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Pokhara is a city in central Nepal. It truly is a lovely town with breathtaking beauty and a paradise for visitors. Whether you’re looking for adventure or peace, there are so many places to visit in Pokhara that will fulfil all kinds of vacation seekers’ desires. From serene lakes to ancient temples, the city is full of tourist attractions that will offer unforgettable experiences. Head straight into our shortlisted top 10 Pokhara tourist places that combine to give you the best experience while visiting this beautiful city.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Pokhara
From serene Phewa Lake to spiritual Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, here is the list of the top ten places to visit in Pokhara:
1. Phewa Lake
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Second on the list of most voluminous lakes in Nepal, Phewa Lake, without a single doubt, is one of the most alluring tourist places to visit in Pokhara. The lush greenery of the Annapurna range surrounds the lake, offering a peaceful retreat away from city life’s hustle and bustle, with their still waters reflecting the mountains’ calmness. One has to take a boat ride across the lake due to its scenic beauty that enables a visit to Tal Barahi Temple, a two-story pagoda on an island in the middle of the lake. Phewa Lake is one destination not to miss on your trip.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 hours
Distance From Pokhara Airport: 3 km
2. Sarangkot
Photo: Bijay Chaurasia / Wikimedia Commons
Sarangkot is one of the most-visited places for Pokhara trip, which is about 1600 metres tall and famous for its breathtaking sunrise views over the Himalayas. It offers panoramic views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre mountains. Lately, this spot has been attracting a lot of attention for paragliding due to the fantastic experience of looking down at the beautiful landscapes of Pokhara. Besides, this adventure offers a nice view of the village of Sarangkot, consisting of traditional houses and friendly villagers. Sarangkot is, therefore, always graced by nature and adventure lovers.
Best Time To Visit: September to November, March to May
Ideal Trip Duration: Half-day
Distance From Airport: 10 km
3. Davis Falls
Photo: Eric Ward / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Davis Falls is another unique waterfall that mystifies viewers with the surprising aspect of its falling water disappearing into the ground. This breathtaking natural phenomenon, aptly named after a tragic occurrence of a Swiss couple, is also one of the most alluring tourist attractions in Pokhara. The falls are surrounded by greenery and have turned into a park where you can go for a leisurely walk while listening to the sound of falling water. Right opposite the falls, across the road, is the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave. There couldn’t be a better combination for an ideal day spent at Pokhara.
Best Time To Visit: June to September (during monsoon for full water flow)
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 hours
Distance From Airport: 3 km
4. Peace Pagoda
Photo: Mohammad Ayub Musalman / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most serene and graphically picturesque Pokhara tourist places is the Peace Pagoda or Shanti Stupa. Placed on the Anadu Hill, this pagoda constitutes a vantage point unparalleled by any other, where you can take in panoramic views of the whole Pokhara Valley, including Phewa Lake and Annapurna mountain range. Japanese monks built this enormous white stupa as a peace symbol, heightening peacefulness in the surrounding gardens. You can hike or drive to the Peace Pagoda, and it will be perfect for finding quietude in reflection, meditation, or appreciating the natural beauty views surrounding Pokhara.
Best Time To Visit: September to November, March to May
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 hours
Distance From Airport: 8 km
5. International Mountain Museum
Photo: MMuzammils / Wikimedia Commons
For enthusiasts to learn more about the Himalayan region’s history and culture, the International Mountain Museum is a must-visit. This museum has minute exhibits to display people, flora, fauna, and mountaineering history of the Himalayas, which has become one of the main points of interest in the lovely town of Pokhara. You will see vast models of prominent peaks of the Himalayas, garments worn by famous Sherpas, and equipment used by famous mountaineers. It also has informative documentaries running and one section showing the unique biodiversity of the mountains.
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 hours
Distance From Airport: 2 km
6. Begnas Lake
Photo: Mithunkunwar9 / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most serene tourist places in Pokhara, Begnas Lake, is a serenading retreat. The environment, surrounded by green hills and a freshwater lake, makes the place a haven for people to spend quality time with nature. Much less crowded than Phewa Lake, Begnas allows one to go boating, fishing, and swimming. The hills around the lake have scenic hiking trails, terminating at vantage points with breathtaking views of the lake and the Annapurna range. Begnas Lake is a hidden treasure that promises solitude and natural beauty.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: Half-day
Distance From Airport: 15 km
7. Mahendra Cave
Photo: Ksenia Kudelkina / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Next on our Pokhara tourist places list is Mahendra Cave, known for its unique limestone formations. Named after King Mahendra, this cave is a natural wonder featuring impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Visitors can explore the winding tunnels and discover formations that resemble various deities and animals. The cave is also home to hundreds of bats, adding an element of thrill to the experience. A visit to Mahendra Cave is not just an adventure but also an exploration of the mysterious underground world, making it a perfect attraction for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Best Time To Visit: October to December, March to May
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 hours
Distance From Airport: 6 km
8. Bindhyabasini Temple
Photo: Dhurba Gurung / Wikimedia Commons
Bindhyabasini Temple is a revered Hindu temple and one of the oldest religious sites in Pokhara. As one of the prominent tourist attractions in Pokhara, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga, who is worshipped here in the form of a saligram, a sacred black stone. Situated atop a small hill, the temple offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains, making it a popular spot for pilgrims and tourists. The temple is especially vibrant during festivals like Dashain and Tihar when devotees from all over the region gather to pay their respects and celebrate.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 hours
Distance From Airport: 5 km
9. Rupa Lake
Photo: Pursob64 / Wikimedia Commons
Rupa Lake, the third largest lake in Pokhara, is one of the most serene places on the Pokhara trip. Tucked away in the verdant hills, this freshwater lake offers a peaceful retreat and is a paradise for bird watchers. The lake is home to various migratory and resident bird species, making it an excellent spot for nature enthusiasts. The calm waters and tranquil surroundings provide a perfect setting for picnics, boating, and simply unwinding in nature’s lap. Unlike the more commercialised lakes in Pokhara, Rupa Lake remains largely untouched, offering an authentic natural experience.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: Half-day
Distance From Airport: 12 km
10. Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave
Photo: Bijay chaurasia / Wikimedia Commons
Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave is one of Pokhara’s most sacred and intriguing tourist places. Located near Davis Falls, this cave is famous for its underground Shiva shrine, which is believed to hold significant religious importance. The cave is shrouded in mystery and legend, with its narrow passages and naturally formed limestone structures creating an eerie yet spiritual ambience. Visitors can explore the various chambers of the cave, each revealing fascinating formations and sacred symbols. The proximity to Davis Falls makes it easy to combine both attractions in a single visit, offering a unique blend of natural and cultural experiences.
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 hours
Distance From Airport: 3 km
Exploring the places to visit in Pokhara offers an enriching experience, blending natural beauty, cultural significance, and adventure. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the serene environment of lakes and caves or seek thrills in the mountains, Pokhara has something for every traveller. Don’t miss out on these top Pokhara tourist places on your next trip. Book your journey with TripXL today and discover the magic of Pokhara!
Cover Photo: Martijn Vonk / Unsplash
