Where to Stay in Pokhara
Nepal
|Pop. 600K
|3 neighborhoods covered
Pokhara at a Glance
4 categories
Top Tips for Pokhara
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Rent a bicycle for a day to explore the quieter paths around Phewa Lake and the surrounding villages, offering a more local perspective than just walking along Lakeside.
Getting Around
For longer distances or trips to trailheads, hiring a taxi for a half or full day can be cost-effective and convenient, especially if you negotiate the price beforehand.
Watch Out For
Overcharging by taxi/rickshaw drivers (always agree on price beforehand or ensure meter is used).
Solo Female Travel
Generally safe for solo female travelers, especially in tourist areas like Lakeside. Standard precautions against petty theft and unwanted attention should be taken, particularly at night.
Hidden Gems in Pokhara
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Pumdi Bhumdi
FREEThis hilltop offers a less crowded alternative to Sarangkot for sunrise and sunset views over the Annapurna range and Phewa Lake. It's a peaceful spot with stunning panoramic vistas.
Chachahui Forest
FREEEscape the hustle and bustle in this tranquil forest area, perfect for a peaceful walk or bird watching. It's a refreshing natural escape just a short distance from the main tourist areas.
Newa Chen Restaurant
Savor authentic Newari cuisine in a traditional setting away from the lakeside crowds. This place is known for its delicious local dishes and cozy atmosphere.
Begnas Lake
FREEWhile most tourists flock to Phewa Lake, Begnas offers a more serene and less commercialized lake experience. Enjoy boating or simply relax by the water with beautiful mountain backdrops.
Tal Barahi Temple
This sacred Hindu temple is located on a small island in Phewa Lake and is accessible by boat. It's a significant religious site and offers a glimpse into local spiritual practices.
Pardi Dam
FREEA local favorite for evening strolls and enjoying the sunset over the valley and the mountains. It provides a different perspective of Pokhara and is often less crowded than other viewpoints.
What It Costs in Pokhara
Daily budget per person in NPR
💡Premium destination pricing
NPR 2500/day
NPR 5500/day
NPR 12000/day
Where to Stay in Pokhara
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Phewa Lake1 min
- Sarangkot viewpoint turnoff15 min
- New Road shopping area20 min
Pros
- +Convenient access to restaurants, shops, and activities.
- +Beautiful lakefront setting with mountain views.
- +Wide range of accommodation options.
Cons
- -Can be noisy and crowded, especially during peak season.
- -More tourist-oriented, less authentic local experience.
Top stays in Lakeside
Hotel Barahi
$$$Offers luxurious rooms and a beautiful garden setting with lake views.
Hotel Trekkers Inn
$$A popular mid-range option known for its comfortable rooms and friendly service.
Pokhara Backpackers Hostel
$A social and affordable choice with a good atmosphere for meeting other travelers.
Hotel Lakefront
$$Prime location directly on the lake with rooms offering excellent views.
Best for
Walk to
- Phewa Lake5 min
- Tal Barahi Temple10 min
- Pokhara Museum15 min
Pros
- +More peaceful than Lakeside.
- +Good value accommodation and food options.
- +Closer to some cultural sites and local markets.
Cons
- -Fewer dining and shopping options compared to Lakeside.
- -Slightly further walk to the main tourist strip.
Top stays in Damside
Hotel Purnima
$A budget-friendly hotel with clean rooms and a convenient location near the lake.
Hotel Landmark
$$Offers comfortable rooms and good service at a reasonable price point.
Hotel Fewa Holiday Inn
$A simple and clean option with good value for money.
Best for
Walk to
- Pokhara Airport10 min
- Siddhartha Highway5 min
Pros
- +Significantly cheaper accommodation and food.
- +Quieter and more local atmosphere.
- +Good base for exploring areas outside the immediate tourist zone.
Cons
- -Limited tourist amenities (restaurants, shops).
- -Further from the main attractions like Phewa Lake.
- -Less developed infrastructure for tourists.
Areas to be cautious
- Areas immediately surrounding the bus stations, especially at night.: Can be less safe due to transient populations and potential for petty crime.
Insider tip: Rent a bicycle for a day to explore the quieter paths around Phewa Lake and the surrounding villages, offering a more local perspective than just walking along Lakeside.
Safety in Pokhara
SafeSolo Female Travel
Generally safe for solo female travelers, especially in tourist areas like Lakeside. Standard precautions against petty theft and unwanted attention should be taken, particularly at night.
At Night
Tourist areas like Lakeside are generally safe with good lighting and plenty of people around. Be more cautious in darker, less populated streets and areas further from the lake.
Emergency
100 (Police)
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overcharging by taxi/rickshaw drivers (always agree on price beforehand or ensure meter is used).
- 2Fake trekking guides or touts offering unsolicited services.
- 3Street vendors selling 'authentic' souvenirs that may be mass-produced.
Getting Around Pokhara
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
Taxis are readily available outside the terminal; cost is typically 500-800 NPR to Lakeside, taking about 15-20 minutes.
🎫
Day Pass
Not applicable for local buses; single rides are very cheap.
Single: Local buses: 15-30 NPR depending on distance. Taxis/Auto-rickshaws: negotiable, start around 100-150 NPR for short trips.
🚶
Walkability
Good TransitUber, Grab
📶
WiFi
Good15-30 Mbps in cafes and hotels
Public Transport
Local buses are the primary mode of public transport, connecting different parts of the city and surrounding areas; taxis and auto-rickshaws are also common for shorter distances.
Ride-share
No major international rideshare apps like Uber or Grab. Local apps like 'Pathao' operate and are generally cheaper than traditional taxis. Typical cost for short rides: 150-300 NPR.
Transport Tip
For longer distances or trips to trailheads, hiring a taxi for a half or full day can be cost-effective and convenient, especially if you negotiate the price beforehand.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Most cafes, restaurants, and hotels offer free Wi-Fi to customers/guests.
Coworking
Limited dedicated coworking spaces. Some cafes are popular with digital nomads, but no official coworking options with daily passes are widely advertised.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: Jan, Nov, Dec
Hotels & Accommodation in Pokhara
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Who Is Pokhara Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
First-time Visitors to Pokhara
Offers the most convenient access to essential tourist services, accommodation, and iconic views of Phewa Lake.
Budget Backpackers
Provides a wide range of affordable hostels and guesthouses alongside cheap eats and easy access to activities.
Couples Seeking Relaxation
Offers a quieter environment near the lake, with good value accommodation and a more relaxed pace than Lakeside.
Culture Enthusiasts on a Budget
Allows for exploration of local temples and museums while staying in more affordable guesthouses.
Digital Nomads on a Tight Budget
Provides the cheapest accommodation and a more local living experience, though with fewer dedicated work facilities.
About Pokhara
Pokhara (Nepali: पोखरा [ˈpokʰʌɾa]) is a metropolitan city located in central Nepal, which serves as the capital of Gandaki Province. Named the country's "capital of tourism" it is the second largest city after Kathmandu, with 600,051 inhabitants living in 120,594 households as of 2021 census. Pokhara is located 200 kilometres (120 miles) west of the capital, Kathmandu, on the shore of Phewa Lake, and sits at an average elevation of approximately 822 m above sea level.
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Pokhara Guides by Traveller Type
Tailored neighborhood picks for how you travel