Pokhara is brimming with restaurants that cater to all tastes and travelers. From ayurvedic and vegan to Korean and Italian, deciding where to go can be the hardest part of your day in this relaxing lakeside town. Stress not: this dining guide is here to help.
It's hard to keep up with all the new hotels in Pokhara, Nepal's adventure capital and second-largest city. To help you figure out where to stay in this beautiful lakeside town, here's a selection of some of our favorites, both classic and new, for every budget.
It's easy to have a blast in Pokhara — especially at night! Between the open-air cinemas, booming live music scene, sports bars, and stunning sunsets, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Just be sure to make the most of everything before midnight, when the city shuts down.
Most people come to Pokhara for the fantastic nearby trekking, and after a week of bucket washes and wet wipes, you might just be ready for a splash of well-deserved luxury. The good news is that the charming countryside around Pokhara offers some of the Himalaya's most stylish and relaxing top-end places to stay. Budget a day or two to recover from your trek in style at one of these fabulous resorts.
Nepal's love affair with coffee is in full swing in Pokhara, where over 35 coffee shops have cropped up in the last five years — all touting locally grown, organic Himalayan Arabica.
While Kathmandu holds Nepal's main cultural highlights, Pokhara is Nepal's base for adventure. The city lies on the doorstep of the Annapurna Himalaya and borders Phewa Lake and other smaller foothills, making it a great spot for a variety of outdoor activities. It also offers a number of ways to relax, whether you're interested in yoga or pleasant walks around Phewa Lake.
Here are 5 places for WiFi in Pokhara, Nepal’s second biggest city and major traveler hub, based on our experience being here with the kimkim team on a quick business trip.
Begin your trip in lively Kathmandu before setting off toward Pokhara for a half-day of rafting on the Trishuli River. Spend time exploring Pokhara and enjoying the great views of the Annapurna range before returning to Kathmandu. This is a great itinerary for all ages and rafting experience and provides a well-rounded taste of Nepal in a short amount of time.
In nine days, you’ll delve into Kathmandu’s beautiful cultural highlights, get active in the countryside and spend plenty of time relaxing in some peaceful spots, all at a leisurely pace.
This fast-paced trip includes takes you on a number of mini-adventures: rafting, trekking, and paragliding. You'll visit the two main traveler hubs of Nepal—Kathmandu and Pokhara—and have some time to explore the main cultural sights at the beginning and end of your trip.
Discover a microcosm of cultures and some of the world's most breathtaking landscapes on this 8-day exploration of Nepal's Kathmandu and Pokhara Valleys. With a laid-back blend of popular highlights and offbeat experiences, it's a perfect itinerary for first-timers to the country. Explore the temples and shrines of Kathmandu, take in postcard-worthy Himalaya views from the peaceful mountain town of Nagarkot, and embrace your adventurous side with some scenic paragliding in Pokhara.
The Kathmandu and Pokhara valleys provide the perfect balance of Nepal's cultural and natural highlights. You'll start with Kathmandu's main cultural attractions before going overland to Pokhara, stopping en route at Bandipur, one of Nepal's most picturesque villages. After exploring Pokhara, you'll have additional time in Kathmandu to relax and sightsee before your flight home.
Combine adventure with comfort in this well-rounded Himalayan experience. From Kathmandu, head to Pokhara where you will have time to explore Lakeside before making your way to the village of Astam. Spend three days hiking moderate to steep ascents, sharing routes with shepherds, donkey trains, and farmers. Marvel at the incredible Annapurna mountain range and enjoy relaxing evenings in luxury lodgings. Your city accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara will also be some of the best in the country, combining traditional Nepali design with modern comforts.
Experience the diversity of Nepal through a visit to Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan. Kathmandu is a vibrant city, where they say there are more temples than abodes and more gods than men. In Pokhara, Nepal's adventure capital, you can relax by the lakeside or go paddling, paragliding, or trekking in the nearby Himalaya. Then, head to Chitwan, Nepal's lowest altitude at just under 100m above sea level, and go on a safari to see rhinos, various types of monkeys and deer, and perhaps even a tiger.
Explore the cultural and natural highlights of the Kathmandu and Pokhara valleys, with an additional day in Kathmandu. Begin with Kathmandu's main cultural sites before driving to Pokhara, stopping en route at one of Nepal's most picturesque villages in Bandipur. After exploring Pokhara, you'll have some time back in Kathmandu to relax and sightsee before catching your return flight home.
This trip connects the three main regions of Nepal and moves at a relaxed yet steady pace to help you get the most out of your time. You'll go from the bazaars and temples of Kathmandu to traditional villages, and then onto Pokhara and Phewa Lake, after which you'll take a short trek in the Annapurna foothills with unforgettable views of the Himalaya. Round out your journey in Chitwan National Park, where you'll see elephants and other wildlife in their natural habitat, before heading back to Kathmandu.
This action-packed and adventure-filled trip will keep you on the move and get your heart rate pumping! Explore Nepal by mountain bike, river raft, and trekking trail. You'll hike through a beloved route in the Annapurnas, but will veer off-the-beaten-path for a unique mountain experience, all the while taking in incredible panoramas of extraordinary scenery.
Explore the main highlights of the Kathmandu and Pokhara Valleys combined with an easy multi-day trek in the lower Annapurna region for great Himalayan views. You'll also have some free time to relax and explore on your own, along with recommended activities and places to eat that we'll recommend.
This trip combines the main cultural and natural highlights of Nepal's three main regions—Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara. You'll spend a night in the hilltop village of Nagarkot and the ancient cities of Bhaktapur and Patan, then head south to experience the wildlife, jungle, and birthplace of Buddha. Finally, you'll have a couple days in Pokhara to relax and enjoy some adventure before departing.
Ideal for families or those new to trekking, this scenic 4-day adventure is packed with incredible mountain views and gentle hikes between Nepali villages. Starting in the beautiful town of Pokhara, you'll set out in style with a boat trip across Lake Phewa. Then it's off into the lush landscapes of the Annapurna region, where the towering Himalaya provide a breathtaking backdrop to daily treks, culminating in a sunrise climb to the 8,202-foot (2,500 m) summit of Panchase.
Nepal's many cultural attractions have roots in Hindu and Buddhist traditions that go back thousands of years. This itinerary starts with several day-trips from Kathmandu before you head to the jungle. Balance the sacred pilgrimage sites and monuments with outdoor activities: hike in Nagarkot, paraglide in Pokhara, and ride an elephant in Chitwan National Park.
This tour is a great way to explore the Pokhara Valley in a short amount of time and ideal for those who are relatively new to trekking. You'll get some amazing views over the surrounding mountains and experience the village life. Your trek starts with a boat trip across Phewa Lake, then takes you on a trail up to the World Peace Pagoda through the forest and past villages where you can experience the daily lives of the local people.
This short 5-day itinerary combines adventure with comfort for a well-rounded Himalayan experience. Start your trip in Kathmandu and make your way to Astam where you will begin three days of trekking. Hike mild to steep ascents to bring you to incredible vistas, as you share the route with shepherds and donkey trains and pass through rhododendron forests. At night, you'll stay in luxury lodges for a nice contrast to the day's challenge.
Short on time but packed with spectacular scenery, this 4-day itinerary whisks you away to Nepal's scenic Pokhara Valley. Embark on a series of gentle daily treks between traditional mountain villages, set against the backdrop of the towering Himalaya. Perfect for inexperienced hikers, families, or just those looking for a less strenuous trekking experience, you'll experience all the wonders of this region at a relaxed pace.
Trekking through the barren beauty of the Upper Mustang—one of the most remote regions of the Himalaya—is a highlight of this 15-day itinerary, which culminates in the annual Tiji festival in Lo Manthang. During this colorful, three-day Buddhist celebration, you'll witness masked and costumed dances and ancient music at the most important local religious festival of the year. En route, you'll take in the natural and cultural attractions of Kathmandu and Pokhara, Nepal's two most lively cities.
This quick getaway allows you to fully experience the beauty of the Kathmandu and Pokhara Valleys. Beginning and ending in Kathmandu, you'll fly to Pokhara and then drive to the village of Astam in the lower Annapurna foothills. It's the perfect balance of getting a feel for local village life while enjoying stunning views of the Himalaya.
Few trekkers make their way to the base of spectacular Mardi Himal and the beautiful and imposing Machapuchhre, but this stunning route is quickly gaining popularity. Less challenging than the trek to nearby Annapurna Base Camp yet just as beautiful, this 12-day adventure belongs on the itinerary of anyone looking for a literal off-the-beaten-path trek in Nepal.
Experience the highlights of Nepal with the right amount of cultural exploration, trekking, and plenty of downtime in between. This tour combines a visit to traditional villages followed by a multi-day trek through beautiful landscapes to stunning vistas in the Annapurna region. Begin and end in Kathmandu, exploring the capital's main attractions before your flight home.
Mixing outdoor and jungle activities with a healthy dash of comfort and service, this trip will take you through the best of Nepal—with time for both adrenaline rushes and relaxation. The adventure starts in Kathmandu with a flight over the mountains, continues to the country's oldest temples, and leaves time for views of the Annapurna range, where thirteen peaks scrape the sky. Two days of rafting send you through the jungle to finally discover the abundant wildlife of Chitwan National Park.
This tour combines two great Nepal experiences: Chitwan National Park in the subtropical lowlands and the Ghandruk Trek in the Annapurna foothills. Chitwan has a wide variety of wildlife including tigers, rhinos, elephants and many bird species. The Ghandruk trek is suitable for every level—beginners, families, and older age groups alike—and includes overnight stays in Gurung villages.
This two-week tour of Bhutan and Nepal introduces you to the fascinating cultures and beautiful landscapes of two different countries. Start in Kathmandu, shopping in the vibrant bazaar, then explore the countryside around Pokhara. You'll take in striking views of the snow-capped Himalayas while flying to Bhutan. Then enjoy several days of exploring Bhutan's quiet mountain trails and impressive fortresses, ending with a hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery.
Escape to a mountain paradise on this luxurious, 5-day trek through Nepal's Annapurna region. Perfect for inexperienced hikers or families, this route stays at a lower altitude without sacrificing the panoramic Himalaya views. By day you'll embark on a series of short, scenic hikes between traditional villages, while nights are spent in style at some of Nepal's loveliest boutique lodges.
This Best of Nepal tour perfectly mixes adventure and cultural exploration with relaxation. Featuring multiple days of trekking through the Annapurna foothills, you will start in the Kathmandu Valley before flying to Pokhara to begin the trekking portion of the itinerary. Discover Gurung villages and ancient temples and feed elephants and safari in the Chitwan National Park.
Experience the stark, barren landscapes of Lower Mustang, which are dotted with Tibetan Buddhist cultural attractions. Altitudes on this trek are not too high, and flying between Pokhara and Jomsom speeds up the journey, making this an ideal trip for trekkers who don’t have much time, or who are interested in an easier and shorter route. In addition to three days on the trail, you'll spend time in the lakeside city of Pokhara and will day trip to Muktinath to visit a sacred shrine.
This short, action-packed itinerary gives you a taste of the best outdoor adventure activities in Nepal. From mountain biking in the hills and trekking in the mountains to rafting along white-water rivers and paragliding above Pokhara, this itinerary packs all this adventure into six fun days.
Experience all that Nepal has to offer in this luxury trip that combines the thrill of trekking the Himalaya, going on exotic jungle safaris (by jeep and by boat), and exploring both city centers and rural life... all in style. This itinerary combines a 4-day trek through the Annapurna region with time to explore Kathmandu, the lakeside city of Pokhara, as well as a stint in the jungle, where you'll stay in an elephant camp. Spend your days adventuring and your nights relaxing in luxe accommodations, as you enjoy sweeping vistas and stellar hospitality.
A great option if you're short on time but still wish to experience the stark beauty of Mustang. You'll take a moderate trek through the region bordering Annapurna and Mustang with great views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Mustang is part of an ancient trade route to Tibet, up the Kali Gandaki river, and offers one of the most developed trails with comfortable teahouses run by Gurung and Thakali families.
Experience the diversity of Nepal with this golden triangle of Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan National Park. Begin with sightseeing in Kathmandu, followed by a visit to Pokhara and villages in the stunning Annapurna region. From there, head to your riverside jungle resort in Chitwan. Spending some time on safari, you'll have a great chance of seeing rhino, various types of monkeys and deer—and perhaps even an elusive tiger.
Get up close to some of the world’s highest peaks on this moderate trek in the Annapurna Region. This 7-day adventure, including an easy to moderate 4-day trek, is a great trip for first-time visitors to Nepal. You'll follow ancient trails that connect local communities as you pass through blooming rhododendron forests and rice paddies, with frequent sightings of snow-covered mountains. At night, sleep in comfortable teahouses located in small villages along the route.
This trek is an excellent opportunity to experience the culture of traditional life in the Nepali countryside, as you share the route with shepherds and donkey trains and witness traditional Nepali farming life. Along the way, there are some steep sections to get you up to those incredible viewpoints and you will certainly have the classic experience of Himalayan trekking. At night, you'll stay in luxury lodges for a nice contrast to the day's challenge.
This route is an excellent opportunity to experience the culture of traditional life in the Nepali countryside, as you share the route with shepherds and donkey trains and witness traditional Nepali farming life. You'll also get those incredible views that Nepal is famous for with overnights in luxury lodges along the way. You'll then leave the mountains for the jungle to experience a completely different side of Nepal before returning back to Kathmandu.
Also known as the Khopra Ridge, this moderate, off-the-beaten-track adventure is a peaceful alternative to more popular treks in the region. For eight days you'll climb your way through local villages, terraced farmland, and dense bamboo, oak, pine, and rhododendron forests with rewarding vistas of snow-capped Annapurnas. There are plenty of chances to observe and take part in traditional Nepali lifestyle rituals, including staying in teahouses and taking a day-hike to Kaire, a sacred lake that Hindus believe will help you achieve Nirvana.
This trek is all about the views. In a short amount of time, you'll ascend two of the best viewpoints in the lower Annapurna region for views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Himal. The route combines the very popular Ghorepani and Poon Hill trail with an off-the-beaten-path experience taking you up to the amazing Muldai viewpoint. As you're going off-the-beaten-path, you'll have one night in a more rustic accommodation in Dobato.
See the best of Nepal's Golden Triangle on this relaxed itinerary that takes you from the streets and shrines of Kathmandu to the lakeside bliss of Pokhara and the wilds of Chitwan National Park. You'll have lots of time to explore Nepal's capital and the gorgeous sacred sites around it. Later, relax by Phewa Lake, gazing up at the incredible views of the Annapurnas. Cap off your trip with a jeep game drive or river safari, meeting a host of Nepalese creatures and possibly spotting a Bengal Tiger along the way!
This eight-day journey through Nepal begins in Kathmandu, where you'll visit Pashupatinath, the country's most sacred Hindu temple. The next leg of the trip includes a flight to Pokhara and a trek through scenic Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. Enjoy sunrise over the Himalaya from Poon Hill, then trek to Ghorepani and Ghandruk before circling back to Kathmandu, where the itinerary ends.
This tour combines three of Nepal's most famous regions—Everest, Pokhara, and Chitwan. You'll start with a short multi-day trek into the heart of the Everest region to Namche Bazaar for views of Mount Everest. Returning to Kathmandu, you'll fly to Pokhara for a bit of relaxation and optional day tours into the surrounding hills. Finally, you'll head south to Nepal's jungle in Chitwan, to experience the wildlife and unique cultures of this region.
Get up close with some of the world’s highest peaks on this moderate trek in the Annapurna Region. This adventure, including a 5-day trek, is a great trip for first-time visitors to Nepal. You'll follow ancient trails that connect local communities as you pass through blooming rhododendron forests and rice paddies, with frequent sightings of snow-covered mountains. At night, sleep in comfortable teahouses located in small villages along the route.
Venture out on a timeless journey through the Kingdom of Lo, an off-the-beaten-path region that was a hidden Tibetan Buddhist enclave forbidden to foreigners until recently. From the trail, expect sights like sculpted canyons, deep gorges, ancient fortresses, and mysterious cave hermitages. You'll also see the Tibetan Buddhist gompas and soaring snow-peaks that characterize this region.
Combine two classic Nepal experiences: the Ghandruk trek in the Annapurna foothills and Chitwan National Park in the lowlands of Nepal. Chitwan National Park has a wide variety of wildlife, including tigers, rhinos, elephants, and many bird species. To end the tour, you'll overnight in Namobuddha for a beautiful vantage point over the Kathmandu valley before doing some last-minute sightseeing.
Enjoy a stunning trek away from the crowds with this moderate route, which includes time in city centers and a chance to discover traditional rural life and customs in the Annapurna region. This trail takes you off-the-beaten-path, with highlights like summitting the less-visited Muldai Peak, where you'll enjoy a spectacular panorama of the Himalaya at dawn (and dusk, too, if you like!). If you're feeling up for it, opt for the day hike to Kaire Lake: Hindus believe that dipping into the water here will help you achieve Nirvana. You'll also bookend your trek in Nepal's buzzing capital, Kathmandu, and the lakeside city of Pokhara, home to the stunning Phewa Lake.
This trek is all about the views! In a short amount of time, you'll visit two of the best viewpoints south of the Annapurna range. The trek combines the very popular Ghorepani and Poon Hill loop with an off-the-beaten-path experience going up to the amazing Muldai Peak. Going off-the-beaten-path also means staying for one night in rustic accommodations — and the teahouse at Dobato certainly has its own charm.
This is a there-and-back trek to the awe-inspiring Annapurna Sanctuary, Nepal’s second most popular trek after Everest Base Camp. From Annapurna Base Camp (12,795 feet / 3,900 m), you'll wake up to truly once-in-a-lifetime views. The trek begins at Phedi, after a short drive from Pokhara, and passes through Gurung villages, rhododendron forests, and stunning river valleys set against the backdrop of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks.
Also known as the Khopra Ridge, this moderate, off-the-beaten-track adventure is a peaceful alternative to more popular treks in the region. For nine days you'll climb your way through local villages, terraced farmland, and dense bamboo, oak, pine, and rhododendron forests with rewarding vistas of snow-capped Annapurnas. There are plenty of chances to observe and participate in traditional Nepali lifestyle rituals, including staying in teahouses and taking a day-hike to Kaire, a sacred lake that Hindus believe will help you achieve Nirvana.
This multi-activity tour is a perfect combination of adventure and culture featuring historic villages, wildlife, and some down time. You'll explore the Kathmandu Valley's popular attractions before flying to Pokhara to begin your multi-day trek through the Annapurna foothills. Meet Gurung locals, visit beautiful Namo Buddha, raft whitewater, feed elephants, and safari in the famous Chitwan National Park.
This multi-activity tour combines adventure with villages, wildlife, and relaxation. You'll explore Kathmandu, visit the beautiful village of Namobuddha, as well as the Pokhara Valey for a multi-day trek through the Annapurna foothills. Along the way, take in a rafting adventure on the Seti River before spending a day with elephants and going on a jungle safari in the famous Chitwan National Park.
Experience the beauty of Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan. This tour takes you past small farming villages where you'll get the opportunity to experience local daily life, beautiful scenery of lush green forests, ancient temples, and rich terraced fields. Featuring a short easy trek, this itinerary is ideal for those short on time or new to trekking who want to explore the Pokhara Valley.
This trek is a hidden gem, just east of Annapurna Base Camp, spectacularly situated at the base of Mardi Himal and the beautiful and imposing Machapuchare. It's enough of a challenge (yet suitable for most travelers) and very accessible from Pokhara. You'll pass through Newar, Gurung, and Brahmin villages before you return for a night in Pokhara.
This route takes you off-the-beaten-path in the lower Annapurna region to multiple spectacular viewpoints. You'll hike through local villages, terraced farmland, and dense bamboo, oak, pine, and rhododendron forests to rewarding vistas of snow-capped Himalaya. Contrast your adventure with a relaxing stay in the peaceful village of Bandipur before heading south to explore Chitwan's jungle and wildlife.
For those who have the time, this is a unique version of the Annapurna Circuit which includes the remote valley of Nar Phu as well as a visit to the high-altitude Tilicho Lake. Tucked between the more popular Annapurna and Manaslu regions, Nar Phu is a true hidden gem that offers trekkers a rare opportunity to explore unspoiled valleys, raw Himalayan nature, and ancient Buddhist culture. This trek combines high passes, glaciers, canyons, gorges, forests, rock formations, and ethnically Tibetan cultures.
The holy grail of treks since it first opened to foreigners in the early 1980s, the Annapurna Circuit is one of the most popular high-altitude adventures in the world. The route crosses two different river valleys and encircles the Annapurna massif through lowland villages occupied by Brahmin and Chhetri ethnic people to the upper settlements of Manang Valley.
The Chepang Hill Trek is an off-the-beaten-path route that takes you through indigenous Chepang communities of Nepal. These people have their own distinct language, and lead a nomadic life. Enjoy views of Rolwaling, Gauri Shankar, Langtang, Manaslu, the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri and more while on this easy trek. The trek will be followed by a relaxing jungle safari in Chitwan National Park, where you'll spot all kinds of wild animals.
Also known as the Khopra Ridge Trek, this moderate, off-the-beaten-path adventure is a peaceful alternative to more popular treks in the lower Annapurna region. You'll climb your way through local villages, terraced farmland, and dense oak, pine, and rhododendron forests to face-to-face views of the snow-capped Annapurnas. Plus, you have the option for a challenging but rewarding day hike to Kaire, a sacred lake that Hindus believe will help you achieve Nirvana.
