Photo: titas gurung / UnsplashNepal
A lakeside town under the Annapurna range, with boating, paragliding and the start of Nepal's most popular treks. Relaxed, walkable and good value.
Pokhara sits on Phewa Lake with the fishtail peak of Machhapuchhre rising straight behind it. On clear mornings the Annapurnas fill the skyline, and the lakeside strip has cafés, boats for hire and trekking shops.
It's the base for short treks like Poon Hill, and for paragliding from Sarangkot, one of the world's best-known launch sites.
Day by day
₹9,000–15,000per person on a backpacker budget (estimate), excluding travel to get there
Walk the Phewa Lake shore and row out to the island temple of Tal Barahi.
Sunrise over the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhre, then paragliding back down to the lake if the weather allows.
Boat across the lake and hike up to the white stupa, then Devi's Falls, Gupteshwor Cave and the International Mountain Museum.
A short hike to Australian Camp for close mountain views, or a quiet day at Begnas Lake.
Bus to Chitwan (5–6 hours) or Kathmandu, or start a Poon Hill trek.
| Item | Backpacker | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Stay (lakeside guesthouse) | ₹700–1,500 | ₹3,000–6,000 |
| Food | ₹450–900 | ₹1,000–2,000 |
| Local transport (bus, taxi) | ₹200–500 | ₹1,000–2,500 |
| Activities and entry | ₹300–800 | ₹1,000–2,000 |
| Typical day | ₹1,800–3,000 | ₹6,000–12,500 |
Tandem paragliding from Sarangkot is the big splurge, typically several thousand rupees for a 20–30 minute flight; compare licensed operators on the lakeside. For treks into the Annapurna Conservation Area, Indians pay the SAARC permit rate, about NPR 1,000 (roughly ₹625).
Rowing boats, lakeside cafés and the reflection of Machhapuchhre on still mornings.
A hilltop viewpoint for sunrise over the Annapurnas and the main paragliding launch.
A white hilltop stupa with views back over the lake and town.
A 3–4 day trek to one of Nepal's best mountain viewpoints.
October to February gives the clearest views, especially early in the morning. In spring, haze often hides the peaks by midday, and in the monsoon they're usually in cloud.
Yes. Poon Hill is a 3–4 day loop from Nayapul or Ulleri with no high altitude. For a single day, hike to Australian Camp or Dhampus.
A tourist bus takes 6–8 hours and costs little; a domestic flight takes about 25 minutes. Book the morning flight, as afternoon flights are more often delayed.
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Guide reviewed September 2026. Costs are estimates, not live prices. Check current prices, permits, weather, safety advice and schedules before you travel.
