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Planning your Pokhara itinerary? Picture early mornings by the lake, mountain views in the distance, and a slower pace than Kathmandu. I’ve been travelling to Nepal since 2009 and have been to Pokhara four times. There are plenty of sights to see in Pokhara, but that’s not really why people end up loving it.
It has the most peaceful vibe and the most effortless way to get incredible views of the Himalayas.
Let me help you put together a perfect Pokhara itinerary. This guide breaks down exactly how many days you need and what’s actually worth doing. Whether you have one day or are lucky enough to have more, here’s how I’d plan it based on my own experience.
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How Many Days Do You Need in Pokhara?
I could stay in Pokhara for months, I love it so much. But realistically, to fit Pokhara into your Nepal itinerary, I would suggest three days. This will give you time to embrace slow living and lounge in a cafe on the lakeside, plus tick off the best places like the World Peace Pagoda and Sarankot.
Don’t stress if you’ll only have one day in Pokhara, it’s still so worth it (but I’m sure you’ll want to come back). Although if this is the case, I would recommend not trying to see absolutely everything.
If your Nepal itinerary only includes one day in Pokhara, this is how I’d spend my day;
Early start with Himalaya views at either World Peace Pagoda or Sarankot. After breakfast, take a slow boat ride around Phewa Lake and stop at Tal Barahi Temple. Then in the afternoon, enjoy exploring town, wandering the shops and taking it slow in one of the cafes along Lakeside.
How to Get to Pokhara
Pokhara is 200km west of Kathmandu, and while that doesn’t sound far, travel time in Nepal can be very different to what you’re used to.
Here are your main options:
Kathmandu to Pokhara by Bus
As I said above, the road distance between Kathmandu and Pokhara is approximately 200km, and by road it usually takes 6–9 hours depending on traffic, roadworks and weather conditions.
There are three types of buses:
Standard Tourist Bus – reasonably comfortable, fixed departures, few stops
Sofa / VIP Tourist Bus – wide cushioned seats, extra leg room, complimentary water, air conditioning and sometimes wifi.
Local Bus – much cheaper, more stops, less space
Standard Tourist Bus:
Basic tourist buses operate daily and are a budget-friendly way to travel by road. They generally feature reclining seats, scheduled rest stops for food & bathroom breaks, and luggage storage underneath.
Fares on these buses usually range from around NPR 1,200–2,500 (roughly USD 7–16). They depart early morning (around 7 am) from the Sorhakhutte area, which is very close to Thamel and arrive at the Pokhara Tourist Bus Park, about 10–15 minutes from Lakeside.
Sofa / VIP Buses:
If you want more comfort on this long ride, the VIP “sofa” buses are worth considering. Operators like Himalayan Java Bus, Mountain Overland, and Greenline run daily services with wider, more cushioned seats (usually 2×1 layout), extra legroom, and added amenities like complimentary water and on-board wifi. Tickets for these cost around NPR 2,800 – 3,700 (USD 18-25) per person for a one-way seat.
Local Buses:
Local buses are cheaper at around NPR 700–1,100 (USD $5–8), but they’re slower, require multiple stops, the trip can take up to 12 hours, and they are less comfortable.
Buses Are Best for:
Budget travellers, backpackers, and anyone who doesn’t mind a full travel day and wants to see Nepal’s countryside along the way.
Kathmandu to Pokhara by Plane
If you’re short on time, flying is by far the quickest option.
Flights operate daily from Tribhuvan International Airport to Pokhara International Airport, with a flight time of just 25–30 minutes.
Airlines operating this route include:
* Buddha Air
* Yeti Airlines
One-way fares for foreigners are usually around USD $100–130.
It’s worth noting that mountain weather can cause delays or cancellations, especially during the monsoon. But if all runs smoothly and it’s a clear day, the views really are stunning!
Flying is Best for:
Travellers on a tighter schedule, anyone heading straight into a trek, or those who prefer to avoid long, winding mountain roads.
Getting from Pokhara to Chitwan
Travellers Nepal itinerary often combines visiting Pokhara with Chitwan National Park, which sits roughly 148km south of Pokhara.
By Tourist Bus
Tourist buses from Pokhara to Chitwan (arriving in Sauraha, the main village near the park) take around 6–8 hours, depending on road conditions.
Tickets typically cost around NPR 900–1,300 (USD $5–9).
Buses generally depart in the morning from the Pokhara Tourist Bus Park.
Bus to Chitwan is Best for:
Budget travellers and those who have time for a full travel.
Private Transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Private transfers are available for both Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Chitwan routes.
- Kathmandu to Pokhara: around 6–8 hours, a private transfer will cost around USD 180 per car.
- Pokhara to Chitwan: around 4–6 hours, is more expensive and will cost around USD 200 per car.
These transfers can easily be booked on Daytrip and offer free cancellations up to 24 hours before departure. Or a local travel agent will be able to organise this trip for you.
Book: Daytrip “comfortable car transfers with professional drivers”
Private Transfers Are Best for:
Families, small groups that will split the cost, or anyone wanting door-to-door convenience and more comfort.
What Would I Personally Choose For This Pokhara Itinerary?
When booking transport from Kathmandu to Pokhara, and having done this trip 4 times, I would go with either the Sofa Bus or Fly.
Sofa buses are easily worth the extra money compared with the standard tourist bus. It’ll be a long travel day, so the extra comfort will be appreciated, and too many times have I been on a bus in Nepal with no air con and you’re left with either being hot & stuffy or opening the window to get a fresh breeze of dust in your face.
If short on time or doing another trek, I would fly. Travel in the morning to hopefully avoid any flight delays, enjoy the views and save my energy for trekking.
Where Pokhara Fits in Your Nepal Itinerary
When planning a trip to Nepal, Pokhara is generally the second city tourists would visit. Much calmer and more scenic than Kathmandu, and the perfect place to unwind or prepare for a challenging trek.
Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurna region, and from here you can start short treks like Poon Hill or more serious and high altitude treks like Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit.
So in my opinion, a few days in Pokhara on either side of a trek is essential. I spent time there after completing the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Lying in a hammock near Phewa Lake, after being so exhausted every day, was divine!
But if trekking isn’t part of your itinerary, Pokhara is still totally worth it and can be done as a side trip from Kathmandu.
- Pokhara is 200 km from Kathmandu, a bus will take 6-9 hours, or you can take a short 30-minute flight from KTM airport.
Or a trip to Pokhara also fits perfectly if visiting Chitwan National Park, one of the best national parks in Nepal, to see the Royal Bengal Tiger or the one-horned Rhinoceros.
- From Pokhara, a bus to Chitwan will take 6 -8 hours and can cost as little as $6.
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Crafting The Perfect Pokhara Itinerary – Best Things To Do In Pokhara
Instead of giving you a strict hour-by-hour Pokhara itinerary, here are the experiences I’d prioritise. Most of these can comfortably fit into two days, with a third day if you want to slow down. Pick based on your energy levels; some are relaxed and scenic, others are more adventurous.
Must-Do Experiences in Pokhara
These 3 experiences should not be missed when spending time in Pokhara. Together they represent what Pokhara is all about, incredible mountain views, relaxing adventures and peaceful moments.
Row Boats on Phewa Lake
This is the heart of Pokhara. Hiring a rowboat on Phewa Lake in Pokhara is a fun escape from town and another way to discover the beauty of Nepal.
Early morning or late afternoon is best for calmer water, clearer mountain views and the sun won’t be so harsh. Hiring a rowboat on Phewa Lake can be done with or without a rower.
1 hour hire without a rower is NPR 460, and with a local rower, 1 hour hire is NPR 510.
If hiring someone to row for you, I would recommend discussing the route beforehand, in case there are some specific views/angles of the mountains you want to see.
In the middle of Phewa Lake is Tal Barahi Temple. This important religious monument is free to visit, and non-Hindus are also welcome.
Sunrise at Sarangkot
Sunrise at Sarangkot is absolutely worth the early alarm. On a clear morning, you’ll see the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre begin to glow as the sun comes up. It’s seriously incredible and feels so special to witness.
There are now a few ways to get up there.
The newest option is the Sarangkot cable car, which runs from Sedi to the top of Sarangkot Hill Viewpoint. A round-trip ticket costs around USD $11, and the ride itself takes roughly 10 minutes. I haven’t had the opportunity to use the cable car yet, but from what I’ve read, it opens as early as 5 am, making it a convenient option for sunrise.
You can also drive up (taxi is common and best to arrange the night before from Lakeside), which is what many travellers do for sunrise.
And afterwards, if you’re up for a bit of a challenge, I highly recommend hiking back down to Lakeside. I did this before the cable car was built in 2022, and it was one of my favourite parts of visiting Pokhara. The trail is steep in sections, so proper footwear is essential, but it’s incredibly rewarding. The path weaves through the jungle, with sections opening up to stunning views over the lake and town.
The hike from Sarangkot Hill Viewpoint down to Lakeside is approximately 9.5km and usually takes 2–3 hours, depending on your pace.
Sarangkot at sunrise is one of the easiest ways to see the Himalayas up close without committing to a multi-day trek, and the combination you’ll get of mountains, lake views and morning light is the perfect way to start a day in Pokhara.
Visit the World Peace Pagoda
Overlooking Phewa Lake, the World Peace Pagoda was gifted to Nepal by the Japanese and is one of the best places for panoramic views of Pokhara and the surrounding mountains.
This is a Buddhist Pagoda and offers a very peaceful atmosphere. While walking around, it’s appropriate to stay very quiet. There’s no entrance fee to the World Peace Pagoda, and it’s 25 minute drive from Lakeside.
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Worth Doing If You Have Time
These are great additions to your Pokhara itinerary if you have two or more full days.
Paragliding from Sarangkot
I would say Pokhara is one of the most famous places in the world to paraglide, thanks to its views of Phewa Lake, the surrounding forests, and, of course, the Himalayas. So if you’re up for some adventure and adrenaline, definitely consider tandem paragliding while in Pokhara. You’d be flying high above Pokhara for 30 minutes, and the take-off location is Sarangkot hill station.
During peak season, it’s advisable to pre-book this experience, and I always recommend Get Your Guide.
Devi’s Fall
This is a unique waterfall because there is no long jungle trek to find the falls; you’ll get out of the car on a busy street, walk past a few shops, and then it’s basically there! Once you reach the falls, you see that the water disappears underground.
It’s still a beautiful and interesting outdoor attraction and can be done as a quick stop, and combined with other nearby attractions.
Devi’s falls are located just a 10-minute drive from Lakeside.
Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave
Across the road from Devi’s Fall is Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave. This cave houses a Hindu shrine and connects underground to the waterfall. There is very little light in the cave, so have a torch with you, but there is a concrete walkway inside the cave. It’s rumoured to be the longest cave in Nepal, at 2950 meters.
It’s such an easy stop to add to your Pokhara itinerary, so if caves hold your interest, definitely take a look.
Gurkha Memorial Museum
Nepalese Gurkhas are known as fierce soldiers, and this museum recognises and celebrates their international achievements.
It’s located a 20-minute drive from Lakeside. Getting a private car here can easily be organised from Lakeside, or if you aren’t in a rush, there are local buses that will only cost you 25 rupees.
The Gurkha Memorial Museum is open daily, 8 am to 4:30 pm, and from the information I found online, the current entry fee is NPR 200 for foreigners.
I visited here years ago, and museums aren’t always my thing, but I remember this one really held my interest, and some stories and displays really pulled on my heartstrings.
Visit Jangchub Choeling Monastery
Jangchub Choeling Monastery is one of the main Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Pokhara and offers a quieter, more cultural side to the city.
It’s located near one of the Tibetan refugee settlements on the outskirts of town. Pokhara is home to a significant Tibetan refugee community (many families settled here after fleeing Tibet in the late 1950s and early 1960s following the Chinese takeover).
When I visited a few years ago, the monastery felt peaceful and authentic rather than overly set up for tourists. You’ll see colourful prayer flags, large prayer wheels, and traditional murals inside the temple hall. If you time it right, you may hear monks chanting during prayer sessions.
This adds cultural depth to your Pokhara itinerary and gives you a better understanding of the Tibetan influence in the region. There’s also a monk’s community shop where you can get some souvenirs and see how they’ve built a life here.
I really enjoyed visiting the monastery, and often, somewhere many tourists will skip!
Taking Time Out in Pokhara
Some would say these types of experiences aren’t essential, but I really think they are to get the feel for Pokhara. Plus, perfect for those recovering from a multi-day trek.
Slowing Down Lakeside
Cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops and relaxed lakeside walks. After trekking, this area feels like a reward.
If you have a few days in Pokhara, downtime will be a highlight on your itinerary. Shopping is a great way to get to know locals, and many of the cafes have gardens and seating areas looking out to Phewa Lake.
Some of the best restaurants/cafes in Pokhara are;
OR2K Pokhara
Utopia Garden & Snacks Bar
Moondance Restaurant & Bar
Yoga or Wellness Classes
Pokhara has a strong wellness scene, especially around Lakeside. So, if you’re craving balance after busy travel days, this will be perfect for you.
Check out a blog by Charlotte Plans A Trip for multiple recommendations on where to do yoga in Pokhara.
Where to Stay in Pokhara
There are so many hotel and guest house accommodation options in Pokhara. So even if you arrive in town with nothing pre-booked, I can’t imagine it would be an issue.
But if you’re like me and prefer to be organised, here are a few hotels in Pokhara that are in great locations.
Hotel Adam – This hotel has large rooms, and there’s even a pool overlooking Phewa Lake.
Hotel Noble Inn – Rooms are slightly more basic (but also cheaper) compared with Hotel Adam, but the Noble Inn has a beautiful, spacious garden.
New Elites Guest House – Budget-friendly option, and some rooms have views of Phewa Lake.
Is Pokhara Worth Visiting?
I hope the above information has convinced you that Pokhara should be added to your Nepal itinerary.
It’s sincerely one of the best places in Nepal, calmer than Kathmandu, with mind-blowing views that take little to no effort to see and an atmosphere that is calm and relaxing.
This nature capital is ideal for resting after a challenging trek or enjoying mountain scenery before heading to the plains of Chitwan National Park.
So, yes, Pokhara is worth visiting!
Quick Pokhara Planning Tips
Travelling by Bus to Pokhara:
- Use the bathroom before boarding, breaks along the way aren’t frequent, and facilities are very basic.
- Allow a whole day to travel and don’t plan anything for when you arrive in Pokhara. Hopefully, the trip will only take 6 hours, but they usually don’t, and the windy roads can be rather exhausting.
- If you’re known to experience motion sickness, bring medication with you. This journey is very windy and bumpy.
- If travelling in peak season, have these tickets pre-booked. This can easily be done online with 12GO.
Cash and cards are accepted in Pokhara, and there are plenty of ATM’s around Lakeside. Although cash is still king in Nepal, so its advisable to have some cash on you.
Best time to visit Pokhara is from October to December and from March to May. These months offer the best chance to get clear mountain views. But even during this time, it’s still possible to wake up to cloudy skies, so another reason I suggest staying in Pokhara for a few days.
Book Accommodation in Lakeside, this will give you the best access to shops, restaurants and transport.
For more tips on travelling in Nepal, check out this guide.
Final Thoughts on Planning Your Pokhara Itinerary
I hope I’ve helped you find ease in planning your Pokhara itinerary. In this guide, I cover how many days you realistically need, how to get there from Kathmandu and how to connect your trip with Chitwan or trekking routes. Plus, the best things to do including sunrise at Sarangkot, boating on Phewa Lake, visiting Tibetan monasteries and booking adventure activities.
Pokhara is such a special part of Nepal; it can be a peaceful break after trekking, the perfect addition to a Nepal itinerary when also visiting Chitwan National Park or simply a slower option to Kathmandu’s chaos.
After travelling to Nepal for many years, Pokhara is still one of my favourite cities in the country. There’s just something about the mix of lake, mountains and laid-back energy that keeps me wanting to go back again and again.
If you build your Pokhara itinerary around a few key highlights and give yourself time to slow down and enjoy them, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
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Thanks for reading,
Happy Travels.
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Elyse is the author & content creator behind A World To Live. After traveling to over 40 countries, she has a passion for discovering new places. Elyse is a money-conscious traveller who loves writing independent travel guides to help her readers get the most out of their travels.
