Discover Pokhara
Pokhara is the antithesis to Kathmandu: Where the capital is dusty, honking, and overwhelming, Pokhara offers peace, nature, and space. The city on the shores of Phewa Lake at an altitude of 820 m is Nepal's second most important tourist center and the country's trekking capital — most Annapurna treks start from here.
What makes Pokhara unique: You sit in a café by the lakeside and see the snow-covered Annapurna range and the distinctive Fishtail (Machhapuchhre, 6,993 m) rising directly in front of you — from subtropical 820 m to almost 8,100 m in just 30 kilometers as the crow flies. This elevation difference over such a short distance exists nowhere else on Earth.
Over the past decades, Pokhara has evolved from a sleepy fishing village into the adventure capital of South Asia. Paragliding, zip-lining, rafting, ultra-light flights, mountain biking — everything is possible here. At the same time, the city maintains its relaxed character: In the evening, you sit by the lake, a row of boats rocking in the glow of the setting sun, and the Fishtail reflecting in the still water.
Orientation
The main districts and areas of Pokhara:
- Lakeside (Baidam): The tourist core on the east shore of Phewa Lake. Hotels, restaurants, bars, trekking agencies, and souvenir shops line the main street. This is where tourist life takes place. Divided into Lakeside North (quieter, better mountain views), Central Lakeside (lively, most restaurants), and Lakeside South/Damside (budget zone, slightly off the beaten path)
- Damside: At the southern end of the lake, quieter and slightly cheaper than Lakeside. Good budget accommodations. Nearby: Devi's Fall and Gupteshwor Cave
- Old Bazaar: The authentic Pokhara away from the tourist zone. Newari architecture, local shops, Bindabasini Temple, and the charm of a Nepalese small town. Few visitors, lots of atmosphere
- Sarangkot: The viewpoint 1,600 m above the city — THE place for the Himalayan sunrise and starting point for paragliding
- Phewa Lake: The second-largest lake in Nepal, Pokhara's blue heart. In the calm morning, the entire Annapurna range reflects on the water surface — one of Nepal's most iconic images
💡 Tipp
Lakeside is convenient but also touristy. For more atmosphere: Stay at the northern end of Lakeside, where it is quieter and the mountain views are better. Or venture to stay in one of the small guesthouses on the way to Sarangkot — with panoramic views of the lake and mountains. The best sunsets are experienced from the west side of Phewa Lake.
