12 Things to See/Do in Pokhara
Before 1962, Pokhara was just a stop on the Tibet-Nepal Salt Trade Route. It was a destination that used to be full of yak and sheep carrying bags of salt.
However, Pokhara had some other destiny. Things changed after that. If we look at Pokhara now, it has become a tourism hotspot in Nepal. Now it is journeyed by travelers, not yaks. People come here for a retreat, not salt.
Now, It is a must-visit place in Nepal.
Why would not?
Pokhara nestles by picturesque Fewa Lake and several others neighbor the city. Mt Machhapuchchhre, Mt Dhaulagiri, Mt Annapurna, and Manaslu guard the city.
The place has several caves that are home to hanging bats. Davis Falls, a place where Seti Gandaki River, disappears into Earth. Likewise, it is a dream place for paragliding in Nepal.
Also, a lot of popular trekking trails like Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, and Annapurna Circuit Trek begin from the place so on and so on.
There is so much to talk about and to do in Pokhara.
If visited, this town will be one of your favorite cities if not the most favorite.
Why and how? The 12 reasons are jotted below. Do see them all. The last one is a must!
12 Things to see/do in Pokhara
12. Majestic Mountains
Go to your hotel’s roof(if it is tall enough) or go to any hill station by the town and you can experience this majestic view. Along with this beauty(Mt Fishtail), you can observe Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Massif, Manaslu, and more. Your heart will murmur “Wow”.
11. Sail in a Boat
Sail in the vibrant water of Fewa Lake, and watch Pokhara from the middle. Even better, watch amazing mountains in the backdrop. As the cold breeze of the lake kisses your cheek, you will travel to heaven in amazement for a while. Boat and relax!
10. Visit Davis Falls
Nature is nothing but a mystery. People not accepting this should visit this Davis Falls. Here, a confluence of Seti Gandaki River fades into the Earth or whereabouts. In the local language, it is called Paatal KO Chango, which means underworld’s waterfall. It is such an interesting place in the heart of the city. Don’t miss it!
9. Drive to Sarangkot
If you know Nagarkot, a popular hill station near Kathmandu, Sarangkot is the one near Pokhara. Like Nagarkot, this vantage point offers a breathtaking panorama of Annapurna Region peaks. Alongside, you can see a horizon of Pokhara. Morning time is the best time to drive to the hill. Go for the sunrise!
8. Dwell around World Peace Pagoda
Aka Shanti Stupa, Peace Pagoda is a stupa built by a Japanese Monk with the help of local supporters. It is one of the eighty peace pagodas in the world. You will experience serenity visiting this shrine. But, you will also get a captivating view of Pokhara, Fewa Lake, the peaks, and more. It is perched on the Anadu Hill(1,100m).
7. Dare Bungee Jumping
Go to the edge and jump into the sky. If you are an adventure buff, Bungee Jumping is your game in Pokhara. 80m Bungee is located just 20 minutes drive from the city. It is a good jump!
6. Yoga Retreats
Mindfulness and yoga around Pokhara are such a serene experience. You can hike or bike to a yoga retreat center and experience tranquility. Go to a mountainside where the city does not sound.
5. Do a Trek
Pokhara is the base camp on Nepal’s most popular trekking trails. They all either start here or pass by. Poonhill Trek(3–5 Days), Annapurna Base Camp Trek(7–10 Days) or Annapurna Circuit Trek(12–18 Days). If love trekking, you can do some awesome treks from Pokhara.
4. Fly to Annapurna Base Camp on Helicopter
Or you can take a chopper to Annapurna Base Camp(4,100m). It is one of the most popular helicopter tours in Nepal. In several hours, you will visit the place, experience majestic peaks from close, and return to Pokhara. This can be a lifetime experience.
3. Take on The Pokhara Skies
No-brainer, Paragliding in Pokhara is one of the best things to do. On the flight, you will tear the skies and see the city from an eagle’s POV. An adrenaline rush is a guarantee!
2. Stroll around Lakeside
Lakeside is such a happening place in Pokhara. There are eateries, local shops, fun parks, musical bars, local street food stalls, souvenir shops, and more around the sides of Fewa Lake. Hit the trail around the evening. It is a good place to call a day in Pokhara.
1. Visit the off-the-beaten Rupa and Begnas Lakes
Pokhara is also known as the city of lakes. However, Fewa Lake owns all the limelight. It is quite near the city. But there are two lakes, Rupa and Begnas Lake, nearby the city. You can explore these overshadowed lakes.
0. Travel Pokhara with Sabbatical Explore Nepal
Sabbatical Explore Nepal(SEN) is a loved and trusted travel partner based in Kathmandu. Instituted in 2019, SEN is a team of passionate and experienced people, who know how to make travel safe, fun, and meaningful.
If you are looking for a smooth-like-silk travel experience in Nepal, Sabbatical Explore Nepal is there for you. They can take you to Pokhara and around Nepal.
You’ve made it!
Thank you for cascading up to the last!
See you next week!
