Holiday in Pokhara

What makes Pokhara special as a destination?

Pokhara is the gateway to the Himalayas and one of the most magical places on Earth — a city where the 8,000-meter peaks of the Annapurna range reflect directly above the deep blue Fewa Lake, and paragliders glide like colorful birds over the valley. The second-largest city in Nepal is situated at only 800 meters above sea level, yet the backdrop of the snow-capped eight-thousanders (Annapurna I at 8,091 m, Machapuchare at 6,993 m, and Dhaulagiri at 8,167 m) comes closer to the city than anywhere else in the world. Sarangkot, a hill north of the city, offers the most famous sunrise in Nepal: When the first rays bathe the Annapurna range in gold and pink, and Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain) glows like a crystal pyramid, it takes the breath away even from experienced travelers. The journey begins around 4:30 AM, and the 30-minute ascent to the viewpoint is rewarded with a panorama that one never forgets. Fewa Lake (Phewa Tal) is the heart of Pokhara: Colorful rowboats glide over the calm water, while the Annapurna range reflects in the mirror-like surface. On a small island in the lake stands the Barahi Temple, a Hindu shrine accessible by boat. The Lakeside district on the eastern shore is the tourist center with restaurants, trekking gear shops, and bars. Pokhara is the starting point for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek — one of the most famous trekking routes in the world: In 7-12 days, the path leads through subtropical forests, terraced rice fields, rhododendron-covered high forests, and barren high mountain landscapes to the Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters, surrounded by an amphitheater of 8,000ers. Paragliding over Fewa Lake with the Annapurna range as a backdrop is one of the most thrilling experiences in Southeast Asia: The tandem flight from Sarangkot lasts 20-30 minutes and offers a bird's eye view like no other. The Davis Falls (Devi's Fall), where a river suddenly disappears into an underground tunnel, and the World Peace Pagoda on a hill on the southern shore of the lake are additional highlights.