Photo: anuppanthi / Pixabay

Pokhara

Lakes, viewpoints, paragliding and the gateway to the Annapurna region.

Region: Gandaki Province, Kaski
Best time to visit: October to November for the clearest mountain views
Getting there: About 200 km west of Kathmandu by the Prithvi Highway. Domestic flights from Kathmandu, and daily international flights from Dubai since September 2026.
Permits and entry: No permit for the city. Treks into the Annapurna Conservation Area need an ACAP permit, a TIMS card and a licensed guide.

Pokhara is where Nepal slows down. Sitting at around 822 metres, with the Annapurna range lined up behind the town and Machhapuchhre’s fishtail peak floating above it all, it is the place most travellers fall for.

What to do

Phewa Lake: Nepal’s third-largest lake. Rent a wooden boat, paddle out at sunrise and watch the mountains reflected in the water.
Tal Barahi Temple: a small pagoda temple on an island in the middle of Phewa, reached by boat.
World Peace Pagoda: a white stupa on the ridge above the lake, built in 1996, with one of the best views in town.
Sarangkot: the classic sunrise viewpoint, and the take-off point for Pokhara’s famous paragliding flights.
Davis Falls (Patale Chhango): a waterfall that vanishes into an underground channel.
International Mountain Museum: opened in 2004, a great introduction to the Himalaya, its peoples and its climbers.

Our tip

Stay at least three nights. Give yourself one day with no plans at all. Sit by the lake with a cup of tea, and let the mountains decide when they want to appear.

Planning a trek here?
Read the full route guide on CoolTrails