Things to do in Pokhara Nepal
Pokhara, the capital of Gandaki Pradesh and the second-largest city in Nepal, offers a wide variety of activities. The entrance to the Annapurna Conservation Area and subsequently the Annapurna Range is located at Pokhara.
Trekkers who desire to hike to Annapurna Base Camp typically take a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara before beginning their journey on our Ghorepani Poon Hill climb, and we, too, flew from Kathmandu to Pokhara to start the journey.
Despite the fact that there are many sites to visit outside of Pokhara, avoid making the error of ignoring this relaxed yet interesting city. It is simple to stay for at least a week here.
We’ll list some of the activities to do in Pokhara, specifically Lakeside, for you below. Although we have listed them in order of favorite to least favorite activities, don’t take our word for it.
Please let us know your thoughts after checking them out on your own. Additionally, we are aware that you might have any additional suggestions for this list. If so, or if you have any comments or questions, please leave a message below, and we will respond.
Peace Pagoda
Who is opposed to peace? Of course, we do! We also enjoy trekking, so we were excited to learn that we could ascend a mountain to the Pokhara Peace Pagoda. In addition, if you really like this one, you might want to look into some of the other 80 peace pagodas that are located all around the world. However, this was another of our top activities.
Phewa Lake Boat Ride
You can rent your own boat to go on a joyride around Phewa Lake. Alternatively, you can hire a boat with a rower if you’d prefer someone to help you navigate Phewa Lake.
In any case, this is a must-do activity in Pokhara, and we had a great time on the lake. To get to the Peace Pagoda’s base, we hired a boat and a rower, and from the point where the boat dropped us off, we started our journey. The boat journey and the ascent to the pagoda made a lovely combination.
Eat At The Juicery Cafe
If you’re in Pokhara and like good food, be wary because the Juicery Cafe has an addictive flavor. Who is to say that dining out isn’t something that should be on a bucket list? We came here for dinner and still couldn’t get enough. The fact that we would no longer be able to visit The Juicery Cafe was among the things that caused us the most sadness when we had to say goodbye.
These farm-to-table, vegetarian/vegan dishes are comparable to those you may find at a high-end vegan restaurant. Their Buddha bowls and smoothie bowls are wonderful, and their homemade sourdough is to die for. However, the open-air cafe’s laid-back hipster ambiance and the affordable rates efficiently dispel any pretentiousness that is frequently present in upscale vegan cafes and restaurants.
Whatever you do, eat at The Juicery Cafe. It is located out back, right on the lake. You can relax on a cushion on their elevated platform eating area or sit at one of their tables. We are confident that you will appreciate the advice we provide.
Eat At The Thakali Kitchen
The Thakali Kitchen is just behind The Juicery in popularity. A thali is essentially a sampling platter if you’ve never had one. One of our favorite features is that any food on your plate is eligible for free refills (within reason). Need a little extra rice? No issue. Dal? Of course. Plan to arrive hungry and leave full and satisfied. And every time we left Pokhara we were sorry to leave it behind.
Circulate Phewa Lake
One of the most traditional activities to do in Pokhara is to take a stroll around Phewa Lake. After a few laps around the lake, we realized that the early afternoon, when the sun was out and it was comfortably warm, was when we enjoyed it the most. However, you should see it for yourself and determine the best time of day for you to enjoy this tranquil lakeside stroll.
Stroll through the neighborhoods of Pokhara
Similar to walking around Phewa Lake, we advise you to take a stroll through any of the neighborhoods in and around Lakeside, Pokhara. The major reason we advise you to do this is because we thought it was fascinating to leave the busier tourist districts and explore Pokhara’s more residential neighborhoods. Additionally, we advise you to do this since, with the Annapurna Range constantly in the distance, even a routine street takes on a spectacular quality that only the Himalayas can evoke.
Visit Different market
We strolled into Pokhara’s Old Market as part of our tour of a few of its areas. While we did saw some of the Newari brick homes from the 17th century in this neighborhood, there wasn’t much more to do. We’d suggest that visiting Pokhara’s Old Market on your way to somewhere else would be worthwhile, but avoid making it your main priority.
Devi’s Falls
While Devi’s Falls is reportedly beautiful during Nepal’s rainy season, the falls were barely more than a trickle when we visited in December. Although seeing this underground waterfall is frequently listed as one of the things to do in Pokhara, if you aren’t visiting during the wet season, we advise against it.
Street Festival (New Year’s Only)
Not because it’s our least favorite, but more because we don’t want to raise your expectations if you’re looking for things to do in Pokhara but aren’t in town for New Year’s. Simply said, the Pokhara Street Festival only lasts the three days before New Year’s, but if you happen to be in the area during this time, be sure to take in some of the festivities.
Tibetan Refugee Camp
The Jawalakhel Handicraft Center was founded in 1960, one year after China invaded and annexed Tibet, and today it employs over 500 Tibetans, many of whom are either refugees themselves or the offspring of refugees. Additionally, each of them has expertise in at least one aspect of the carpet weaving production process, including wool sorting, hand brushing, spinning yarn, dying, ball winding, weaving, trimming, and finishing carpets.
Finally
It is worthwhile to spend at least a few days in Pokhara. You could spend quite a bit of time here if you truly wanted to explore all of its hidden corners. Even some people we met only intended to stay for a short while but wound up remaining for several months. Whatever your duration, don’t undervalue Pokhara. But after you’ve had your fill, think about going on a hike to Ghorepani Poon Hill or perhaps to Annapurna Base Camp.