最後更新／Last Updated：2024-08-10
Pokhara, located in central Nepal, is surrounded by the Annapurna Himal and Dhaulagiri Himal. It is a favorite destination for hikers. On clear days, you can see the snow-capped Machapuchare, also known as the "Fish Tail" Mountain.
Contents
◦ Five Highlights of Pokhara
01｜Phewa Lake
Pokhara is situated at an altitude of 650 meters. In Nepali, its name means "a pond filled with water." The largest lake in Pokhara, Phewa Lake, has crystal-clear waters originating from the Himalayas. Here, you can choose to take a boat to the Barahi Temple on an island, hike to the World Peace Pagoda, or simply relax by the lakeside and enjoy the peaceful scenery.
02｜Tal Barahi Temple
This temple, also known as the "Lake Temple," is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Barahi. It is an important Hindu shrine located on a small island in Phewa Lake, and it attracts many worshippers.
Boat Ticket Barahi Temple 1,180 NPR (05/2024)
03｜World Peace Pagoda
This white pagoda, located on a hill overlooking the Annapurna range, was built with the assistance of Nepal, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Japan. Each of its four sides has a golden Buddha statue, representing the four stages of Buddha's life.
To get to the World Peace Pagoda, you can either drive or take the more challenging and scenic Stupa Walkway. You can take a boat from Phewa Lake to the start of the trail.
Boat Ticket Stupa 1 Way with Driver 1,150 NPR Stupa 2 Way with Driver 1,680 NPR (05/2024)
04｜Tibetan Refugee Camp
Since 1959, when Tibetans rose up against Chinese troops in Lhasa and the Dalai Lama fled to India, more than 60 years have passed. Over 140,000 Tibetans have become refugees around the world, with more than 20,000 living in Nepal, mainly in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Most of the Tibetans who escaped to nearby Nepal thought their exile would be temporary. However, more than half a century has now gone by.
◦ Paljor Ling
The Paljor Ling Tibetan Refugee Camp in the city is the smallest, and you can see everything in about half an hour. As soon as I stepped through the green iron gate, I saw colorful prayer flags waving in the breeze.
"Where are you from?"A lady walked up to me and asked.
"Taiwan," I replied.
"Taiwan! Do you want to come to my house and see some handmade crafts?" She seemed relieved.
"Sure!"
The refugees, who have no nationality and cannot leave to find better opportunities, make a living by selling handmade crafts. At her house, an elderly woman weaving greets me. The floor was filled with everyday items such as pottery, handmade crafts like beads and blankets. The residents here didn't seem to like being photographed, so I mostly took pictures of the surroundings.
◦ Tashi Ling
This larger camp near Devi's Fall shows more of the Tibetan way of life. Around 100 Tibetan families live in this area, which includes a monastery, a school, and a carpet factory.
Nearby, there are many Tibetan cafes and restaurants, and you can see photos and quotes from the Dalai Lama in many shops.
05｜Old Bazzar & Shree Bindhyabasini Temple
Walking through the old town of Pokhara, which feels very different from the lakeside area, you can see older brick houses and more traditional shops.
As you go further, you will find the entrance to Bindhyabasini Temple. Climb the stairs to reach the hilltop temple. From here, you can look out over the Pokhara Valley and see the Himalayas in the distance.
Bindhyabasini Temple is a Hindu pilgrimage site known for its striking white exterior. This makes it a popular location for movie shoots. Many newlyweds also come here to pray and ask the goddess for blessings on their marriage.
◦ Five Popular Activities in Pokhara
01｜Watching the Sunrise at Sarangkot
Can you see a breathtaking sunrise and the snowy Machapuchare without hiking? Yes, you can! On clear days, you can visit the Sarangkot Viewpoint to enjoy the view.
I booked the Sarangkot Sunrise View tour from Klook, but I don’t recommend it. The driver picks you up from your hotel around 4:30 AM, takes you to Sarangkot to watch the sunrise, and then stops for photos overlooking Phewa Lake on the way back, all for about 54 USD.
Local taxis can provide the same service for about one-third of the price. Using the local ride-hailing service InDrive will save you a lot of money.
02｜Boating on Phewa Lake
At Phewa Lake, you can take a boat to the Barahi Temple or to the trail leading to the World Peace Pagoda. You can also rent a small boat and row to the middle of the lake to enjoy the mountains reflected in the water up close.
Boat Rental Prices 1 hour self 780 NPR 2 hour self 1,150 NPR 3 hour self 1,450 NPR Whole day self 1,650 NPR (05/2024)
03｜Paragliding
It was my first time paragliding abroad and my second time overall—it was so much fun! I had a great experience paragliding in Taitung a few years ago and was amazed by the freedom it offered. I knew I had to do it again. This time, I did it in Pokhara, surrounded by the Himalayas.
The journey starts with a pick-up from your hotel, followed by filling out insurance and contact information at the travel agency. Then, you go to the Sarangkot launch site, which is about 1,600 meters high. After a brief and easy-to-understand explanation, you will start your 20-25 minute flight!
Pokhara is one of the top three paragliding spots in the world. You can see snowy peaks, the sparkling Phewa Lake, and neat rows of farms and temples.
The instructor also records your flight with a GoPro, making it a must-do experience in Pokhara!
Price: 70 USD (05/2024) ➤ Book Now
04｜Horse Riding
This was my favorite and most worthwhile activity in Pokhara! The two-and-a-half-hour ride starts near Phewa Lake and goes to Sedi Village. You take a break at a café on a hilltop before returning.
The ride takes you into the mountains, showing you another side of Pokhara. The view of Phewa Lake and the city from the hills is indescribable.
Beginners feel safe because the guide holds the reins, while experienced riders enjoy the slightly rugged mountain path.
Price: 45 USD (05/2024) ➤ Book Now
05｜Singing Bowl Class
In the Himalayas, singing bowls were originally used as food containers. In Tibet and Nepal, singing bowls are used for meditation and healing through sound. Many hikers visit Pokhara, so there are many yoga studios offering singing bowl classes.
In my first singing bowl class, I experienced the unique vibrations of the bowls. The instructor placed the bowls on my toes, stomach, and head, and struck them, causing my muscles and the bowls to vibrate together. I felt my body relax. No wonder people who visit Tibet and Nepal are willing to carry singing bowls back home!
◦ The Video
◦ Restaurants
01｜MARWADI RESTAURANT
Every time I walk past this vegan restaurant, it’s always busy with both locals and foreigners, which has piqued my interest. When I checked the menu, I found the prices very reasonable, especially since restaurants near the lake tend to be expensive. Besides the good prices, the food quality is also great, which explains why so many people come here!
Opening Hours: 0700-2200 Lakeside, Street No. 12, Pokhara
02｜Du Chhuk Ken
This restaurant is located on the second floor of a street in the lakeside area, and it's a very relaxed place. The Tibetan noodle soup, thenthuk, that I had here was the most amazing dish I tried in Nepal this time! The flavorful and slightly spicy broth, paired with chewy hand-pulled noodles, was incredibly tasty! However, I didn't enjoy the yak blood sausage.
Opening Hours: 1030-2300 Main Street, Pokhara
03｜POTALA TIBETAN RESTAURANT
This restaurant is located in the Tashi Ling Tibetan Refugee Camp, where I truly experienced "local prices." A Laphing, a chicken Thenthuk, a bottle of Sprite, and a cup of hot milk tea cost less than 2.5 USD, which is half the price of restaurants near the lake.
I must praise their Laphing! The outer layer is made of mung bean flour, while the filling consists of crispy noodles and egg, providing a delightful texture. Finally, it's seasoned with soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, chili, and garlic paste, resulting in a delicious blend of sour, salty, and slightly spicy flavors.
Opening Hours: 0800-2130 Tibetan Camp, Pokhara
◦ Guesthouse: The Mountain House
During my stay in Pokhara, I spent five nights at the guesthouse, where the owner kindly upgraded me to a room with a scenic view on the top floor. On clear days, I could even see Machapuchare! The room was large and clean, with a reliable hot water supply and high-speed WiFi that remained connected even during power outages. This left a great impression on me.
Double room with air conditioning (for single occupancy) Street 17. Lalupate Margha in Lakeside, Pokhara Price: 14 USD per night (05/2024)
◦ How to Get to Pokhara
To get to Pokhara, most people take a tourist bus. Tickets can be bought at your hotel or from travel agencies in town. The buses from Kathmandu leave at 7 AM from Swayambhu Marg in the Thamel area. Near the Pokhara Bus Arrival Station, there is a row of buses waiting.
The buses from Chitwan leave at 8 AM, and hotels usually provide transportation to the bus pick-up point.
Price: 1,000-1,600 NPR (05/2024)