Phewa Lake
The main lake of Pokhara, framed by forested hills and, on clear days, the snow peaks of the Annapurna range. Rowing boats cross to a small island temple, and the lakeside is lined with cafes.
Pokhara
Popular trekking routes begin at this lakeside town on Phewa Lake, which also offers Annapurna views and paragliding.
Attractive locations
Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda)
A white Buddhist peace pagoda on a ridge above the lake, reached by a forest walk or a short drive. It is a favourite place to watch the sunrise over the mountains.
Davis Falls
A waterfall where the stream from Phewa Lake drops into a narrow gorge and disappears underground. It is especially strong after rain, and the grounds include a small wishing well.
Mahendra Cave
A limestone cave in the north of the city, with winding passages that can be explored with a torch. Bats live in the darker corners, and a small shrine stands near the entrance.
International Mountain Museum
A museum about the Himalaya, its climbing history, and the peoples who live in the mountains. Exhibits include climbing gear, models of peaks and displays of local cultures.
Sarangkot
A hilltop viewpoint above Pokhara, popular at sunrise for views of the Annapurna range and Phewa Lake. Paragliders launch from here.
Begnas Lake
A quieter lake east of Pokhara with calm water, forested hills and small boats. Visitors come for peaceful walks and a slower pace than the main lakeside.
Airports
Pokhara International Airport PHH
It is about 4 km in a straight line from Pokhara.
Pokhara Domestic Airport PKR
It is about 1 km in a straight line from Pokhara.
Jomsom Airport JMO
It is about 68 km in a straight line from Pokhara.
Scams and safe taxis
Weather by month
Each month shows its average temperature in °C and its mm of rain per month.
- Jan11.2 °C16 mm
- Feb13.9 °C23 mm
- Mar18.4 °C27 mm
- Apr23.0 °C38 mm
- May24.9 °C103 mm
- Jun25.2 °C245 mm
- Jul23.4 °C416 mm
- Aug22.9 °C306 mm
- Sep21.7 °C221 mm
- Oct19.2 °C69 mm
- Nov15.6 °C3 mm
- Dec12.4 °C6 mm
Driest months: Jan, Nov, Dec. Wettest months: Jun, Jul, Aug.
Costs
Prices here are about 24% of US prices (World Bank, 2025). This compares a country's overall prices, not the cost of a trip.
Who can help
Emergency
Police 100. Fire 101. Ambulance 102. (Confirm with your hotel or guide on arrival.)
local government
Tourist Police (Nepal Police)
Helps with: A special unit of Nepal Police to prevent harassment and crime against tourists. It takes complaints, helps recover lost documents, and liaises with embassies. Its page says it operates 24/7 in Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara.
Who qualifies: Tourists in Nepal, mainly around Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and other tourist areas where it has units.
Phone: 1144
Email: policetourist@nepalpolice.gov.np
Address: Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, Nepal (inside the Nepal Tourism Board premises)
local government
Nepal Tourism Board
Helps with: Nepal's national tourism body. Contact its Kathmandu office for visitor information. It also publishes official updates and the tourist police information page.
Who qualifies: Anyone travelling in Nepal or planning a trip there.
Phone: +977 1 5356909
Email: info@ntb.org.np
Address: Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, P.O. Box 11018
ngo
Nepal Red Cross Society
Helps with: Nepal's national Red Cross society. Its website reports its flood, monsoon and earthquake relief work and invites volunteers and members. Contact its national headquarters in Kalimati.
Who qualifies: People in Nepal affected by disasters or needing its humanitarian services.
Phone: +977-1-5370650
Email: info@nrcs.org
Address: Redcross Marg, Kalimati, Post Box 217
local government
National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA)
Helps with: Nepal's national disaster agency, which coordinates search, rescue and relief and publishes situation reports on floods and other disasters.
Who qualifies: Anyone in Nepal affected by a disaster or seeking official disaster information.
Phone: +977-01-4211195
Email: info@bipad.gov.np
Address: Singhadurbar, Kathmandu, Nepal
un agency
International Organization for Migration (IOM) Nepal
Helps with: The UN migration agency, in Nepal since 2006. It supports flood response, displacement tracking and migrant services. Its contact page offers an online form.
Who qualifies: Migrants and people affected by displacement. It is not a help service for ordinary tourists.
Address: Lazimpat Sadak, Panipokhari, Ward-3, Kathmandu, Nepal, PO Box 25503
local government
Police emergency number 100
Helps with: Reaches the police. UK government travel advice lists this number.
Who qualifies: Anyone in the country, including visitors.
Phone: 100
local government
Ambulance emergency number 102
Helps with: Reaches the ambulance service. UK government travel advice lists this number.
Who qualifies: Anyone in the country, including visitors.
Phone: 102
local government
Fire emergency number 101
Helps with: Reaches the fire service. UK government travel advice lists this number.
Who qualifies: Anyone in the country, including visitors.
Phone: 101