Set in a majestic ring of mountains, with snowy peaks reflected in its lake, Pokhara stretches calmly along the shore. It has one of the finest panoramas in the country.
People come for the peace of the lake and the setting at the foot of the mountains; the mood here is relaxation. Whether before or after a trek in the Annapurnas, or simply to enjoy the scenery, Pokhara has drawn visitors from around the world for decades.
In our view it should be the last stop of any trip, otherwise the other places lose a little of their charm, which is why we always put it at the end of our programmes, like a final bouquet.
What we can do there
Boat on Phewa Lake
Phewa Tal stretches west from Pokhara and is the second-largest lake in Nepal. In good weather the Annapurnas are perfectly reflected in it. A boat takes us to a small island and the Tal Barahi temple, which has a very special atmosphere.
Up to the World Peace Pagoda
From the far shore a path climbs through thick forest to the top of the ridge and the great white stupa. The view of the lake and the mountains is superb, the air is cool and the garden around the pagoda very peaceful. We can come down by another hill to the east.
Devi's Fall and Gupteshwor cave
At Patale Chhango, the Pardi Khola river plunges into a hole and disappears underground with a deafening roar, most impressive after the monsoon. Across the road, the Gupteshwor Mahadev cave shelters a large stalagmite worshipped as Shiva's lingam, and a path leads down behind the falls.
Sunrise at Sarangkot
Sarangkot, a few kilometres from town, is probably our favourite viewpoint in the country. The panorama runs from Dhaulagiri in the west to the perfect pyramid of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurnas, with the lake below. We go at dawn or dusk, when the sun colours the snow. Paragliders take off from here too.