Pokhara is one of the most popular tourist destinations and cities in Nepal. It is also known as the gateway to Annapurna. The city is about five and a half-hour drive from the capital city, Kathmandu. It is the next big city after Kathmandu. Pokhara ticks all the right boxes when it comes to a travel destination. High hills, fresh air, mountain ranges, lakes, pubs, bars, and exciting adventure activities are only a few things you can find here. If you are visiting Pokhara for the first time then you are in for a treat. This city is popular not only for tourists but also for the local Nepalese. So here are a few things to do in Pokhara.
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Enjoy the City of Pokhara
Pokhara is one of the liveliest cities in Nepal. The city is filled with people who are welcoming to everyone. There are numerous bars, restaurants, and pubs around the city which are perfect for having a good time. The most popular destination is lakeside. Lakeside is a popular tourist destination besides Phewa Tal (lake). Most people simply walk as it’s roughly only a 30-40 minutes walk from one end to the next. Or 20 minutes if you only count the main strip. The walk is a refreshing one and you can enjoy the view of the lake as you walk around. There are also many shops selling memorabilia where you can shop around.
Visit Davis Falls
Davis falls is another spot you have to visit while in Pokhara. Davis Falls is a waterfall that forms an underground tunnel after reaching the bottom. The water passes through a cave called Gupteshwor Mahadev or “cave beneath the ground”.
Visit World Peace Pagoda
The World Peace Pagoda is a popular destination in Pokhara. Visitors can enjoy views of the Himalayan peaks, as well as Phewa Lake. To reach the World Peace Pagoda, you can take a taxi from Pokhara. Alternatively, you can rent a bike or a motorbike and ride the steep and rocky roads.
Paragliding in Pokhara
Pokhara is the number one spot for paragliding. Enjoy the view of the city with a bird’s eye view. Soar through the sky and enjoy the majestic scenes of mountains, lakes and beautiful hills below you. Prices start from about $70 US.
Hike to Poonhill
Poonhill is a short trek that you can easily complete. This trek is suitable for those who do not have much time to spend in Pokhara. Poon Hill trek starts from Nayapul after one and a half hour drive from Pokhara. You can visit the locals and find the traditional lifestyle of the people in the region. The viewpoint on Poonhill (3210m.) offers the best view of mountains and sunrise. Dense rhododendron forests full of birds and imaging valleys make your trip more enjoyable. Mt. Dhaulagiri ranges, Mt. Annapurna, and Manaslu ranges can be viewed from this trek.
Visit the Museums
There are mainly two museums that you can visit in Pokhara. One is the International Mountain Museum and the next is the Gurkha Museum. The International Mountain Museum is devoted to the mountains of Nepal, the mountaineers who climbed them and the people who call them home. Inside, you can see original gear from many of the first Himalayan ascents, as well as displays on the history, culture, geology, and flora and fauna of the Himalaya.
The Gurkha Museum celebrates the achievements of the renowned Gurkha regiments. Accompanied by sound effects, it covers Gurkha history from the 19th-century Indian Uprising, through two World Wars to current-day disputes and peace-keeping missions, with a fascinating display on Gurkhas who have been awarded the Victoria Cross medal.
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