Pokhara, the place every Nepalese and most foreigners want to visit at least once. So, what brings people to Pokhara?
For starters, the majestic view of Mountains and ever-relaxing Lakes.
Traditional colorful boats waiting to take visitors on a memorable journey, beautiful modern boats where all family members can enjoy, all such things have made Pokhara the most visited tourist destination in Nepal.
Phewa Lake, the best place to hang out with friends and family that provides a stunning view of sunrise and sunset.
Tourists visit Pokhara to witness the most hyped nightlife, which sometimes is also a subject of controversy.
The gigantic view of Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail Mountain) on Phewa Lake will take you to heavenly dreams.
The peaceful place to chill and refresh for the tired souls. A perfect antidote for people who are working 9-10 hours a day.
For most people, Pokhara is not the place, it’s the emotion. Once you visit the place, it always calls for your time and again because this is the place no one would get bored of, ever.
Waking up in the morning, walking to the lakeside, witnessing tranquil and gorgeous sunrises, walking along the shore of the lake holding hands with your loved ones, is indeed the dream of many.
Away from the rush of Kathmandu, away from the hectic life, away from the pollution, Pokhara is welcoming you with a calm and peaceful environment.
On a clear day, Pokhara is nothing short of Heaven, if there is one. You can see the mountain range of Annapurna, 8000+ meters high in elevation, Macchapuchhre, which is enough to dazzle any eyes.
For many people. Pokhara is not just the destination, it is also the starting point for another destination.
Pokhara is the gateway to ABC trek, Poonhill, Ghandruk, Mustang, Muktinath, and many more.
For adventure-lovers, adrenalin seekers, those who want to really enjoy their life, there are tons of things to do in Pokhara.
As the most desired destination place for national and international tourists, Pokhara, for obvious reasons, may get crowded sometimes, but it is still one of the clean cities of Nepal.
In this article, we will share the best things to do and best places to visit in Pokhara, and the best tips to enjoy to the fullest.
ENJOY POKHARA FROM THE STUNNING PHEWA LAKE
For most people, Phewa Lake is the synonym of Pokhara. The first time, people just head straight to the lake and shout with joy sitting on the shore of the lake.
Don’t get surprised if you see kids jumping and screaming around Phewa Lake.
Many people compare it with Switzerland, but I don’t like the comparison to be specific, every place is unique, especially Pokhara, and it should be admired for what it has to offer.
The first thing to do after reaching Phewa lake is to hire a boat. You can hire a traditional boat where the skipper will row you around the lake or you can hire a modern boat and paddle yourself around Phewa lake.
Dipping your hand into the water as the boat goes in the center of the lake is a beautiful feeling you can experience.
Spoiler Alert!!! The water in the lake is not as clean as you think so don’t get disappointed when you reach there.
Boating on the Phewa Lake especially in the morning and evening during sunrise and sunset is the feeling you cannot describe.
As you move away from the shore, the only thing you hear is the soothing sound of the paddle dipping into the water.
The sounds of the birds echoing through the woods and little wave splashing onto your boat is just what you need to counter your distress.
These are the times when you wish to freeze the moment.
A yellow life jacket is compulsory for everyone, so you can enjoy your time on the boat totally panic-free.
You can rent the boat for an entire day, so feel free to explore Phewa Lake.
The price might slightly vary but you can expect the following pricing:
Rs 500/hr with the boatman
Rs 450/hr (paddle yourself)
Small aluminum pedalos – Rs 610/hr
Big aluminium pedalos – Rs 810/hr
Lifejackets Rs 10 (compulsory)
Sailboats for Rs (710-910) per hour.
Cycling & Mountain Biking
Pokhara is one of the best places for cycling.
Without having to cross the main highway for too long, you can explore Pokhara easily and in a clean environment.
Starting from the lakeside, there is a perfect cycling track along with the pedestrian track.
Cycling is the best way to enjoy the ever-green beauty of Phewa Lake.
You can rent a cycle at a reasonable price at Rs 150 per hour or Rs 500 per day.
Another famous destination for cycling is Sarangkot and Shanti Stupa. The road is pretty much uphill and tiresome but heading down will be exceptional fun.
WATCH THE SUNRISE FROM SARANGKOT VIEWPOINT
About 11 km from the lakeside resides the best viewpoint of Pokhara, Sarangkot.
As the sun hits the mountain range, the yellow golden colors of mountains will definitely dazzle your eyes.
The crystal clear reflection of Fish Tail Mountain on the Phewa Lake on a clear day and sunrise at a far distance is a perfect way to start the day.
Sarangkot, the best place to witness the august beauty of Himalayan range of Annapurna and Fishtail, is only 7 miles drive from Lakeside.
You don’t have to reach Poonhill to see the sublime 360 degree view of Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna range (8000+ meters), Fishtail, and Lamjung.
The 7 miles drive to Sarangkot is not shy of any adventure. Narrow roads curling through the woods with plenty of tea-shops and stops for refreshment will provide you total adventure.
Apart from sunrise and sunset, Sarangkot provides the best view of the dazzling Pokhara city at night with lights glowing like Diwali.
If you have a license, hiring a scooter is the best option to reach Sarangkot which will cost you around Rs 500 per hour.
Water Rafting on Upper Seti
Rafting is not for the light-hearted. But this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t raft if you fear water. Facing your fear is the only way to overcome it.
Rafting doesn’t only give you joy but also confidence and satisfaction.
The fast and ferocious rapids like Upper Seti are the best for rafting. Paddling through the white rapids, jostling with the team members with fear and enjoyment as the boat hits the stones, is the fun not everyone can enjoy.
The bumps and rapids are so powerful that you might fall from the boat at times. So, this is the most dangerous adventure you can experience in your life.
Along the way you will do multiple impromptu cliff jumps, which add more adventure in the journey.
Paddle Nepal, one of Nepal's best rafting guides, can take you to the short drive from Pokhara to Upper Seti for the ultimate fun.
PARAGLIDING in Pokhara
Should you ever choose to paraglide in Nepal, make Pokhara or Sarangkot – to be specific, your number one spot.
On a clear weather day, a total of 3 flights take place in a day. The first flight around 10:30 am, second at 12pm, and the last flight takes off at around 2pm.
Listed as the world's top 5 paragliding places, Pokhara paragliding gives the mesmerizing view of Phewa Lake, Begnas Taal, Rupa Lake, Pokhara city, and many mountains.
VISIT WORLD PEACE PAGODA (SHANTI STUPA)
Another popular hill station besides Sarangkot in Pokhara is World Peace Pagoda.
As a symbol of peace, this place is beautifully decorated with the statue of Buddha and small gumbas to add the feeling of Lumbini.
The best way to reach Peace Pagoda is by scooter or Taxi which will take you around 30 to 40 minutes.
Situated right above Phewa Lake, this place gives the best view of Phewa Lake and the mountain range of Annapurna.
The increasing buildings and roads also add beauty to the city at least from the distance.