Posted 24 May 2024 in Adventure awaits

How to spend a weekend in Pokhara that will leave you captivated

Pokhara, a backpacker’s paradise, is located around the massive Lake Phewa, surrounded by the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. It is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Nepal that will leave you captivated. So much that you’d consider extending your stay to perhaps two weekends or more. But as a traveller who is visiting Pokhara for the first time will have lots of questions about places to see in Pokhara, as well as how to get there. That is what this blog is about, to help solve your queries and ease the creases in your forehead.

Visiting this quaint town will introduce you to numerous thrilling activities and entertainment options, thus making your weekend in Pokhara fun and memorable. While here, you can take a gondola ride to the viewpoint for breathtaking sunrises and sunset visits. Go for a thrilling paragliding activity, take a boat ride in the lake and enjoy the town from a different angle, and also get a taste of Nepali cuisine in some of the cafes and restaurants.

So, get ready for an action-packed weekend in Pokhara by scrolling down this blog. Are you ready for it?

Places to visit in Pokhara

Explore the beauty of Pokhara with these popular places:

Phewa Lake: Phewa Lake, the second largest lake in Nepal, is surrounded by the stunning Rani Ban, or Queen's Forest. The lake's clear waters reflect the majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, creating a breathtaking sight. It's the perfect spot to witness the glorious Himalayan sunrises.
Davis/Devi’s Falls: The waterfall is just 2 km from the airport and is one of Pokhara's top attractions. It's called 'Patale Chango' in Nepalese, meaning 'underground waterfall'. What's unique is that it forms a 500-foot-long underground tunnel at the bottom. Instead of flowing into a river or lagoon, the water disappears into a mysterious dark hole in the caves.
Shanti Stupa: The Shanti Stupa, known as the Peace Pagoda, sits atop Anadu Hill in Pokhara. This pristine white monument showcases traditional pagoda architecture, built by monk Morioko Sonin from Nipponzan Myohoji. It's the first peace pagoda in Nepal and the 71st globally. Standing 115 feet tall with a diameter of 344 feet, it offers a stunning view of Phewa Lake and is a must-visit spot in Pokhara.
International Mountain Museum: The International Mountain Museum in Pokhara is famous for mountain enthusiasts. It features vast mountaineering artefacts, gear, and captivating stories. Established by the Nepal Mountaineering Association in 1973, the museum officially opened in 2004 to preserve mountaineering history and achievements. It's a major tourist attraction drawing visitors year-round.
Bat Cave: The Bat Cave, also called Chamere Gufa, is a fascinating natural wonder and home to many bats. The cave is known for its unique rock formations and stalactites, creating a mysterious and intriguing atmosphere. Visitors can explore the cave's dark and narrow passages, guided by a flashlight. The Bat Cave offers a thrilling adventure for those interested in spelunking and exploring the underground world.
Bindhyabasini Temple: Shree Bindhyabasini Temple is a revered Hindu temple atop a hill and offers panoramic views of the mountains and the city below. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site and is especially busy during festivals. Visitors can witness traditional rituals and ceremonies at the temple and enjoy the peaceful ambience of the surroundings.
Pokhara Disneyland: Pokhara Disneyland offers a whimsical escape with its colourful attractions and entertainment options. From thrilling rides to enchanting fairy tale experiences, this amusement park caters to visitors of all ages, promising unforgettable memories amidst stunning natural beauty.

Things to do in Pokhara

Pokhara has been positioned as the adventure capital of Nepal, with numerous activities in store for people beyond trekking. Here are a few activities you can indulge in Pokhara:

Getting on the steepest zip-line: Experience breathtaking views of the majestic Annapurna mountains as you soar down a zipline stretching over 1 mile (1.9 km). Share the thrill with friends on dual ziplines, flying side-by-side.
Paragliding at Sarangkot Pokhara: Experience tandem paragliding off Sarangkot with round-trip transportation from your Pokhara hotel. Enjoy a 30-minute flight with stunning views controlled by your pilot.
Experience the world’s second-highest bungee jumping: Experience the world's second-highest bungee jump in Pokhara, surrounded by Kusma and Parbat mountains. Feel the thrill of free-falling off a bridge and get photos and videos of your jump.
Helicopter landing at Everest: Solo travellers can enjoy a one-hour ride up with time to explore and take photos. This is a must-do activity in Pokhara to brag about back home!
Go for a hot air balloon ride: The hot air balloon ride experience offers more than a ride. Float at sunrise over Mt. Annapurna and more, with the freshness of cold, chill weather, an unforgettable experience.

Places to stay in Pokhara

Choosing the accommodations below during your stay in Pokhara will elevate your thrilling adventure to this destination.

Sarangkot Mountain Lodge: Sarangkot Mountain Lodge boasts luxurious rooms with stunning views of the Annapurna mountain range. Wake up soaking in the majestic beauty of the Himalayas in peace.
Hotel Barahi: Located near Phewa Lake, Hotel Barahi offers comfortable rooms, a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views, and easy access to the lake and other attractions.
Raniban Retreat: Raniban Retreat Resort in Pokhara offers a luxurious stay amidst nature. The resort is on a hilltop, providing breathtaking views of the Annapurna range and Fewa Lake.
Hotel Forest Lake: Hotel Forest Lake offers tranquillity and comfort. With its picturesque surroundings and cosy accommodations, guests can unwind and immerse themselves in the beauty of Nepal's natural landscapes.
Hotel Barahi Pokhara: Hotel Barahi Pokhara offers luxurious accommodations, breathtaking views, and warm hospitality, it's an oasis of relaxation. Enjoy modern amenities, delectable cuisine, and easy access to Pokhara's attractions, making your stay truly unforgettable.
Bar Peepal Resort: Escape amidst the majestic Himalayas and serene Phewa Lake with comfortable accommodations at Bar Peepal Resort. It offers stunning views, and warm hospitality, it's an idyllic retreat for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.

Food to try in Pokhara

The city boasts various delicious local foods to suit every budget and taste. Here are the popular food items you must try when visiting Pokhara:

Dal Bhat: This staple dish consists of lentil soup (dal) and rice (bhat), often served with vegetables, pickles, and sometimes meat.
Momos: Tibetan-style dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, steamed or fried, and served with a spicy dipping sauce. They are a popular snack or appetiser in Pokhara.
Thakali Thali: This traditional meal from the Thakali community consists of rice, lentils, vegetables, meat curry, pickles, and sometimes a type of flatbread called roti. It offers a variety of flavours in one meal.
Aloo Tama: A curry made from potatoes and bamboo shoots, aloo tama, is cooked with spices and sometimes dried fish, popular in the hilly regions.
Sel Roti: This traditional Nepali rice flour doughnut is often eaten during festivals or special occasions. It is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a slightly sweet flavour.

Shopping places in Pokhara

Explore Pokhara's top markets for a delightful shopping experience. Each place offers a unique selection, promising hours of enjoyable shopping.

New Road: New Road is a popular commercial area known for its bustling streets with shops, vendors, and eateries. It's a hub for shopping, especially for clothing, electronics, and everyday goods.
Lakeside: Lakeside is a tourist destination in Pokhara. Here, you can find souvenirs, handicraft materials, Pashmina, Khukuri, Thanka, Nepal Tea, and Trekking materials. Since this is a tourist area, you will find things of tourist interest.

How to reach Pokhara?

By air: Pokhara Airport (PIA), also known as Pokhara International Airport, is located at Chhine Danda, Pokhara Metropolitan City, Kaski, Gandaki Province, Nepal. It is a gateway to the Annapurna region and other popular trekking destinations. The airport, located 6 km from the city centre, has a single terminal building and offers flights to and from Pokhara and other domestic destinations.
Note: Pokhara does not have international flights from India. In order to fly to Pokhara, you need to book flights to Kathmandu from India, further connecting a domestic flight to Pokhara.
By road: You can take a bus from Kathmandu or other major cities in Nepal to Pokhara. Both government and private operators operate regular bus services. The buses are usually comfortable and offer scenic countryside views along the way. There are also mini buses or cars with 10 seats for quicker and cheaper travel. You can also opt for AC tourist buses from Kathmandu that are more comfortable.

Best time to visit Pokhara

The best time to visit Pokhara is from September to November, when the weather is clear, and the skies are blue, offering stunning views of the Himalayas. Another good time is from March to May, when the weather is mild and the flowers are in bloom, adding to the scenic beauty.

Takeaway

A weekend in Pokhara is a magical experience that offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration. Whether you're seeking thrilling adventures or peaceful retreats, Pokhara has something to offer everyone. So, pack your bags, embark on a journey to this enchanting city, and create memories that will last a lifetime.