Nepal: Pokhara
Pokhara sometimes can be referred to as the “Rishikesh” of Nepal.
I absolutely loved Pokhara! Nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas, it’s a stunning lakeside town and the starting point for many treks in Nepal. The lake is gorgeous, surrounded by shops, yoga studios, cozy cafés, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to slow down and enjoy. I rented a motor scooter to explore the surrounding area, and simply riding around or strolling through the town felt incredibly peaceful and scenic. I purchased all my hiking gear at one of the literally thousands of hiking shops, so do not worry at all, you can buy everything you need super easily!
I traveled to Pokhara by bus from Kathmandu, and to be honest, it wasn’t nearly as bad as I expected. I took the daytime bus, which made the ride smoother, and for frequent travelers, I’d say the bus is far less daunting than some online reviews suggest. A friend of mine chose to fly instead, but her flight ended up being delayed by an entire day—so sometimes the bus is the more reliable option after all.
View of the lake during sunset
Things to do in Pokhara:
World Peace Pagoda – I rode my motor scooter up here, but another popular way is to take a boat across the lake and then hike up. Either way, the views are stunning and well worth the effort.
Sarangkot View Point – I didn’t make it this time, but it’s famous for incredible sunrise and sunset views. Many travelers hike or drive up for the experience.
Strolling Lakeside – Simply walking around the main street near the lake is a highlight in itself. It’s lined with shops, cafés, and plenty of spots to just sit and enjoy the view.
Hiking with a Local Guide – Instead of booking online tours (which often funnel money to larger corporations), I wanted to support the local community directly. It was surprisingly easy to arrange through my hotel. They asked what kind of hike I was looking for, and within no time I had a guide—honestly, no advance research required.
Yoga - There are lots of yoga studios in Pokhara, just see what fits your schedule when you are there! Also, alot of groups of people were practicing yoga on the lawns near the lake.
World Peace Pagoda
Classic Dal Bhat
Cafes & Restaurants:
Thakali Restaurants – If you see anything labeled “Thakali,” it’s a local spot serving authentic Dal Bhat. This traditional Nepali meal is hearty, delicious, and what the locals eat for lunch and dinner everyday! Although I didn’t have a chance to go, my local guide gave me the following suggestions - Marpha Thakali by Station and Chautari Thakali Bhanchha Ghar.
The Juicery Café – I came here multiple times during my stay! It’s a bright, welcoming café with healthy, delicious food and a relaxed vibe—perfect for chilling out by the lake. They also offer drop-in yoga classes; just check the board outside for the schedule. The class I joined was simple, authentic, and held in a beautiful space.
Other Information:
I would skip going to the Pumdikot Shiva Statue, although the motorscooter ride there was gorgeous, the place felt like a tourist trap and in my opinion was not worth going to.
