Pokhara City in Nepal captivates visitors with its stunning lakes, lush greenery, and snow-capped mountains. A haven for nature lovers, the city offers a plethora of adventure activities, day tours, and exotic cuisine, making Pokhara a prime destination for travellers seeking both excitement and tranquillity.
This resilient city remains a favourite starting point for trekking adventures in the Annapurna region, providing enthusiasts with an authentic mountain experience in the Himalayas. Pokhara boasts nine enchanting lakes overlooked by over twenty majestic mountains.
This guide will explore the top Pokhara Nepal tourist places to visit and the exciting things to do in Pokhara. We will also look into the best season to visit the area and the requirement for travel insurance.
Top Places to Visit in Pokhara
- Devi's Falls
- International Mountain Museum
- Annapurna Butterfly Museum
- Bat Cave
- Old Pokhara Bazaar
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Devi's Falls
One of the best Pokhara, Nepal tourist places to visit, Devi's Fall is also known as Patale Chhango. It is a mesmerising waterfall within the city limits created by the Pardi Khola stream that plunges around 100 feet, creating a stunning display of water and mist. Surrounded by lush greenery, Devi's Fall is a popular tourist spot with a park-like setting, offering a peaceful walk along a paved path.
Things to Do at Devi's Falls
- Become awestruck by the magnificent power of nature as a colossal waterfall battle rages continuously against rocks to find its path downstream
- Try your fortune at the Luck Pond by throwing or placing a coin at the statue of a local deity
- Experience Nepalese culture by donning traditional dresses
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International Mountain Museum
The International Mountain Museum (IMM) in Pokhara is one of the most informative places to visit in Pokhara. It was established with the initiation of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) on 1st November, 1973. The IMM’s primary purpose is to document and preserve the history and development of mountaineering worldwide, with a particular focus on the Himalayan peaks. The foundation stone for the museum was officially laid on 1st December, 1995 and the IMM was officially inaugurated on 5th February, 2004.
Things to Do at International Mountain Museum
- Enter the complex for a captivating experience of its collection of artefacts, original climbing gears, stories, and photographs related to the mountains and their inhabitants
- Explore exhibits showcasing the Himalayan people, the 14 highest peaks, and famous expeditions
- Visit each section to admire the accomplishments of legendary mountaineers
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Annapurna Butterfly Museum
The Annapurna Butterfly Museum is among the most popular Pokhara tourist places. Established in 1965 by Dorothy Mierow, an American Peace Corps Volunteer, it initially served the Prithvi Narayan Campus and the residents of Pokhara and its surrounding areas. At the time, Pokhara lacked infrastructure such as roads and electricity. With sources of entertainment being limited to fairs and religious festivals, this Pokhara sightseeing attraction primarily catered to schoolchildren and curious locals, offering basic exhibits and figures.
Things to Do at Annapurna Butterfly Museum
- Marvel at the vast collection of nearly 660 common, rare, and endemic butterfly species of Nepal
- From the exhibits, learn about the fascinating aspects of butterfly mimicry and camouflage
- Compare the endemic species displayed at the museum with their counterparts found in the Palearctic region
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Bat Cave
The city, which is located in the Kaski district of Nepal, houses an interesting and one of the most adventurous Pokhara sightseeing places in Chamare Cave. Also known as the Bat Cave, it is situated about 10 kilometres west of the famous Mahadev Cave. This "U" shaped cave is home to various bat species. The walls of this interesting Pokhara visit place feature carvings and structures depicting Hindu deities, adding cultural and religious significance to the cave.
Things to Do at Bat Cave
- Stand near the cave entrance to witness countless numbers of horseshoe bats hanging upside down from the cave ceilings
- For the adventurous, there's an opportunity to explore the cave, which takes around 10 minutes of wiggling through a narrow shaft. Be careful though, if you are claustrophobic
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Old Pokhara Bazaar
The vibrant and culturally rich marketplace of Old Pokhara Bazaar converges diverse traders from various parts of the hilly country, showcasing their colourful wares. The temples and monuments in this old part of Pokhara reflect the influence of Newari architecture from the Kathmandu Valley. Located 4 kilometres from Lakeside, this market has preserved its original charm for over 200 years. Once a bustling centre of commerce, it still offers a clear glimpse into Pokhara's historical past for the Pokhara tourist.
Things to Do at Old Pokhara Bazaar
- Explore the Bindyanasini Mandir, a revered pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati
- Shop for souvenirs, apparel, food items, exotic spices, handicraft, and various other products in this marketplace, which immerses visitors into Nepal’s rich cultural and religious heritage
Best Time to Visit Pokhara
Pokhara, Nepal's most popular city for scenic beauty, offers the best experience to visitors from September to November, which marks the peak tourist season. Travellers flock to this breathtaking destination, enjoying the pleasant weather, vibrant landscapes, and Pokhara nightlife Nepal nightlife. Pokhara experiences cold temperatures from December to February as winter sets in. Given its proximity to the mighty Himalayas, the winter lingers until March. Nonetheless, this period is also an ideal time to visit for adventurous tourists seeking trekking and hiking opportunities.
Travel Insurance for Pokhara
As of 2022, tourists visiting Nepal, Pokhara included, were mandated to have travel medical insurance covering the duration of their trip. We strongly recommend you secure travel insurance before commencing your visits to various Pokhara, Nepal tourist places. This is because Nepal can be an unfamiliar place for visitors, especially when they are away from the towns and cities and among jungles and mountains trekking or engaging in adventure activities, making them prone to injury or illness.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the relevant industry. It is advised to verify the relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.
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