Activities in Pokhara

Pokhara, located in the beautiful country of Nepal, offers a wide range of popular activities for visitors. Some of the most popular activities in Pokhara include:

All Popular Activities in Pokhara (Easy & Complete List)
🧘‍♀️ RelaxationYoga or meditation at peaceful centers near the lake or hills.Massage or spa to relax (Ayurvedic, deep tissue, or sound therapy).Sit by Phewa Lake at a lakeside café and enjoy the quiet.🍛 Try Local FoodDal Bhat / Thakali Set – Nepali meal with rice, lentils, curry, and pickles.Momo (dumplings) – must-try snack available everywhere.Tibetan dishes – thukpa, butter tea, Tibetan bread.Newari food – yomari, chatamari, and bara.

🛍️ Shopping

Souvenirs – singing bowls, prayer flags, local crafts.

Pashmina, wool, and hemp products – shawls, bags, hats.

Art & Books – Mandala art, postcards, and local books in Lakeside shops.

🕌 Temple & Monastery Visits

Tal Barahi Temple – small temple on an island in Phewa Lake.

Bindhyabasini Temple – hilltop Hindu temple with views of the mountains.

Pumdikot Shiva Statue – giant Shiva statue with peaceful surroundings and panoramic mountain views.

Matepani Gumba – beautiful Buddhist monastery on a hill.

World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) – Buddhist stupa with views of Pokhara, lake, and Annapurna range.

🕳️ Cave Visits

Gupteshwor Cave – cave temple with a view of Devi’s Fall inside.

Mahendra Cave – large limestone cave with easy paths.

Bat Cave – dark cave with bats, for adventurous visitors.

🚴 Cycling

Rent a bicycle in Lakeside (affordable and fun).

Cycle to Pame village – peaceful and scenic.

Ride to Begnas Lake – longer route with countryside views.

🛶 Boating

Boat on Phewa Lake – calm and relaxing.

Visit Tal Barahi Temple by boat.

Best time: Early morning or sunset.

🪂 Adventure Activities
🪂 Paragliding

Fly from Sarangkot with views of mountains, lake, and valley.

🛩️ Ultralight Flight

Fly in a small aircraft for an open-air experience above the Himalayas.

🎈 Hot Air Balloon

Float above Pokhara during sunrise for amazing mountain and lake views.

🚠 Cable Car Ride

Take the Sarangkot Cable Car from Lakeside to Sarangkot hilltop.

🌄 Zip-lining

Ride one of the steepest zip-lines in the world from Sarangkot.

🥾 Trekking & Hiking

Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) – multi-day Himalayan trek.

Poon Hill – shorter trek with sunrise views.

Day hikes – to Peace Pagoda, Sarangkot, or Pumdikot.

🛶 Rafting

Go white-water rafting on the Seti River — short, safe, and fun.

Here are most popular sightseeing programs and Activities in and around Pokhara, Nepal.

Phewa Tal (Fewa Lake): The largest lake in Pokhara, Phewa Tal, offers beautiful views of the Annapurna range. Enjoy boating on the lake and visit the Tal Barahi Temple located on an island in the middle.
Ratna Mandir: Built in 1956 by the visionary King Mahendra, Ratna Mandir stands as a remarkable symbol of his affection for his beloved wife, Ratna.
Sarangkot: A popular viewpoint located on a hilltop near Pokhara, Sarangkot provides stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks at sunrise and sunset. It is also a famous spot for paragliding.
Peace Temple / World Peace Stupa: Situated on a hilltop overlooking Pokhara and Phewa Lake, the Peace Temple (also known as the World Peace Stupa) offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the city.
Begnas Lake: Located a short distance from Pokhara, Begnas Lake is a serene and less crowded alternative to Phewa Lake. Enjoy boating, fishing, and relaxing in the tranquil atmosphere.
International Mountain Museum: Learn about the culture, mountaineering history, and biodiversity of the Himalayas at the International Mountain Museum. The museum exhibits artifacts, photographs, and displays related to mountain climbing.
Gupteswar Gupha: Explore the Gupteswar Cave, located near the Devi’s Falls. The cave is known for its stalactite and stalagmite formations and houses a sacred Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Devi’s Fall / Waterfalls: Witness the powerful Devi’s Falls, also known as Patale Chhango. The waterfall originates from the Phewa Lake and flows into an underground tunnel. Explore the nearby Gupteswar Cave as well.
Gurkha Memorial Museum: Located in the historic town of Gorkha, a short distance from Pokhara, the Gurkha Memorial Museum honors the bravery and achievements of the Gurkha soldiers. It provides insights into their history, culture, and military prowess.
Bindhyabasini Temple: Visit the Bindhya Basini Temple, one of Pokhara’s most important Hindu temples dedicated to the goddess Durga. The temple offers a peaceful ambiance and panoramic views of the city.
Tal Barahi Temple: Situated on a small island in Phewa Lake, the Barahi Temple is a significant religious site dedicated to the goddess Barahi. Take a boat ride to the temple and soak in the spiritual atmosphere.
Jangchub Choeling Tibetan Monastery: Experience the serene atmosphere of the Jangchub Choeling Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in Pokhara. Observe the monks in prayer and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.
Matepani Gumba: Another Tibetan Buddhist monastery, Matepani Gumba, is located near the city center of Pokhara. It offers peaceful surroundings for meditation and offers panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Lakeside: Take a leisurely stroll along Lakeside, the vibrant tourist hub of Pokhara. Enjoy the scenic views of Phewa Lake, explore the numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes, and experience the lively atmosphere.
Phewa Dam : Phewa Dam, also known as Phewa Lake Dam or Fewa Lake Dame, is a renowned spot in Pokhara, Nepal, offering stunning views of the Annapurna mountain range and the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain). The reflection of these majestic peaks on the calm waters of Phewa Lake is indeed a breathtaking sight, especially during sunrise and sunset when the colors and shadows create a mesmerizing panorama.
Mahendra Cave: Explore the naturally formed Mahendra Cave, famous for its limestone rock formations and stalactites. The cave is named after the late King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev and offers an intriguing underground experience.
Seti River/Seti Gorge: Witness the power of nature at the Seti River Gorge, where the Seti River flows through a deep gorge carved into the city. Admire the turquoise-colored river from various viewpoints and bridges.
Bat Cave: Explore the Bat Cave, also known as Chamero Gufa, located near Mahendra Cave. As the name suggests, the cave is home to various species of bats and offers a unique underground adventure.
Rupa Lake: Another beautiful lake near Pokhara, Rupa Lake is known for its tranquil atmosphere and scenic surroundings. Enjoy boating, birdwatching, and nature walks along the lakeshore.
Pame and Khapaudi: These neighboring villages offer a glimpse into the traditional rural life of Nepal. Take a walk through the countryside, interact with the locals, and experience the authentic culture and hospitality of the region.
Khau Danda: Situated on a hilltop overlooking Pokhara and the Phewa Lake, Khau Danda offers panoramic views of the city, the lake, and the surrounding mountains. It’s a great spot for photography and enjoying the sunset.
Pumdi Kot Shiva Statue: Located atop Pumdi Bhumdi hill, this colossal Shiva statue is a prominent landmark in Pokhara. Enjoy the panoramic views of the city and the Himalayas from this vantage point.

Popular Activities in Pokhara are:

Trekking: Pokhara is the gateway to some of the most famous trekking trails in Nepal, including the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, and more. Trekking enthusiasts from all over the world flock to Pokhara to embark on these breathtaking journeys.
Boating on Lakes: Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake and Rupa Lakes are beautiful freshwater lake located in Pokhara. Tourists can hire colorful wooden boats called “doongas” or paddleboats and enjoy a relaxing boating experience while soaking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Paragliding: Pokhara is one of the world’s top paragliding destinations, offering thrilling tandem paragliding flights. Visitors can take to the skies and glide over the city and the Phewa Lake, taking in the breathtaking aerial views of the Annapurna range.
Mountain Biking: For adventure enthusiasts, mountain biking is a popular activity in Pokhara. There are various biking trails that offer exciting rides through lush forests, terraced fields, and picturesque villages.
Bungee jumping : Hemja and Rato Pairo (on the way to Dhunge Sanghu). Both spots offer a similar experience of jumping from a steel suspension bridge over the Seti River, providing the thrill of a 70-meter (230 feet) free fall.
Ultralight Flight: Ultralights are small, lightweight aircraft with an open cockpit that allows you to enjoy unobstructed views of the stunning landscape below. Ultralight flights in Pokhara are a popular activity for tourists looking to experience the breathtaking landscapes of the region from a unique perspective.
Zip Line : The Pokhara Zip Flyer is a popular attraction that allows visitors to experience an adrenaline-pumping ride as they soar above the beautiful landscape.