Top Things to do in Pokhara, Nepal

Top Things to do in Pokhara, Nepal

  • 28 Jun 2025

Pokhara is one of Nepal’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its breathtaking natural beauty, adventure activities, and tranquil lakes. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Pokhara offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and stunning landscapes. Whether you're a nature lover, adventure enthusiast, or looking for a peaceful retreat, Pokhara has something for everyone. Here’s a guide to the top things to do in Pokhara.

1. Phewa Lake (Fewa Lake)

Phewa Lake is the heart of Pokhara, offering serene views of the surrounding mountains. It’s one of the most beautiful freshwater lakes in Nepal and provides a peaceful escape.

Things to Do:

  • Boat Ride: Rent a boat and paddle across the lake while enjoying stunning views of the Annapurna Range.

  • Visit Tal Barahi Temple: The Tal Barahi Temple is located on an island in the middle of Phewa Lake. A short boat ride will take you to the temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Barahi.

  • Relax by the Lake: The lakeside area is perfect for a relaxing walk, café hopping, and enjoying the lakeside atmosphere.

2. Sarangkot

Located on a hilltop, Sarangkot offers one of the best panoramic views of the Annapurna Range and Machapuchare (Fishtail Peak). It’s an excellent spot for both sunrise and sunset.

Things to Do:

  • Sunrise Viewpoint: Early risers can head to Sarangkot for an incredible sunrise view over the Himalayas. The golden hour light on the mountains is a photographer’s dream.

  • Paragliding: Sarangkot is one of the best places for paragliding in Nepal. Soar high above the valley and Phewa Lake, enjoying spectacular aerial views of the city and mountains.

3. Devi’s Fall (Patan Devi Falls)

Devi's Fall, also known as Patan Devi Falls, is a unique waterfall located just 2 kilometers from Pokhara. The waterfall is particularly famous for the way the water disappears into a deep gorge.

Things to Do:

  • Visit the Fall: Spend some time near the falls, enjoying the natural beauty and tranquil surroundings.

  • Explore the Surroundings: There are several other attractions around the area, including the Gupteshwor Cave nearby.

4. World Peace Pagoda

The World Peace Pagoda, located on a hilltop overlooking Phewa Lake, is a significant Buddhist monument that offers panoramic views of the lake, Pokhara city, and the surrounding mountains.

Things to Do:

  • Hike or Drive: You can either hike for about 45 minutes or take a jeep ride to the pagoda. The hike is quite scenic and offers stunning views.

  • Sunset and Sunrise Views: It’s a great spot to watch both sunrise and sunset, offering beautiful vistas of the Annapurna range.

5. International Mountain Museum

Pokhara’s International Mountain Museum offers fascinating insights into the history of mountaineering in the Himalayas. It’s dedicated to the mountaineers, ethnic groups, and history of the Himalayas.

Things to Do:

  • Explore the Exhibits: Learn about the history of famous peaks like Mount Everest, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri, and the mountaineers who have summited them.

  • Cultural Insight: Gain insights into the mountaineering culture, Nepalese indigenous groups, and Himalayan wildlife.

6. Pokhara Devi Temple

Located near Phewa Lake, Pokhara Devi Temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Pokhara Devi. The temple is one of the most revered in the region and offers a peaceful setting with stunning views of the lake.

Things to Do:

  • Visit the Temple: Pay your respects at the temple and explore the surrounding area.

  • Enjoy the Views: The temple offers a great view of Phewa Lake and the surrounding hills.

7. Bindhyabasini Temple

Bindhyabasini Temple is one of the oldest temples in Pokhara and is dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati. It is located on a hilltop and offers beautiful views of Pokhara city and the surrounding landscape.

Things to Do:

  • Visit the Temple: The temple is a peaceful place to meditate or simply admire the views.

  • Explore the Local Market: The area around the temple has a local market where you can shop for souvenirs and local crafts.

8. Taal Barahi Temple

Located in the middle of Phewa Lake, the Taal Barahi Temple is one of the most iconic landmarks in Pokhara. It’s dedicated to the Hindu goddess Barahi.

Things to Do:

  • Boat Ride: Take a boat to reach the temple and explore the surroundings.

  • Explore the Temple: Visit the small yet sacred temple, offering a peaceful atmosphere.

9. Mahendra Cave

Mahendra Cave is a popular limestone cave located around 8 kilometers from Pokhara. The cave is named after the late king Mahendra of Nepal and features a variety of stalactites and stalagmites.

Things to Do:

  • Cave Exploration: Explore the natural formations of the cave and marvel at the interesting geological features.

  • Cultural Significance: It’s also home to a shrine for Lord Shiva, making it both a natural and spiritual destination.

10. Zip-lining in Pokhara

Pokhara is home to one of the world’s longest and steepest zip lines, which offers an adrenaline-pumping ride with views of Sarangkot Hill and Phewa Lake.

Things to Do:

  • Zip-line Ride: Experience the thrill of speeding down the hill on the zip line, taking in spectacular views.

  • Adventure Tour: Combine the zip line ride with other adventure activities, such as paragliding or mountain biking.

11. Mountain Biking

Pokhara is surrounded by stunning mountain trails that are perfect for mountain biking. The diverse terrain offers both challenging and scenic rides through forests, villages, and hills.

Things to Do:

  • Mountain Bike Rentals: Rent a bike and explore the countryside around Pokhara.

  • Guided Tours: Join a guided mountain biking tour to explore hidden gems of the region and get more insight into local culture.

12. Hiking to Australian Camp

Australian Camp is a popular short trek from Kande village, offering panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The trek takes about 3-4 hours to reach and offers an easy yet rewarding hike.

Things to Do:

  • Hike through the Forest: Enjoy a scenic trek through dense rhododendron forests and local villages.

  • Sunrise and Sunset Views: The camp offers fantastic sunrise and sunset views over the mountains.

13. Paragliding

Pokhara is one of the best places in the world for paragliding, offering incredible aerial views of Phewa Lake and the surrounding Annapurna Range.

Things to Do:

  • Take a Tandem Flight: Enjoy a tandem paragliding flight with an experienced pilot to see Pokhara from above.

  • Adventure Tour: Combine paragliding with other adventure activities like zip-lining or mountain biking.

14. Trekking in Annapurna Region

Pokhara serves as the gateway to the Annapurna region, one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal. Popular treks include the Annapurna Circuit, Ghorepani Poon Hill, and Annapurna Base Camp.

Things to Do:

  • Trekking: Embark on one of the many trekking routes around Pokhara, ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks.

  • Scenic Views: The treks offer incredible views of the Annapurna Range, Machapuchare, and Dhaulagiri.

Conclusion

Pokhara offers a wide range of activities, from adventurous experiences like paragliding and trekking to relaxing pursuits such as boat rides and temple visits. With its breathtaking natural beauty, stunning mountain views, serene lakes, and vibrant culture, Pokhara is a destination that has something for everyone. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or a nature enthusiast, Pokhara will not disappoint you!