Unlock Pokhara: Your Ultimate Self-Guided Tour Guide - Nepal Purple Travel Guide

Today we explore Pokhara.
Nestled in the lap of the Annapurna mountain range, Pokhara is one of Nepal’s most picturesque and destinations, and it is also the Adventure Capital of Nepal. That is, because many trekking routes start in Pokhara, but there is a lot to see and do for non-trekkers, too. Pokhara features many scenic hiking trails and scenic lakes, but since this Nepal Purple Travel Guide is geared towards casual visitors, we will not explore those either.

Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we typically promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the Viator tours below.

Origin of the Name Pokhara

The name ‘Pokhara’ comes from the Nepali word ‘pokhari’, which means pond or lake. True to its name, the city is home to several beautiful lakes, the most famous being Phewa Lake, which offers iconic reflections of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain).

How to correctly pronounce Pokhara

The pronunciation of the word Pokhara is not straightforward for a non-Nepali. Pokhara is pronounced: Po-kuh-rah with the stress on the first syllable Po. Please note that kuh is pronounced like co in second.

Self-Guided Tour of Pokhara

For the one day that you spend in Pokhara, we have prepared a Self-Guided Tour of Pokhara.
Please be advised that, if you cannot see the Annapurna mountain range from Sarangkot View Tower today, you can always do it tomorrow morning for sunrise. As a matter of fact, watching sunrise from Sarangkot View Tower is a very popular activity and often recommended as the best time to go there in various travel guides. Be advised that you need to get there early, as the ascend takes time, and there will be lots of people causing congestion on the narrow path up the hill.

Here is a map of the Self-Guided Tour of Pokhara

The rice fields are an optional stop. Our driver brought us here, because I was fascinated by rice fields during the drive. If you have seen rice fields or are not interested in them, then skip this stop.

There are other points of interest that we don’t cover in this Nepal Purple Travel Guide:

• Bat Cave (Chamero Gufa)

• Bhimsen Temple

• Bindhayabasini Temple

• Gurkha Memorial Museum

• International Mountain Museum

• Seti Gorge (Seti Gandaki)

Rent a boat on Phewa Lake

(map, reviews)

Phewa Lake is also called Fewa Lake, Phewa Tal, Phewa Taal, and was formerly called Baidam Tal.
It is the second largest lake in Nepal, and the most visited lake in Nepal. Phewa Lake is located at an altitude of 2,434 ft (742 m), covers an area of about 2.2 sq mi (5.7 km2), has an average depth of about 28 ft (8.6 m), and a maximum depth of 79 ft (24 m).
Analyses of sediments from the lake show that it must have formed around 12,640 – 12,025 BC.

Detailed information can be found at our Rent a boat on Phewa Lake Page

World Peace Pagoda / Shanti Stupa

(map, reviews)

Perched high on Anadu Hill overlooking the serene waters of Phewa Lake, the World Peace Pagoda (also called Shanti Stupa) is one of the most iconic landmarks in Pokhara, Nepal. The stupa offers panoramic views of the Pokhara Valley, and on a clear day, the Annapurna range.

Detailed information can be found at our World Peace Pagoda Page

Pumdikot Religious Area with Shiva Statue

(map, reviews)

The name Pumdikot comes from the local village of Pumdi Bhumdi and the Nepali word kot, means fort or elevated place. This name reflects its strategic hilltop location, historically significant for its vantage point, and now spiritually significant as a place of devotion and peace.

Detailed information can be found at our Pumdikot Religious Area with Shiva Statue Page

Tashiling Tibetan Settlement

(map, reviews)

Established in the early 1960s following the Chinese annexation of Tibet, Tashiling became home to hundreds of Tibetan refugees who fled across the Himalayas seeking safety, religious freedom, and the chance to preserve their heritage.

Today, Tashiling is more than just a residential area, it is a living cultural center. Visitors to the settlement can explore a traditional Tibetan Buddhist monastery, observe daily life in the community, and browse lots of handmade crafts, including vibrant carpets, jewelry, and souvenirs made by the residents.

Detailed information can be found at our Tashiling Tibetan Settlement Page

Gupteshwor Mahdev Cave

(map, reviews)

Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave is a blend of spiritual significance and geological wonder, drawing both Hindu pilgrims and curious travelers into its dark, echoing chambers.

According to local legends, the cave was discovered in the 16th century by residents clearing overgrown vegetation. Upon exploration, they found various shrines and statues dedicated to Hindu deities, including Lord Shiva, Parvati, Nageshwor, and Saraswati.

Detailed information can be found at our Gupteshwor Mahdev Cave Page

Devi's Falls

(map, reviews)

Devi’s Falls, locally known as Patale Chhango, meaning ‘Underworld Waterfall’.
At the site, the roaring Pardi Khola stream plunges into an underground tunnel which starts at the Gupteshowor Mahdev Cave.
Fed by the Pardi Khola stream, the waterfall becomes especially powerful during the monsoon season, creating a mesmerizing spectacle as it disappears into the earth.

Detailed information can be found at our Devi's Falls Page

Rice Fields

(map, reviews)

If you are interested in seeing how rice grows, you can add a quick 15min stop on the outskirts of Pokhara. This is an optional stop – if you are not interested in seeing rice fields, then skip this stop.
Drive to the bridge at the above location, and park there. When you get out of the car and cross the bridge, you get right to the rice fields and you can touch the rice plants. Just be careful where you walk – rice needs a lot of water and depending on the growing season, the floor will be water (planting and growing season), mud (growing season), or mostly dry during harvesting season.
As this is not a tourist stop, nobody will chase you away, and you may see the occasional local quietly walking by.

Detailed information can be found at our Rice Fields Page

Old Pokhara Bazaar

(map, reviews)

Nestled in the heart of Pokhara, the Old Pokhara Bazaar is a vibrant traditional market street that provides an authentic experience of Pokhara’s past, blending the charm of ancient architecture with the energy of daily life.
If you have had a chance to explore the more modern Lakeside area, you will find that the Old Pokhara Bazaar may remind you a bit of Kathmandu’s busy and traditional shopping streets.

Detailed information can be found at our Old Pokhara Bazaar Page

Sarangkot View Tower

(map, reviews)

Perched high above the Pokhara Valley on Sarangkot Hill, Sarangkot View Tower is one of Nepal’s most iconic viewpoints. It offers panoramic views of the Annapurna mountain range, and the sprawling city below. This viewpoint is especially famous for its breathtaking sunrise views, and to a lesser degree its sunset views, making it a must-visit for photographers and Pokhara visitors. Mount Everest is not visible from here.

Detailed information can be found at our Sarangkot View Tower Page

Pokhara Disneyland

(map, reviews)

Pokhara Disneyland has nothing to do with Disneyland, and is not associated with Disney in any way.
It is a local branding choice meant to reflect the park’s aspiration to offer a magical, theme park-style experience, similar to well-known international amusement parks.
If you expect a Disneyland experience or anything close to it, you will be disappointed. Think of it as a comparably small agglomerate of some rides (some of them appear to be quite old), and entertainment that appeals primarily to Nepali families with small kids, and domestic tourists.

Detailed information can be found at our Pokhara Disneyland Page

Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

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