Religious and Sightseeing Activities in Pokhara
Visiting the Tal Barahi Temple
Hotel Barahi Pokhara’s eponym, the Tal Barahi temple has a unique location which is in the waters of Phewa lake. Located on an island about 100 meters from the shoreline, it takes a short boat ride to reach the temple. The temple is a two storied pagoda style structure. It is believed that Tal Barahi grants wishes to devotees. Thus, many visitors to Pokhara make their first stop at the temple.
Book a hotel in Pokhara with Hotel Barahi and get access to most of the attractions close to the lakeside.
Visit the Shiva Statue at Pumdikot
Pumdikot is a recent tourist attraction that opened up. Here, you will find a giant statue of Shiva which is 108 feet tall and surrounded by 108 Shiva Lingams. This hill station is devoted to Shiva and other Hindu deities. The hill is situated about 1500 meters above sea level. It offers a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding hills, the mountains, the lake and Pokhara city. It is a truly majestic site. You can hike up to Pumdikot, starting from the Peace Pagoda for a short but scenic trail.
Visit the Peace Pagoda
The Peace Pagoda, also known as Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist stupa situated at the top of a hill across the Phewa lake. It can be visited by a short hike up the hill or with a 20 minute car ride, 10 kilometers away from the Lakeside. The Peace Pagoda is a nice place to get a panoramic view of Pokhara, the Lake and the surrounding mountains. You can also cycle all the way to the stupa for an exciting experience.
Gupteshwor Mahadev Temple
Located about 5 kilometers from the Lakeside, Gupteshwor Mahadev Temple is located inside an underground cave, right next to the Davis Falls. A winding staircase leads down towards a cave entrance, this cave is one of the longest caves in Nepal and the most revered. As you walk across the cave, you come across different shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities and limestone formations on the cave walls. Towards the end of the cave, the main Shiva lingam is situated, believed to have been discovered centuries ago. At the end of the cave there is an opening towards the bottom of Davis Falls. A truly magnificent geographical wonder.
Leisure Activities in Pokhara
Boating in Phewa Lake
Phewa lake is at the center of Pokhara and the biggest attraction in Pokhara. This lake spans 5.7 square kilometers and has an average depth of 28 feet. There are lots of activities that can be done in and around the lake such as fishing, walking around the perimeter, stand up paddling, etc. However, boating around in the lake is a leisurely activity that allows you to enjoy the scenery while enjoying peaceful time in the water. At one side of the lake, you will see a bustling and lit city, while on the other side you can see nature’s beauty in the hills. You can opt for a 30 minute boat ride or for almost a half day, depending on other activities that you would like to add along with boating such as a short hike to the Peace Pagoda or visiting the Tal Barahi temple.
Watch the Sunrise at Sarangkot
Sarangkot is the sunrise and sunset point of Pokhara. It offers unmatched views of the Himalayas and is a serene escape from the bustling Pokhara city. Located 10 kilometers from the city, you can book a hotel in Sarangkot and stay in the lap of nature to enjoy some peaceful time and the view of the mountains. To get to Sarangkot, you can take a 10 minute cable car ride from Pame or take a vehicle across the highway up towards the hill. You can also experience village life, take a walk in nature and go bird watching at Sarangkot.
Learn About Mountaineering at the International Mountain Museum
If you are into mountains, environment and history, the International Mountain Museum is a great place to spend the day. Established in 2002, this museum offers exhibitions and articles relating to the history of mountaineering and mountain climates and ecosystem. Its displays are mainly divided into four parts: hall of mountain people, hall of eight thousanders and mountain climate, hall of mountaineering and historical ascents, and a hall or guest exhibits. The mountain museum is a great place to take kids and learn about the Hiamalyan range.
Visit Davis Falls
Located just across the street from Gupteshwor Mahadev is Davis Falls. A natural waterfall with fascinating legends and stories. Also known as Patale Chhango in Nepalese, meaning Underground Waterfall, it is one of the most famous natural wonders of Pokhara. The waters in Davis Fall surges powerfully into a deep, narrow gorge and disappears underground into a tunnel. Its loud roars thunder through the hollow rock formations, making a sight to behold. There is a legend that makes Davis Falls so popular. According to the story, a Swiss tourist named Davis or Davi was swept away by a flash flood in the 1960s. Unfortunately, their body was never found and eventually the waterfall was named after them. Davis Falls is a must visit for anyone interested in nature, photography, or local folklore while touring Pokhara.
Adventure Activities in Pokhara
Paragliding over Pokhara City
Pokhara is known for its adventure sports and the most popular is paragliding. It is a gliding sport where a rider flies through the air with the help of an elongated parachute. Paragliding in Pokhara is done from Sarangkot hill and landing at Pame. It is a thrilling experience of flying through the air, and it doesn’t require much training. Paragliding is accompanied by a professional paraglider. You can get a bird’s eye view of Pokhara city by paragliding as well as see the magnificent mountains such as the Machhapuchre and the Annapurna range from great height.
Experience One of World’s Longest Zipline
Zipline across a river from one hill to another in Pokhara. Ziplining is a fun alternative to paragliding if you do not wish to get too high off the ground but still want to experience wind on your face. Speed through different terrains and witness the mountains at the horizon from a different perspective. The zipline in Pokhara is one of the longest and steepest ziplines in the world. It is 1850 meters long with a vertical drop of 600 meters, traveling at over 100 km/hr!
Fly Like a Bird with Ultralight Flights
Ultraflight is another extreme way to get your feet off the ground and soaring through the air in Pokhara. Ultraflights are taken on light gliders that can only seat two people, the pilot and the passenger. However, it gives more altitude and longer flight time than a paraglider. Ultralight flyers can get really close to the Himalayan range so it is a great option for those who wish to get close to the mountains in a short time. Although ultralight flights are on the more expensive side, it is a unique experience that should not be missed.
Bungee Jumping at Kushma
For the thrill seekers, the bungee at Kushma will be a fun experience. It is the world’s second longest bungee that has a 4 second free fall from a height of 228 meters over the Kali Gandaki gorge. You can try a bungee or a canyon jump. The canyon jump can also be done by couples. The bungee is offered by certified professional operators who adhere to international standards. Rigorous health checks are required before one is allowed to jump. It takes a 2 hour drive from Pokhara to reach Kushma, however, the drive is accompanied by scenic views of the Machhapuchre and rivers and villages.
Pokhara is an exciting destination for everyone, whether you are visiting with family or friends, it offers activities catered to each individual. If you are planning a vacation in Pokhara, book a hotel in Pokhara at Hotel Barahi catered for a luxurious stay by the Lakeside. You can also opt for a budget hotel in Pokhara with Aabas Pokhara which provides all amenities for a comfortable stay at great value.
You can also book a Pokhara package with us and plan for the perfect vacation by including tour activities, our operators will help you to plan the perfect Pokhara holiday!
