnas Lake is quiet, clean and peaceful. There are a few basic hotels nearby and the odd refreshment shop, and a Vipassana Meditation Retreat is also here.
The walk along the road leading to the lake is fascinating, with the seasonal rhythms of daily life in the country making great images. It lies south-east of Pokhara along the Prithvi Rajmarg road.
11. Rupa Lake (Rupa Tal)
One of the more remote lakes in Pokhara, with limited accessibility and hence more serene and unspoiled than the others. It is a fine choice for a nature lover.
It lies south-east of Pokhara along the Prithvi Rajmarg road. If you are already heading to Begnas Lake, this makes a natural extension of the same outing.
12. Dipang Lake (Dipang Tal)
A beautiful lake where you can find wild lotus and wild swan. It is about a 25-minute walk from Sisuwa, the city centre of Lekhnath municipality.
It lies south-east of Pokhara along the Prithvi Rajmarg road, so it fits into the same day as the other lakes on that side of the valley.
13. Kahun Dharahara
Kahun is the second nearest hill to the city, and at its top stands a view tower locally called Kahun Dharahara. A spectacular view of the Annapurna range can be seen straight from the tower, and the Pokhara valley can also be observed. The environment at the top is peaceful.
You can get there by bus, motorbike or cycle, and hiking from Ranipauwa should take no more than two and a half hours. Shop and carry what you need from the valley or from the local shop in Kahun, as there are no shops, cafes or hotels at Kahun Dharahara.
14. Dhiki Danda
One of the hills that provides a closer view of the Himalayas, Dhiki Danda sits north of Mahendra Cave. You can reach it by hiking two to three hours through Armala, with the trail about 5 km from Mahendra Cave.
Beautiful scenery can be observed from the top. Combine it with a visit to the caves near Batulechaur if you have the legs for it.
15. Paragliding and airborne sports
Paragliding over Phewa Lake and the Annapurnas is one of the region's signature experiences. Avia Club Nepal specialises in airborne adventure sports, and ultralighting is also available.
There is also a Parahawking and Vulture Restaurant experience: a charity runs a hospice for cows at the end of their lives, ensuring they receive none of the drug that poisons vultures, and when the cows die they are given as food to the vultures. Trips are arranged to view the early morning vulture feasts; visit Blue Sky Paragliding to find out more.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at Phewa Lake at first light, when the reflections in the mirror-like water are at their best, and row across. From the southern shore, take the steep forest hike up to the World Peace Pagoda for views of the Annapurna range.
Afternoon: Head south of Damside to Devi's Falls, then walk the short distance to Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave and its stalagmite shrine. If time allows, continue to the International Mountain Museum at Ghari Patan before it closes at 17:00.
Evening: Go up to Sarangkot for the sunset, by cable car or motorbike, and take in the views over the valley and the peaks before heading back down to Lakeside.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of day to see the mountains reflected in Phewa Lake?
The early mornings, when the water is mirror-like and the reflections are impressive. Winter and spring skies are generally clear and sunny, while most precipitation falls during the monsoon from June to September.
Do I need a guide for the caves?
Not for the main routes, but seeing the hidden parts of Mahendra Cave requires an extra guide and involves some climbing and very narrow passages. The Bat Cave is about ten minutes south of Mahendra Cave and can be visited in the same trip.
How do I reach the World Peace Pagoda?
The easiest way is a taxi to the base of the pagoda, with a return fare that includes waiting. On foot, first get to the southern side of Phewa Lake by walking around it, taking a taxi or rowing across, then take the very steep hike through the forest. Watch out for leeches during the monsoon.
Are there places to eat or stay at the viewpoints?
At Kahun Dharahara there are no shops, cafes or hotels, so carry what you need from the valley or from the local shop in Kahun. Begnas Lake has a few basic hotels and the odd refreshment shop nearby.
Pick your season, pack for rain or for clear winter skies, and start mapping your days around the lake, the hilltops and the caves.