Scenic
Pokhara Escape
Lakeside mornings, a Himalayan sunrise at Sarangkot and one adventure of your choice in Nepal's favourite city.
- Duration
- 4 nights / 5 days
- Group
- Private or small group
From $400per person
DetailsCity
Pokhara travel guide
Nepal's lakeside city: Phewa Lake, Himalayan sunrises and the gateway to the Annapurna treks.
About Pokhara
Pokhara sits about 200 km west of Kathmandu, beside Phewa Lake, with the Annapurna range and the fishtail peak of Machapuchare rising behind it. It is Nepal's favourite place to slow down — and the starting point for the Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp treks.
Lakeside, the area along Phewa's eastern shore, is lined with cafés, guesthouses and boat-hire stands. A few days here combine easy sightseeing with mountain views and one adventure of your choice.
Things to do in Pokhara
Phewa Lake and Tal Barahi Temple
Rent a boat or join a short ride to the island temple of Tal Barahi; on calm mornings Machapuchare is mirrored in the water.
Sunrise from Sarangkot
A pre-dawn drive up Sarangkot hill for sunrise over Annapurna, Machapuchare and Dhaulagiri — also the main launch point for tandem paragliding.
World Peace Pagoda
A white Buddhist stupa on the ridge across the lake, with views back over Pokhara to the mountains.
Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave
A waterfall that disappears underground and, across the road, a cave shrine to Shiva — usually visited together.
International Mountain Museum
Exhibits on the Himalaya, mountaineering history and mountain cultures — a good stop before or after a trek.
Adventure day
Paragliding, white-water rafting, mountain biking or a hike such as Australian Camp.
Getting to Pokhara
- By road, tourist buses take about 6–8 hours along the Prithvi Highway, longer with roadworks or monsoon landslides.
- Flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara take about 25–30 minutes; allow 2–3 hours door to door.
- Our Pokhara Escape tour includes return flights; our Poon Hill and Annapurna treks include Kathmandu–Pokhara transport.
Best time to visit
October–November and March–April give the clearest mountain views. The monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain and cloud over the peaks, though the lake and hills are lush and green.
Local tips
- Mountain views are clearest early in the morning — plan sunrise at Sarangkot for your first clear day.
- Check the weather the evening before paragliding; flights are cancelled in high wind or rain.
- If you're trekking from Pokhara, leave spare luggage at your hotel or with us in Kathmandu.
Visit Pokhara with us
Guided trips that include this destination, starting and ending at our homestay in Budhanilkantha.
Trek
Poon Hill
Nepal's favourite short trek: rhododendron forest, Gurung villages and a Himalayan sunrise from 3,210 m.
- Duration
- 6 days
- Maximum altitude
- 3,210 m
From $700per person
Details
Trek
Annapurna Base Camp
Walk through Gurung villages and rhododendron forest into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a glacial amphitheatre ringed by giants.
- Duration
- 12 days
- Maximum altitude
- 4,130 m
From $1,200per person
DetailsPokhara: frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Pokhara?
Two or three full days covers Sarangkot, the lake, the World Peace Pagoda and one adventure activity. Our Pokhara Escape is 4 nights / 5 days including flights.
Is Pokhara worth it if I'm not trekking?
Yes. Many visitors come just for the lake, the mountain views and activities like paragliding.
Related guides
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Kathmandu to Pokhara: Bus, Flight or Private Car?
How to travel the 200 km between Kathmandu and Pokhara — tourist bus, flight or private car — with typical journey times, tips and what we arrange for our trekkers.
· 5 min read
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Best Time to Visit Nepal: Seasons for Trekking, Safaris and Kathmandu
A season-by-season guide to Nepal — when the mountain views are clearest, when the rhododendrons bloom, the best months for Chitwan and Bardia, and what the monsoon really means.
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Plan a trip to Pokhara
Staying with us in Budhanilkantha? We can arrange a driver, a guide or a full tour to Pokhara. Tell us your dates and what you'd like to see.