Phewa Lake & Sarangkot

★★★ Phewa Lake (Phewa Tal)

The second-largest lake in Nepal is the heart of Pokhara. 4.4 km² of water surface, up to 24 m deep, fed by the tributaries of the Annapurna region. The reflection of the Annapurna range on the calm morning surface of the lake is one of Nepal's most iconic images — and the reason why Pokhara is the second most important city in Nepalese tourism.

Activities on and around the lake:

• Rent a rowboat: 500–800 NPR/hour. Row to the Tal Barahi Island with its small Hindu temple in the middle of the lake — the most photographed motif of Pokhara. The lake is calmest and the reflections are perfect between 6:00–7:00 am
• Kayaking: 500–1,000 NPR/hour. Explore the lake by paddling, especially the quieter northern side
• Stand-Up Paddling (SUP): 800–1,200 NPR/hour. The latest trend on Phewa Lake
• Sailing boat: Half-day sailing tours from 3,000 NPR. A unique experience with a view of the mountains
• Promenade: Walk along the Lakeside promenade at sunset — brightly lit boats, music from the restaurants, the Fishtail in the evening light

★★★ Sarangkot — Sunrise & Paragliding

Sarangkot (1,592 m) is Pokhara's most famous viewpoint and the launch site for paragliding. The sunrise over the Himalayas from up here is breathtaking: The Annapurna range (I, II, III, IV), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Manaslu (8,163 m), and Lamjung Himal glow in the first light — a 180° panorama that will take your breath away.

• Getting there: Taxi from Lakeside (30 Min., 1,500–2,000 NPR, departure around 4:30 am) or hike up (1.5–2h, strenuous but rewarding — start with a headlamp before sunrise!)
• Sunrise: Be at the viewpoint from 5:00–5:30 am (October–November). The best spot is the viewing platform at the highest point (30 NPR entrance). Bring warm clothing — it's chilly (5–10°C in the main season)!
• Paragliding: Tandem paragliding with views of the lake, city, and Himalayas. 30-minute flight from 8,000–12,000 NPR (50–80€), 60-minute flight from 14,000–18,000 NPR (90–120€). The launch site is right at Sarangkot. One of the most spectacular paragliding spots in the world! Recommended providers: Sunrise Paragliding, Blue Sky Paragliding, Frontiers Paragliding (all licensed and with a good safety record)

★★ Begnas Lake & Rupa Lake

East of Pokhara are two less visited, beautiful lakes that most tourists miss:

• Begnas Lake: 15 km east of Pokhara, reachable by taxi or bus (30 Min., 300 NPR). Much quieter than Phewa Lake, almost no tourists. Rent rowboats (300 NPR/h), fish restaurant on the shore, panoramic view of the Annapurna range. The perfect half-day excursion for those wanting to escape the Lakeside hustle
• Rupa Lake: Right next to Begnas Lake, even more untouched. A paradise for bird watchers — over 100 species have been recorded here