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Pokhara

["Nestled peacefully beside the shimmering Phewa Lake, Pokhara is Nepal's enchanting second-largest city, serving as the famed gateway to the Annapurna Circuit and a haven for adventurers and tranquility seekers alike with its unparalleled views of the majestic Himalayan peaks."]

Rohini Verma
Written byRohini Verma
Pokhara 1
Pokhara 2
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Best Time To Visit Pokhara

Dashain Festival

12th October

Dashain, Nepal's longest and most auspicious Hindu festival, is celebrated with immense fervor in Pokhara, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and bringing families together. Families gather for reunions and feasts, with elders applying 'tika' to the foreheads of younger relatives as a blessing. The city's atmosphere becomes vibrant with traditional music, kite flying, and the construction of large bamboo swings. It's a unique cultural experience for travelers to witness deep-rooted traditions and community spirit.

    FESTIVAL AND EVENTS

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    Hotels in Pokhara

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    Cozy Beach Hostel

    Cozy Beach Hostel

    4.2

    Budget-friendly accommodation with shared facilities and beach access for the perfect getaway.

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    1,500per person
    Backpacker's Paradise, Arambol

    Backpacker's Paradise, Arambol

    4

    Clean dorms and private rooms near the beach with communal kitchen and lounge area.

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    Budget Beach Resort, Calangute

    Budget Beach Resort, Calangute

    3.8

    Affordable beachfront stay with basic amenities and easy access to popular beaches.

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    2,000per person
    Economic Stay, Baga

    Economic Stay, Baga

    4.1

    Simple and clean accommodation near nightlife and beach activities.

    Starting from

    1,800per person
    Budget Beachside Cottage, Morjim

    Budget Beachside Cottage, Morjim

    4

    Charming cottage steps from the beach with basic amenities and peaceful surroundings.

    Starting from

    1,600per person
    Affordable Guesthouse, Vagator

    Affordable Guesthouse, Vagator

    3.9

    Clean rooms with air conditioning and Wi-Fi, close to famous beach clubs and restaurants.

    Starting from

    1,400per person
    Budget Stay, Candolim

    Budget Stay, Candolim

    4.2

    Simple accommodation with breakfast included, walking distance to beach and local markets.

    Starting from

    1,700per person
    Economical Beach Lodge, Palolem

    Economical Beach Lodge, Palolem

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    Cozy lodge with garden views, bicycle rentals, and easy access to pristine beaches.

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    1,300per person
    Pokhara Travel Guide: Phewa Lake & Annapurna Trekking 2024

    Overview of Pokhara

    Pokhara is a calm city in Nepal. It sits next to a big, shiny lake. It is the main gate to the great mountains.


    Entry Details and Timing for Pokhara

    Shops in Pokhara open around 9 AM. They close late in the main tourist areas. You will need a visa for Nepal.

    A good trip here takes 3 to 5 days. This gives you time for a great Pokhara travel experience.


    What To Expect at Pokhara?

    The streets in Pokhara are full of life. You will see many small shops and cafes. The local people are very friendly and will greet you with a smile.

    You will find many great things to do. You can try tasty local food like dal bhat. Also, you can just sit by the lake and relax.


    History of Pokhara

    Pokhara was once on a trade route. This route was between Tibet and India. Today, it is a top spot for Nepal tourism.


    Why Pokhara is Known For
    • Pokhara is famous for its amazing mountain views.
    • It is the starting point for Annapurna trekking.
    • The city has a very calm and peaceful feel.
    • It offers many fun activities for a great Nepal adventure.

    More About Pokhara Scenery

    The scenery in Pokhara is very beautiful. You can see the tall Himalayas from the city. Their white peaks reflect in the calm lake water.

    In the evening, the city lights are soft. They twinkle by the dark water. The sky is full of stars on clear nights.


    Architecture and Style of Pokhara

    Houses in Pokhara have a mix of old and new styles. You will see many brick homes with wood details. The lakeside area has modern hotels and cafes.

    Streets are narrow in the old parts. But they are wider near the main tourist spots.


    Best Time to Visit Pokhara

    The best time to visit Pokhara is from September to November. The sky is clear and the weather is warm. Spring, from March to May, is also a great time.


    How to Reach Pokhara

    You can fly to the Pokhara International Airport. This is the easiest way to get here. Buses also run from Kathmandu every day.


    Travel Tips for Visiting Pokhara
    • Wear comfortable shoes
    • Carry water bottles
    • Follow the local rules
    • Stay safe at the spot
    • Respect the Pokhara area
    • Bring good clothes
    • Do not bring banned items

    Top Attractions In or Near Pokhara
    1. Phewa Lake: This spot is in Pokhara and you can go boating on its calm water.
    2. Sarangkot Viewpoint: This spot is near Pokhara and has the best Sarangkot sunrise view.
    3. World Peace Pagoda: This spot is near Pokhara and gives great views of the lake and city.
    4. Davis Falls: This spot is in Pokhara and has a unique underground waterfall.
    5. Paragliding Launch Site: This spot is near Pokhara and is where you start your paragliding in Pokhara flight.
    6. International Mountain Museum: This spot is in Pokhara and tells you about the mountains and climbers.

    Your Questions, Answered

    Pokhara is renowned for its stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna mountain range, its tranquil Phewa Lake where you can see the reflection of the peaks, and for being the primary starting point for many famous Himalayan treks, including the Annapurna Circuit.
    Pokhara is an adventure hub. The top activities include paragliding from Sarangkot for breathtaking aerial views, ultralight flights, zip-lining, bungee jumping, and of course, trekking and hiking in the surrounding hills and mountains.
    A minimum of 3 to 4 days is recommended to explore the main attractions of Pokhara city, including Lakeside, Devi's Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, and Sarangkot for sunrise. If you plan on short treks like the Poon Hill trek, you should add another 3 to 4 days.
    The two most common ways are by flight or by road. A flight takes about 25 minutes and offers spectacular mountain views. Traveling by tourist bus is a more budget-friendly option, taking approximately 6-8 hours through scenic landscapes.
    While boating and kayaking are very popular activities on Phewa Lake, swimming is generally not recommended. The water quality can be variable, and there are undercurrents in some areas, so it's safer to enjoy the water from a boat.
    Pokhara's Lakeside market is great for souvenir shopping. Popular items include high-quality pashmina shawls, traditional Thangka paintings, intricate handicrafts, 'Khukuri' knives (the traditional Gurkha knife), and Tibetan singing bowls.
    Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurna region. The most famous treks starting from here are the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek, the Annapurna Circuit trek, the Poon Hill trek, and the Mardi Himal trek, each offering unique experiences and views.

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