Let’s check out the things to do in Pokhara, the Beautiful Lake City. With its deep forests, misty mountaintops, unusual fauna, interesting cultures, and unique topography, the lovely and surreal city of Nepal never ceases to astound. You can capture picture-perfect landscapes and lakes, which sparkle like mirrors and reflect the beautiful horizon of snow-capped mountains and azure skies. In addition to being a refreshing break, the lovely city is also affordable. This provides you with much-needed relief from the hectic city life while yet allowing you to enjoy all the luxuries you deserve.
Pokhara is the place to be for people who enjoy natural beauty and adventure. It is one of the most popular attractions in Nepal and is also referred to as the heaven of Nepal. Some of the highest mountain peaks in Nepal are clearly visible from this lovely Himalayan valley. Pokhara is renowned for its adventure activities along with its natural beauty.
Pokhara is one of the best places in Nepal to spend your vacation. Here is your comprehensive guide to exploring Pokhara, filled with adventure activities, attractions, and anything else you need!
1. Explore Lakes in Pokhara
1. Visit Tal Barahi via boating in Phewa Lake
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Pokhara is Lakeside, where plenty of hotels and lodgings warmly and kindly welcome guests. The North and South sides of the Lakeside are farther separated. The Phewa Lake, also known as the Phewa Tal, is a stunning freshwater lake that eerily resembles a mirror, hence the term “Lakeside,” which surrounds it.
The most relaxing thing to do in Pokhara is a boat tour on Phewa Lake, yet it has never become too popular or gone overboard with its allure. Phewa, Nepal’s second-largest lake, has a Talbarahi temple in the shape of a pagoda in the center. Row up close to this Hindu shrine to admire this stunning piece of construction. The Machhapuchhre mountain and the Annapurna Range are also clearly visible in the lake’s reflection. So, float as you would on a lake over these powerful peaks!
On a small island in Pokhara’s Phewa Lake is a two-story pagoda structure known as Tal Barahi is situated. It is also referred to as Lake Temple or Varahi Temple. Both Hindu and Buddhist devotees come here to worship Goddess Varahi, who is an avatar of Goddess Durga. Boating to the island and exploring the temple is recommended when visiting Phewa Lake.
2. Explore Majhikuna, Begnas Lake
Begnas Lake is the Pokhara Valley’s second-largest lake. Due to its stunning surroundings, this freshwater lake attracts a lot of tourists. At the foothills of the Himalayas, on a clear day, the lake waters reflect the neighboring mountain ranges. One can choose to relax or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lakeside. Visit the Begnas Tal if you want to feel more connected to nature and take in the magical atmosphere of the Pokhara Valley’s lush trees. Some areas of the water body are used for fish farming, while the wetlands that once surrounded the lake have been transformed into lush, green paddy fields. The lake’s waters provide a significant portion of the villagers’ income.
Majhikuna is the perfect time to spend a day off or a weekend with family and friends. At Begnas Lake, there are many thrilling activities available, including swimming, boating, and fishing. Grilling fish over a campfire at night is another best thing to do in Begnas Lake.
3. Rupa Lake
Another lake that shouldn’t be overlooked when visiting Pokhara is Rupa Taal, which is less well-known and won’t as busy as other lakes. It is situated in the 1.35 square kilometer-large municipality of Lekhnath, Kaski. The distance from the city to this location is roughly 15 kilometers. It is close to Begnas Lake. It is Nepal’s third-largest lake. To go to Rupakot, you can go hiking. From there, you may take in the vista of the Annapurna mountain range, including the Begnas Taal and Rupa Taal. Rupakot is renowned for its sunset views as well. Locals claim that Rupakot is well-known for its sunset views.
2. Visit Caves
1. Mahendra Cave
The cave is an enormous limestone natural formation, is named after King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Within the cave is a statue of Lord Shiva, a Hindu god. Hindus consider the cave sacred. It is a geographically unique cave with calcium salt deposits that have formed stalactites and stalagmites. The Mahendra Cave lies in the western part of Pokhara and is about 1100 meters above sea level, is easily accessible by road. It is one of the Pokhara’s most popular tourist destinations.
2. Bat Cave
The Chamero Gufa or Bat cave in Pokhara is ideal for those seeking a higher level of adventure. The cave’s dark, gloomy, and damp chambers are home to hundreds of bats, as the name of the place suggests. The majority of these are Horseshoe Bats, and you can find them hanging upside down on the ceilings of the frigid caverns. If one is game, they can even make their way through a tight shaft at the end of the cave to reach the surface after exploring the entire cave for around 10 minutes. Those who from claustrophobia may want to reconsider visiting this cave because it can become very cramped.
3. Gupteshwor Cave
Near the area where the Seti River emerges from underground, there is a cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva called Gopteshwar Mahadev Mandir. In the 16th century, a self-emerging Shiva Lingam was discovered in the 3-kilometer-long cave. The historical significance of the place where visitors worship Lord Shiva is carried by Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave. Gods like Lord Shiva, Parvati, Saraswati, and Nageshwor are among them. One of the largest Shiva Lingas, where devotees honor Lord Shiva, is the cave’s main draw. The long, deep, and dark cave, in addition to the sacred temple, provides a fantastic opportunity to discover the natural wonders in their purest form.
3. Bindabasini Temple
The Bindhyabasini temple, which is seated atop a tiny hill and stands 3002 feet above sea level gazing at the magnificent Himalayan ranges, is peacefully situated next to an ancient bustling bazaar. It frequently draws a large number of locals, Nepalis from all around the country, and tourists. Goddess Bindhyabasini, a Bhagawati who is the manifestation of Kali, is at the center of the main shrine. Stone staircases on the east and northeast sides provide access to the temple, which is perched atop a tiny hill.
4. Devi’s Fall
Devi’s Fall, an incredible waterfall in Pokhara, creates a 500-foot-long tunnel beneath the ground as it falls. This tunnel is what gave the waterfall its Nepalese name, Patale Chango, which translates to “underground waterfall.” Once it reaches the bottom, the water creates a tunnel. The fact that a Swiss couple went swimming in the 20th century and the woman drowned as a result of the water level rise has tragic significance in history. After much effort, her body was later found in the Phusre River. That deadly waterfall was originally planned to be called “David’s Falls” by her father, but it is now more often referred to as Devi’s Fall and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Nepal.
The waterfall is surrounded by an abundance of greenery and is fed by Phewa Lake Dam. Devi’s waterfall, a highlight of Pokhara, is a must-see attraction when in Nepal. View the magnificence of nature as you observe this enormous fall battling with rocks to break free.
The splashes of water against the boulders during a monsoon storm are a spectacular sight.
5. Paragliding
Although Nepal is widely recognized for its breathtaking mountain climbs, it is also highly known for its many other adventure sports, like paragliding. Nepal is really among the top five commercial tandem paragliding destinations in the world! In Nepal, there are a few places where you may go paragliding, but Pokhara is the greatest because of the perfect weather there. because of the steady condition the easy landing and takeoff zones, the safety of the huge lake below, and the spectacular mountain vistas.
6. World Peace Pagoda
Also known as “Shanti Stupa,” which is often referred to as “World Peace Pagoda” when translated into English. The stupa was built by Japanese Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist monks. The monument is claimed to show the four major phases of the Buddha’s life in four different directions: his birthplace in Lumbini, his enlightenment in Bodhgaya, the majority of his teaching career in Sarnath, and his nirvanic state in Kushinagar.
After climbing to the top of the monument, you may bask in the panorama of Phewa Lake’s southern side while discovering about how it was built to promote harmony. In addition to being a stunning vantage point, the temple offers breathtaking views of Pokhara and the Annapurna range.
7. Sarangkot
On the outskirts of Pokhara city is a little village with its own unique natural beauty. You may catch a peek at the stunning dawn from the hilltops while strolling around the village. Get an opportunity to see one of the most stunning Himalayan ranges, the Annapurna, as well.