If the chaotic hustle and bustle of Kathmandu felt overwhelming to you, head west to Pokhara.
This lakeside Nepalese metropolis of a quarter-million definitely isn’t small, however in comparison with the nation’s capital, it seems like a tranquil respite. Plus, it’s the proper leaping off level for trekking the Annapurna mountain vary.
To get you began, listed here are the very best issues to do in Pokhara in someday. It’s sequenced so that you begin on the west aspect of city the place it’s much less populated after which return to the aspect with extra eating places, accommodations, and hostels.
Fast word: This complete Pokhara itinerary may be accomplished on foot, however you possibly can clearly hire a scooter or hail a trip should you’d want.
Go to a sacred Hindu cave
Begin your day by strolling to the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave. It’s exhausting to overlook the brilliant, rust orange spiraling pathway down.
Often called one of many longest caves in Nepal, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave is sacred to Hindus. It homes a pure formation that’s worshipped as a Shiva lingam and is dwelling to different sacred statues. (It’s sacrilegious to take images of the Shiva temple although.)
For me, the pure formations of the cave are extra fascinating. The stalagmites and stalactites, the altering of the cave as water continues to drip, and naturally, the underground waterfall.
You’ll see it whenever you get to the top of the cave. Technically, the waterfall may be very a lot above floor as effectively — it’s generally known as Devi’s Falls. The cave is simply the place it empties out, however it’s nonetheless fairly cool to see.
Entrance for foreigners is 100 Nepalese rupees (NPR), which is lower than one U.S. greenback. If nothing else, it’s a incredible probability to expertise a sacred cave together with locals who’re coming to worship.
Simply be certain to put on sturdy footwear. The cave is fairly moist and may be slippery!
Climb to the Peace Pagoda
Subsequent, proceed strolling to the Peace Pagoda.
Undeniably Pokhara’s most well-known attraction, the Peace Pagoda sits upon a hill overlooking the town. It’s considered one of greater than a dozen peace pagodas world wide, constructed by the Japanese Buddhist sect Nipponzan-Myōhōji-Daisanga.
To me, the pagoda itself wasn’t all that fascinating. By this level in my travels, I’d actually been to a whole lot of pagodas, temples, and Buddha statues.
However the climb up and down is effectively definitely worth the views.
Visiting the Peace Pagoda additionally offers you the possibility to expertise a little bit little bit of Pokhara exterior of the principle metropolis middle.
That’s the principle motive I’d extremely suggest strolling to the Peace Pagoda as an alternative of getting there on wheels. It provides you an opportunity to see the town and its individuals, eat in native eating places that don’t usually serve vacationers, and cease in native outlets.
Discover Phewa Lake
When you’re accomplished trying out the Peace Pagoda, hike down the aspect that faces Phewa Lake.
The lake is the guts of the town, and it’s a incredible spot to relaxation your legs and take within the magnificence that’s Pokhara. (There are additionally tons of cute little hideaways throughout the lake!)
To get again to the extra populated aspect of the town with out having to go all the way in which across the lake, rent a ship.
Boats are 500 Nepalese rupees every — you possibly can in all probability match max 3 individuals on a ship — plus 10 NPR per individual for the necessary life jacket. As a part of the journey, the oarsman may even take you to the small island in the course of the lake. The Tal Barahi Temple on that island wasn’t a lot of a draw for me, however it positive was stunning to be out on the water.
Loosen up with a therapeutic massage
When you hiked out of your lodging to the cave and pagoda, you’ll probably be prepared for a breather within the afternoon. For that, go to Seeing Palms Blind Therapeutic massage Clinic.
The clinic trains and employs people with visible impairments who would in any other case have restricted job alternatives. Therapeutic massage that does a social good? Win-win!
A one-hour therapeutic massage is 2600 NPR, or roughly $23 USD.
Catch an outside film
Okay, this one is completely an expat and vacationer factor, and it’s so in contrast to me. However there isn’t all that a lot to do in Pokhara correct within the evenings, so the Film Backyard is a pleasant diversion.
This out of doors movie show is nestled on a hill and performs the classics (we noticed Amelie). It’s type of arrange like a tiny amphitheater with each lined and open-air seating. The pleasant employees collects the 350 Nepalese rupee admission and sells pizza, popcorn, and Nepalese craft brews for a enjoyable night time out within the delicate Pokhara evenings.
The place to eat in Pokhara
And naturally, you possibly can’t undergo your day with out some scrumptious Nepalese meals!
There are numerous choices in Pokhara, and that is not at all a listing of all of the locations it is best to eat at. These simply occurs to be those that made an impression!
- Deepshikha Restaurant
- New Turkish and Nepali Kitchen “Kebap Home”
The place to remain in Pokhara
Given my backpacking finances in Nepal, I stayed at Pokhara Backpacker’s Hostel.
It’s not the most cost effective hostel on the town, however it’s tremendous clear and had the comfiest beds I’d ever had in a hostel. (Actually, the beds have been higher than these in numerous 3-star accommodations I’ve stayed at.) It’s additionally inside walkable distance to mainly every little thing in Pokhara (therefore this itinerary!).
Hostels not your factor? No worries, the Pokhara lakeside is full of nicer 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star choices.
