Top Things to Do in the Pokhara | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Plan Your Travel To Pokhara

Places To Visit In Pokhara

Gupteshwor Mahadev Temple

Gopteshwar Mahadev Mandir is a cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva near the place where Seti River emerges from underground. A self-emerging Shiva Lingam was found in the 3 km long cave during the 16th century. Apart from the holy temple, the long, deep and dark cave offer an excellent opportunity to explore the natural wonders in its truest form.

Gurkha Museum Pokhara

Located near Mahendra Pul in Pokhara, Gorkha Museum is a grand structure dedicated to commemorating the service of Gurkha soldiers. Gurkha soldiers joined the British Army in 1815 and this museum is a beautiful picture gallery to learn more about the lives of Gurkhas.

International Mountain Museum

The International Mountain Museum in Pokhara has a stunning collection of artefacts, original gears, stories and photographs of the mountains, their inhabitants' and the explorers who climbed some of the highest peaks in the world. The museum gives you a description of the people living in the Himalayas and the 14 highest peaks and their most famous expeditions. It also includes some exhibits from other mountain areas such as Slovenia and Japan. International Mountain Museum was established in 1995 by Nepal Mountaineering Association to maintain a record and document the history, evolution, development and the legendary achievements in mountaineering. Every section of the museum is designed to highlight commendable accomplishments of famous mountaineers in the majestic Himalayas and around the world. Source Read More

Mahendra Cave

Located in Batulechaur, Mahendra cave is a magnificent cave that tourists can explore in the town. The cave is named after King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev and is a vast natural formation in limestone. Hindus consider the cave sacred and have installed a statue of Lord Shiva, but geographically, this is a cave with calcium salt deposits forming stalactites and stalagmites. Mahendra Cave was discovered in the mid-1900s by shepherds and has been carefully studied by researchers from the United Kingdom in 1976. The geology & biodiversity of the cave and its surroundings have been documented as a part of the research. The information from the region is deemed necessary for future expeditions and is, to date, used as reference material by scholars. Read More

Old Pokhara

With the onset of tourism, Pokhara has evolved tremendously. Some changes were definitely beneficial but the real charm of Pokhara is sort of lost and what one can see upfront is the traffic, the crowds and the chaos. In one region, known as Old Pokhara, locals have somehow managed to maintain the old town appeal of Pokhara. In Old Pokhara, one can get a glimpse into what it was like before it was struck by modernization. It is best if one explores this part of the city on foot as they can take their time observing the structural designs and the cityscape and absorb the ancient charisma of Pokhara. While exploring this part of the city, visitors can take a tour of the old marketplace selling local products, various temple and a chance to explore old alleyways. Read More

Phewa Lake

Phewa Lake is the second largest lake in Nepal. It is a semi-natural freshwater lake enveloped by rani ban or queen's forest and stunning reflection of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges in the clear lake waters. It is also a perfect place to experience the ever so glorious Himalayan sunrises. One can hire a colourful boat called doonga and sail through the lake for a relaxing ride. It has some religious significance too as it is known for the sacred Tal Barahi Temple located on an island in the lake. Baidam or lakeside of Pokhara on the eastern part has some amazing lodges, restaurants, cafes and bookshops. The densely forested region around the lake has thrilling trails that lead up to higher grounds. Read More

Pokhara Regional Museum

In Pokhara, the Regional Museum is where one can find insights into the ancient culture and history of Pokhara Valley with the help of exhibits from the time as old as the Stone Age and covering centuries of evolution of the civilisation. With a simple setup and artefacts depicting the tribes, their lifestyle and traditions, the stately museum houses collections that depict the tribal population of the town as well.

Poon Hill

Situated at an altitude of 3210 m, Poon Hill is a popular short trekking destination, offering an impeccable view of sunrise and sunset. Most trekkers hike here from the village of Ghorepani to enjoy the spectacular view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The trekking trail covered with rhododendron forest an amazing landscape is perfect for modest trekkers. The terrain is comparatively easier and leads to the Annapurna Mountain Ranges, thus allowing the trekkers to absorb the natural beauty of the location. From the top of the hill, one can get a fabulous view of the Gangapurna, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, the Dhaulagiri and the Hiunchuli Mountains. Those who get a high when they climb mountains must visit the Poon Hill in Pokhara. Read More

Rupa Lake

Rupa Tal, located in the city of Pokhara, is the only freshwater lake of Nepal. At an altitude of 600 m, the beautiful lake is famous for the variety of flora and fauna that it supports. There are boating facilities available for the visitors, from where people can enjoy the charming landscape. One can even engage in fishing activities.

Sarangkot

Located on the scenic Sarangkot Mountain, Sarangkot is a village famous for its sunrise and sunset view of Annapurna and the take-off site for paragliding. The village lies at an elevation of 1600 metres above sea level and is a perfect place to capture a mesmeric view of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, the Manaslu Mountain Ranges and the valley of Pokhara. 5 kilometre from lakeside Pokhara, the place is also accessible by a trek of 1-1.5 hours. Sarangkot is also famous for one of the world's fastest Zipline. The site of an ancient fort connected by a few steps from the main village is a popular viewpoint.A trek along the ridge road that leads to the west of Sarangkot is much advisable for tourists to get more stunning views. The dense forestation is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The route, thus, is also famous for bird watching and rejuvenating nature walks. Read More