Pokhara Travel Information
Scenic Himalayan town located in the corner of Pokhara Valley in Central Nepal some 200 km west of the capital Kathmandu, Pokhara is the third largest city in Nepal. Pokhara area has huge changes in elevation, from 1,000 m in the valley to over 7,500 meters in the Himalayan mountain peaks of the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu ranges. The city lies on an old trading route between Tibet and India and used to be part of the Kingdom of Kaski during the 17th century. Many Tibetan refugees moved into the area in the 1950s. Pokhara was connected to the rest of Nepal by road in the 1960s and has since then become a popular tourism destination. Today, Pokhara is one of the major tourism hubs of Nepal.
Cultural & nature attractions. Pokhara city itself hosts few touristic attractions, but there is an old city centre in the north of the city with plenty of old buildings, several nice temples and shops. The scenic Phewa Lake next to the city is home to an island temple of Barahi, and offers good possibilities for boating. There are also other beautiful lakes around Pokhara, including Begnas and Dipang Tal Lakes, as well as several impressive waterfalls and caves to visit. The Sarangkot hill offers great views over the city and a Buddhist stupa. The world Peace Stupa overlooks the Phewa Lake, while the Seti River that flows through Pokhara includes several impressive canyons. The city also hosts both Hindu and Buddhist festivals.
Traveling to Pokhara can be done by air or by road. There is an airport with daily domestic flights to Pokharafrom Kathmandu and elsewhere in Nepal. Buses to Pokhara are available from many cities in Nepal, as well as from the Indian border. Night buses may not be safe for travelling because of the possible political violence. Tourist minibuses to Pokhara are available for example from Kathmandu.
Public transport in Pokhara is available in form of small local buses, boats, and taxis. Car rental in Pokharacomes with a local driver. There are also many places to rent bicycles, motorbikes and scooters.
Plenty of accommodation and hotels in Pokhara can be found on the shores of the Lake Phewa. The tourist area along the north shore hosts many bars and restaurants in Pokhara, serving both local and international choices of food. Nightlife in Pokhara consists of several bars targeted for tourists. English is spoken in Pokhara by educated Nepalese and those who work in tourism industry.
Safety. Nepal has had a major violent conflict in the recent past, and Pokhara Valley and the mountain regions around it have witnessed lots of violence. Although the conflict between the government and the Maoist rebels is officially over, there are still many armed troops in the region that might ask for bribes or even rob tourists. Therefore, trekking in the area should be done only with a professional local guide.
The scenic lakeside city of Pokhara in Nepal is the starting point for the most popular trekking routes in Nepal. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Pokhara is a beautiful place frequented by visitors heading to the Himalayas for trekking or mountain climbing. The city, also called the Switzerland of Nepal, offers beautiful lakes, canyons and waterfalls, caves, historical sites and museums to visit, as well as temples, colorful festivals, and cheap shopping opportunities.
Village along Annapurna trail, Nepal
Scenic Himalayan town located in the corner of Pokhara Valley in Central Nepal some 200 km west of the capital Kathmandu, Pokhara is the third largest city in Nepal. Pokhara area has huge changes in elevation, from 1,000 m in the valley to over 7,500 meters in the Himalayan mountain peaks of the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu ranges. The city lies on an old trading route between Tibet and India and used to be part of the Kingdom of Kaski during the 17th century. Many Tibetan refugees moved into the area in the 1950s. Pokhara was connected to the rest of Nepal by road in the 1960s and has since then become a popular tourism destination. Today, Pokhara is one of the major tourism hubs of Nepal.
Sights and activities in Pokhara: trekking, mountains, historic & natural attractions
Most people come to Nepal to see the Himalayas, and Pokhara is a great place to do this. The city is surrounded by magnificent peaks of the Annapurna and Machapuchare mountains reaching into heights of over 7,500 meters. Pokhara is well known as the starting and ending point for some of the most popular treks in Nepal. Especially the Annapurna Conservation Area is a popular place for trekking around Pokhara. This accessible mountain area offers impressive mountain views and versatile hiking routes. Pokhara Valley also offers nice opportunities for trekking. For starters, you can visit the International Mountain Museum in Pokhara.
Boats on the lake shore in Pokhara, Nepal
Cultural & nature attractions. Pokhara city itself hosts few touristic attractions, but there is an old city centre in the north of the city with plenty of old buildings, several nice temples and shops. The scenic Phewa Lake next to the city is home to an island temple of Barahi, and offers good possibilities for boating. There are also other beautiful lakes around Pokhara, including Begnas and Dipang Tal Lakes, as well as several impressive waterfalls and caves to visit. The Sarangkot hill offers great views over the city and a Buddhist stupa. The world Peace Stupa overlooks the Phewa Lake, while the Seti River that flows through Pokhara includes several impressive canyons. The city also hosts both Hindu and Buddhist festivals.
Pokhara travel information and practical tips
Pokhara enjoys a subtropical climate that is a bit warmer than the one in Kathmandu. As elsewhere in Nepal, there is a hot dry season in Pokhara from March to May, a rainy monsoon season from June to September, and a cooler and drier winter from October to February with some frost and snow in the mountains.
It rains a lot in Pokhara, especially in the high areas due to the sharp rise in altitude. The early spring months and the early winter from October to November are a great time to visit Pokhara, whereas the monsoon season features daily rainfall.
Restaurant garden with scenic views in Pokhara, Nepal
Traveling to Pokhara can be done by air or by road. There is an airport with daily domestic flights to Pokharafrom Kathmandu and elsewhere in Nepal. Buses to Pokhara are available from many cities in Nepal, as well as from the Indian border. Night buses may not be safe for travelling because of the possible political violence. Tourist minibuses to Pokhara are available for example from Kathmandu.
Misty morning by the lake in Pokhara, Nepal
Public transport in Pokhara is available in form of small local buses, boats, and taxis. Car rental in Pokharacomes with a local driver. There are also many places to rent bicycles, motorbikes and scooters.
Plenty of accommodation and hotels in Pokhara can be found on the shores of the Lake Phewa. The tourist area along the north shore hosts many bars and restaurants in Pokhara, serving both local and international choices of food. Nightlife in Pokhara consists of several bars targeted for tourists. English is spoken in Pokhara by educated Nepalese and those who work in tourism industry.
Colourful boats by the shore of Phewa lake in Pokhara
Safety. Nepal has had a major violent conflict in the recent past, and Pokhara Valley and the mountain regions around it have witnessed lots of violence. Although the conflict between the government and the Maoist rebels is officially over, there are still many armed troops in the region that might ask for bribes or even rob tourists. Therefore, trekking in the area should be done only with a professional local guide.
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