The Pokhara I visited years ago and the Pokhara I visited recently are so different. A lot has changed in 10 years ofcourse and there are so many things to do in Pokhara right now!

Sitting on the banks of Phewa Lake today, it's a completely different scene and it's super bougie now. There are stunning lakeside cafes, yoga studios, digital nomad setups... and even a walkway by the lake.

The night scenes really do come alive and there’s even a city theme park now. Like what?

I loved it more than Kathmandu. The air was cool and it was just so nice to slow down and do nothing for a change.

If you're heading to Nepal, do yourself a favour a skip the extra days in Kathmandu and spend that time in Pokhara instead.

Here’s my guide on things to do in Pokhara if you have a few days or even more than a week to spare (like checking out some Yoga retreats!)

Hotels I recommend staying in Pokhara

here are the best things to do in pokhara & some of the best hotels i recommend

🏡 If you are here for some time, here are my best stays I recommend in Pokhara:

Fun Things To Do in Pokhara, Nepal

1. Phewa Lake & Hiking Up To Pumdikot Shiva Idol

It is perhaps one of the most scenic things I did in Nepal on my second day. You can easily go to Phewa Lake and get a boat with a boatman for NPR 500 (take the one way option).

From here, it is a 1.5 hour hike up to the World Peace Pagoda stupa shrine that was built in 1973. Located atop Anadu Hill at 1,100 meters, you could clearly see the Macchapucchre Mountain and views of the entire Himalayan range which was crazy!

We debated hiking all the way to Pumdikot Shiva Idol using Maps.Me app but decided to hitcchike via a taxi and go all the way. There’s a hiking route called Raniban but it wasn’t so obvious based on where we were going.

This was the best way to see all the peaks and see a temple where thousands of Nepalese often come here to seek blessings.

2. Paragliding in Pokhara

paragliding in pokhara - you absolutely should do this!

I absolutely wanted to do this and was killing myself for not doing it. How often do you get to fly across the Himalayas?

This paragliding tour takes care of everything and even shoots photos and videos of you. If you are done hiking and have a few days to kill, I felt like this adventure and for the price would be expensive in places like Dubai or even NZ but instead it was so affordable here.

If you love bucket-worthy experiences, I highly recommend going for a paragliding tour.

3. 3-Day Yoga Retreat in Pokhara

the yoga retreats in pokhara are worth exploring

When I was in Pokhara, everyone I knew was heading for a yoga retreat. There were plenty of yoga studios there but some of them were very touch-and-go experiences and not as wholesome as I wish it was.

I didn’t have 7 days to spare or 12 days so I found alternatives like a 3 day retreat which you should try:

3 Day Tri-Bikram Rejuvating Yoga in Pokhara: If you love small groups and want a peaceful escape in the Northern side of Phewa Lake, this beginner friendly yoga retreat is worth it. There are candlelight meditation sessions and 3 yoga classes per day.
3 Day Mountain Yoga Retreat Near Pokhara: Don’t quite want to be right in the city? This place in Astam about 45 mins away from Pokhara is far more calmer and peaceful. The eco village is located on the top of a hilltop with epic views of the Annapurna range so it feels like a proper retreat.

There is also the sunset/sunrise yoga or sound healing sessions at Pokhara at Pyramid Yoga which is on top of the Pema Dechenling Monastery. I think the morning vibes are better and you should check it out when you have the time!

4. Sunrise at Sarangkot

make sure to try and make it for the sunrise in sarangkot

The first thing to witness if you ever get the chance is the first light hitting Dhaulagiri (8167m) and the fishtail mountain of Machhapuchhare, including views of Annapurna II and Lamjung mountain.

The easiest way is to book a tour/driver/guide here that takes you on a 30 minute scenic drive up in the morning in Sarangkot.

5. Day Hike to Australian Camp & Dhampus

When I first saw "Australian Camp" on the list of day hikes from Pokhara, I assumed it had something to do with Australia like maybe a campsite set up for Australian tourists.

The real story is: the place's actual Nepali name is Thulo Kharka, meaning "big pasture" a seasonal grazing ground for buffalo and cow herders from the nearby villages. In the late 1980s, a group of Austrians (not Australians) discovered it and kept returning to camp there for days, drawn by the peace and the views. The name just stuck and ironically became Australian camp!

The hike itself starts with a drive from Pokhara to the village of Kande, from where a roughly two-hour climb takes you up to the camp. It is a nice day hike if you have nothing else to do — you can book the tour here.

6. The Cafe Scene You Should Absolutely Check Out

the yummy cafe scene in pokhara: dining in vegan way

also had the best thali food in some of the cafes in pokhara

I loved the cafes here and one of the best cafes was by the lakeside called Vegan Way. You have to sit up to get amazing views of the lake.

The prices are very reasonable for the large portion and I could see it becoming my permanent go-to place to hang out or even do work.

Other famous cafes are the Camelia cafe, The Juicery Cafe and Cindermint.

Another good place for organic and healthy food is at Flying Spirit Organic Kitchen. They serve western and Nepali food and everything is fresh!

7. Ghorephani and Poon Hill (3 Day Trek)

This was the most famous trek that everyone is doing and for the views and time frame it is well worth it. You can book it here.

It traverses through traditional villages like Ghandruk and Ghorepani, where you get a real taste of Nepali mountain culture alongside sweeping views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

The maximum elevation is 3,210 metres, so there's no serious risk of altitude sickness which is perfect if you want somewhere genuinely accessible for most fitness levels!

8. Annapurna Circuit Trek (10 Days)

you can also do the annapurna circuit trek

I did this trek solo and you can read about my experience here. Not to be confused with Annapurna Base Camp (though if you want to do it you can book this here as well for a 5 day trek), the Annapurna Circuit is one of those wholesome bucket-list experiences that you absolutely should do

And not because everyone else is doing it, but because very few trails on earth put you this close to crazy high peaks almost up to 8,000m!

The trail loops around the entire Annapurna Massif, home to Annapurna I (8,091m), one of the deadliest mountains in the world, and a collection of jaw-dropping peaks like Gangapurna, Tilicho, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri.

You go from lush rhododendron forest and terraced rice paddies in the lower valleys to the arid to high-altitude desert around Manang and the Thorong La Pass (5,416m).

The best way to do this is to go solo (read my digital guide) like how I did only if you are well-versed in the mountains or to book a reputable guide here.

9. Pokhara Disneyland

I can’t even imagine there’s an actual Disneyland in Pokhara — as it is next to the cafes and the walkway it is almost impossible to not miss it.

The rides may be a bit rundown but for a fun and nightly atmosphere after dining in some of the restaurants in Pokhara, you should check it out and also see how Nepalese spend their time in the evenings.

Weekends are absolutely packed and noisy so perhaps visit during the weekdays!

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