23 December, 2025 |
For many travellers, Pokhara is the starting point of their trekking adventures to Nepal’s iconic trails. It often appears in itineraries as a simple stopover before the real trekking begins. But Pokhara is much more than that. With its lakes, viewpoints, cafés, relaxed mountain vibe and the number of activities to do in Pokhara, you could spend an entire week here and still not run out of things to enjoy.
Pokhara is packed with unforgettable experiences, especially for thrill-seekers. From heart-pounding white-water rafting to world-class paragliding, adventure is known for its city’s identity.
Even as the city grows taller and a little busier, Pokhara somehow keeps its calm, lakeside charm. It feels like a peaceful escape; laid-back, welcoming, and perfectly set up for travellers.
In this guide, we’ll take you through our top picks for things to do in Pokhara, and slow down when it’s time to simply relax.
Boating on Phewa and Begnas lakes is one of the most peaceful ways to experience Pokhara.
At Phewa Lake, you can paddle across calm waters with the Annapurna range reflecting in the distance, passing the Tal Barahi Temple along the way.
Begnas Lake, quieter and less crowded, offers a slower, more serene escape surrounded by hills and nature, perfect for those seeking calm moments away from the city.
These spots are also ideal for relaxed morning and evening walks where you can wander through the lively lakeside lined with local-aesthetic cafes and shops filled with souvenirs and crafts. The lakeside comes to life with the enhanced beauty of lights during the nighttime.
Barang village is a small yet beautiful model village located around 14 km west of Lakeside Pokhara. The people are warm and welcoming, making it easy to feel part of the family, often starting with a blessing from the mother upon arrival.
During the stay, you can get involved in their daily chores, enjoy activities like village tours, river swimming, cooking, or learn traditional ways of working. You will gain a deep insight into Nepali culture and how a typical village lifestyle usually works. Enjoy the slow and beautiful life of the locals.
Ghandruk Village is around 50 km northwest from Lakeside Pokhara. It is a traditional Gurung village and is also a home to Gurung museum. Being only 3-4 hrs drive from Lakeside, Pokhara, the village is far from the city chaos, making a perfect weekend break for you.
The houses in Ghandruk are truly unique, built from stone with flat slate roofs, and the narrow paths between them are also stone-paved. Strolling through the village feels like stepping back in time. While new lodges welcome tourists, many families still live in these traditional homes, preserving the village’s authentic charm.
Visitors can observe Gurung dance performances, capture photos in traditional attire, and join guided tours to learn about the lifestyle of mountain communities.
Also known as “Lwang Ghalel Homestay”, the village is one of the most promising homestay services in Nepal. Lwang Village is just about 33 km northwest of Lakeside Pokhara. This homestay is a traditional home of Nepal made of stones, heartwarming locals, warm organic food from their own fields, and a comfortable overnight stay.
A half-hour hike from the homestay will also take you to the tea garden. The tea is processed in the village itself. You can also enjoy the almond farming done in the area.
Kalabang Village Homestay is an ideal spot to experience authentic Gurung life. The village offers stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna range and Phewa Lake. It’s perfect for hiking and provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with the local community.
Kalabang Gharedi is around 15 km from Lakeside Pokhara. In 2017, Kalabang Homestay won the Best Homestay award. Supported by the Asian Forum and the JMDI project, the initiative doubled its reach in the first year, growing from nine to 18 participating households.
Sarangkot offers some of the best Annapurna range views without the need to hike to Poon Hill or the Annapurna Circuit. For added adventure, you can take a cable car from the lakeside. This 2,400-meter-long ride gives an even more breathtaking perspective of the mountains.
To reach Sarangkot viewpoint, you can take a taxi from Pokhara (around NPR 500+) or rent a scooter and follow the signs leading to Sarangkot.
Paragliding from Sarangkot offers an unmatched experience, giving a bird’s-eye view of Pokhara Valley and the surrounding towering peaks. Ranked among the world’s top five commercial tandem paragliding spots, it combines stable thermal currents, safe take-off and landing zones, and breathtaking scenery.
Flights depart from Sarangkot, roughly a 30-minute drive from Pokhara. Depending on the season and weather, flights are available at 10:30 am, 12 pm, and 2 pm, with midday being the best time for smooth and enjoyable flying.
Besides paragliding, Pokhara is also famous for its thrilling and safe bungee jumping experiences. If you crave an adrenaline rush, bungee jumping here is a must-try.
There are two options: the 101 m Bungee near Phewa Lake and the 80 m Tower Bungee in Hemja, close to the Tibetan Camp. Operators use top-quality equipment, including premium cords, harnesses, and safety gear. Experienced jumpmasters and trained staff supervise every jump, ensuring safety at all times.
Skydiving is one of the newest adventure sports in Nepal, and it’s yet another reason to add the country to your bucket list. While skydiving may be available elsewhere, doing it in Nepal is truly special, thanks to the breathtaking 360-degree views of the Himalayas.
The experience begins with a drive to the Pame Danda drop zone, west of Phewa Lake. A professional crew provides a full briefing before a B2 or B3 helicopter takes you up to around 13,000 feet. From there, you leap into free fall, surrounded by towering mountain peaks and sweeping valley views. After an unforgettable descent, you land smoothly with a parachute and are transferred back to Pokhara or your onward destination.
Ultralight flight in Pokhara is perfect for those who dream of soaring like a bird while admiring the Pokhara Valley from above. Flight packages vary by duration, allowing you to choose anything from a short 15-minute ride to an extended 90-minute experience.
One of the main reasons Pokhara is ideal for ultralight flights is its close proximity to the Himalayas and its stunning lakes below. With certified pilots and strict safety standards, the experience is both exhilarating and safe.
For those looking to push their adrenaline to the limit, zip-lining in Pokhara is an unmissable experience. Home to the world’s tallest and longest zipline, you launch from 600 metres above the ground and race down at speeds of up to 140 km per hour over a thrilling 1.8 km stretch.
This is one of Pokhara’s most popular adventure activities, built with advanced technology and modern safety systems. Get ready for an unforgettable rush as you fly high above the valley.
White-water rafting in Pokhara takes place on the Seti River, which originates from Mount Fishtail. The rafting point is just a 30-minute drive from Lakeside, making it easy to access.
Seti River rafting is suitable for adventurers of all ages, and no prior experience is required. All you need is a sense of adventure and a willingness to have fun on the river.
Hiking through the dramatic and stunning landscapes of the Annapurna range is easily one of the best experiences in and around Pokhara. The region offers a variety of short, multi-day hikes that suit different fitness levels and time frames.
Popular options includes:
The right hike depends on your available time, budget, preferences and overall fitness level.
If you have one free day in Pokhara and want to explore without long travel, this short day tour is perfect. All these places are close to each other and can be comfortably covered in a single day. You get a mix of culture, nature, and light adventure, making the day relaxed yet exciting.
Start with the International Mountain Museum, where you learn about Nepal’s mountains, famous climbers, and the lifestyle of Himalayan people. From there, head to Devi’s Fall, a powerful waterfall that disappears underground, especially impressive during the monsoon. Just across the road is Gupteshwor Cave, a sacred cave with a natural shrine and views of the waterfall flowing inside the cave.
Continue your day by visiting the Bat Cave, known for its narrow passages and thousands of bats hanging from the ceiling, giving you a small adventure experience. End the day at Bindabasini Temple, one of Pokhara’s oldest temples, offering a peaceful atmosphere and lovely views of the city. This short day trip is easy, affordable, and ideal if you want to see Pokhara beyond lakes and mountains.
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