Things To Do In Pokhara

By Author: Harry Walker
Total Articles: 1
Comment this article

Pokhara Valley is located 200 kilometres west of the capital, Kathmandu. The altitude of this city varies from 827 metres in the south to 1,740 metres in the north. The Annapurna Range which is a trekking region for many popular trekking destination lies within a few kilometres of the Valley. The Annapurna region consists of three out of the ten highest mountains in the world that are Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu.

Pokhara city is basically considered as the tourism capital of Nepal. The city is a base for trekkers undertaking the Annapurna Circuit through the Annapurna Conservation Area region in the Himalayas. Pokhara is also home to many of the elite Gurkha soldiers.

The permeable underground of the Pokhara valley is formed of caves. Several of these caves can be found within the city limits. In the south of the city, a tributary of the Seti river flowing out of the Phewa Lake disappears at Davis Fall.

Pokhara valley lies on an important old trading route between China and India. The nearby hills around the valley are surrounded by Gurung villages. Few of the places also belong to the Khas community. ...
... In the southern part of the hills, small Magar communities are also present whereas the Newar community is almost non-existent.

The city has plenty of temples and gumbas in and around which serves as combined places for both Hindus and Buddhists worshippers. As the city is rich in natural wonders, it falls under the most popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the world. Pokhara is also considered as the tourism capital of Nepal. A major economic contribution to the local community comes from the tourism and hospitality industry in this region.

Pokhara attracts many people every year in order to visit the location and travel to the Annapurna range and famous religious place muktinath. The city serves you with the most upscale and starred hotels on the southern shore of the Phewa Lake.

Here are the list of things to do in Pokhara

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Ghorepani is a very famous short trekking destination in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The main highlight of the whole trek is Poon hill viewpoint which offers spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset from between the white snowy mountain ranges.

Ghorepani Poon hill trek is suitable for any age group trekkers as it is an easy trek. The whole trails during the journey rewards you with breathtaking views of mountains such as Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhare, Annapurna etc.

You will also be able to explore the unique housings and lifestyles of the people living in this region. The locals are mostly Gurungs who have opened tea houses and lodges for commercial purpose. They serve you with great facilities even in the higher villages, for the price you pay.

There’s no chance of you getting bored or not relishing during the whole journey. Though it is an easy trek, you are recommended to walk at your own pace and stay hydrated. Also, eat enough breakfasts, lunches and dinners in the tea houses so that you’ll always stay energetic.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna trekking is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling and adventurous journeys you will ever take part in. The National Geographic has enlisted Annapurna Circuit Trek as the world’s most best walk. During the trek, you will discover all types of landscapes, prescribed by the general and the advanced trekkers.

The gateway to Annapurna Circuit Trek is Pokhara. This trek offers you the incredible beauty of the towering mountains like Annapurna (8091m), Dhaulagiri (8167m), and Manaslu (8156m) along the trail.

As you take part in this adventure, you will proceed to explore the way of life that is rural in comparison to your comfortable and the urban life that lies within your reach. Observe the live difference between what the Annapurna Circuit Trek has and lacks.

You will also get an incredible opportunity to trek with the cultural getaway as you reach the Thakali villages. The tradition of the villages in the upper region is rarely seen outside Nepal. They will lure you to immerse yourself into living in it, even if it’s just for a few days.

Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal trek is a short yet adventurous trek that rewards you with some of the best views of the giant peaks in Annapurna region. The best highlight of the trek is the close gigantic view of the magnificent Machhapuchhare from the Mardi Base Camp. This is a moderately difficult trek that takes you to quite comfortable elevations.

As this was only commercially opened in the year 2012, it is not as popular as the other treks in this region. But in recent years, the flow of trekkers has comparatively risen. The thick forests of rhododendron, oak and pine dominates the landscape at the beginning of the trek along with with few settlements scattered over the village. You also come across many rivers, waterfalls, and views of the snow-capped mountains in every step of this trek. The higher the elevation you reach, the fewer the settlements gets while the mountains appear bigger.

Mardi Himal trek has a good provision of fooding and accommodation during the whole journey. There are plenty of tea houses and lodged that are run by Gurungs and Magars of the local villages.

As you start reaching the Upper View Point, you get the astounding views of mountains like Mardi Himal (5,587 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna south (7,219 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Baraha Shikhar (7,647 m), Machapuchare (6,993 m)etc.

Sarangkot

Sarangkot is a beautiful village located on Sarangkot mountain at an altitude of 1600m. This place is renowned for its panoramic Himalayan views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu as well as down on the city of Pokhara and Phewa lake.

An early morning drive to Sarangkot blesses you with the best and mesmerizing view of the sunrise from between the snow-capped mountains. The golden rays of the morning sun falling on the white snow covered peaks seems surreal.

Sarangkot has also become a hotspot for paragliding in the recent years. You may also see many, paragliding, if you visit Pokhara in Spring or Autumn season and even in other time of the year.

If you’re in Pokhara, Sarangkot is a must to visit in order to experience the sight of the Himalayas from up close.

Shopping

One of the best things to do in Pokhara is to go for shopping. You can find everything from herbal teas, saffron, Pashminas to handmade bags and crafts, jewellery etc. You can also get yourself some books to read at the local bookshops and panoramic pictures of the annapurna ranges and other mountains.

Pokhara has a lot to offer you if you are a keen shopper. You can roam around the lakeside and go for shopping both during the day time and night time as well. It is a very happening city with music and lights everywhere. You will have a wonderful time shopping in Pokhara.

Boating

Pokhara is also known as “The City of Lakes” as it consists of many popular lakes of Nepal. There are numerous beautiful lakes that are perfect for boating, relaxing and literally living some of the chilling and calming moments of your life.

The seven popular lakes in Pokhara include Fewa Lake, Begnas Lake, Rupa Lake, Neurani Lake, Maidi Lake and Gunde Lake among other many beautiful lakes. They provide serene ambience and crystal clear water. Some of these lakes also offer a good spot for fishing.

Enjoy your holiday rowing your boat in the Phewa Lake and going around the beautiful Barahi Temple that lies in the middle of the lake. Looking at the clear water in the lake, you will see the beautiful mountain vista reflecting. You can either choose a boat to yourself or take a rower along.

Paragliding

If you love adventures and thrills a lot, Pokhara is the perfect place for you to be at. It is one of the best places in the world for nature based sports. Pokhara is also one of the best destinations in the world for paragliding.

You can enjoy the incredible view of this wonderful city as you try out Paragliding. Make the best out of the magnificent flight as you fly over the beautiful green hills and lakes. Also enjoy the incredible view of Annapurna range.

You can also ask the guides to take videos of you paragliding by paying them certain charges. This is a great way of capturing the incredible moments.

Bungee jumping

Bungee jumping in Pokhara was introduced in mid-September 2014. Within a short span of time, this sport has become widely popular among both the national and international tourists.

Bungee Jumping in Pokhara is the second most popular point in the country which is really loved and commenced by the adventure lovers. Bungee jumpers fall from a height of 70 meters form a bridge over an artificial pond. A boat then picks them up from the pond once they are done with unharnessing the jumpers.

Mountain Biking in Pokhara

Another fun thing to do while you’re in Pokhara is Mountain biking. It is an extremely fun and unique opportunity to explore around the beautiful city of Pokhara.

You must have a license in order to undertake this activity. Mountain Biking in Pokhara will give you a wonderful opportunity to ride through the lush green hills, remarkable villages along the river banks and the temples that are scattered all over the city. Also, you can explore the magnificent surrounding of the Himalayas.

As for the bikes, they can be easily rented on an hourly or daily basis from the various bicycle rental shops. You can find many of these rental shops around the city.

Hiking near Pokhara

Pokhara, as everyone knows, is a starting point of some of the most famous trekking routes in Nepal. These treks vary from short to long days trek that may not be for everyone. People with really short holidays might not be able to go for trekkings.

But no worries! Pokhara also offers plenty of beautiful hikes around the city that you can enjoy within a day. These hikes are perfect for families with elderly members and children as well.

Take these short hikes around the surrounding villages like Dhampus, Sarangkot hill or Kahun Daada to live some of the best moments with your family, friends or just with yourself. This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy and relax while walking alongside nature, spectacular villages and splendid views of the valley.

Hello! I am Kishor, a Professional Blogger, and Digital Marketing Strategist. I am a author at InspiringWorm and MyITside.com. I am also a Digital Marketing Consultant at Buy Sell in Nepal.