Pokhara & the Annapurnas
Boat across Phewa Lake, paraglide off Sarangkot and watch sunrise on the peaks.
About Pokhara & the Annapurnas
Pokhara is Nepal’s lakeside playground and the gateway to the Annapurnas. Mirror-still Phewa Lake sits beneath a wall of 7,000-metre peaks, and the laid-back lakeside strip is the launch pad for paragliding, short treks and the country’s best mountain sunrises from Sarangkot.
What to see & do
- Sarangkot sunrise over Machhapuchhre and the Annapurnas
- Boating on Phewa Lake to the island Tal Barahi temple
- Paragliding off Sarangkot — among the world’s best
- The World Peace Pagoda and the Pokhara cable car
- Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave and the short Australian Camp trek
🗓️ Best time to visit
October–November and March–April for the clearest peaks. Head to Sarangkot before dawn for sunrise, and paraglide late morning when thermals build.
🚆 How to reach
Pokhara is a 25-minute flight or a scenic 6-hour drive from Kathmandu, with its own Pokhara International Airport (PKR). Tourist buses run daily from Kathmandu; within town, taxis and rentals reach the lakeside and viewpoints.
💰 Cost
Boating costs a few hundred rupees per hour; paragliding runs about ₹6,000–₹8,000. Budget ₹2,000–₹5,000 per person for a full day of sights and activities.
Insider tips
- Book paragliding for a clear morning and bring a windbreaker.
- Stay lakeside for easy sunset strolls and café-hopping.
- Time a visit to October–November for the post-monsoon clarity.
- Australian Camp is an easy overnight trek for first-time trekkers.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to experience Pokhara & the Annapurnas?
October–November and March–April for the clearest peaks. Head to Sarangkot before dawn for sunrise, and paraglide late morning when thermals build.
How do I get there?
Pokhara is a 25-minute flight or a scenic 6-hour drive from Kathmandu, with its own Pokhara International Airport (PKR). Tourist buses run daily from Kathmandu; within town, taxis and rentals reach the lakeside and viewpoints.
How much does Pokhara & the Annapurnas cost?
Boating costs a few hundred rupees per hour; paragliding runs about ₹6,000–₹8,000. Budget ₹2,000–₹5,000 per person for a full day of sights and activities.