Introduction
Regarded as the tourist capital of Nepal, Pokhara is the country’s second-largest city with a growing population. Located in the foothills of the giant Annapurna Massif, Pokhara is naturally gifted. From bustling streets to tranquil lakes, this city has everything. Thousands of tourists visit this beautiful city monthly, mainly to trek into the Himalayas. There are countless ways you can spend a day in Pokhara.
While some choose to hike to Sarangkot, others explore the streets of Pokhara, enjoying delicious local foods and resting by a local cafe or restaurant. Whether you’re drawn to vibrant lakeside areas, stunning viewpoints, or rich spiritual sites, this article will help you to spend a perfect day in Pokhara.
Morning: Sunrise at a Viewpoint
You can get up early and take a private vehicle up to Sarangkot, a hill above Pokhara. This area offers some of the best sunrise views in the entire region. While mountains are visible from Pokhara, the hilltop of Sarangkot is a perfect destination to witness a beautiful sunrise. Visitors can also enjoy the panoramic mountain views from this spot.
After enjoying the view, head back to Pokhara and have breakfast at a local cafe or restaurant. The drive back can take a few minutes. Then, enjoy a walk along the lakeside, as the air will be fresh and crisp. Conclude your morning by visiting a souvenir shop in Lakeside, where you can buy local handicrafts or clothing.
Paragliding (Optional)
After breakfast and exploring the local shops, head back to Sarangkot for some paragliding. Experienced guides fly the parachutes, so you don’t have to worry a bit. The view of the terraced fields below and the distant Himalayan range is simply breathtaking. The length of flights depends on the day’s conditions, but most last between 20 minutes and half an hour. This adventure sport is a must-try if you’re in Pokhara.
Hike to World Peace Pagoda (Optional)
You can spend your afternoon paragliding or hiking to the World Peace Pagoda. Start your journey from the Lakeside and follow the route to reach Damside. You will see Damside Park. From there, take the right path, split from the main road. The hiking distance is roughly 6-7 km. The panoramic views of the Annapurna range, Phewa Lake, and the city below make the effort worthwhile. You can complete this hike in less than 3 hours, leaving plenty of time to explore the rest of Pokhara.
Afternoon Lunch At Lakeside
After you’ve hiked or paraglided, head back towards Lakeside and have lunch at one of the restaurants. You can opt for the traditional Nepali Dal Bhat, which is made fresh from local ingredients. You can also enjoy the famous Mo: Mo at a local cafe. Either way, you’ll be impressed by the food culture around Pokhara. If you’re not a fan of Nepali cuisine, you can choose to eat any foreign cuisine that is easily available at most restaurants in Pokhara.
Boating In the Fewa Lake
After you’ve enjoyed lunch at Lakeside, head towards the famous Fewa Lake and paddle around the lake for an hour or two. The people are friendly around here and will brief you about the surroundings and the culture. There is a famous temple in the middle of the lake, Talbarahi Temple, which you can visit. The boating around Fewa Lake may sound conventional, but it is worthwhile.
Visit One of Many Caves In Pokhara
There are many caves in Pokhara. Some famous ones are Gupteshwor Cave, Bat Cave, and Mahendra Cave. Opposite Devi’s Falls, Gupteshow Cave is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The caves are slippery, so be careful when walking. Similar to the Gupteshwor Cave is the Mahendra Cave, which is just bigger. However, the Bat Cave is a lot different than the two. There are countless Bats on the cave’s roof. You can spend time exploring any one of these caves.
Night Out In Lakeside
Head out to the main road of Pokhara. After dinner, you can enjoy Pokhara’s nightlife. Finish the day with a drink, a film, or live music with a local crowd. Like Kathmandu, Pokhara isn’t much of a late-night city, but many options exist for a fun evening out. This is a perfect way to end your perfect day in Pokhara.
Also Read: A Day In Nature: Best Day Hikes In Pokhara
0 Comment