There’s certainly a reason why Pokhara is a top traveling destination for tourists, national or international. However, suppose Pokhara is a destination you wish to travel to in the near future. In that case, you’d be surprised to learn about all the exciting activities in Pokhara you can indulge in while there.
Hearing about all the beautiful lakes, amazing hotels, and the clean city along beautiful hills and mountains might look mind-boggling for oblivious thrill-seekers.
Additionally, choosing between rafting, hiking through the surrounding hills, sunset and sunrise, seeing from various hilltops, trekking, cycling throughout Pokhara valley, boating in various lakes, paragliding from Sarangkot, chartered flying, sightseeing, or bungee jumping might seem hectic.
All the activities mentioned above feel extremely exhilarating while planning for a trip to Pokhara and its surrounding area, which, to be honest, are exciting and enchanting.
But, since you can’t spend all your time out of your work or hometown, you must plan the best activities that’d be worthwhile.
Booking a tour guide or arranging for an activity planner might be a good option but might cause unnecessary expenses. Therefore, in order to minimize your travel expenses, we have put a little effort into you and chosen the best activities that’d make your trip productive and enjoyable.
So, here are five of the top activities to partake in Pokhara for the best experience.
The first activity in this list is the most obvious one. Even people who’ve never been to Pokhara might have heard about the joy of flying in Pokhara’s sky via paragliding. And, there’s a good reason for its popularity.
Flying in the beautiful sky of Pokhara while hundreds of thousands of people spend their daily lives below on the ground would surely be exhilarating. Paragliding allows people to experience the world through a bird’s eye and fly in between the clouds.
In Nepal, if you wish to indulge yourself in paragliding, there’s only one place for that. That’s from the hilltop of the beautiful Sarangkot hill in western Pokhara. Nonetheless, this natural spot is the most suitable one for a great takeoff.
When you get to a certain elevation, you will be able to see the beautiful Pokhara valley alongside all the pleasant and luscious hills with greenery all over them. Not to mention that you’d be able to view the mighty Phewa Lake in its full glory.
Despite these natural attractions, here are a few more of reasons why you should partake in paragliding:
Availability of expert and professional paragliding guides
So, if you were on a fence, be sure to add paragliding to your to-do list.
Pokhara, along with its sister city of Lekhnath, which lies within the Pokhara valley, is also called the city of lakes. Furthermore, these lakes are famous for their beauty and the enchanting view they provide. And a great way to take in these lakes’ beauty and richness can be through boating in the lakes themselves or sightseeing the surrounding area.
The conservation committee of the two beautiful Phewa and Begnas lakes has arranged for a great boating infrastructure. From affordable to luxurious boats available to rent and use, you can make a whole day out of these lakes with your friends and family.
You can visit the gorgeous Pame region or the multiple picnic spots on the opposite side of Phewa Lake. Additionally, Phewa Lake consists of Barahi Temple in the center of the lake, which thousands of religious people visit yearly and can only be reached by boat.
Similarly, you can travel to Majhikuna village, which lies on the opposite shore of the Begnas Lake, via a boat and enjoy the delicious fish from the lake itself caught by the local fishermen.
Though two of these lakes allow luxurious boating services, six of the rest lakes lack the luxury of the first two. Nonetheless, this insufficiency is fulfilled by the beautiful trees surrounding the lakes and the hospitality provided by the local people. Thus, be sure to visit these lakes when in Pokhara.
During dry seasons, bungee jumping is an enthralling adventure sport that everyone should try once in their lifetime. With breathtakingly beautiful locations, Pokhara offers exceptional bungee jumping locations in places such as Hamja, where you can feel amazing adrenaline flow in your body that you’ll always have in your memory.
There are multiple bungee jumping spots in Pokhara. But, it’s only allowed for people above 18, so if you have kids with you, better keep them waiting until they grow up.
Additionally, bungee jumping is an affordable activity where about 4500 rupees can be enough for a jump.
When in Pokhara, the view of Mount Machhapuchre, along with the mountains in the Annapurna range, provides your eyes with a glimpse of heaven. But, if you spend a bit more money, you can admire the Himalayas from a much closer range and with a much better view.
With Ultralight flight booking, you can ride on a small plane that provides you a tour of all the mountains mentioned earlier from a much closer distance. Furthermore, this flight, cheaper than mountain flights, allows the traveler to enjoy the view of settlements and the green hills and houses in Pokhara valley from a bird’s view.
While extremely safe, ultralight flights provide a personalized experience that cannot be duplicated anywhere other than Pokhara.
An underrated activity that suits the landscape of Pokhara is cycling. Multiple hills, as well as the beautiful blacktopped roads throughout Pokhara city, are perfect for day-long bicycling trips.
Furthermore, with bicycling packages available for multiple individuals throughout Pokhara, getting a hold of a few cycles can be equally convenient.
Bicycling Routes in Pokhara
If you really look into it, there are more than 30 amazing biking routes within the Kaski district. But, since the routes around Pokhara city are just as enthralling as any other, here are a few of the best routes in Pokhara.
If you had a certain time limit for your visit to Pokhara, the activities mentioned above would all be worth your precious time and money. Although you enjoy these adventures and want more, there are always more activities in Pokhara and basically many amazing things available to do in Pokhara.
Pokhara is a top traveling destination with a lot to offer tourists of all backgrounds. However, suppose you’re thinking of visiting Pokhara in the near future. In that case, you’d be surprised to learn about all the gorgeous locations and hotels in Pokhara and the activities you can participate in while you’re there.
Also, during your stay in Pokhara, you’ll be amazed by the many resorts and hotels you can choose from, all equipped with excellent facilities and services.
The idea of all the beautiful lakes, open hills, and mountains surrounding this beautiful city might seem incomprehensible to thrill-seekers. But, after spending a day exploring Pokhara, you’d want the same level of satisfaction from your stay.
You won’t need to worry, though, as you can choose from hundreds of top-notch hotels and resorts in this beautiful city. Of course, that might pose a problem since you just need a single place to rest at the end of the day.
Luckily, we have dug in a bit deeper and researched to help you find the best lodging and dining options in Pokhara. After looking at countless options, here are five of the best hotels to stay at during your trip to Pokhara.
There are many ideal vacation destinations, such as Rupakot Resort – a Himalayan enclave that combines fun activities and exclusive accommodation for holidaymakers while retaining a relaxed Himalayan atmosphere and impressive communal surroundings.
Named after the gorgeous and lustrous hill surrounding the beautiful Rupa taal, Rupakot resort provides its guests with one of the finest lodging experiences in Pokhara. Furthermore, a spectacular view of Mount Annapurna and Machhapuchhre that guests can view from within the resort further adds to the appeal of the place.
Unlike many of the other resorts, Rupakot resort does not lie near the popular lakeside area. As the resort lies on a hill overlooking Lekhnath Municipality, traveling there can be a bit of a commute.
As of recently, the resort has been offering discounted shuttle service, which allows its guests and in-house staff to commute easily back and forth from the resort.
Furthermore, here are a few of the services and amenities provided by the Rupakot Resort team for their guests:
Within the Confines of the property:
The high quality of the resort’s comfort and luxury can make it an expensive place to stay. It costs approximately 15 thousand to 18 thousand rupees per night for the services provided.
With its central location on Pokhara’s famous lakeside, Hotel Barahi offers its guests excellent views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare mountains and easy access to Pokhara’s thriving and enchanting lake street.
Furthermore, its conference halls and pleasant lawns cater to the needs of its guests. Moreover, it is 3 km from Pokhara’s domestic airport, so guests do not need to hassle to get there.
Additionally, the Hotel Barahi team offers its guests the following services and amenities:
Within the Confines of the property:
Furthermore, it costs roughly ten thousand to twelve thousand rupees for the services provided per night due to the high level of comfort and luxury the resort offers.
The beauty of Pokhara attracts visitors from all over Nepal and worldwide. Some like to pay top bucks for their luxurious accommodations here, but not everyone can afford it.
In contrast, Hotel Middle Path and Spa provide top-quality luxurious service at a much more affordable price.
Located at the heart of Pokhara’s top attraction of Lakeside, Hotel Middle Path and Spa is one of the best service-oriented hotels for budget travelers.
Furthermore, with the availability of a beautiful garden, swimming pool, 24-hour front desk service, along with a fine breakfast buffet, no customer would leave the hotel unfulfilled.
Additionally, the Hotel Barahi team offers its guests the following services and amenities:
Within the Confines of the property:
In addition to these amazing services, Hotel Middle Path and Spa is located just 5 minutes of walking distance from the beautiful Phewa Lake. Furthermore, all these amazing services can be had for just 4 thousand rupees. So, do not let this chance pass by.
One of the most unique lake resorts, Fish Tail Lodge, is located on a peninsula between a forest-covered hill and Fewa Lake, offering phenomenal views from every angle. Guests are picked up from the shore of the lake by boat or floating suttles.
Fish Tail Lodge has been providing their services since 1960, initially from unique round cottages which were located amidst a lush green garden.
If you do not prefer the Hi-Fi outlook most hotels provide, this small hotel with very high standards in terms of its services can be your ideal place.
Additionally, the Hotel Barahi team offers its guests the following services and amenities:
Within the Confines of the property:
A typical night’s stay at the resort typically costs between ten thousand and twelve thousand rupees due to its high level of comfort and luxury.
At the base of Sarangkot Hill, overlooking Fishtail and Annapurna ranges in Pokhara, is the Himalayan Front Hotel, part of the Kathmandu Guest House Group of Hotels.
As similar to the services of the owner’s other hotel, Himalayan Front Hotel has been providing luxurious and relaxing stays for their guests for a very reasonable price.
Additionally, the Hotel Barahi team offers its guests the following services and amenities:
Within the Confines of the property:
A hotel of the quality and luxury of this resort can be an expensive place to stay. Although, it costs roughly 5 to 8 thousand rupees per night for the services they provide. In addition, the resort’s hospitality is one the guest will remember for a very long time, and Pokhara info is here to take care of it.
Pokhara, this heaven on earth, is a top travel destination for tourists, both national and international. With the breathtaking views and all the exciting opportunities it offers, it is clear why hundreds of thousands of travelers make Pokhara their destination. Anyhow, it might surprise you to learn about all the exciting places and villages in Pokhara you can visit if it is a destination you intend to visit soon.
There are so many adventurous activities to choose from, such as paragliding, Bunjee Jumping, Boating, Trekking, and many more. With these, you’re bound to have an amazing time in Pokhara. You’d have the opportunity to stay at top-rated hotels, lodges, and resorts during your Pokhara vacation.
These would surely complement the lively adventures you’d have in the city. Even so, if you want the authentic Pokhara experience, spending a day in one of the beautiful villages that adorn the hills surrounding the valley would be the perfect way to finish off the trip.
But, talks aside, visiting these places can sound delightful but can be a real hassle to find them. We’ve done a little digging for you if you wish for the same, so do not worry. After putting in some effort, we’ve compiled a list of 5 of the best villages in Pokhara to visit around.
In terms of the real village experience amidst large Nepali cities, Ghandruk is one of the most beautiful and, quite honestly, popular ones. At its core, Ghandruk is a small Gurung village located on the base hill of the Annapurna ranges.
But, due to its popularity and tourist traffic, the people of Ghandruk have adapted their rich culture in a way that pleases any Nepali or foreign tourists.
Situated at the gateway to the Annapurna Base camp, Ghandruk can be a pleasant introduction to Gurung cultures and traditions while on your way to embarking upon an enthralling trek to the base camp. Furthermore, reaching Ghandruk itself can be full of excitement and adventure as you can opt. to get there via the trekking path.
Located at a 2000-meter high hill range, Ghandruk itself isn’t short of beautiful and eye-catching views. As mentioned earlier, the village consists of two faces, one filled with the traditional setting and the other which has adapted a modernized way.
Anyhow, as a visitor, you can choose to enjoy your stay as per your liking and enjoy the same hospitality nonetheless. So, during your trip to Pokhara, do not forget about this beautiful piece of land that you’ll surely love.
Villages around Pokhara consist of people from all cultures and traditions. While this is true, Sirubari Village can be considered as a small but model village that adheres to village tourism or local tourism in Nepal.
If you travel 50 kilometers south of Pokhara city, there lies a beautiful Sirubari village at an altitude of 1700 meters.
Majorly, Pokhara consists of people from the Brahmin and Gurung community. Thus, when you visit villages surrounding the Pokhara Valley, you’d find various communities of either Gurung or Brahmin people. Likewise, Sirubari is also a Gurung village similar to Ghandruk, with a rich traditional heritage.
As a bonus, Sirubari village received the PATA-Gold award for its outstanding awards in hospitality and culture in 2001. While in Pokhara, a short visit to Sirubari will help you experience what a homestay tour in Nepal feels like.
If you’re passionate about trekking, you’re in for a lifetime experience in Poonhill. Because it’s located at an altitude of 3100 meters, a trek to the summit can take anywhere between two to five days for an average thrill-seeker.
Not convinced about the distance? You will remember the picturesque Ghorepani village along the way and the beautiful landscape of the place for years. Despite what might seem like a long journey to reach the destination, you’ll surely love your way to the hill.
Contrary to the previous topics on this list, Ghorepani is a small village just below the beautiful Poon hill. There the people primarily belong to the Magar community.
You can further enhance your trekking experience at Ghorepani by being able to experience the breathtaking view of the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri mountains, along with the hospitality provided by the locals.
People from many of the villages in Pokhara use the popularity of the city to develop their livelihoods. However, Archale is an unusual village that is rich in its own way.
It is the birthplace of one of Nepal’s best poets and Storywriter, Late Kabhi Siroman Lethnath Poudel.
Even though the great poet died many decades ago, the house he was born and raised in still stands today. Although this place might seem ordinary to any random individual, future artists or poem enthusiasts can gain a lot of positive perspectives while visiting there.
Despite being the birthplace of such an amazing individual, Archale village is a great place with good people with a deep feeling of hospitality.
Additionally, the village consists of the amazing view of multiple lakes and the Lekhnath Municipality, which was named after the poet himself.
Unlike other places mentioned on this list, Purchase is quite a religious place for Hindus or Buddhists. Despite Panchase’s size, its cultural diversity, and the scenic beauty of multiple mountain ranges are certain to gain the attention of anyone visiting this place.
For short period trekkers, a tour of Panchase is bound to bring a breath of fresh air into their lives. At an altitude of 1500 meters and a few kilometers west of Pokhara valley, Panchase offers a wonderland of nature to city folks and foreigners alike.
In addition, the village’s hospitality is one the guest will remember for a very long time, and Pokhara info is here to take care of it.
Located in a land where deities and mortals mix and with temples, monasteries, and historical monuments from almost every corner, Nepal is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The Himalayas are home to the legendary Mount Everest, Sagarmatha, and the snow-capped peaks of the weather-beaten Himalayas. For foreign explorers in Nepal, it is necessary to keep your camera glued to your hand while you visit some of the world’s tallest mountains which boast eight of the fourteen tallest mountains in the world or the luscious Terai plains.
To experience the wonders of the Himalayas, we recommend traveling to Dhulikhel, one of the most popular sites for viewing this chain of giants. Pokhara offers Nepal’s most stunning scenery and has been the subject of many travel articles.
This destination is known as the ‘Jewel of the Himalaya’ for its pristine atmosphere, spectacular views of the snow-capped Annapurna Mountains, and serene lakes of Phewa, Begnas, and Rupa.
If you live in any other country or have a busy and stressful life, you owe it to yourself to enjoy Nepal’s mesmerizing locations and refreshing trekking routes. The serene mountains and the gorgeous hills of Nepal will provide you with a much-needed break during these stressful times.
If so, here is a list of answers to the questions you might have as a traveler oblivious to Nepal’s traveling routes, rules, cultures, and practices.
If you’re an Indian citizen, getting to Nepal is fairly convenient. However, If you are not an Indian national, you will need to obtain a tourist visa in order to enter Nepal. You can obtain a visa on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport here in Kathmandu for a small fee. In addition to that, you can also apply online or get a visa from the Nepalese embassy in your country.
It is not as difficult as some foreign explorers in Nepal perceive. There are both easy and difficult hiking routes in Nepal. Also, the popular courses are moderately difficult and only require good physical fitness and hiking habits.
As one of the safest nations for foreign explorers in South Asia, Nepal has a very low rate of violent crimes. From birth, Nepalese are taught that guests are gods. They have excellent hospitality and are friendly. The government also has dedicated tourist police to assist you if something goes wrong. Trekking in high altitudes often results in altitude sickness. Therefore, avoid trekking alone and follow safety protocols during these treks.
Nepal is also really safe for females, transgender, and all other individuals to live in since Nepal is one of the few countries in South Asia that permits same-sex relationships.
Insuring yourself is always important when trekking to the Himalayas. Trekking insurance covers if something goes wrong with your trips, such as trip cancellation, sickness, luggage theft, or emergency evacuation in the Himalayas.
Nepal has four seasons: summer, autumn, winter, and spring. Summer is the monsoon season in Nepal, and winter is very cold. Hence, autumn and spring are the best seasons for trekking in Nepal. Thus, the best months to go trekking in Nepal are March, April, May, September, October, and November.
Traveling through Nepal is very affordable. The visa fees are also very reasonable. It costs just 30 USD for 15 days, 50 USD for 30 days, and 125 USD for 90 days. You can travel anywhere while getting an average service of 100 USD per day. This is regardless of how many days you stay, where you trek, and which services you use.
Some of the things included in the cost are hotel charges, several permits, local transportation, a tour guide, and food as well. On average, you can also visit some places for as little as 50 USD a day on a good deal.
Yes, if you have a specific trekking destination you would like to explore and would like to arrange a trip for yourself, Pokhara Info can assist you with that.
Nepal is mostly mountainous, so the highest points you will trek are usually around 5500 meters. You will also trek near mountain passes and viewpoints, but, on average, you will hike to a height of about 4000 meters. Nevertheless, Nepal has plenty of treks you can choose from, from challenging treks to low-altitude hikes.
In most trekking destinations in Nepal, camping is allowed. Camping was commonly done back during the early 2010s since few hotels had been built in high trekking areas.
Several trekking routes in Nepal can take up to several months to complete. However, some better-known long trekking routes are Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, Makalu Base Camp Trek, Everest Three High Passes Trek, Tsum Valley, and Manaslu Circuit Trek.
The trekking routes usually have accommodation along the way, but you should not expect star hotels except in the major cities. Most of the guesthouses have a dining area and a room with a double bed and toilet. In Nepal, teahouses are also popular on trekking trails, but in some major trekking destinations, such as Namche, you can find some good hotels. However, the number of well-facilitated lodges is hard to come by as the trekking trails progress.
When trekking in the mountains of Nepal, you can expect to walk for four to five hours on average per day. However, you may have to walk for eight to ten hours on some days. On other days, you may even only trek for three to four hours at low altitudes. However, if you aren’t able to match up the hiking days, you can always add an extra day.
Tipping is a good way to show appreciation for workers who assisted you with your goal. Porters and guides work hard to make your trekking vacation in Nepal exceptional. Therefore, they deserve some tips. Besides, their wages are low, so they anticipate some advice from you. However, it is not mandatory to tip porters or guides in the mountains if you don’t feel like it.
Mountain hiking is always cold, even during summertime, so you’ll need warm, comfortable clothes for hiking in the mountains. Additionally, be sure to bring along hats, caps, sunglasses, scarf, thermal inner, fleece jacket, trekking pants, gloves, thick socks, toothbrush, duffel bag, backpack and rain covers, the sleeping bag just in case, a book or a map, camera, and first aid kit.
Finally, It is a known fact that trekking in Nepal is a popular adventure around the world. Each trek has its unique trail and offers a rich and diverse experience for foreign explorers in Nepal. These multi-day treks require good hiking skills and physical fitness, and Pokhara Info is here to guide you along the way.