Best Places to Visit in Pokhara
Best Places to Visit in Pokhara
Whether you’re new in Nepal or a local resident, Pokhara remains one of the best places to visit. Pokhara is a beautiful city culturally and naturally. The city remains busy throughout the day with a spectacular environment for nighttime. The bustling city is surrounded by lush green hills with jaw-dropping snow-capped mountains.
The main city lies on the shores of a beautiful lake Phewa. With a stunning lakeside nestled in the Annapurna Range, It isn’t difficult to see why this destination is popular. Pokhara is a modern city well facilitated for any tourist. The fish-tailed mountain, Machhapurchhre is also a well-renowned mountain range that can be seen from Pokhara.
Whether it be just for a quick visit or a long holiday, Here we count down the best places to visit in Pokhara for your next vacation.
1. Phewa Lake
Phewa is the second-largest lake in Nepal with an area of around 4.3 kilometers. This means it can fit around 510-ish sedans which is very impressive and very out of context. The lake is enveloped by green hills and has a semi-natural freshwater lake. The tranquil waters of the lake reflect the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
Since the city is located on the eastern shores of the lake, the lake area has no shortage of restaurants, cafes, hotels, and other shops. The hill surrounding the lake has plenty of hiking routes that are easy and short.
Besides treks and scenic views of the place, one can also observe the rich flora and fauna of Pokhara. Bird watching is one popular activity in Pokhara where people can view many birds and other animals.
Another popular must-do activity in Phewa Lake is boat riding. One can rent a canoe for a trip around Phewa Lake and visit an island located in the middle of it. This makes for an excellent viewing and photography experience at the lake.
The best time to visit is probably during spring when you can view the lush green hills and experience wildlife at its best. Despite being the heart of the city, Phewa Lake remains serene and peaceful.
Like the saying, “Make your heart like a lake, with a calm, still, surface, and great depth of kindness.”
2. Davis Fall
A seemingly innocent-looking name at first, the name behind Devi’s fall is tied to a dark history of the place. Devi’s fall is an amazing waterfall located in Pokhara that seemingly has no end, simply an abyss. The waterfall was named so when a woman named Davi drowned in the sinkhole after being pushed by the current.
Despite its dark history, Davis Falls has been successful in entrancing people with its spectacular beauty. It is also known as ‘Patale Chango’ in Nepali meaning underground waterfall. The waterfall is at its peak during the rainy season when you can witness the current at a terrific speed.
With water comes life. This fact holds true for the waterfall as there is much florae surrounding the place. Tourists can even go down the waterfall through steps made alongside the fall leading into a cave.
There are many ways you can visit the place. Public transports are tolerable but traveling around Pokhara with your own rented bicycle or scooter has a different experience.
3. Bat Cave
While this place may not exactly be the bat cave you expect from movies, this place lives up to its name. What the place hosts is not difficult to guess but yes, the place is full of bats. The Bat Cave is also known as ‘Chamero Ghupa’. It is a limestone cave that houses hundreds or even thousands of rats.
Chamero Gupha turned into a tourist destination ever since a farmer discovered it in 2040 B.S (1983 AD). The place particularly is not for light family visits but rather just for people looking for adventures. The place is dimly lit to not disturb the bats, with tiny streams running down from different places.
It is slippery, and dangerous if not careful and tourists might need to watch out for guides trying to overcharge them. The place certainly is there for a Hindu belief that passing through the cave will cleanse you of all sins.
It is also advised that people who fear the dark and have claustrophobia not visit the place. The bats may also have some spooky factor in them. Bat cave might also not fare well for many people due to the COVID pandemic but a very good place to visit for adventure.
4. Pokhara Peace Stupa
Pokhara Peace Stupa is the must-visit place if you’re in Pokhara. Located at the top of a hill near the lake, this place provides a stunning view of Pokhara city and the mountain ranges. The pagoda is one of the two peace pagodas built in Nepal by the initiative of Japanese monks after world war II.
This place also makes a perfect short hike with family and friends. One can hike, bike, or even catch a taxi. The Stupa’s location makes it a fantastic place for viewing sunrises and sunsets with beautiful views of mountain ranges. This is one of the few places you get to see a full 360 view of the valley.
View Pokhara’s beauty as you walk through the jungles and terrain. Many tour guides can provide short trekking to the Stupa at a very reasonable price. Many packages even include Canoe riding through Phewa Lake.
The Stupa itself is a sight to see. Pokhara Peace Stupa is serene, quiet, and definitely, a must-visit place for anyone.
5. Tal Barahi Temple
An island in the middle of Phewa Lake was definitely mentioned before. This island is a popular destination for all canoe riders. It is here that the famous Hindu Temple, Tal Barahi is located. Tal Barahi is a two-story pagoda temple known as Varahi Temple or the Lake Temple.
The place is especially busy on Saturdays or during Durga Puja when devotees come to worship her. It is believed that Goddess Durga took on the form of a Boar (Barahi in Nepali) and slayed many demons. Tal Barahi is the only temple in Nepal located on an island.
Scenery-wise, it is no different from Phewa Lake. Since it is located in the middle of the lake, it boasts beautiful mountain ranges and hills.
6. Sarangkot
Another popular tourist destination with a panoramic view of Pokhara City, Sarangkot is located near the outskirts of Pokhara. Sarangkot is located on Sarangkot Mountain and is popular for its sunrise and sunset views.
People can see the spectacular mountain peaks of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and other mountain ranges from the high location. The place also makes a good trek for people and one can also get a car to Sarangkot. Sarangkot houses a wide range of flora and fauna perfect for bird viewing and hiking.
Another amazing place if you’re adventurous, Sarangkot is the place for paragliding. The place is very fun to visit with family and friends.
7. Begnas Lake
Located not far from Phewa, Begnas lake is considered to be the third-largest lake in Nepal. The lake covers an area of 3.73 sq. km and is about 10 meters deep. Begnas is a beautiful lake like Phewa which is generally used for irrigation purposes.
The 2044 B.S (1987 A.D) dam construction project provided the locals’ irrigation facility. Canals from the dam were used by the locals for growing crops. Presently the lake is not only being used as a canal but also as a tourist site.
The lake is easily accessible by people in Pokhara city. One can take their vehicle or hire one to get there. The best part of the lake is its shores. People can walk around the shores of the lake as they view the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. One can easily be entranced by the sheer natural beauty of the place.
Likewise, travelers can also enjoy a boat ride on the lake. Enjoy the peaceful scenery with the lake fishes that play along the boat. Many restaurants here provide delicious fish meat too.
8. Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave
This cave is actually a holy temple of huge cultural and historical importance. Wondered where the water from Davis Fall passes to? Well, the answer is this cave. The waterfall with seemingly no end passes through this cave.
Not far from Davis Falls, the cave entrance was built in 1991 A.D. Since then the place has been looked at as a holy place with gods like Lord Shiva, Parvati, Saraswati, and Nageshwor. One is supposed to slowly descend into the cave through spiraling staircases that represent breathtaking architecture.
No photography is allowed inside the cave premises as it is considered sacred by the people. You reach the Hindu altar after descending 3 flights of stairs.
Note: You will also have to pay a fee for entry (50-100 depending on your country). It is also recommended to carry your own torchlight just in case.
9. Poon Hill
If you’re looking for a real adventure then Poon Hill is definitely a destination you’d want to take. This six-day trek to Poon Hill is a perfect start to your exploration as it is an easy-going trail. The path is well facilitated for tourists of all types and does not go to a high altitude.
Enjoy your trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill as you walk through lush red rhododendron forests and paddy fields. The weather is also dry and warm, so there’s no need for advanced gear. There are many experienced travel guides and agencies that you can also contact for a safe trek.
Poon Hill presents panoramic views of the Annapurna peak regions and the beautiful sunrise. They include Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, III, and IV, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhare and Manaslu. A perfect short trek with your friends and family without many risks.
10. Old Pokhara Bazaar
While modernization has hit Pokhara, it still has preserved its history and its roots. Around 4 kilometers North of Phewa Lake lies the Old Pokhara Bazaar (Purano Bazaar), a historic city. The place seems to have had no development, yet is full of hustle and bustle. It’s as if time is still in the area.
Pokhara Bazaar was previously a trade route for Tibetian people back in the 18th century. Locals would sell their goods in this Newari town. While this is nowadays no more, some places of the original town still stand. If you’re looking for an escape from the modern world, perhaps Old Pokhara Bazaar is where you need to go.
The Bazaar is also home to a local shrine, Bindhyabasini dedicated to Goddess Bhagawati. The temple is located a bit higher than the Bazaar at 3000 ft from the sea level. All the architecture and environment here reflect the rich lifestyle of our past times.
The City of Pokhara lies 200 km West of the capital, Kathmandu. The city of lakes has more than the list has to offer like museums, temples, amazing viewpoints, and most importantly, culture. Rich Nepalese geographical and cultural beauty makes it stand out among the many destinations for tourists. If you’re looking to visit Nepal, Pokhara is the place to go. Best Places to Visit in Pokhara has been covered.
Good luck on your Journey!