Phewa Lake
Boat across the lake to the island temple, with the Annapurnas reflected in the water.
Pokhara
Phewa Lake, Sarangkot sunrise and the Annapurna peaks.
Reviewed by Ghumo Bihar team
- Best time
- October–November and March–April
- Days needed
- 2–3 days
- From Patna
- Via Kathmandu, or via Sunauli–Bhairahawa
- Good for
- Families, couples, adventure
About Pokhara
Why visit Pokhara
Pokhara is Nepal's lake city, with the Annapurna range and the fish-tail peak of Machhapuchhre rising right behind Phewa Lake. Boat out to the island temple of Tal Barahi, watch sunrise light up the snow peaks from Sarangkot, and walk the cafés and shops of Lakeside in the evening.
It is also Nepal's adventure capital: paragliding from Sarangkot, ultralight flights, zip-lining and boating. Davis Falls, the Gupteshwor cave and the World Peace Pagoda are short trips. Pokhara is about 200 km from Kathmandu and the starting point for Muktinath.
Places to visit
Top places to visit in Pokhara
9 places, best first. Timings and fees change often, so check before you go.
Sarangkot
The famous sunrise point over the Annapurna range, and the take-off point for paragliding.
World Peace Pagoda
A white stupa on a hill across the lake, with views of the lake and mountains.
Davis Falls
A waterfall that vanishes into an underground tunnel.
Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave
A Shiva cave shrine opposite Davis Falls.
Bindhyabasini Temple
A hilltop Durga temple in old Pokhara.
International Mountain Museum
All about the Himalaya, its peaks, people and climbers.
Paragliding Must visit
Tandem flights over Phewa Lake from Sarangkot.
Begnas Lake
A quieter lake about 15 km from town.
Nearby, add to the same trip: Begnas Lake, Bandipur, Muktinath (via Jomsom) and Lumbini.
Travel with Ghumo Bihar
Trips to Pokhara
Group trips from Patna on fixed dates. Join on your own or as a family.
(4N/5D) Patna to Nepal Group Tour Package
Kathmandu's temples and the lakes of Pokhara.
- 19–23 Nov
- 6–10 Dec
- 24–28 Dec
- +1 more
From ₹15,500 View dates
Private trip
Your dates, your group, your pace
- A plan made for you: families, friends, schools and companies
- Car, hotels, tickets and guide arranged
- Pay in parts by UPI, with a GST invoice
- Rated 4.9 on Google by 175+ travellers
When to go
Best time to visit Pokhara
October–November gives the clearest mountain views. March–April is pleasant, with rhododendrons in bloom.
Autumn (best)
October–November
12–26°C, clear
Best views and paragliding.
Winter
December–February
5–20°C
Clear mornings, cold nights.
Spring
March–May
15–30°C
Pleasant; some haze.
Monsoon
June–September
Heavy rain
Cloudy; adventure activities may pause.
Festivals worth planning around
- TiharThe festival of lights in October–November.
- Pokhara Street FestivalA lively Lakeside street festival around New Year.
Getting there
How to reach Pokhara
Drive from Kathmandu (about 200 km, 6–7 hours) or fly in 25 minutes. From Bihar you can also enter via Sunauli–Bhairahawa.
- KathmanduCar or tourist bus
About 6–7 hours
Along the Prithvi Highway.
- KathmanduFlight
About 25 minutes
Frequent daily flights.
- Sunauli borderCar
About 7–8 hours
Via Butwal; good if coming from Gorakhpur or Lumbini.
On the ground
Getting around, stay and food
Getting around
Lakeside is walkable. Hire a taxi or car for Sarangkot, Davis Falls and the Peace Pagoda.
Where to stay
Stay in Lakeside for the lake, cafés and evening walks.
- Lakeside hotelsAlong Phewa Lake · Families and couples
- ResortsHills around Pokhara · Views and quiet
Food to try
- Thakali thali: the hearty dal bhat of the Mustang region.
- Lakeside cafés: bakeries and cafés with lake views.
Travel tips
- Indian citizens need a valid passport or Voter ID card to enter Nepal; no visa is needed. Children can travel with a passport, or with a birth certificate or school ID as advised by the border authorities.
- Leave for Sarangkot by 5 AM for sunrise.
- Book paragliding with licensed operators.
- Keep a buffer day if flying to Jomsom for Muktinath; flights depend on weather.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How far is Pokhara from Kathmandu?
About 200 km, 6–7 hours by road, or a 25-minute flight.
What is the best time to visit Pokhara?
October–November for clear views; March–April is also pleasant.
Is paragliding in Pokhara safe?
Yes, with licensed operators and in good weather. Flights take off from Sarangkot.
Does Ghumo Bihar run trips to Pokhara?
Yes, as part of our Nepal trips with Kathmandu and Muktinath.
Nearby
