20 BEST Places to Visit in Pokhara - 2019 (Photos & Reviews)

There are places to visit in Pokhara that will sweep you off your feet with their scenic beauty and calm atmosphere. Pokhara is the second most important city in Nepal after the capital city, Kathmandu. But when it comes to tourism, Pokhara is simply the most popular destination in the country. The fame of this city among the tourists visiting Nepal is attributed to a variety of places that confirm the richness of culture and nature of the country. Located in the shadow of some of the most prominent Himalayan mountains, Pokhara is beautiful.

Pokhara is an ideal destination for all kinds of tourists belonging to all age groups. From hills to lakes and from markets to shrines; tourist places to visit in Pokhara are in surplus despite the small geographical area occupied by the city. Whether you are daredevil who wishes to get closer to the highest of the peaks by indulging in trekking or you are someone who wants to stay in the soothing embrace of nature by sailing a boat on the tranquil waters of a lake, Pokhara is the place to be. Whenever you plan to tour Nepal, make sure to add a couple of extra days to spend exploring Pokhara.

Let us help you know Pokhara better through our list of the best places you can visit in the city

Here are some of the best places to visit in Pokhara:

01Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Nepal 2019
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Departure Dates:
Jan: ,26
Feb:2,9,16,23
March: 2,9,16,23,30
April:6,13,20,27
May:4,11,18,25
June:1,8,15,22,29
July:6,13,20,27
August: 3,10,17,24,31
Sep: 7,14,21,28
Oct: 5,12,19,26
Nov: 2,9,16,23,30
Dec:7,14,21,28
About the Destination:
The host to not one, not two but six massive peaks of the Himalayas – The Annapurna Massif lies in the northern region of Nepal and Annapurna Base Camp trek is a stunning opportunity to relish the giant. While the peaks themselves stretch over 55km, the Annapurna base camp trek brings you within breath-taking distance of the 7,000m high ranges after a trek of few days from Pokhara. Few mountains can boast of the raw beauty that the base camp of Annapurna possesses! It brings you through oak, pine, rhododendron and merrily dancing rice fields to a silvery carpet of snow and capricious slopes of lush valleys. Annapurna range satiates your thirst for adventure with the unending peaks of the mountains right from Pokhara and before the start of the trek itself, you will be able to gain the picturesque beauty of all the mountain peaks. When you reach Ghandruk, the distinct views of Machapuchare, Annapurna South, and other peaks will be possibly seen.
Machapuchare, an important peak in the range is also known as the fish-tailed mountain and protected highly and tourists arrive here in plenty for its exquisite beauty. Natives believe that it is an abode of Lord Shiva. From the base camp of Machapuchare, one can capture the views of Annapurna 1, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. Moreover, the Annapurna Base Camp is considered to hold a small cluster of lodges that offer the mystical sights of the Annapurna Glacier situated on the opposite side alongside the towering glaciers called Gangapurna, Gandharvachuli, and Machapuchare.
On Annapurna Base Camp trek, you have a wide range of landscapes to be covered and the tricky, long trails that go through the variety of forests filled with rhododendron, fern and bamboo trees. After Sinuwa, while you enter Annapurna Sanctuary, nature becomes dense with seamless forests and greenery. There, oak trees become dominant. The forests coming your way until you reach the Machapuchare Base Camp will have tall grass and tall trees along with some flowering ones as well to make your trails filled with happy smiles.
About the Annapurna Base Camp Trek:
The trail that progresses towards the Annapurna Base Camp is bedecked with scenery and sights of every kind imaginable. Steady and gradual climbs through its dense forests and fertile terrace fields bring us to be amazed by the majestic and upright peaks of the Annapurna Mountains. Nayapul, Ghandruk, Sinuwa, Deurali and the base camp are the spots you will stay overnight during the trek.
Traversing the scenic vistas, over course of nine days you will be engaging yourselves trekking through carpeted ridges and ravines to arrive at Machapuchare Base Camp (3700m) and finally towards the destination of this epic journey, Annapurna Base Camp, and then back to Pokhara.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Highlights:
- Trek to Annapurna Base Camp is classified as a classic tea house trekking expedition since you will be staying in lodges that can accommodate around 25 people and are run by locals.
- This trek is a great opportunity to interact with the local people and know the Buddhist culture prevailing in the villages and taste the local dishes.
- Since the trekking happens around a vast area of Annapurna Conservation Area, you will be able to spot much rare flora and fauna as it is home to 1226 species of plants, 102 mammals, 474 birds, 22 amphibians and so on.
- This is a trek attempted by hundreds of foreigners as well as natives and when it is October, the views become outstanding and the roads will be filled with so many people from all over the world. Experience diversities gets unified by this amazing trek.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Weather Conditions:
Most routes leading to the base camp have little danger by the snow cover but you must be cautious in the spring. At the lower elevations, spring brings joy with multiple flowers but at the top, it will be filled with snow. It is a great time to do trekking during the months of the spring season. Also, since it is located at a great height, weather conditions are really fluctuating but autumn season experience quite a steady weather. Hence it is considered to be the most suitable time to do trekking.
At Pokhara, the day temperature will be between 15°C to20°C in October. Night temperatures will be 0 to 5°C. It will fall to 0°C at Machapuchare Basecamp and Annapurna Base camp. Snow cover will not be there to hinder you in October but if you choose April, then you will likely witness snow near to Machapuchare Base Camp and near ABC.

Quick Facts:
Duration of the Tour: 9D/8N
Temperature: Day: 15°C to 20 °C and Night: 0°C to 5°C
Maximum Altitude: 13,550 ft
Meal Types: Veg Meals
Difficulty Level: Moderate-Difficult
Starting and Ending Point: The trek starts and ends at Pokhara.
ATM: Pokhara
02Visit Old Bazaar
Image Credit : Jerome Bon
The bazaar lets you witness some mysterious alleys and courtyard which might not have witnessed before. The local handicrafts, hanging beads and cultural attires will draw your attention while taking a stroll in the busy streets.

Highlights: Shop for some fruits vegetables, fruits, spices and stunning wares made of brass, copper and bronze. You can also view some temples and shrines which is likely to make Old Bazaar worth a visit.

Best months to visit: October to March.

Price: Entry Free
03Tibetan Refugee Camp
Image Credit : Ingmar Zahorsky
If you are in Pokhara then you simply can’t miss the chance to see the Tibetan refugee camp. The area is beautifully adorned with prayer flags which enhances the beauty of the place. It has housed numerous monks and therefore you can hear the rumbling of the monks chanting their prayers.

Highlights: You can also enjoy some cultural fests which are held in the Pokhara street during 28th Dec to 1st Jan.

Best time to visit: January and February as it is the time of Tibetan New year.

Prices: Entry Free
04Temple of Tal Varahi
Tal Varahi or Tal Barahi is a lake temple in the Kaski District of Nepal. Dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Durga, this temple is located on a small island in the Lake Phewa of Pokhara, and is a great source of spirituality in the Nepalese Hindu population.

Highlights: Surrounding lake adds a lot of grace to this most famous Hindu temple in Pokhara. Built in the 18th century it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his boar incarnation. The temple has been comprehensively renovated over the years and so the pigeons have decided to make it their permanent shelter. A must visit not only for the religious mind but also for a regular tourist.

Difficulty Level: Easy.

Prices: Entry is free.

Location: 10 minutes drive from Pokhara, located on an island in the middle of phew lake, it can be reached by a boat from Varahi ghat.
05Visit Rupa Tal Lake
Image Credit : The International Institute for Environment and Devel
If you want to witness the only freshwater lake in Nepal, you have come to the right place, Rupa Tal. It is one of the glorious serene lakes which will make you feel truly blessed.

Location: It lies towards the south-east of Pokhara valley. The freshwater lake in Nepal is Rupa Tal which is also the third largest lake in Pokhara valley.

Highlights: It provides boating opportunity for all the tourists which makes Rupa Tal an important Nepal tourist place to visit.

Prices: Entry is free.

Difficulty Level: Medium
06Visit Begnas Tal Lake
A quiet freshwater lake in Kaski district of Nepal that changes colour depending on the season. it is the second largest of the eight lakes in Pokhara valley with a maximum depth of 10 meters.

Since it is visited comparatively less, the original beauty is undisturbed. The lake supports irrigation and fisheries. The water level in the lake is regulated by a dam constructed in 1988 as it fluctuates with season and because of use for irrigation. The pressure of increasing human population is forcing conversion of the swampy area into land for cultivation.

Location: It takes about 40 minutes by bus from Pokhara to reach the lake. Not far from the maddening crowd but extremely clean and quiet.

Highlights: Boating, fishing and swimming are some of the activities you can indulge in, the bonus being surrounding green mountains.

Price: Entry is free.

Difficulty Level: Medium, you can easily try your hands on boating.

Best time to visit: October
07Visit Sarangkot
Image Credit : Dhilung Kirat
A small village which has its own natural beauty. The best thing about the village of Sarangkot is that it lies in the outskirts of the Pokhara city. Moreover, you will also get a chance to view the one of the most beautiful Annapurna Himalayan range. You can also view the orange hues along with some beautiful mountain ranges.

Highlights: The scenic beauty of the place is what makes the village an obvious pick for most of the tourists. It is also an important location for most of the paragliders.

Prices: Free.

Difficulty Level: Easy.

Best time to visit: October
08Pokhara Shanti Stupa
Image Credit : untitled_folder
A Pagoda style buddhist monument which is located on the hill top of Ananda hill. You have to trek till the top to have the spectacular look of the place.

Highlights: This trek allows you to have a full view of Phewa Lake and some of the most gigantic mountains too.

Best time to visit: September to November.

Difficulty Level: Easy, even the children can do this trek.

Prices: Entry is free.

You may also like: Once in a Lifetime Experience of Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal 2019
09Visit Phewa Lake
A freshwater lake in the Pokhara Valley region of Nepal, it is the most visited spot in the country. It is kept in check by the help of a Dam and is fed by a river stream, making it somewhat a mixture of man-made and natural freshwater lake.

The second largest lake in the country, it is extremely famous for the natural beauty, the Barahi Temple which is based on an island in the lake, and the mirror-like reflections of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre in its waters.

Location- Pokhara Valley, Nepal

Entry- Free

Best time- October
10International Mountain Museum
Image Credit : Doug Letterman
If you want to dig deeper into the history of mountains and other mountaineering activities, the best thing would be to take a look at the International Mountain Museum.It has documented some of the important things realted to mountains. You can find some of the hidden mysteries pertaining to Mount Everest.

Highlights: You can check out the records of several mountaineers like Mr Herzog. It is however one of the must visit place when you are in Pokhara.

Price: Rs 250

Best time to visit: October.

Difficulty Level: Easy.
11Visit Barahi Temple
Image Credit : দেবর্ষি রায়
A visit to Nepal wouldn’t be complete without this Barahi temple which is quite beautifully nestled on the Phewa Lake. It is the place where deities are religiously worshipped by the people who visit this temple. You can take your own canon and reach the temple.

You can absorb in beautiful scenery which will make you feel that Nepal has a lot to offer. Just soak yourself in the extreme quietness of the place. You can hire your own boat and reach this temple too.

Best time to visit: February, October, November and December.

Location: It is located in Pokhara , Pincode - 33700.

Price: Rs 510.

Difficulty Level: Easy
12Gurkha Memorial Museum
The amazing Gurkha Memorial Museum talks about the contribution of the Gurkha soldiers which had later joined the Indian army. The museums will definitely leave you jaw dropped as you will witness the Gurkha uniforms which is displayed in the museum. One can also view the bravery medal which they have won in the past.

Highlights: You can also view the service Khukri which is the traditional Gurkha knife used during the war times and the museum is only open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Price: Rs 100-200 and an extra of Rs20 for the camera.

Best time to visit: October is the best month to visit the place.

Location: Pokhara Nepal.
13Visit Bindhyabasini Temple
Image Credit : দেবর্ষি রায়
In the serene and calm waters of the lake of Pokhara, you will find this beautiful looking Bindhyabasini Temple. It is one of the oldest temple situated in Nepal with the idol of Godess Bhagwati. And an amazing boat ride is just an additional advantage along with it. While visiting the place you can even enjoy the spectacular view of the Himalayas.

Highlights: It is one of the foremost Shaktipiths of western Nepal and all the rituals are strictly followed as per the Hindu culture. If you are lucky enough you can get a chance to witness a nice Nepalese wedding.

Location: Pokhara-Baglung Highway.

Price: Entry is free.

Best months to visit: October
14Visit Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave
Image Credit : HJ van W
Caves have always been mysterious but the curious thing about this Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave is that it comes with a religious bent too. One of the huge stalagmite is usually worshipped as Shiva Lingam. The peaceful atmosphere of the cave will definitely soothe your senses and will let you introspect a little bit.

Amidst the regular hustle and bustle of the city, it is a good place to spend some peaceful time. If you planning to visit this place it will be advisable for you to carry a torch along as it is usually dark.

Highlights: The Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave is a combination of Devi’s fall in the upstream and the cave in the downstream, one has to climb down the metal stairs to have a real look. Although it is a bit scary but its definitely worth a watch.

Price: Rs.50 to Rs.100.

Location: Chhorepatan. Pokhara.
15Visit Seti Gandaki
Image Credit : cat_collector
If you are a trek lover then you shouldn’t miss the chance to take a dip into the Seti Gandaki. The name “Seti” has been derived because of the white color which is the result of the limestone rock base.

Highlights: You can enjoy the scenic view of the village of Jhijirka where you will also find a small guest house under construction. The Seti Gandaki joins the Trisuli river which will give you an opportunity for hiking.

Location: It is 5 hours from Kathmandu by tourist bus.

Best time to visit – September to December and February to June.

Prices: If you are planning to raft to this place, ideally you will be charged 3180 per person.
16Visit Devi's Fall
Image Credit : Moin Uddin
A spectacular fall which you might have never seen before, the peculiar thing about this fall is that the starting point of this fall where Pardi Khola stream which eventually vanishes in the underground. The most amazing thing about this fall is that you can clearly hear the sound of the water which eventually strikes the fall. The cascading waterfall secretly comes and meets the cave which makes this fall a must-watch in Nepal.

Prices: Rs 30.

Difficulty Level: High, reaching the fall is however tough.

Best time to visit: Monsoon is the best time to visit.
17Annapurna Butterfly Museum
Image Credit : virole_bridee
If you have always loved to catch butterflies when you were young then Nepal is a land to witness some beautiful looking colorful butterflies. The small museum has housed wide variety of Butterflies which will fill you with a wide variety of knowledge. Every single minute that you spend in this museum is all worth it. The interiors of the museum is quite earthy which makes it a delight for most of the visitors.

Highlights: Don’t forget to see Corman Birdming which is the largest butterfly of Nepal.

Prices: Entry is free.

Best time to visit: Post monsoon is the best time.

Location: Prithvi Narayan Campus at Bagartole.
18Shree Gaden Dhargay Ling Monastery
It is a bliss for you to spend some time in Shree Gaden Dhargay Ling Monastery. It is one of the best spiritual places in Nepal and you can spend some time in peace an tranquillity which is going to leave you truly relieved. It is the best way to experience Tibetan style and culture which is going to leave you truly relieved. You might need some tourist’s guidance because of language problem. It has housed some 28 monks and it is not a very big monastery.

Highlights: A specialized form of chanting by the monks which allows them to produce multiple pitches.

Prices: Entry is free.

Best time to visit: October.

Location:
19Visit Mahendra Cave
Image Credit : cat_collector
If you are a strong Hindu believer, you wouldn’t miss the chance to visit Mahendra cave. The cave was named after Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev and has several stalactites and stalagmites along with a statue of Lord Shiva which attracts almost thousands of visitors every year.

Highlights: You cn also visit the Bat Cave which lies on a ten minutes walking distance from this cave and is also an important tourist attraction.

Location: Kaski district close to river Seti in Pokhara.

Best time to visit: Avoid visiting this cave during monsoons, however it will be best if it could be done during October.

Prices: Free of cost
20Trek To Ghorepani Hill
Image Credit : rocksee
Experience stunning views of the Annapurna range. Enjoy eating hearty meals during this introductory trek. If you are interested in doing a safe, beginner’s level trek, then this oddly comfortable trek is the right option for you.

Highlights: The trek usually takes 2-5 days, depending on the tour you decide to go with. The energizing fresh mountains and the enthralling natural beauty of dramatic Annapurna range will cast an impression on your mind.

The leisurely trip will also involve a cultural exchange, giving travellers the opportunity to meet and greet people from Nepali. The trek usually begins from Poon Hill and provides you with a chance to discover the Lake City of Pokhara.

Location: Poon Hill.

Things to keep in mind: For this trek, don’t forget to take trekking boots and hiking socks with you. The temperatures can drop sometimes and therefore, carry a fleece jacket, with a wind-protector is an ideal option.

20 Places to Visit in Pokhara

Here are some of the best places to visit in Pokhara:

01Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Nepal 2019

02Visit Old Bazaar

03Tibetan Refugee Camp

04Temple of Tal Varahi

05Visit Rupa Tal Lake

06Visit Begnas Tal Lake

07Visit Sarangkot

08Pokhara Shanti Stupa

09Visit Phewa Lake

10International Mountain Museum

11Visit Barahi Temple

12Gurkha Memorial Museum

13Visit Bindhyabasini Temple

14Visit Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

15Visit Seti Gandaki

16Visit Devi's Fall

17Annapurna Butterfly Museum

18Shree Gaden Dhargay Ling Monastery

19Visit Mahendra Cave

20Trek To Ghorepani Hill

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