Pokhara Valley
Pokhara
Nepal's tourism capital, built around Phewa Lake, with three of the world's ten highest peaks visible from the valley floor.
Category: Lakes & Valleys
Best season: Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Budget: Lakeside guesthouses from NPR 1,200/night; a tandem paraglide typically runs USD 80-100.
Pokhara sits at an average elevation of about 822 meters, on the shore of Phewa Lake. It's the standard starting point for the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp treks, and Sarangkot hill above the city is one of the most accessible paragliding and sunrise-viewpoint spots in the country.
Things to do around the lake
Thing to do
Sunrise at Sarangkot
A short drive or hike above the city for a panoramic Annapurna and Machhapuchhre view.
Thing to do
Row out on Phewa Lake
Rent a wooden boat out to the Tal Barahi temple island in the middle of the lake.
Where to stay
Lakeside (Baidam)
The main tourist strip along Phewa Lake, with the widest range of guesthouses and restaurants.
Last verified Sept. 6, 2026
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