Pokhara & Surroundings

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.

★★★ 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

★★ World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa)

On a hill south of Phewa Lake stands the white Peace Pagoda — one of 80 worldwide, built by Japanese Buddhists (Nipponzan Myohoji order) as a reminder of peace. The site itself is rather simple, but the view over the lake to the Annapurna range is one of the best in the entire region. In the morning, when the mist lies over the lake and the mountains slowly emerge, it is almost meditative.

• Getting there Option 1: Boat across Phewa Lake (30 Min., 400 NPR) to the landing site on the south shore, then 30 minutes ascent through the forest
• Getting there Option 2: By taxi or motorcycle from the back (15 Min., then 10 Min. walk)
• Getting there Option 3: On foot from Damside (1.5–2 hours ascent — strenuous!)

Free entrance. Sunrise and sunset are the best times.

★★ Devi's Fall (Patale Chhango)

A dramatic waterfall plunging into a deep underground gorge and disappearing underground. The name comes from a Swiss tourist named Devi (or Davis — the story varies), who was swept away by sudden high water while bathing in the river in 1961 and disappeared into the gorge. During the monsoon season (June–September), the waterfall is particularly impressive — the water rushes down with tremendous force.

South of Damside, 2 km from Lakeside. 30 NPR entrance. Daily 6:00–18:00.

★★ Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

Directly opposite Devi's Fall lies the entrance to this sacred cave, where a natural Shiva Lingam is worshipped. The cave extends over several chambers, and at the end — if the water level allows — you can see the Devi's Fall from BELOW, thundering through the rock ceiling. An impressive natural spectacle.

100 NPR entrance. Daily 6:00–17:00 (winter), until 18:00 (summer).

★★ Seti River Gorge

One of Pokhara's best-kept secrets: The Seti River (Milk River, named for its white water) flows in an extremely narrow, extremely deep gorge directly under the city — in some places only 2 meters wide, but up to 40 meters deep! From the K.I. Singh Bridge and several viewpoints in the city, you can look down into the gorge and hear the white water rushing below. A geological wonder that most tourists miss.

K.I. Singh Bridge: free, accessible 24h. Best visited in the morning when the sun shines into the gorge.

★ International Mountain Museum

A museum about the history of mountaineering in the Himalayas — from the first expeditions to modern records. Equipment from Hillary and Tenzing, models of the eight-thousanders, information about Sherpa culture, and climate change in the Himalayas. Worthwhile for mountain enthusiasts, less exciting for others.

Ratopahiro, south of Lakeside. 500 NPR entrance. Daily 9:00–17:00.

★ Bindabasini Temple

The oldest and most important Hindu temple in Pokhara, located on a hill in the Old Bazaar, dedicated to the goddess Durga (worshipped here as Bindabasini). Every Saturday, devotees sacrifice goats and chickens here — a ritual that often disturbs Western visitors but is part of the vibrant Hindu tradition. The view from the temple platform over the old town and the mountains is beautiful.

Bat Cave (Chamero Gupha)

A cave 15 km north of Pokhara, home to thousands of bats. The cave is narrow and dark (bring a headlamp!), but the experience of crawling through a bat tunnel is unique. Recommended in combination with the Mahendra Cave (limestone cave with stalactites).

Bat Cave: 100 NPR. Mahendra Cave: 100 NPR. By taxi 30 Min. from Lakeside.

Pokhara — The Adventure Capital of South Asia

Pokhara offers a density of adventure activities unmatched in South Asia. The combination of lake, mountains, and gorges creates perfect conditions for everything that gets the pulse racing:

★★★ Paragliding

The top spot for tandem paragliding in all of Asia — perhaps worldwide. Start at Sarangkot (1,592 m), fly over Phewa Lake with the Annapurna range as a backdrop. In the thermals, you quickly gain altitude and fly at eye level with eagles over the lake.

• 30-minute flight: 8,000–12,000 NPR (50–80€)
• 60-minute flight: 14,000–18,000 NPR (90–120€) — recommended!
• GoPro video/photos: 1,500–3,000 NPR extra (worth it!)
• Best time: October–December (most stable thermals, clearest visibility), mornings 9:00–12:00
• Recommended providers: Sunrise Paragliding, Blue Sky, Frontiers — all with APPI-certified pilots

★★ Zip-Line (HighGround Adventures)

One of the longest, steepest, and fastest zip-lines in the world: 1,800 meters long, 600 meters elevation difference, speeds up to 120 km/h! You fly from a mountain ridge over a gorge — with views of Phewa Lake and the Annapurna range. Not for the faint-hearted.

From 7,000 NPR (~45€). Daily 9:00–16:00. Transfer from Lakeside included.

★★ Ultra-Light Flight

Fly in an open small aircraft (ultralight aircraft) over the lake and along the Himalaya range. Two options:

• Lake Tour (15 Min.): Over Phewa Lake and the surrounding hills. From 12,000 NPR (~80€)
• Mountain Tour (30 Min.): Up to 3,000 m altitude, closer to the Annapurna range. From 20,000 NPR (~135€)

Avia Club Nepal, Pokhara airfield. Only in good weather.

★★ White Water Rafting

Nepal has some of the best white-water rivers in the world. Accessible from Pokhara:

• Seti River: Half-day tour (Class II–III), ideal for beginners. From 4,000 NPR (~25€)
• Upper Seti: Full-day tour (Class III–IV), for adventurers. From 6,000 NPR (~40€)
• Trisuli River: Accessible from the Kathmandu–Pokhara route, Class III–IV. Multi-day trips possible
• Kali Gandaki: The quintessential Himalayan river. Multi-day expeditions through the world's deepest gorge

★ Bungee Jumping

The option near Pokhara (Hemja) offers a 70-meter jump over a gorge. Less famous than the 160-meter bungee at the Bhote Koshi Gorge near Kathmandu, but still an adrenaline rush.

From 7,000 NPR (~45€). Transfer from Lakeside included.

★ Mountain Biking

The hills and trails around Pokhara are perfect for mountain bikers. Recommended routes:

• Sarangkot Loop: Ascent by road, descent via trails. Half-day tour
• World Peace Pagoda Trail: Technical singletrack on the south side of the lake
• Begnas Lake Circuit: Leisurely day tour through rice terraces and villages

Mountain bike rental: 1,000–3,000 NPR/day. Guided tours from 5,000 NPR.

Dining in Pokhara

Pokhara has a surprisingly good international food scene — better than Kathmandu in many areas, as the restaurants cater to relaxed long-term travelers and hungry post-trek trekkers.

€ Budget

Moondance Restaurant · Lakeside — An institution for 20 years. Huge portions, good Dal Bhat, decent pizza, steaks, and pasta. The breakfast buffet is legendary. Everything under 500 NPR.

Godfather's Pizzeria · Lakeside Central — The best pizza in Pokhara, baked in a real wood-fired oven. Thin, crispy, generously topped. Large pizza 500–800 NPR.

Lemon Tree · Lakeside North — Israeli-Nepalese breakfast café with shakshuka, hummus, fresh juices, and the best lemon cheesecake in town. 300–600 NPR.

€€ Mid-range

Caffe Concerto · Lakeside — Italian-run, with real espresso, homemade pasta, and tiramisu. The rooftop terrace with lake view is the best place for dinner at sunset. 600–1,200 NPR.

Busy Bee Café · Lakeside Central — Nepal's most famous backpacker café: large portions, cheap alcohol, live music on weekends, and the "Bumper Breakfast" (Nepal's biggest breakfast). 400–800 NPR.

Pokhara Thakali Kitchen · Lakeside — Authentic Thakali Dal Bhat Set (the Thakali from the Annapurna region are Nepal's best cooks). Huge portions with 7–8 side dishes, endlessly refillable. 400–700 NPR.

€€€ Upscale

The Harbor Restaurant · By the lake — Fine dining right by the water with views of Phewa Lake and the mountains. Nepalese and international cuisine, wine list, cocktails. The best in Pokhara for special occasions. 1,500–3,000 NPR.

Accommodation in Pokhara

€ Budget (under 20€)

Zostel Pokhara · Lakeside — Cool hostel concept with dorms (from 500 NPR/4€), private rooms, communal kitchen, and regular events. Rooftop terrace with lake view.

Hotel Middle Path · Lakeside — Solid budget hotel with clean rooms, balcony, and friendly staff. Double room from 1,200 NPR (8€).

€€ Mid-range (20–60€)

Hotel Barahi · Lakeside — Right by the lake, pool, good restaurant, rooms with balcony and lake view. The best value for money in Pokhara. Double room from 5,000 NPR (34€).

Temple Tree Resort & Spa · Lakeside North — Boutique resort with pool, spa, and garden. Quietly located at the northern end of Lakeside. Double room from 7,000 NPR (48€).

€€€ Upscale (over 60€)

Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge · Outside — The most spectacular accommodation in the region: stone bungalows on a ridge with a 270° panorama of the Annapurna range. Hand-rammed clay walls, open fireplaces, farm-to-table cuisine. 30 Min. from Lakeside, but a different world. From 200€/night (including breakfast). For special occasions.

Pavilions Himalayas Pokhara · Outside — Sustainable luxury lodge with organic farm, infinity pool, and perhaps the best Himalaya view of any hotel in Nepal. From 250€/night.

Practical Information Pokhara

• Getting there from Kathmandu: Tourist bus (6–7h, 800–1,500 NPR / 5–10€, scenically beautiful along the Trisuli River), Greenline Deluxe Bus (7h, 3,000 NPR / 20€, with lunch stop and guaranteed comfort) or flight (25 Min., from 80€ with Buddha Air — spectacular Himalaya view from the window!)
• Pokhara Airport: The new Pokhara International Airport (opened 2023) is 4 km east of Lakeside. It was designed for international flights but currently only has domestic connections. Taxi to Lakeside: 300–500 NPR
• City transport: Taxi (always negotiate the price beforehand!), motorcycle rental (500–1,500 NPR/day, international driver's license required), bicycle rental (300–800 NPR/day — perfect for the flat Lakeside area). Buses connect the various city districts (20–50 NPR)
• Laundry: Laundry services are everywhere in Lakeside: 100–200 NPR/kg. After the trek: indispensable!
• Massage: After the trek, a massage is worth gold. Numerous spas in Lakeside: Nepali massage from 1,000 NPR (1h), Thai massage from 1,500 NPR. "Seeing Hands Nepal" in Lakeside employs blind masseurs — excellent massage AND a social project
• Yoga & Meditation: Pokhara has developed into a yoga center. Drop-in classes from 500 NPR, multi-day retreats from 30€/day (including accommodation + meals + yoga). Recommended: Sadhana Yoga Retreat and Pokhara Yoga School

★★★ Chitwan National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

The Chitwan National Park in the subtropical Terai lowlands is Nepal's most famous wildlife sanctuary and one of the best in all of Asia. On 952 km² of jungle, grassland, and river systems live some of the rarest and most impressive animals of the subcontinent:

The Big Five of Chitwan

• Greater One-Horned Rhino: Over 700 animals (2025) — one of the largest populations worldwide and one of Asia's greatest conservation success stories. In the 1960s, there were fewer than 100. The likelihood of seeing a rhino is almost 100%! They often graze by the riverbank and jungle edge, sometimes just a few meters from the safari vehicles. Fully grown bulls weigh up to 2.5 tons
• Bengal Tiger: Over 90 tigers in the park (2025) — Nepal has one of the world's most successful tiger conservation programs. Sightings are rare (nocturnal, shy!), but possible — especially in the dry season (February–May), when the grass is low, and the animals come to the waterholes. Multi-day safaris significantly increase the chances
• Asian Elephant: Wild herds of 30–50 animals roam the park. Particularly active during the monsoon season
• Ganges Gharial: The extremely rare fish-eating crocodile with a long, narrow snout. Only about 200 specimens worldwide, many of them in the Chitwan-Narayani river system. A canoe safari on the Rapti River is the best chance
• Mugger Crocodile: Up to 5 m long, basking in the sun on the riverbank

Other Wildlife

• Leopards: Rarely seen, but present in the park
• Sloth Bears: Nocturnal and shy, but dangerous in surprise encounters
• Gangetic Dolphin: The rare freshwater dolphin in the Narayani River — only seen with luck
• Over 540 bird species: Chitwan is a paradise for birders — from the majestic Bengal Florican (critically endangered!) to ospreys, kingfishers, peacocks, and hornbills. The best birding spot: the grassland by the Rapti River
• Chital deer, sambar deer, wild boars, rhesus monkeys, langur monkeys

Safari Options

• Jeep Safari (half-day): The best and most popular way. 3–4 hours in an open jeep through jungle, grassland, and riverbeds. Rhinos almost guaranteed, with luck elephants and crocodiles. From 3,500 NPR/person (~23€)
• Jeep Safari (full-day): 6–8 hours, deeper into the park. Higher chances of tiger tracks and rare bird species. From 6,000 NPR/person (~40€)
• Canoe Safari: By dugout canoe on the Rapti River — ideal for crocodile and bird watching. 45–60 minutes of silent gliding on the river, often just meters from mugger crocodiles and gharials. Magical! Often combined with a jungle walk. From 1,500 NPR (~10€)
• Jungle Walk: On foot with an experienced guide through the forest. Pure adrenaline, as you encounter animals at eye level! 2–4 hours. Always with a guide — NEVER alone in the park! From 2,000 NPR (~13€)
• Bird Watching: Specialized birding tours with a guide who recognizes over 200 species by call. Best time: early morning (6:00–9:00). From 2,500 NPR
• Tharu Cultural Program: The indigenous Tharu are the native people of the Terai and developed a natural resistance to malaria over centuries, keeping other ethnicities away. Their traditional stick dances (fast, rhythmic, captivating) and cultural performances are a fitting end to a safari day. From 500 NPR

Practical Chitwan

• Base: The village of Sauraha on the northern park edge — dozens of lodges, restaurants, and safari agencies. From budget guesthouses (from 800 NPR/double room) to jungle lodges within the park (from 100€/night with full board and safari)
• Getting there: Tourist bus from Kathmandu (5–6h, 800–1,500 NPR) or Pokhara (5h, 800–1,000 NPR). Flight to Bharatpur (20 Min. from KTM, from 80€), then 20 Min. taxi
• Best time: October–March (cool, pleasant, good visibility). February–May (dry season, low grass, best wildlife sightings — but hot, 30–38°C). Monsoon (June–September) not recommended (floods, leeches, extreme heat)
• Entrance: 2,000 NPR (~13€) per day for foreigners (SAARC citizens 750 NPR)
• Recommended duration: 2–3 nights (package with jeep safari, canoe tour, jungle walk, and Tharu cultural evening)
• Malaria: The risk in Chitwan is low, but not zero. Use mosquito repellent (DEET!) and wear long clothing in the evening. Discuss prophylaxis with your travel doctor

Bardia National Park — The Wild Alternative

If Chitwan is the "easy" national park, then Bardia (968 km², western Nepal) is the wild, remote alternative. Fewer tourists, more tiger chances (about 125 tigers!), wild elephant herds, and the Karnali River with Gangetic Dolphins. The journey is more demanding (10–12h bus from Kathmandu or flight to Nepalgunj), but the reward is a safari experience that rivals Africa.

★★★ Lumbini (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Lumbini in the Terai lowlands near the Indian border is one of the four holiest sites of Buddhism: Here, Siddhartha Gautama — the future Buddha — was born in 563 BC as a prince of the Shakya clan. For over 500 million Buddhists worldwide, Lumbini is what Bethlehem is for Christians or Mecca for Muslims.

The site was only rediscovered in the 19th century — centuries of oblivion had buried the place under jungle. Today, Lumbini is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place of deep tranquility, in stark contrast to bustling Kathmandu.

Highlights

• Maya Devi Temple: Built at the exact birthplace of Buddha. Inside: the Marker Stone marking the birthplace (a stone slab from the 3rd century BC), and the excavated ruins of the ancient temple dating back to the 3rd century BC. The site has been preserved under a modern protective structure. Shoes off, photography inside restricted. The atmosphere is reverent — pilgrims from around the world meditate here in silence
• Ashoka Pillar: Erected in 249 BC by Indian Emperor Ashoka, who personally visited Lumbini and erected this stone pillar with a Brahmi inscription attesting to the site as Buddha's birthplace. It is the oldest historical evidence of Buddha's existence and the oldest stone inscription in Nepal. The pillar stands directly next to the Maya Devi Temple
• Holy Pond (Puskarini): According to legend, Queen Maya Devi bathed in this pond before giving birth to Buddha, holding onto a sal tree. A peaceful, tree-lined pond inviting meditation
• Monastery Zone: A vast park (on both sides of a central canal), where over 25 countries have built monasteries and temples in their own architectural style: the Japanese monastery with its Zen garden, the Chinese with its spectacular pagoda, the Tibetan with its colorful murals, the German monastery (Lumbini International Research Institute, funded by the German government), the Thai with golden splendor, the Korean, the Nepalese, the Myanmar — an architectural world tour at a single location
• World Peace Flame: The eternal peace flame in the center of the complex, lit in 1986
• Lumbini Museum: Archaeological finds, Buddhist sculptures, and the history of the excavation. Small but informative. 50 NPR

Practical Information

• Getting there: Bus from Kathmandu (8–10h, 1,000–1,500 NPR) or Pokhara (7–8h, 800–1,200 NPR). Flight to Bhairahawa/Gautam Buddha Airport (30 Min. from KTM, from 100€), then 30 Min. taxi (800–1,000 NPR). The new Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa is expected to enable international flights in the long term
• Entrance: 200 NPR (~1.30€). Rent a bicycle for the sprawling park: 200–300 NPR/day (strongly recommended — it's far and hot on foot!)
• E-Rickshaw: For those who don't want to cycle. 300–500 NPR for a 2–3 hour tour through the monastery zone
• Best time: October–March (pleasant, 20–28°C). April–June extremely hot (35–42°C!) — almost unbearable. Monsoon (July–September): wet, but the landscape is lush green
• Recommended duration: 1 full day for the main sites and monastery zone. Overnight stay optional, but Lumbini at sunrise is particularly atmospheric
• Accommodation: Hotel Lumbini Garden (upscale mid-range, in the park, from 50€/double room) or budget guesthouses near the main entrance (from 800 NPR/double room)