Pokhara
Lakeside basecamp with the Annapurna range on the horizon.
Pokhara is the official tourism capital of Nepal and the second-largest city in the country. Located about 200 kilometers (124 miles) west of Kathmandu, it sits at an average altitude of 822 meters (2,697 feet) above sea level along the serene shores of Phewa Lake. It is world-renowned as the ultimate base camp for trekkers heading into the majestic Annapurna mountain range.
Key Facts & Geography
- Tourism Capital: Officially declared the tourism capital of Nepal due to its massive appeal for nature and adventure lovers.
- Stunning Backdrop: Offers crystal-clear views of three of the world’s ten highest peaks: Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, and Manaslu.
- Lakeside Hub: The heart of the city’s tourism is “Lakeside,” a vibrant strip of hotels, cafes, and shops running right next to Phewa Lake.
- Gurkha Connection: Pokhara is a historic home base for many of the world-famous elite Gurkha soldiers.
Top Things to Do & See
- Phewa Lake & Tal Barahi: You can rent colorful wooden boats to paddle across the lake and visit the two-story Hindu temple sitting on a tiny island in the center.
- Sarangkot: A popular hilltop viewpoint famous for its breathtaking sunrise views over the Himalayas and as a world-class launching spot for paragliding.
- Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda): A brilliant white Buddhist monument perched high on a ridge, offering panoramic views of the entire city, lake, and mountains.
- Pumdikot Shiva Statue: A massive, recently constructed religious monument featuring a giant statue of Lord Shiva overlooking the valley.
- Davis Falls & Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave: An unusual waterfall that flows directly into a dark, deep underground tunnel, right across from a sacred cave temple.
Travel & Accessibility
- By Air: Quick 25-minute flights connect Kathmandu to the Pokhara International Airport daily.
- By Road: Tourist buses and private cars travel between Kathmandu and Pokhara, taking roughly 6 to 8 hours depending on road conditions.
You can find official travel updates, local activity pricing, and trekking safety guidelines on the official Nepal Tourism Board website.
Tours in Pokhara
Discover our best mountain biking adventures in Pokhara.
Adventure & Specials Easy Fishing & Camping Trip
A relaxed overnight escape freshwater fishing, riverside camping, bonfire and a real taste of Nepali river culture.
Cycling Easy Pokhara Cycling Day Trip
A relaxed full-day ride around Pokhara lakeside boulevards, hilltop viewpoints and the World Peace Pagoda, guided by locals.
Cycling Easy Around Phewa Lake
A gentle half-day loop around Nepal's most famous lake village life, farmland and mountain views without leaving the valley.
Cycling Easy to Moderate Sweet Pame Trail
A classic Pokhara singletrack climb steep switchbacks, forest shade and one of the best-value mountain views in the valley.
Cycling Moderate Panchase Day Cycling
Ride the classic Panchase loop in a single day forest trails, Gurung villages and close-up Annapurna views.
Cycling Easy to Moderate Lake to Lake (7 Lakes) Cycling
Chain Pokhara's famous seven lakes on two wheels Begnas, Rupa and beyond, through paddy fields and quiet villages.