Brightsun’s Worldwide Weekend Pocket Guides: Pokhara, Nepal

This month in our blog series, Brightsun staff member Pramod recommends Pokhara, an off-the-beaten-path hotspot for a weekend getaway.

Pokhara - Where Heaven Meets Earth

Pokhara is situated in western Nepal, surrounded by mountains with all the beauty that nature can offer to human beings.

Here’s some of my personal recommendations for places to see on a long weekend break to Pokhara:

Sarangkot

This is the hilltop north of Pokhara Valley, famous for its incredible sunrise views. From here you feel like the sun is playing hide and seek with you from behind the mountains, but as soon as you see it, you will be lost in that moment when the mountains change colour and the sun starts shining golden. The moment is too short, but the memory will remain forever.

Phewa Lake

This stunning lake is situated in the heart of Pokhara. Boating in the crystal-clear waters of Phewa Lake on a warm sunny day with the cool breeze from the Himalayas will give you a feeling which is out of this world. At the centre of the lake, you’ll discover the Tal Bahari Temple which is popular among Hindu pilgrimages.

Begnas Lake

This is one of the most beautiful lakes in Pokhara. The mountain views, green forest landscapes around the lake, and its distance from the city crowds makes it the ultimate destination for those who love nature and want to feel the beauty of truly being away from it all. Here you can enjoy activities like boating and fishing.

Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

This sacred cave is dedicated to Lord Shiva, located opposite Davis Falls, and is home to stalactites, stalagmites, and a shrine to Shiva. Adventure seekers will be in their element here.

World Peace Pagoda

The name itself defines the place. This holy Buddhist shrine is situated south of Fewa Lake. As you reach here, the site will give you an instant feeling of peace.

Pokhara Lakeside

This place is dedicated to tourists, offering a variety of entertainment activities and attractions such as night clubs, souvenir shops, restaurants, and an amusement arcade.

International Mountain Museum

The International Mountain Museum is dedicated to the mountains of Nepal, the country’s mountaineering heritage, and the culture of the Himalayan people, offering an overall glimpse of Pokhara’s history.

Where to Stay in Pokhara

There are several hotels in Pokhara and you can choose anything from 1 to 5-star depending on your budget. The most renowned and recommended hotels include Hotel Barahi Pokhara, located near Phewa Lake, the Fish Tail Lodge by Annapurna, offering a unique, remote location on a peninsula with stunning lake, mountain and forest vistas, and the Fulbari Resort & Spa, situated in the heart of Pokhara.

Local Cuisine – What to Eat

Thakali cuisine, which is typical cuisine of Pokhara is very popular among foodies visiting and living here. Thakali cuisine represents the Thakali community, and they proudly showcase their culture through their food. While you are in Nepal you also can’t miss out on sampling some Newari cuisine. The Newari community is originally from Kathmandu Valley and their food is loved by everyone who has tasted it. There are several restaurants in Pokhara where both Thakali and Newari foods are served.

I enjoyed Pokhara because of its natural beauty. Nowadays we are living in the heart of a concrete jungle, and everything we look around at is what humans have created to make ourselves happy, but Pokhara will strip everything back and provide the feeling of how we belong in nature.

I strongly recommend everyone visit Pokhara at least once in their lifetime because heaven may be a myth to some, but Pokhara is real. The best time to visit Pokhara is from September - November because during this time the sky will remain blue, mountains will be white, greenery is abundant everywhere, and the weather is so calm.