Pokhara Nepal | Complete Guide to Pokhara City in Gandaki Province

Pemba Tamang January 30, 2026

Pokhara is one of Nepal’s most famous travel destinations, especially for those seeking a peaceful environment and mountain views. It is a destination in the Gandaki Province, known as Nepal’s tourism capital and the gateway to the Annapurna region.

While Kathmandu is a crowded and historic destination, Pokhara is a serene, nature-friendly destination. This is due to the availability of natural resources such as lakes and the proximity to the mountains, making it a popular destination for tourists and travellers, both domestic and international, throughout the year.

Table of Contents

Quick Summary

Pokhara is located in the central part of Nepal in the Gandaki Province, approximately 200 km west of the capital city, Kathmandu.
Pokhara is known as Nepal’s tourism capital, and the city is renowned for its lakes, mountain ranges, and laid-back lifestyle.
Pokhara town offers clear views of the Annapurna mountain range, including Machhapuchhre, from within the town.
Pokhara has a moderate climate, and spring and autumn are the best times to visit.
Most hotels in Pokhara are located in the Lakeside area, close to Phewa Lake and tourist facilities.
Pokhara is the primary entry point for treks in the Annapurna region, such as Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit.
Pokhara can also be visited for sightseeing, relaxation, and short outings, even without trekking.

Where Is Pokhara Located in Nepal?

Pokhara is located in central Nepal and falls within the Gandaki Province. There are also other instances where people search for “Pokhara Gandaki,” which refers to its administrative location.

Pokhara is situated about 200 km west of Kathmandu and lies at a much lower altitude than other Himalayan peaks. This is the main reason why tourists can see huge mountain peaks rising behind the town.

Pokhara City: Why It’s Nepal’s Most Relaxing Tourist City?

Pokhara is the most relaxed city in Nepal. It has less traffic, and the pace of life seems slower than in Kathmandu.

The most visited part of Pokhara is Lakeside, which lies along the shores of Phewa Lake. It has many hotels, restaurants, and walking paths, making it the hub of tourism in Pokhara, Nepal.

Pokhara town, despite its status as a tourism hub, still retains the characteristics of a typical Nepalese city.

Mountain view from pokhara — Mountain view from Pokhara

Why Pokhara Is Famous in Nepal and Worldwide

Pokhara is famous for several reasons

Close-up Himalayan mountain views
Lakes such as Phewa Lake
Adventure activities like paragliding, bungee jumping, day hiking, boating, and more.
Being the starting point for Annapurna treks
Calm atmosphere compared to Kathmandu

On clear mornings, the Annapurna Range, including Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), is visible from Pokhara. This is one of the few cities in the world where one can see high Himalayan peaks from the city itself.

Pokhara Weather

Pokhara weather is another popular search term, particularly phrases such as ‘Pokhara weather’ and ‘weather Nepal Pokhara’.

Pokhara has a moderate climate; however, it is also one of the rainiest cities in Nepal during the monsoon.

Pokhara Weather by Season

Spring: Warm weather, good mountain views
Summer / Monsoon: Rainy days, lush greenery
Autumn: Best time to visit Pokhara, clear sky
Winter: Cool mornings, clear sky

For the best views of the mountains, the early mornings are the best time of day, year-round.

Hotels in Pokhara

Most hotels in Pokhara are located around Lakeside, making it convenient for visitors to walk to restaurants, shops, and Phewa Lake. Many hotels also cater specifically to trekkers, offering luggage storage and quiet rooms.

Pokhara offers:

Budget-friendly guesthouses
Mid-range hotels
Comfortable lakeside resorts
High catagories hotel like 3-star to 5-star hotels

Pokhara, Nepal, as a Trekking Gateway

Pokhara, Nepal, is the primary trekking center for the Annapurna region. Almost all treks in this region start and/or end in Pokhara city.

From Pokhara, travellers access:

Is Pokhara Worth Visiting Without Trekking?

Yes, Pokhara is worth visiting even if one doesn’t go trekking. The town has mountains, lakes, cafes, and a laid-back environment at a low altitude. This makes Pokhara a perfect destination for those who want to experience the Himalayas without much effort. Pokhara can be a serene destination in its own right, not just a starting point for trekking.

Pokhara offers:

Lakeside walking and relaxation
Viewpoints such as Sarangkot
Short day hikes like Astam Village, Five Mountains Views and more.
Cafes and restaurants with mountain views

This makes Pokhara suitable for families, couples, and travellers who prefer a relaxed itinerary.

Final Thoughts

Pokhara is not only a city but also a destination where nature, comfort, and accessibility come together. Whether you travel to Pokhara, Nepal, for a Himalayan trek or for its lakes, climate, and mountain views, Pokhara offers a serene yet Himalayan experience.

With its friendly environment, beautiful scenery, and accessibility in the Gandaki Province, Pokhara is one of the most rewarding destinations in Nepal for all kinds of travellers.

FAQs

Where is Pokhara situated in Nepal?

Pokhara is situated in the central part of Nepal, in the Gandaki Province, 200 km from Kathmandu.

Is Pokhara a city or a town?

Pokhara is a metropolitan city, but it is also commonly known as Pokhara town for its laid-back, small-city atmosphere.

Why is Pokhara so popular?

Pokhara is popular for its lakes, mountain ranges, pleasant climate, adventure activities, and being the entrance to the Annapurna region.

What is the climate of Pokhara?

Pokhara has a moderate climate with warm summers and cold winters, and it receives high rainfall during the monsoon season.