Pokhara city was one of my favorite places in Nepal. It is a bit of a tourist destination and where everyone goes before heading into the Annapurna mountain range, but it’s also got a small town feel with lots of great places to check out.
If you only have a one day Pokhara tour, there are a couple places you shouldn’t miss, from Phewa Lake to Gupteshwor cave, these are the top must visit places to see in a single day.
Best time to visit Pokhara
As with anywhere in Nepal, you will want to avoid the monsoon season as it is the worst time of the year to visit. For some of the nicest weather, head there in April and May when things are blooming and temperatures are still mild. I visited in December and it was cooler weather, but still very comfortable.
Travel tips for one day in Pokhara
Give yourself enough time to just wander around. The best way to really understand a place is by walking it. You can see a lot of different places on foot, just make sure to start in the early morning to make the most out of your time.
If you want to explore some of the more adrenaline pumping activities, like bungie jumping into the second deepest canyon in the world or crossing the longest suspension bridge, it is only a short drive (compared to most places) and you could spend a morning there and your afternoon and evening visiting some of the sites within the city. You will need to either take a tourist bus or rent a car or bike for this.
Top places to visit in Pokhara
Phewa lake (also spelled Fewa Lake)
This is the perfect place to start your day. It’s a short walk around Phewa park with mountain views and is a quiet place to spend a morning. If you only have one day in Pokhara, I would make this your starting point.
You can also take a boat ride from here around the lake and see some of the other sites around this large lake.
World Peace pagoda (AKA Shanti stupa)
On a clear day, this is the best place to get panoramic views of the Annapurna range. It’s also the perfect place for a sunset view, as, like most of these temples in Nepal, they are up above things. This is one of two peace pagoda’s in Nepal and one of eighty around the world.
It is also located within easy walking to the next two stops.
Gupteshwor cave
Gupteshwor cave is the longest cave in Nepal and a popular place for tourists and is also contains a Hindu alter and sacred cow. The waters from Davis falls runs through it and it is located within the city. From Fewa Lake park, it is about a 2-mile walk, taking you along the edges of the lake and through the town. It’s a nice walk and not a difficult one.
As you descend down towards the entrance to the cave, you will walk through an area with small shops with gifts. There is an entry fee for the cave and for foreigners it’s 100 rupees.
Davis falls
A beautiful waterfall located across from Gupteshwor cave is an easy stop along your one day tour of Pokhara. After listening to the falls and seeing the water from within the cave, head over to view the falls for an extra 30 rupees.
It’s a lovely nature spot within the business district of Pokhara.
Walk along the boardwalk around Phewa Lake
The boardwalk along the lake is a popular spot for international tourists. Fewa Lake is the second largest lake in Nepal and a great place to hang out.
You can take a boat ride or rent a canoe and tour around the lake or you can head over to Tal Barahi Temple, considered the most important religious monument in Pokhara. The cost of visiting the temple is 550 rupees, plus an extra 20-30 rupees to rent a life jacket. You are only allowed to spend 30 minutes at the site and it is a popular one.
If your not interested in checking out the temple, the boardwalk is lined with shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and the Disneyland of Pokhara, so there is lots to keep you busy on land.
Getting outside of Pokhara for a day
If you are into adventure sports, there are lots to check out, just outside of Pokhara. These are a couple of things to do, if wandering the city doesn’t interest you, or if you have extra time. You will need to either take a tourist bus or join a tour for some of these activities.
Mountain biking
One of the top adventure activities, there are mountain bike outfitters within Pokhara that can take you on a day trip for some serious mountain biking. Being so close to the Annapurna range, there’s lots of incredible nature to explore on foot and on bike.
Bungee jumping and ziplining
For real extreme sports, you can bungee jump in the second deepest canyon in the world, an 80m tower jump and also go ziplining while you are there. Cost for a jump start at 5000 rupees, but check out Bungee Pokhara for more.
Visit the worlds longest pedestrian suspension bridge
The Baglung Kalika Suspension Bridge is 567 meters long and crosses 122 meters above the Kaligandaki River. Also known as the Gandaki Golden Footbridge, from here you get great views of Mount Dhaulagiri, one of the 8000 meter mountains. It’s a once in a lifetime experience, but also not for those with severe fear of heights.
Concluding Thoughts
Pokhara and it’s surrounding area is one of the most beautiful places in Nepal and the perfect spot to spend a day. If you only have limited time, spend it walking. Walk everywhere, from the boardwalk along Fewa Lake to the Peace Pagoda and everywhere in between.
From there you can continue on to visiting Lo Manthang, the forbidden kingdom.
