Pokhara is a city on Phewa Lake, in central Nepal. It’s known as a gateway to the Annapurna Circuit, a popular trail in the Himalayas. Tal Barahi Temple, a 2-story pagoda, sits on an island in the lake. On the eastern shore, the Lakeside district has yoga centers and restaurants. In the city’s south, the International Mountain Museum has exhibits on the history of mountaineering and the people of the Himalayas.
West of the museum and past the small Devi’s Falls, is the Tashi Ling Tibetan settlement, where Tibetan crafts are made. The bright-white World Peace Pagoda, with its golden Buddha statues, stands on a high ridge overlooking the lake and the city. The Bindhyabasini Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga, is in the city’s north, on a hill close to the old bazaar. The nearby Gurkha Memorial Museum has exhibits on the history of the Gurkha regiments, including weapons and uniforms. West of here, Sarangkot Hill offers panoramic views of the mountains. It’s also a popular launch site for paragliders.
Old Bazaar
The bazaar lets you witness some mysterious alleys and courtyard which might not have witnessed before. The local handicrafts, hanging beads and cultural attires will draw your attention while taking a stroll in the busy streets.
Highlights:
Shop for some fruits vegetables, fruits, spices and stunning wares made of brass, copper, and bronze. You can also view some temples and shrines which is likely to make Old Bazaar worth a visit.
Best months to visit: October to March.
Tibetan Refugee Camp
If you are in Pokhara then you simply can’t miss the chance to see the Tibetan refugee camp. The area is beautifully adorned with prayer flags which enhances the beauty of the place. It has housed numerous monks and therefore you can hear the rumbling of the monks chanting their prayers.
Highlights:
You can also enjoy some cultural fests which are held in the Pokhara street from 28th Dec to 1st Jan.
Best time to visit: January and February as it is the time of Tibetan New year.
Temple of Tal Varahi
Tal Varahi or Tal Barahi is a lake temple in the Kaski District of Nepal. Dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Durga, this temple is located on a small island in the Lake Phewa of Pokhara, and is a great source of spirituality in the Nepalese Hindu population.
Highlights:
Surrounding lake adds a lot of grace to this most famous Hindu temple in Pokhara. Built-in the 18th century it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his boar incarnation. The temple has been comprehensively renovated over the years and so the pigeons have decided to make it their permanent shelter. A must visit not only for the religious mind but also for a regular tourist.
Rupa Tal Lake
If you want to witness the only freshwater lake in Nepal, you have come to the right place, Rupa Tal. It is one of the glorious serene lakes which will make you feel truly blessed.
Highlights:
It provides boating opportunity for all the tourists which makes Rupa Tal an important Nepal tourist place to visit. It lies towards the south-east of Pokhara valley. The freshwater lake in Nepal is Rupa Tal which is also the third-largest lake in Pokhara valley.
Begnas Tal Lake
A quiet freshwater lake in Kaski district of Nepal that changes color depending on the season. it is the second largest of the eight lakes in Pokhara valley with a maximum depth of 10 meters. Since it is visited comparatively less, the original beauty is undisturbed. The lake supports irrigation and fisheries. The water level in the lake is regulated by a dam constructed in 1988 as it fluctuates with season and because of use for irrigation. The pressure of increasing human population is forcing conversion of the swampy area into land for cultivation.
Highlights:
Boating, fishing, and swimming are some of the activities you can indulge in, the bonus being surrounding green mountains. It takes about 40 minutes by bus from Pokhara to reach the lake. Not far from the maddening crowd but extremely clean and quiet.
Best time to visit: October
Sarangkot
A small village which has its own natural beauty. The best thing about the village of Sarangkot is that it lies in the outskirts of the Pokhara city. Moreover, you will also get a chance to view one of the most beautiful Annapurna Himalayan range. You can also view the orange hues along with some beautiful mountain ranges.
Highlights:
The scenic beauty of the place is what makes the village an obvious pick for most of the tourists. It is also an important location for most of the paragliders.
Best time to visit: October
Pokhara Shanti Stupa
A Pagoda style Buddhist monument which is located on the hilltop of Ananda hill. You have to trek till the top to have the spectacular look of the place.
Highlights:
This trek allows you to have a full view of Phewa Lake and some of the most gigantic mountains too.
Best time to visit: September to November.
Phewa Lake
A freshwater lake in the Pokhara Valley region of Nepal, it is the most visited spot in the country. It is kept in check by the help of a Dam and is fed by a river stream, making it somewhat a mixture of a man-made and natural freshwater lake. The second largest lake in the country, it is extremely famous for the natural beauty, the Barahi Temple which is based on an island in the lake, and the mirror-like reflections of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre in its waters.
Best time- October
International Mountain Museum
If you want to dig deeper into the history of mountains and other mountaineering activities, the best thing would be to take a look at the International Mountain Museum. It has documented some of the important things related to mountains. You can find some of the hidden mysteries pertaining to Mount Everest.
Highlights:
You can check out the records of several mountaineers like Mr. Herzog. It is, however, one of the must-visit places when you are in Pokhara.
Best time to visit: October.
Barahi Temple
A visit to Nepal wouldn’t be complete without this Barahi temple which is quite beautifully nestled on the Phewa Lake. It is the place where deities are religiously worshipped by the people who visit this temple. You can take your own canon and reach the temple. You can absorb in beautiful scenery which will make you feel that Nepal has a lot to offer. Just soak yourself in the extreme quietness of the place. You can hire your own boat and reach this temple too.
Best time to visit: February, October, November, and December.
Gurkha Memorial Museum
The amazing Gurkha Memorial Museum talks about the contribution of the Gurkha soldiers which had later joined the Indian army. The museums will definitely leave you jaw dropped as you will witness the Gurkha uniforms which are displayed in the museum. One can also view the bravery medal which they have won in the past.
Highlights:
You can also view the service Khukri which is the traditional Gurkha knife used during the war times and the museum is only open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Best time to visit: October is the best month to visit the place.
Bindhyabasini Temple
In the serene and calm waters of the lake of Pokhara, you will find this beautiful looking Bindhyabasini Temple. It is one of the oldest temple situated in Nepal with the idol of Goddess Bhagwati. And an amazing boat ride is just an added advantage along with it. While visiting the place you can even enjoy the spectacular view of the Himalayas.
Highlights:
It is one of the foremost Shaktipiths of western Nepal and all the rituals are strictly followed as per the Hindu culture. If you are lucky enough you can get a chance to witness a nice Nepalese wedding.
Best months to visit: October
Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave
Caves have always been mysterious but the curious thing about this Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave is that it comes with a religious bent too. One of the huge stalagmites is usually worshipped as Shiva Lingam. The peaceful atmosphere of the cave will definitely soothe your senses and will let you introspect a little bit. Amidst the regular hustle and bustle of the city, it is a good place to spend some peaceful time. If you planning to visit this place it will be advisable for you to carry a torch along as it is usually dark.
Highlights:
The Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave is a combination of Devi’s fall in the upstream and the cave in the downstream, one has to climb down the metal stairs to have a real look. Although it is a bit scary it’s definitely worth a watch.
Seti Gandaki
If you are a trek lover then you shouldn’t miss the chance to take a dip into the Seti Gandaki. The name “Seti” has been derived because of the white color which is the result of the limestone rock base.
Highlights:
You can enjoy the scenic view of the village of Jhijirka where you will also find a small guest house under construction. The Seti Gandaki joins the Trisuli river which will give you an opportunity for hiking.
Best time to visit – September to December and February to June.
Devi’s Fall
A spectacular fall which you might have never seen before, the peculiar thing about this fall is that the starting point of this fall where Pardi Khola stream which eventually vanishes in the underground. The most amazing thing about this fall is that you can clearly hear the sound of the water which eventually strikes the fall. The cascading waterfall secretly comes and meets the cave which makes this fall a must-watch in Nepal.
Best time to visit: Monsoon is the best time to visit.
Annapurna Butterfly Museum
If you have always loved to catch butterflies when you were young then Nepal island to witness some beautiful looking colorful butterflies. The small museum has housed a wide variety of Butterflies which will fill you with a wide variety of knowledge. Every single minute that you spend in this museum is all worth it. The interiors of the museum are quite earthy which makes it a delight for most of the visitors.
Highlights:
Don’t forget to see Corman Birding which is the largest butterfly of Nepal.
Best time to visit: Post monsoon is the best time.
Shree Gaden Dhargay Ling Monastery
It is a bliss for you to spend some time in Shree Gaden Dhargay Ling Monastery. It is one of the best spiritual places in Nepal and you can spend some time in peace an tranquillity which is going to leave you truly relieved. It is the best way to experience Tibetan style and culture which is going to leave you truly relieved. You might need some tourist’s guidance because of the language problem. It has housed some 28 monks and it is not a very big monastery.
Highlights:
A specialized form of chanting by the monks which allows them to produce multiple pitches.
Best time to visit: October.
Mahendra Cave
If you are a strong Hindu believer, you wouldn’t miss the chance to visit Mahendra cave. The cave was named after Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev and has several stalactites and stalagmites along with a statue of Lord Shiva which attracts almost thousands of visitors every year.
Highlights:
You can also visit the Bat Cave which lies on a ten minutes walking distance from this cave and is also an important tourist attraction.
Location: Kaski district close to river Seti in Pokhara.
Best time to visit: Avoid visiting this cave during monsoons, however, it will be best if it could be done during October.
Trek To Ghorepani Hill
Experience stunning views of the Annapurna range. Enjoy eating hearty meals during this introductory trek. If you are interested in doing a safe, beginner’s level trek, then this oddly comfortable trek is the right option for you.
Highlights:
The trek usually takes 2-5 days, depending on the tour you decide to go with. The energizing fresh mountains and the enthralling natural beauty of dramatic Annapurna range will cast an impression on your mind. The leisurely trip will also involve a cultural exchange, giving travelers the opportunity to meet and greet people from Nepali. The trek usually begins from Poon Hill and provides you with a chance to discover the Lake City of Pokhara.
Things to keep in mind: For this trek, don’t forget to take trekking boots and hiking socks with you. The temperatures can drop sometimes and therefore, carry a fleece jacket, with a wind-protector is an ideal option.
