Things to Do in Pokhara

Pokhara is Nepal's favourite place to slow down, and somehow it's also the country's adventure capital. In just a few days you can row across a lake, watch the sun rise over 8,000 m peaks, run off a hillside with a paraglider and walk up to a Buddhist stupa. Here's what we'd suggest, roughly in order of how much our guests love it.

Row on Phewa Lake

Phewa is Nepal's second-largest lake, with Lakeside along its eastern shore. Hire a painted boat, row out to Tal Barahi Temple on its island and stay out for the sunset. On calm mornings, the Annapurnas are reflected in the water.

Watch sunrise from Sarangkot

At 1,600 m, Sarangkot looks straight across to Dhaulagiri, the Annapurna massif and Machhapuchhre. Head up before dawn and watch the snow turn pink. Book our Sarangkot Sunrise Tour.

Fly with a paraglider

Pokhara is one of the world's great paragliding spots. A tandem flight from Sarangkot lasts about 30 minutes and lands right at Lakeside, and you don't need any experience. See Paragliding in Pokhara.

Walk to the World Peace Pagoda

Cross the lake by boat and climb through the forest to the white World Peace Pagoda for the classic view back over Pokhara.

See the city's sights in a day

Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, the International Mountain Museum, Bindabasini Temple and the Seti River gorge all fit into one relaxed day on our City Sightseeing Tour.

Find some peace at Begnas Lake

Begnas is 45 minutes east of the city. It's calmer and greener than Phewa, with long boat rides and village walks.

Try something wilder

• Bungee jumping at Hemja: about 70–80 m towards a pool.
• An ultralight flight in an open two-seater aircraft.
• Horse riding or a pony ride, if you'd prefer something gentler.

Start a trek

Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurnas. Even with just a few days, you can walk to Dhampus and Australian Camp, Ghandruk or Poon Hill.

Visit the Tibetan settlements

The Tibetan communities at Hemja and near Davis Falls have monasteries, hand-woven carpets and handicraft shops.