Pokhara Travel Guide
Gateway to Annapurna Adventures
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Pokhara is Nepal’s western gateway to adventure. From rambles and treks to rafting trips, paragliding, microlight flights and boat rides the town with its famous backdrop of icy-white Himalayan peaks has much to offer the outdoor enthusiast. Blessed with abundant natural beauty in the form of the mountains and the beautiful Phewa Lake a visit is the highlight for many of a visit to Nepal.
The town of Pokhara sits at around 820m above sea-level by the side of the calm beauty of Phewa Lake. On the northern horizon and reflected in the lake stands the dramatic ‘fish-tail’ peak of Machhapuchhare, unclimbed and holy. Relatively undiscovered until the early 1970’s the old town of Pokhara around Mahendra Pul bazaar has expanded slowly down to the lakeside where guesthouses and restaurants jostle next to souvenir sellers, bookshops and trekking gear stores.
The town has a number of attractions in its own right but for many it’s the start – or end – of a trek into the mountains. From Pokhara you can walk up the Kali Gandaki to Jomson pausing at Poon Hill, embark on the Royal Trek, walk in to the Annapurna Sanctuary or many more shorter and easier treks. Alternatively you can raft western rivers easily from Pokhara, chiefly the Seti, Marsyangdi and Kali Gandaki
Pokhara was once part of an important trade route between India and Tibet and today international relations and commerce still breathe life to the town, still watched over, as ever, by the stunning Himalaya.
Attractions in Pokhara
It’s hard to escape the draw of Phewa Lake and any visitor with even a few spare minutes should endeavour to take a boat out on the water to fully experience the wonderful views of reflected mountains. If you have more time walk to the World Peace Pagoda a couple of hours from town. There are several noteworthy museums in Pokhara including the International Mountain Museum and the Gurkha Museum, whilst out of town are several caves and a waterfall to discover. The old part of Pokhara is worth a visit if time allows – head to Mahendra Pul - then there’s the Karma Dubgyu Chokhorling Monastery. With so much to see and do it’s a wonder anyone gets out on trek!
Relaxing
There’s only one way to seriously relax in Pokhara and that’s at one of the many excellent restaurants down by the lake. An early breakfast here too is an excellent idea as the peaks are lit by the sun.
Getting Around
Pokhara Lakeside is easy to get around on foot and it's easy to walk to places such as the World Peace Pagoda and museums, though hiring a bike will make things easier still.
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