Gandaki Province, Nepal
Things to do in Pokhara
Nepal's laid-back lakeside city — the gateway to the Annapurnas, with Phewa Lake, paragliding, and a relaxed strip of cafes facing the Himalayas.
Pokhara is Nepal's most relaxed city and the launchpad for the Annapurna region. Life centres on Phewa Lake and the Lakeside strip, where cafes, guesthouses and boat hires look out at the Himalayas on a clear morning.
It's the place to slow down: take a wooden boat to the Tal Barahi temple in the middle of the lake, catch sunrise over the Annapurnas from Sarangkot, or simply work and recover between treks. Below are our picks for where to stay and what to do.
Where to stay in Pokhara
Where to eat in Pokhara
Cafes & coffee in Pokhara
Sights & attractions in Pokhara
Adventure in Pokhara
Boating in Pokhara
Food experiences in Pokhara
What to do in Pokhara
Australian Camp
The Best Things to Do in Pokhara
Dhampus Village
Lakeside Pokhara (Baidam)
Pame and the Lakeside Loop
Peace Pagoda Hike
Pokhara Day Hikes and Nearby Areas
Pokhara Lakeside: Nightlife, Cafes & Lakes
Top Things to Do in Pokhara
Shopping & markets in Pokhara
Nightlife in Pokhara
Plan your trip in Pokhara
Frequently asked questions
How do you get from Kathmandu to Pokhara?+
You can fly (about 25 minutes) or travel overland by tourist bus or private car (roughly 6–8 hours on the Prithvi Highway). Flying saves a day; the drive is scenic but slow.
How many days should you spend in Pokhara?+
Two to three days covers Phewa Lake, a Sarangkot sunrise, the World Peace Pagoda and the main viewpoints. Add more if you're paragliding or starting an Annapurna trek.
Is Pokhara good for relaxing after a trek?+
Very. The Lakeside area is built for it — calm cafes, lake views, spas and easy walks make Pokhara the classic place to unwind before or after an Annapurna or Mardi Himal trek.