Pokhara is Nepal at its most relaxed. The city spreads along the shore of Phewa Lake, and on a clear morning the Annapurna range and the fishtail peak of Machhapuchhre (6,993 m) rise straight up behind it, closer and higher than seems possible. It is the starting point for the Annapurna treks, the paragliding capital of Nepal, and a lovely place to rest after the mountains.
In 2024 Pokhara was officially declared Nepal's tourism capital, and it has the facilities to match, from lakeside cafés to good hotels and a new international airport.
Quick answer: Pokhara (about 820 m) is about 200 km west of Kathmandu: 6–8 hours by road or a 25-minute flight. Highlights are Phewa Lake, the Sarangkot sunrise, the World Peace Pagoda, paragliding and the Annapurna treks. Best time: October–April. Allow 2–3 days.
Pokhara at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Altitude | About 820 m |
| Distance from Kathmandu | About 200 km |
| Getting there | 6–8 hours by road, 25 minutes by air |
| Famous for | Phewa Lake, Annapurna views, paragliding |
| Best time | October–April |
| Time needed | 2–3 days, plus treks |
Top things to do
- Phewa Lake: rent a boat and visit Tal Barahi Temple on its island.
- Sarangkot: sunrise over the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhre.
- World Peace Pagoda: a white stupa on the ridge above the lake.
- Paragliding from Sarangkot over the lake.
- Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Cave, where the Pardi Khola disappears underground.
- International Mountain Museum, on the history of Himalayan mountaineering.
- Lakeside evenings with live music. See our Pokhara nightlife guide.
Getting there
Tourist buses run daily from Kathmandu (7–9 hours), private cars take 6–8 hours, and flights take about 25 minutes to the new Pokhara International Airport. Our Kathmandu to Pokhara guide compares the options.
Best time to visit
October–November has the clearest views. December–February is clear and mild. March–April is warm with more haze. The monsoon (June–September) is wet, and Pokhara is one of the rainiest cities in Nepal.
Trips and guides
Plan your visit
Pokhara is the perfect place to start and finish an Annapurna trek, or to slow down for a few days. Contact us and our Kathmandu team will help you plan it.