Things To Do In Pokhara

Pokhara, a picturesque city nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, offers a diverse range of activities to suit every traveller’s preference. From adrenaline-pumping adventures to serene spiritual experiences, here are 36 things to do in Pokhara, categorised for your convenience.

Adventure

For the thrill-seeker, Pokhara is a natural playground offering a variety of heart-pounding activities.

1. Paragliding: Soar like a bird and get a breathtaking aerial view of Phewa Lake and the Annapurna mountain range. Tandem flights with experienced pilots are readily available, making it accessible even for beginners.
2. Whitewater Rafting: Challenge the rapids of the Upper Seti River. This thrilling half-day trip offers a mix of exhilarating rapids and calm stretches, surrounded by stunning natural scenery.
3. Bungee Jumping: Take a leap of faith from a 70-meter tower with a stunning view of the Himalayas and the river below. It’s an unforgettable adrenaline rush for the truly daring.
4. Zip-lining: Experience one of the world’s steepest and longest zip lines. The Zipflyer descends at speeds of up to 120 km/h, offering a unique and exhilarating perspective of the surrounding landscape.
5. Ultralight Flight: For a more controlled yet equally thrilling aerial experience, take an ultralight flight. These small aircraft offer panoramic views of the mountains and the Pokhara Valley.
6. Canyoning: Descend down waterfalls and rock faces in the rugged canyons near Pokhara. This activity combines rappelling, sliding, and jumping for a wet and wild adventure.

Mindful

For those seeking inner peace and rejuvenation, Pokhara provides a tranquil environment for mindfulness and self-reflection.

1. Yoga and Meditation Retreats: Immerse yourself in the practice of yoga and meditation at one of the many retreat centers in and around Pokhara. These offer a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and reconnect with your inner self.
2. Sound Healing Therapy: Experience the therapeutic vibrations of Tibetan singing bowls. This ancient practice is believed to promote deep relaxation and healing.
3. Ayurvedic Spa Treatments: Indulge in traditional Ayurvedic massages and therapies. These ancient healing practices aim to restore balance and harmony to the body and mind.
4. Lakeside Contemplation at Begnas Lake: Escape the crowds of Phewa Lake and spend a quiet day by the serene Begnas Lake. The peaceful atmosphere is perfect for meditation, reading, or simply being present in nature.
5. Art Therapy and Pottery Classes: Engage your creative side with an art therapy session or a pottery class. This can be a meditative and fulfilling way to express yourself and learn a new skill.
6. Mindful Hiking to the World Peace Pagoda: Instead of a quick taxi ride, take a mindful hike up to the World Peace Pagoda. Focus on your breath and the sounds of nature as you ascend, turning the journey into a meditative experience.

Spiritual

Pokhara is dotted with sacred sites that offer a glimpse into the spiritual heart of Nepal.

1. Tal Barahi Temple: Located on a small island in the middle of Phewa Lake, this two-story pagoda is dedicated to the goddess Barahi. A boat ride to the temple is a spiritual journey in itself.
2. World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa): This magnificent Buddhist stupa on a hilltop offers panoramic views of the Annapurna range and Phewa Lake. It is a symbol of peace and a serene place for contemplation.
3. Bindhyabasini Temple: One of the oldest temples in Pokhara, this sacred shrine is dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati. It is a major religious site for Hindus and a vibrant place of worship.
4. Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave: This sacred cave is dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. The journey into the cave, with the sound of a cascading waterfall, is a unique spiritual experience.
5. Matepani Gumba (Monastery): Perched on a hill, this beautiful Buddhist monastery is adorned with intricate murals and a colossal statue of the Buddha. It offers a peaceful atmosphere and stunning views.
6. Jangchub Choeling Monastery: Home to a large community of Tibetan monks, this monastery is a center for Buddhist learning and practice. Visitors can observe the monks’ daily rituals and even participate in meditation sessions.

Casual

For a more relaxed pace, Pokhara offers plenty of opportunities to unwind and soak in the local atmosphere.

1. Boating on Phewa Lake: Rent a colorful “doonga” (a traditional wooden boat) and paddle around Phewa Lake. You can row yourself or hire a boatman for a leisurely ride.
2. Strolling along Lakeside: The main tourist hub of Pokhara, Lakeside is a vibrant area with numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants. A leisurely stroll along the lake is a perfect way to spend an afternoon.
3. Exploring Old Pokhara: Take a walk through the old part of the city to see traditional Newari architecture and get a feel for Pokhara’s history before the influx of tourism.
4. Movie Garden: Enjoy an outdoor movie experience with a stunning backdrop of Phewa Lake. This unique cinema offers a relaxed and memorable evening.
5. Go-Karting: For some lighthearted fun, head to the go-kart track in Pame and race with friends or family.
6. Visit a Rooftop Cafe for Sunset Views: Find a comfortable rooftop cafe in Lakeside, order a cup of Nepali tea, and watch the sun set over the Himalayas, painting the sky with vibrant colors.

Trying New Food

Pokhara’s culinary scene is a delightful blend of traditional Nepali flavors and international cuisine.

1. Thakali Khana: A must-try Nepali meal, Thakali Khana is a platter consisting of rice, dal (lentil soup), various vegetable and meat curries, pickles, and other accompaniments. Head to a Thakali restaurant for an authentic experience.
2. Momos: These delicious Nepali dumplings can be found everywhere, from street stalls to high-end restaurants. Try them steamed, fried, or in a spicy soup (jhol momo).
3. Fresh Fish from Phewa Lake: Many lakeside restaurants serve freshly caught fish from Phewa Lake, grilled or prepared in a flavorful curry.
4. Tibetan Bread and Butter Tea: Visit a Tibetan settlement to try traditional Tibetan bread (a fluffy, slightly sweet fried bread) and suja (butter tea), a savory and warming beverage.
5. Street Food Tour: Embark on a culinary adventure through the streets of Pokhara and sample local snacks like sel roti (a ring-shaped, slightly sweet bread), pani puri (hollow crispy balls filled with a spicy and tangy liquid), and chatamari (a Newari rice flour crepe).
6. Lassi at a Local Shop: Quench your thirst with a refreshing and creamy lassi (a yoghurt-based drink) from a local vendor. You can find both sweet and savory versions.

Sightseeing

Pokhara is a city of stunning natural and cultural landmarks, offering plenty of opportunities for sightseeing.

1. Sarangkot Viewpoint: Wake up early and head to Sarangkot to witness a spectacular sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The panoramic views are truly unforgettable.
2. Devi’s Fall (Patale Chhango): This unique waterfall flows into a narrow gorge and disappears underground. It’s a powerful and mesmerizing sight, especially during the monsoon season.
3. International Mountain Museum: Learn about the history of mountaineering, the culture of the Himalayan people, and the geology of the region at this well-curated museum.
4. Seti River Gorge: Marvel at the milky-white water of the Seti River as it carves a deep and narrow gorge through the city. There are several viewpoints to observe this natural wonder.
5. Gurkha Memorial Museum: Gain insight into the history and bravery of the Gurkha soldiers, who are renowned for their valor and service in the British and Indian armies.
6. Annapurna Butterfly Museum: A niche attraction for nature lovers, this museum houses a vast collection of butterflies found in the Annapurna region, showcasing the incredible biodiversity of the area.

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