Top fun things to do in Pokhara. Pokhara’s serene beauty with its pure air, breathtaking snow-capped mountains in the background, turquoise lakes, and lush surroundings, is called “the jewel in the Himalayas” and has an exceptional natural temperament. Pokhara is an excellent choice for both a long, relaxing vacation and a weekend escape because of the stunning Annapurna range in the background and the tranquility of the group of 9 Lakes, which includes three major lakes: Phewa, Rupa, and Begnas. Pokhara Valley is highly recommended as a “must-visit” location in Nepal. It is the entry point to the Annapurna area, where many hikers discover their Shangri-la.
Adventure activities like paragliding and ultralight aircraft flights have become more popular in Pokhara Valley in recent years. Pokhara also offers mountain biking, trekking, kayaking, and bird watching as additional activities.
If you intend to travel to Pokhara, allow enough time to see this stunning city’s other attractions! In Nepal, Pokhara is a popular travel destination. The place is unique in its way and has an abundance of beautiful sightseeing spots. Pokhara has several fascinating spots including lakes, treks, historical sites, cultural sites, and stunning viewpoints.
Here is a list of the top activities you should do when visiting Pokhara, Nepal.
SUNRISE VIEW AND PARAGLIDING FROM SARANGKOT
Sarangkot Peak offers a panoramic view of Pokhara extending from the far north to the far south, encompassing Phewa Lake within its range. Travelers drive up the hill to the top of the watch tower to see the sunrise. Sarangkot offers a tranquil setting for soaking in the magnificent views of Phewa Lake and the mountains on one side.
Sarangkot is currently regarded as one of the world’s best paragliding places. To satisfy their desire for adventure, hiking, zip lining, bird viewing, and paragliding are just a few thrilling activities that travelers may now partake in from Sarangkot. The view of the Annapurna Himalaya from Sarangkot is breathtaking.
GHANDUK VILLAGE
Kaski Gandaki Province is home to the traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk. It offers one of the greatest views of Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre and is home to a Gurung museum. An additional day-long hike from Ghorepani to Ghandruk is also a good option. The hike passes through a beautiful forest of rhododendrons in the spring season.
Ghandruk offers a fantastic weekend getaway in the mountains, as it is only a 3- to 4-hour journey from Pokhara. Another option is to begin the Annapurna trek at Ghandruk’s Annapurna area. Tadapani, Kimche, Landruk, and Mardi Himal Base Camp are other well-liked hiking routes. You may also visit a traditional Gurung museum and shop for food and native products at Seuli Bazaar. Access and lodging: The 54.8-kilometer travel from Pokhara to Ghandruk takes 2 to 3 hrs. Ghandruk has pretty hotels and lodges where you can spend the night.
DEVI’S FALL AND GUPTESHWOR CAVE
Davi’s Fall, an intense waterfall on the Siddhartha Highway, is about 2 km southwest of Pokhara Airport. It is popularly called the Patale Chhango (Fall of the Netherworld). The fall itself is named for a Swiss woman who was carried away by the fall in 1961, and the waterfall’s source is Phewa Lake. Along its course, the fall carves intricate tunnels and caverns out of the surrounding rock. Devi’s Fall excavated several caves, one of which being Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave, located on the other side of the fall. Visitors to Davi’s Fall rarely miss the revered Shiva shrine, which the locals frequently visit.
WORLD PEACE PAGODA
The World Peace Stupa, also known as the Shanti Stupa shrine, was constructed as a peace symbol. On September 12, 1973, Nichidatsu Fujii laid the foundation stone and placed Buddha relics at the location, perched atop Anadu Hill at 1100 meters. The World Peace Pagoda is situated on top of a hill near Phewa Lake’s southern edge. It displays four Buddha figures, each facing a different direction. The pagoda’s dome design is striking, and its high location affords wonderful views. It’s a fantastic viewpoint with breathtaking Annapurna views. Pumdi and Bumdi, two settlements above the southern edge of Phewa Lake offering breathtaking mountain views, are close to the Peace Pagoda. They have the traditional red clay, oval-shaped homes.
To explore the Himalayas and reach Phewa Lake, there are several trekking paths in the surrounding area. Drive around the picturesque area, take the route to the Stupa, or cycle one of the trails that climb the hill. The monument’s serene atmosphere and stunning scenery make it well worth a visit for those who are interested in experiencing it. The Shanti Stupa, perched atop Anadu Hill, enhances the splendor of the Pokhara Valley. With a clear view of the Himalayan Mountains, Fewa Lake, and Pokhara City, it’s the ideal vacation spot. The hilltop offers an amazing view of the sun setting and sunrise.
ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP HELI TOUR
The trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) is undoubtedly one of the most beloved treks in the world. For those with limited time, there is a private helicopter ride that passes over Nepal’s most highly glaciated regions, the Annapurna ranges. You will land at the foot of Annapurna, the tenth-highest peak in the world.
One of the most basic ways to reach Annapurna’s base camp is via helicopter tour from Pokhara. There will be a one to two-hour flight. Flying to the Annapurna base camp will be quicker than the usual eight-day round-trip walk. Once you land at Annapurna Base Camp, you can spend around 15-30 minutes enjoying the views of snow-capped mountains surrounding the base camp. During this Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Landing, you will explore the culture and tradition of the Gurung, Magar, and Sherpa people of the Himalayan region.
PARAGLIDING IN POKHARA
Paragliding is one of the most well-liked adventure sports in Pokhara. Because of its stable thermals, convenient take-off and landing locations, enough lake safety, and breathtaking views of the Himalayas, Pokhara is also regarded as one of the top five tandem paragliding sites worldwide.
When tandem paragliding, the glider is positioned in front of the pilot in a separate harness, allowing him or her to lean back and relax while taking in the scenery, snapping photos, and conversing with the pilot. Tandem paragliding is often quite safe and comfortable. During the busiest time of year, Pokhara sees about 250 paragliding flights every day. Currently, Mandre Dhunga in Pokhara serves as the launch pad for paragliding flights. This is the new paragliding take-off location in Pokhara, replacing Sarangkot. Pokhara’s paragliding height is higher than Sarangkot’s (1600 meters), at 1788 meters (5866 feet) above sea level. Fly like a bird and have a lovely airborne experience while viewing the stunning Fewa Lake, valley, and Himalayas when you go paragliding in Pokhara.
TREKKING IN THE ANNAPURNA REGION IN POKHARA
A once-in-a-lifetime adventure is trekking in Nepal. Additionally, Pokhara offers the best trekking options available. There is a lot to choose from here for travelers. Immersion in the breathtaking alpine scenery combined with those amazing vistas completes the experience, allowing you to enjoy it all without the hassle of large crowds. The above six treks range in length from one day to ten days. A hiker can select any route based on his time and desire. Trekkers in the vicinity of Pokhara have two options: either they choose to trek the Himalayan Ranges, which is home to many amazing towns and homestays, or they choose to trek the high-level Annapurna Circuit, which is one of the most popular routes. The popular trekking trails are:
PUMDIKOT SHIVAJI STATUE
Pumdikot View Point, another excellent addition to the Pokhara tourist area, is home to the tallest Shiva monument. The highest Shiva statue in Nepal is the 108-foot-tall one. Another well-liked one-day trekking excursion from Pokhara is the Pumdikot Day hike. For overnight accommodations, there are a few homestays and lodges in the area. 13 kilometers from Pokhara Lakeside to Pumdikot; the journey takes around 35 minutes. It’s an incredible position with breathtaking views. Pokhara’s newest attraction is Pumdikot.