Plan Your Trip
Pokhara Travel Guide
Everything you need to know before visiting Pokhara — getting there, when to go, where to stay, and how to make the most of your time in the city.
Getting There
Pokhara is served by Pokhara International Airport, with regular flights from Kathmandu. It's also reachable by road via the Prithvi Highway, a scenic 6-8 hour drive (or shorter tourist bus/private car ride) from Kathmandu.
Best Time to Visit
October to November and March to April offer the clearest mountain views and pleasant temperatures, making them the most popular trekking and sightseeing seasons. The winter months are cooler but generally dry, while June to September brings the monsoon rains.
Where to Stay
Lakeside (Baidam) along Phewa Lake is the main tourist area, packed with guesthouses, hotels, cafés, and trekking agencies. For a quieter, more local experience, stay closer to the old bazaar near Chipledhunga.
Getting Around
Taxis, ride-hailing apps, and rented scooters are common ways to get around the city. Central Pokhara, including Lakeside, the old bazaar, and Chipledhunga, is compact enough to explore partly on foot.
Trekking from Pokhara
Pokhara is the starting point for some of Nepal's most famous treks: the Annapurna Base Camp trek, the Annapurna Circuit, and the shorter Poon Hill trek, all beginning with a short drive from the city.
What to Pack
Light layers and rain protection for the lakeside city, plus warm layers, sturdy footwear, and trekking gear if you plan to head up into the hills or the Annapurna region.
A suggested 3-day itinerary
Day 1 — Lakeside & the water
Boat across Phewa Lake to the Tal Barahi Temple, walk the Lakeside promenade, and catch sunset over the water.
Day 2 — Viewpoints & caves
Sunrise at Sarangkot, then visit Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, and the World Peace Pagoda in the afternoon.
Day 3 — Old town & culture
Explore the old bazaar and Chipledhunga, visit Bindhyabasini Temple, and stop by the International Mountain Museum.