About Pokhara

Overview

Pokhara is a lake town about 200 km west of Kathmandu, spread along the eastern shore of Phewa Lake at roughly 800 m. Most visitors stay at Lakeside, take a boat out to the Tal Barahi island temple, and go up to Sarangkot or the World Peace Pagoda for views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range. Treks into the Annapurna region usually start from here, and paragliders launch from Sarangkot most clear mornings. For Indian travellers driving in through the Sonauli border, Pokhara fits well with Lumbini and Chitwan on the same trip.

Best Time to Visit Pokhara

Plan your trip around the right season

Oct-NovBest Window

Why visit

Clear post monsoon skies and the best chance of a sharp view of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurnas from the lake and Sarangkot. Good trekking weather.

Keep in mind

Peak season for Lakeside hotels and Annapurna treks, especially around Dashain and Tihar. Book rooms early.

Dec-FebBest Window

Why visit

Often clear mornings with mountain views and pleasant afternoons by the lake.

Keep in mind

Mornings and evenings are cold, and higher treks can see snow on the passes.

Mar-May

Why visit

Warm days and rhododendrons in bloom on the trails above the valley.

Keep in mind

Haze often hides the mountains by mid morning, and May gets hot and humid.

Jun-Sep

Why visit

Green hills, lower rates and full waterfalls.

Keep in mind

Pokhara gets some of the heaviest monsoon rain in Nepal. Views are mostly clouded and roads can be blocked by landslides.

How to Reach Pokhara

Intercity connectivity and travel options

Flights from Kathmandu take about 25 minutes and land at Pokhara International Airport, a taxi ride from Lakeside. By road, tourist buses from Kathmandu run along the Prithvi Highway, about 200 km and usually 7 to 8 hours. From India, the most direct crossing is Sonauli in Uttar Pradesh to Bhairahawa (Belahiya), then a long day by bus or hired car north through Butwal; Gorakhpur is the nearest major Indian railway station to that border. Travellers coming through Raxaul and Birgunj can go via Chitwan. Indian citizens do not need a visa for Nepal, by road or by air. Carry a valid Indian passport or an original voter ID card issued by the Election Commission of India; Aadhaar, PAN cards and driving licences are not accepted as travel documents. Children can travel on a birth certificate or school ID. If you fly in, carry your passport.

Getting Around Pokhara

Local transport and practical tips

Local transport

Lakeside is easy to walk. Taxis cover Sarangkot, Davis Falls, the caves and the airport, and rowing boats leave from the Lakeside shore for Tal Barahi and the far bank below the Peace Pagoda. Local buses run the main roads but are slow.

Best Areas to Stay in Pokhara

Pick the right neighbourhood for your trip

Lakeside (Baidam)

A first stay and arranging treks

Hotels, cafes, boat stands and trekking agencies along the lake road. Most sights are a short walk or taxi ride away.

Damside

Quieter rooms near the lake

The quieter southern end of the lake near the dam, closer to Davis Falls and the Gupteshwor cave.

Sarangkot

Sunrise mountain views

Lodges on the ridge above the lake, about 30 to 40 minutes by road from Lakeside, so you can watch sunrise from your room or a short walk away.