The 13 Best Things To Do In Pokhara

Pokhara, the tourism capital of Nepal, is the home of all adventurous tourist activities and has several adventurous things to do in Pokhara. This small valley encased by the stunning Himalayan Mountains and hills is a naturally blessed city with many things to do. With eight pristine freshwater lakes spread in different corners, many man-made architectures, and adventurous sports, the Pokhara tour is a Shangri-la of travel freaks.

With the views of 8 out of 13 major Himalayan peaks, the experience at Pokhara City is literally out of the world. As tourism in Pokhara, Nepal, is booming, there are many new emerging destinations to visit and exciting things to do.

Here are a few things that you can do on Pokhara Day Tour. 

Sightseeing Tour

Pokhara Valley has many rivers, lakes, forests, caves, waterfalls, and mountain views that make it a great city for sightseeing. Man-made wonders like temples, statues, and stupas are also equally beautiful. You can read about all the places to visit in Pokhara in this article.

1. Cable Car Ride In Pokhara

Recently, a new cable car destination was installed in Pokhara. Pokhara cable car station is Nepal’s fourth after Manakamana, Chandragiri, and Kalinchowk. This Annapurna Cable Car connects Phewa Lake, i.e., the Lakeside area, with Sarangkot.

The bottom station is at Seti Bagar and takes you to the hilltop of Sarangkot. The total distance of the Sarangkot Cable car in the Pokhara tour is 2.3 km, and the drive is about 10 minutes long. Now, it’s among the best things to do in Pokhara.

Sarangkot, a beautiful hilltop at 1600 meters from sea level, overlooks a stunning view of the Manaslu, Machhapuchre, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Himchuli. You can also see the stunning Phewa resting calmly. Once you get to Sarangkot, you can return to Lakeside via paragliding, ziplining, or cable car; the choice is yours.

How To Book A Cable Car In Pokhara?

You don’t need to make the booking in advance. Just drive or walk to Seti Bagar, i.e., the button station of the cable on the lakeside, and then buy your ticket. Booking the cable car from a third party might be a bit expensive.

The cable car cost in Pokhara Sarangkot is NPR 400 (one-way) and NPR 700 (two-way) for Nepalese. Meanwhile, NPR 700 (one-way) and NPR 1000 (two-way) are for SAARC countries, and $8 and $12, one-way and two-way, respectively, are for foreign countries.

2. Boating

Boating in Phewa/Fewa is the most popular and also the most relaxing adventure in Pokhara. Among the hundreds of lakes in Nepal, Pokhara alone has them. 8 different, beautiful lakes, making boating tourism one of the major sources of income for the people living around it. However, tourists don’t know that there are many options for Phewa boating and other lake boating in Pokhara.

• A short (about 5 minutes) ride to the Tal Barahi temple in the centre of Phewa Lake.
• Take a boat to the bottom of World Peace Pagoda and get back to the Lakeside in the same boat at Phewa Lake.
• Row the boat yourself for one hour or longer if you have experience boating in Phewa, Begnas, and Rupe Lake (we recommend this kind of boating in Begnas Lake).
• Take an hourly boat with a driver in either of the three lakes. 

How To Book Boating In Pokhara?

Lakeside has multiple ticket counters where you can immediately hire a boat. Similar counters are also available at Begnas and Rupa for instant booking. There’s no provision for online booking yet.

Cost of Boating in Pokhara

The cost of boating in Pokhara Lakes varies depending on the lake that you want to boat and the type of boating you choose.

Cost of Boating in Phewa Lake

The cost of boating in Phewa, up to Tal Bahari, is NRP 100 for foreigners (Rs 60 for Nepalese). Likewise, the cost of boating with a boatman for an hour is NPR 500 and without a boatman is NPR 450. Additionally, you will have to rent a lifejacket for just NPR 100. Similarly, for boating to World Peace Pagoda (two-ways) is around NPR 1200.

Cost of Boating in Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake

For boating in Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake, for an hour, it costs about NPR 500 per person with a boatman and NPR 400 per person if you wish to paddle yourself. Moreover, for boating in Begnas Lake, a lifejacket is mandatory and free of cost.

3. Cycling In Pokhara

Mountain biking around Lakeside is itself a very popular activity among tourists. Or, you can cycle to the winding hills roads and ride to Sarangkot, Pumdikot, World Peace Pagoda, and other nearby destinations. Another recommended trail is getting from the Phewa lakes to the Begnas and Rupa Tal.

Cycling in Pokhara along the hills with the view of mountains before your eyes is obviously fun. If you have a license, you can even hire a scooter and bike from Lakeside at a very reasonable price. If you want to visit many places around the valley in a single day, this is recommended for Solo travellers and couples.

You can also hire a motorcycle for a couple of days and drive to Muktinath, Dhampus, Bandipur, Baglung, and other nearby places. 

How To Hire A Cycle In Pokhara?

The best thing about Lakeside is you can get anything here. The motorcycles can be instantly hired from many shops around the lakeside. You can even get bikes and scooters at these shops. One needs to submit an ID card or any identification car before taking the cycle, so make sure that you carry those documents.

The cost of hiring a cycle is about Rs 200/hr. If you hire for an entire day or longer hours, you can also bargain. Scottie and bike hire for the day cost about NRP 1500 to NRP 2500. 

4. Paragliding

Paragliding in Pokhara is a very popular adventure. Flying parallel to the mountains like a bird in the sky can be a dream come true for many.

Paragliding is definitely one of the most exciting things to do in Pokhara. There are many flight points for Pokhara Paragliding, but the most popular one is from Sarangkot. Sarangkot is the hilltop next to Phewa Lakeside (a 1.5-hour walk or 30-minute ride).

The parachute flies from the hilltop right above the Phewa. With the majestic Himalaya range before you and the stunning Phewa below your feet, the photos and videos are amazing. The flight can be 30 minutes to 1 hour long. However, if you want to extend the time, you can make a special request to the travel agency.

How To Book Paragliding In Pokhara?

Paragliding in Pokhara can be booked through Himalayan Masters. You can see numerous travel agencies around Lakeside Pokhara and Thamel Kathmandu that take you for Paragliding in Pokhara. You can also contact the paragliding flight operators directly to negotiate Pokhara Paragliding costs; however, identifying those operators is not easy.

Once booked, the travel agency will pick you up from the hotel and drive to Sarangkot in a private vehicle. After landing, they will take you back to the hotel. Photos and videos from the trip will also be taken from the travel company themselves.

• Pokhara Paragliding Cost for Nepalese: About NPR 8000-10,000 per person
• Pokhara Paragliding Cost for cross-country tandem flight: About $100-120 (NPR 13,000) per person

5. Bungee jumping

Bungee is one of Nepal’s very popular adventures. Three spots, i.e. the last resort of Bhote Koshi, Hemja of Pokhara, and Kusma of Baglung, are popular for bungee jumping. Among them, Hemja Bungee Jumping is the smallest and the easiest one. In contrast, bungee jumping in Kusma is the highest altitude bungee in Nepal and the most thrilling.

Bungeeing in Pokhara can be very thrilling, especially for a newbie who is trying this for the first time. However, for an experienced player, we recommend bungee in Kumsa, Baglung. It’s the most exciting and best thing to do in Pokhara.

How To Book Bungee In Pokhara?

Obviously, you can book customized Pokhara Bungee tours from any travel agency within Nepal. Himalayan masters arrange your tickets, permits, transportation, and food during the bungee in Nepal. Or you can directly get to Hemja and book the jump with the operators yourself.

A bus to Hemja is available from Zero km, which is about a 10-minute ride from Lakeside. The cost of a Bungee in Pokhara is $60 to $80. The cost for a Bungee Pokhara package, including photography and videography, is slightly high. 

6. Sky Diving

Experience the utmost level of adventure by sky diving in Pokhara. This might be the most thrilling among many fun activities in Nepal. Free falling before the majestic Himalayas of Nepal shall be the most magical moment of your life.

Skydiving in Pokhara first takes you closer to the beautiful Annapurna and Machhapuchhre range at Pame Danda. Dropping in the west of Phewa Lake from the height of 12,000ft/3,658m, you will be free falling for about 40 seconds. Only then does the parachute open, calming you a bit.

Our team of experienced and professional skydive crew will ensure you are safe. Also, our experienced photographer will capture the entire flight (both photos and videos) alongside you.

It’s the major highlight of beautiful Pokhara, Nepal. If you can afford the cost, the best thing to do in Pokhara could be skydiving.

 How to book Skydiving in Pokhara tour?

Himalayan masters arrange the safest and most affordable skydiving tour to Pokhara. Our skydiving in Pokhara itinerary includes picking you up from the airport in Kathmandu and driving to Pokhara from Kathmandu and other exciting Pokhara sightseeing destinations before making 2/3 tandem or solo flights.

There can also be a shorter package with a single flight. Alternatively, you can book the trip with any travel agency in Pokhara after landing in Nepal. Skydiving in Pokhara costs about $1000 per flight. The cost is a bit high since it includes the cost of a helicopter, fuel, safety guide, and food.

7. Ultralight Flight In Pokhara 

Looking for something adventurous and yet safe? Then, the enthralling flight in an ultralight aircraft right above the beautiful Pokhara Valley is the best option for you.

Imagine flying above the lake and forest in a 2-seater aircraft. In just 15 minutes, you will be flying close to the mountain range of Nepal, getting in touch with the snow-capped peaks.

The Ultra-flight starts from the Pokhara airport, usually in the morning. The flight takes place before 7 am in the morning. Evening flights are only done on a clear day. 

How to book Ultraflight in Pokhara?

Ultraflights like the Pokhara Ultralight and the Fishtail Ultralight can be booked from a travel agency like Himalayan Masters. The flight can be short, i.e., about 15 minutes just above the lakes and the hills, 30 minutes to get near Machhapuchhre Mountain, and 60 minutes to fly between the mountains.

You can also fly for 90 minutes for the overall air treks in Pokhara Annapurna. The cost of Ultraflight in Pokhara ranges from NRP 12,000 to NRP 25,000, depending upon the time and type.

Make sure that you book with a trustworthy travel agency to fly with an experienced pilot on a well-maintained flight.

8. Ziplining

Did you know that Pokhara has Nepal’s longest and steepest zip line? Although thrilling, this 1.8 km ziplining is a safe adventure. Here, you get to enjoy a 600-meter vertical drop at the speed of 120 km/hour. Definitely an exciting moment for adventure freaks.

The ziplining in Pokhara tour is available at Sarangkot, which is about 30 minutes away by the lakeside. The minimum weight for the flight is 34 kg, and the maximum weight is 125 kg. Anyone above 15 years of age can zipline.

How to book zip lining in Pokhara?

You can drive to Sarangkot, Pokhara and book an instant ticket without any hassle. Or you can book the Pokhara ziplining at a travel agency on the lakeside that will drive you to Sarangkot as well.

9. Helicopter Flights From Pokhara

Imagine flying above the world’s tallest Himalayas range, seeing those tiny snowy peaks below your feet. Helicopter flights from Pokhara to Annapurna are very popular among tourists.

This flight commences from the Pokhara airport and lands you at the Annapurna base camp in less than 30 minutes. On the same flight, you also get to fly close to the Machhapuchhre range.

Many other mountain flights can also operate from Pokhara. Upon special request, the Himalayan masters will also arrange a direct flight from Pokhara to Everest base camp. Flights to Dhaulagiri and Mardi can also be booked. A helicopter can fly up to 5 people at one time.

How to book helicopter flights from Pokhara?

Himalayan masters arrange all-mountain flights from Pokhara to different places. You can charter the entire Helicopter or join a group for a cheaper flight. You can also directly contact the helicopter operator company to book a helicopter from Pokhara.

10. White Water River Rafting

The smooth perennial rivers of Nepal make the best rafting adventure in the world. Trishuli, Bhote Koshi, Seti, and Kali Gandaki are Nepal’s most popular rivers for white water rafting.

Among them, Lower and Upper Seti rafting at Pokhara is a short and easy adventure. The jump into the flowing river from the cliff and the rapids of this Himalayan River make everything exciting. For beginner travellers, rafting in Seti is the best thing to do.

How do you book White Water River rafting in Pokhara?

Seti rafting starts from Hemja in Pokhara. To book the rafts, you must contact a travel agency on the Pokhara tour. Himalayan masters themselves make the best arrangements for rafting in the Seti River. River rafting in Pokhara Seti Nadi costs about NRP 3000 for Nepalese, NRP 3500 for Indians and NPR 5000 for foreigners. 

11. Yoga In Pokhara

The yoga centres offer in-house stays and longer courses for dedicated souls. You can also just join the classes for a few hours and learn about spirituality. Our recommendations for yoga classes in Pokhara are the Atmashree yoga retreat, Sadhana yoga retreat, Tribikram yoga, Purna Yoga retreat, GN Reiki Meditation Center, and Mukti Yoga Treat.

How to book a yoga retreat in Pokhara?

Since this will be a very important experience for you, make sure that you pick the best one. First, do some online research and read the reviews. Then, talk to the owner about the types of packages they offer and then make the booking for yoga in Pokhara.

12. Spa/Massage In Pokhara Tour

A relaxing massage around the bank of Phewa Lake will definitely be relaxing.

Nepalese Ayurvedic oil massage is highly recommended for trekkers after completing the tour. There are many spas and massage centres around the Lakeside area.

However, make sure to do your research, read the review, and look for photographs before you make the bookings. A cheap massage centre might give off very bad vibes. In that case, you can also ask for in-house services.

How To Book a Spa In Pokhara?

You can search for the Pokhara Spa online (Facebook, Instagram, or Google) and book an appointment. You can also walk directly into the spa centre and get your massage.

Some of the Pokhara spa centres we recommend are Jiva Spa, Dreams Spa, Tranquility Spa, and Middle Path Spa. 

13. Movie Hunting In Pokhara

Want to try something new during the Pokhara tour? Then you can watch a classic or newly released movie every day for the entire night at Pokhara Movie. With the big screen and cozy seats along Phewa Lake, you can enjoy the best movies and food.

And they don’t even charge for the tickets. Get inside, buy some drinks or popcorn, and get the movie rolling. However, make sure that you get to the place early and book your seat; it might end up being crowded.

What more is there to do in Pokhara, Nepal?

Pokhara is the centre and gateway for several trekking activities in Nepal. Many popular short Nepalese treks, such as the Annapurna base camp trek, Ghorepani Poonhill trek, Ghandruk trek, Mardi Himal trek, etc., commence from the Pokhara.

The camping trek, like the Dhaulagiri trek and Manaslu trek, also commences from Pokhara. Other short treks in Pokhara valley are:

• Dhampus village trek
• Lwang Village trek
• Ghandruk village trek
• Begnaskot hiking
• Siklesh Kapuche Lake Trek
• Panchase trek
• Royal trek
• Sarangkot trek
• Tatopani village trek
• Sirubari Village tour
• Naudanda Day Hike, etc.

How to book treks in Pokhara?

You can book all treks from Pokhara via Himalayan Masters. We organize treks throughout the country. Fill out our booking form on our website or contact us via email.  

Homestay Experience in Pokhara

Merging your short Pokhara tour with a wonderful homestay experience is a great tip. The villages around Pokhara have emerged as a very popular homestay destination.

In the homestay, you get to live in locals’ houses, eat local food they would regularly eat and be a part of their life. You get to observe people’s culture while living in their homes and working at their farms. Learn to make Nepalese dishes, sing songs, and learn a few traditional dance moves.

Here are some popular homestay destinations in Pokhara,

• Siklesh village
• Tangting village
• Machhapuchre village
• Jhirjirke village 
• Ghachowk village
• Kalika village 

How to book a homestay in Pokhara?

Some of these homestays are available online, meaning you can book through a third-party website. However, the best way to make a booking is to look for the number on Google and call them. You can also drive to one of the villages and make the booking. 

Some Additional Activities

Apart from adventurous activities and trekking, there are several other activities that you can do in Pokhara. Some of the activities that you can do additionally are mentioned below.

1. Food hunting in Pokhara
2. Fun games in Disneyland
3. Cultural tours during festivals
4. Attain street festivals in Pokhara during major festivals and New Year
5. Volunteering in school, orphanage, and elderly house
6. Go for ice-skating
7. Exploring different natural caves
8. Visit International Mountain Museum

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best time for these activities on the Pokhara tour?

It depends on which activity you are talking about. Yoga retreats, spas, boating, cycling, bungee jumping, etc., can be done throughout the year. We recommend booking a Pokhara tour in October/ November or April/ May when the weather is clear, and the views are great for rafting, paragliding, and helicopter flights. However, Pokhara is busy and exciting throughout the year.

2. How long will it take to fully explore Pokhara?

Since Pokhara has tons of places to visit and exciting things to do, we recommend staying as long as you can. If you are planning to engage in yoga retreats and treks, we suggest making your Pokhara journey about a month long. If you just plan on sightseeing and adventure activities, you can do everything in about 10 days. Staying on a long and relaxing vacation gives you time to understand the culture of this place.

3. Will the Himalayan masters arrange Pokhara tours for me?

Yes, Himalayan Masters has long been established as a trustworthy travel agency in Kathmandu and Pokhara. You can book all the activities mentioned above with us. Our experienced team can also design a customized Pokhara tour itinerary, including the activities you wish to experience. Just let us know what you want.

Yes, the article was a bit long for a single bite, but these are a few things that you need to consider and know before taking a tour of Pokhara.

Which of these best did you find interesting? Just let us know which one you would like to try during your visit to Nepal, and the Himalayan masters shall make all the necessary arrangements. If you have any queries, just drop a comment below or contact us via email: [email protected].