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Kaski, Gandaki · Nepal

Pokhara

Lakeside town under the Annapurnas — boating, paragliding, cafes and sunrise at Sarangkot.

5001,0001,500
Starts at
820 m
Highest point
1,600 m

Pokhara is an easy hill destination in Kaski, Gandaki, Nepal, reaching 1,600 m. The best time to go is February to April and October to December. Plan 3 to 4 days on the ground from Pokhara and about ₹3,500 per person per day.

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What to do in Pokhara

The one thing not to miss

Sarangkot at sunrise

The Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre in first light.

  1. 2Phewa LakeRow out to the Tal Barahi temple.
  2. 3World Peace PagodaBy boat and a climb, or by road.
  3. 4ParaglidingTake-off from Sarangkot, landing by the lake.

A sample plan: 4 days

  1. Day 1

    Pokhara to Pokhara

    Check in and take a short walk to get your bearings.

  2. Day 2

    Sarangkot at sunrise · Phewa Lake

    Details for each are under What to do, above.

  3. Day 3

    World Peace Pagoda · Paragliding

    Details for each are under What to do, above.

  4. Day 4

    Pokhara to Pokhara

    Leave after breakfast; hill roads are slower than the map suggests.

A starting point built from the things to do above. Move days around to suit your pace.

When to go

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely

Why go

Easy, affordable, every age and every budget. Great for a long stay too.

Why not

Views hide behind haze and cloud from May to September.

Before you go

Permits
Indian citizens: passport or voter ID; no visa needed.
Guide
Not needed.
Safety
Paragliding only with registered operators.
Phone & internet
Excellent.

Permits, food and festivals in Nepal →

These details haven't been field-verified yet. Confirm permits, road status and weather locally before you travel.

If something goes wrong

Nearest help: Tourist Police, Pokhara, Pokhara.

All emergency contacts for Nepal →

What to pack for Pokhara

Worked out from its season, altitude and terrain. Tick things off as you pack; tap a name to find it in a shop.

0 of 20 packed

Clothing

4 items

Footwear

1 item

For day outings

2 items

Health and sun

4 items

Documents and money

4 items
  • Government photo ID and two photocopiesIndians need a passport or voter ID to enter Nepal; other nationals need a passport and visa.
  • Enough cash for the whole tripATMs are scarce and often empty beyond the gateway town.
  • Permits and registrationsIndian citizens: passport or voter ID; no visa needed.
  • Indian ₹100 notes, or Nepali rupees₹100 notes are the safest Indian currency to carry in Nepal; larger notes are not always accepted. Change money in Kathmandu or Pokhara before the trail.

Phone and power

3 items

For what you're going for

1 item

Read before you go

1 item

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Homestays in Nepal

No homestays listed here yet. Run one? List it.

Getting there

The nearest gateway is Pokhara.

Directions from Pokhara Open in Google Maps

Directions open in Google Maps with today's road time. In the mountains, add a third to whatever it says.

Normal car?
Yes, any car can make it.

By road

Buses and shared taxis. Tourist buses and flights link Kathmandu and Pokhara daily. From India, the Sunauli border is the usual way in.

Pickups & drivers

From Pokhara. Call or WhatsApp the driver directly.

No drivers listed for Pokhara yet. Drive this route? List your cab.

Pokhara: questions people ask

What is the best time to visit Pokhara?

The best months for Pokhara are February to April and October to December. January, May and September are possible but not ideal. Snow is rare here.

How difficult is Pokhara?

Pokhara is rated easy. No trekking is needed, starting at 820 m and reaching 1,600 m.

How many days do you need for Pokhara?

Plan 3 to 4 days on the ground, counted from Pokhara. Add travel days to reach the gateway from your city.

How much does a trip to Pokhara cost?

Expect about ₹3,500 per person per day for a mid-range trip (stay, food and local transport). That is roughly ₹14,000 for 4 days, before the cost of getting to Pokhara.

How do you reach Pokhara?

By road: from Kathmandu it is about 200 km, 6–8 hours (Kathmandu → Naubise → Mugling → Dumre → Pokhara); from Sunauli border it is about 185 km, 6–7 hours (Sunauli → Butwal → Tansen → Syangja → Pokhara). Tourist buses and flights link Kathmandu and Pokhara daily. From India, the Sunauli border is the usual way in. The nearest gateway is Pokhara.

Do you need a permit or a guide for Pokhara?

Permits: Indian citizens: passport or voter ID; no visa needed. Guide: Not needed.

Is Pokhara suitable for children and senior citizens?

With children it is great; with seniors it is great. It is busy in season. Paragliding only with registered operators.

What should you pack for Pokhara?

Pack fleece or light sweater, sun cap or hat, compact umbrella, rain jacket or poncho, comfortable walking shoes with grip, day pack, 20–30 litres, water bottles, 2 litres in total, sunscreen, spf 50, small first-aid kit and your own medicines. Also carry a government photo ID, enough cash and any permits. The full list is on this page.

Is there mobile network and internet at Pokhara?

Excellent.

Who should not go to Pokhara?

Pokhara suits most travellers, including children and senior citizens. The one drawback to know about: Views hide behind haze and cloud from May to September.

Close to Pokhara

Within about 35 km in a straight line. Hill roads are a good deal longer, so check the drive before you combine two.

More in Pokhara & Annapurna