Pokhara Valley is in central Nepal, between the Greater Himalayas and the Mahabharata Range. It is known as the "tourist hub of the country" due to its abundance of natural attractions, cultural beauties, and biological diversity. Here are the best things to do in Pokhara in one day.
Best Things to Do in Pokhara in One Day - Pokhara Tour
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Welcome to Pokhara, the "City of Paradise
This fascinating city offers breathtaking views of the magnificent Annapurna Himalaya range, which is conveniently located just a short distance away. Mt. Fishtail, a prominent peak, is situated just 28 km from the city. One of the most remarkable features of Pokhara is the reflection of the mystical Machhapuchhre and Annapurna Mountain on the tranquil waters of Phewa Lake.
Pokhara City is Situated at an elevation of 827 meters, Pokhara boasts a diverse climate and topography, resulting in a striking contrast of vegetation, numerous water bodies, and captivating gorges like the Seti River. These natural wonders gleam in harmony with the majestic snow-capped mountains. Pokhara holds a unique distinction as the only valley in the world from where we can see the close view of towering mountains which is above 8000 meters.
Among the fourteen highest mountains in the world that top 8000 meters, Pokhara offers awe-inspiring views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu peaks. Witnessing these majestic sights is truly a remarkable experience in this captivating city.
What to do in Pokhara
There are many things to do in Pokhara in one day, as it features many natural and Himalayan attractions, Pokhara Valley is blessed with unique natural features like nine lakes including Phewa and Begnas Tal and the world’s three highest mountains [Annapurna I (8091m), Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Manaslu (8164m)]. Moreover, the strange caves like the Gupteshwor Mahadev and the Mahendra cave add to the city’s charm.
Pokhara is also ornamented with having the highest precipitation in Nepal which feeds the Seti-Gandaki River system. The captivating Davis Falls along with the deep Seti Gorge cuts across the valley with a 500-meter underground flow. This city also offers unique pilgrimage sites, such as the Peace Pagoda, Shiva Statue, Baharai temple, and many more.
Here are the best places to visit in Pokhara:
Drive to Sarangkot - Hill Station
Pokhara is a city that presents panoramic views of the mountain peaks from its famous viewpoint, Sarangkot. The hill station is located west of Pokhara at an altitude of 1600 meters. The vantage point is renowned for its panoramic Himalayan views of various Annapurna massifs like the Dhaulagiri, the Annapurna Mountain range, and Mount Manaslu.
Moreover, the panoramic vista of Pokhara City and the enchanting Phewa Lake adds to the allure of Sarangkot. This picturesque destination has increasingly gained popularity as a prime spot for paragliding adventures. Getting on an early morning drive to Sarangkot unveils an awe-inspiring spectacle—the ethereal sunrise casting its radiant glow upon the majestic Annapurna Mountains. Words cannot fully capture the breathtaking beauty of this phenomenon, leaving visitors utterly speechless.
Pokhara City Tour
The day tour of Pokhara mainly includes visiting its natural attractions as well as the city's museums. David’s fall, also known as the Patale Chango, has water flowing from the Phewa Lake to cascade down a wonderful fall that drops down against the rocky gorge of hollow sandy parts and natural trenches. Likewise, there are many limestone caves scattered throughout the city as well.
Among them, the Mahendra cave is a famous one, situated on the northern side about a 5km drive from the city Centre. The Gupteshwor Mahadev cave is also situated opposite David’s fall. Similarly, the International Mountain Museum (IMM) is situated just 1.5km south of Pokhara airport. Likewise, the Barahi Temple is located on a small island in the middle of Phewa Lake and takes less than 10 minutes to reach by boat. The tour also includes visiting the Bindyabasini Temple located on the top of a small hill at the north end of the old bazaar.
Hiking to Peace Pagoda
The World Peace Pagoda is located southwest of Pokhara at an altitude of almost 1000 meters. Views of the Himalayan peaks, as well as the Phewa Lake and Pokhara City from the pagoda, are simply spectacular. To reach the World Peace Pagoda, you can take a taxi from Pokhara, but you still find the hiking route to reach the peace pagoda and its main viewpoint. You can hike for about 2 hours from the city to reach the pagoda, following along a trail through the forest that goes down to Phewa Lake along the Stupa Walkway. Nepal has two of the eighty peace pagodas in the world, one located in Lumbini and another here in Pokhara.
Pokhara Paragliding
Paragliding has become a popular adventure sport in Pokhara, especially because of the natural and Himalayan scenery the city presents. Paragliding over Pokhara is a beautiful feat as the bird-eye view of the city and the Phewa Lake below is quite magnificent, while the Annapurna Mountains loom on the skyline.
Zip Flyer
The Zipline in Pokhara is the world's tallest and longest, 600 meters up in the air, the first of its kind in Asia. The line zooms down at 140 km/hr., covering 1.8 km. It begins from the head of the peak of Sarangkot overlooking the Pokhara Valley, offering the most spectacular views of the Annapurna Mountain range. The Zipline has been in operation since 2012.
Fewa and Begnas Lake Boating
Boating in the serene waters of the Phewa or Begnas Lake is a must-do when visiting Pokhara. Phewa is the second-largest lake in Pokhara. The lake is a pristine natural beauty that reflects the Machhapuchhre Himal on its surface in the most majestic manner. Boating in Phewa Lake is most enjoyed during the evening when the lakeside lights up with bustling life. Fishing can also be done. At Phewa Lake, different types of boats can be chosen to ride, like the driven boats (the old-fashioned ones that have two joined boats with planks and pedals in the middle), rowboats, or sailboats. You can also choose between fibred-body sailboats and wooden boats. Boating can be done throughout the year except for monsoons.
Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking in Pokhara has been on the rise in terms of fame among thrill-seekers. People from all parts of the country visit Pokhara for a mountain biking adventure. The panoramic views of the Annapurna Mountains provide a gorgeous backdrop to the mountain biking trail. As a matter of fact, the mountain biking scene in Pokhara has gained a reputation for being the best in the country. The scenic natural beauty of the valley paired with the looming Himalayan peaks of the Annapurna makes this quite the escapade.
Conclusion
When traveling to Nepal, a visit to Pokhara is highly recommended. This city is renowned for its unparalleled beauty and is blessed with natural wonders, thanks to its proximity to the mountains and its location beside the picturesque Phewa Lake. It attracts both local and international visitors, and Pokhara holds immense appeal.
Pokhara is the starting point for the iconic Annapurna Base Camp Trek and many other trekking routes. Beyond this trek, Pokhara offers a vibrant lakeside area adorned with a multitude of restaurants and shops catering to the diverse tastes of visitors. Here, you can savor a wide range of cuisines and immerse yourself in cultural dances, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
