Pokhara Itineraries. 3 Days, 1 Week, Budget Travel

Time-Based Itineraries

Plan your visit based on the duration of your stay.

-hour Layover Highlights

Morning: Sunrise trip to Sarangkot via Annapurna Cable Car or taxi.
Late Morning: Boating on Phewa Lake, visit Tal Barahi Temple.
Afternoon: Explore Devi's Fall and Gupteshwor Cave.
Evening: Stroll Lakeside promenade, dinner with lake views.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 days

Day 1: Arrival, settle in The lakeside, Phewa Lake boating, local dinner.
Day 2: Sunrise Sarangkot, International Mountain Museum, World Peace Pagoda.
Day 3: Optional adventure (paragliding) or serene Begnas Lake, then departure.

Extended Stays

For longer visits, combine city immersion with treks and cultural excursions.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience

Combine the weekend itinerary with more exploration and a short trek.

Weekly Plan

Day 1-3: Pokhara immersion, including Old Pokhara Bazaar, Seti River Gorge.
Day 4-6: Embark on a 3-day Poon Hill or Mardi Himal trek.
Day SEVEN: Relaxation, souvenir shopping, or another adventure activity.
Depart from Pokhara in the late afternoon.

For booking specific activities, consider GetYourGuide.

Two-Week In-Depth Exploration

Extend your adventure for a thorough experience of Pokhara and its surroundings.

Extended Journey

Combine with a longer trek (e.g., 5-7 day Mardi Himal trek).
Include additional day trips to Bandipur for cultural insights.
Spend more time at Begnas and Rupa Lakes for extended tranquility.

Long-Term Stay Recommendations

For a month or more, consider renting an apartment or guesthouse room.

Longer Visit Perks

Provides a base for exploring surrounding villages.
Engage in volunteer work or language learning.
Participate in longer yoga and meditation retreats.
Enjoy a slower pace of life and explore local culture deeply.

Personalized Extensions

Tailor your long-term itinerary to specific interests.

Customizable Plans

Focus on art and architecture by stopping at area art galleries and classes.
Immerse in culinary experiences with cooking classes and market visits.
Dedicate time to local history and heritage sites.
Explore extensive cycling routes around the valley.

Optimal Timing for Extended Stays

Autumn Oct-Nov

Clear skies, festive season, ideal for trekking and mountain views.

Spring Mar-Apr

Warm weather, rhododendrons in bloom, good for outdoor activities.

Winter Dec-Feb

Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent visibility for mountains.

Growth in Experience

Longer stays cultivate a connection with Pokhara, transforming a visit into an immersive cultural experience.

Interest-Based Routes

Tailor your itinerary to your specific interests, focusing on what you love most.

Historical & Heritage Focus

Explore Pokhara's past and cultural roots.

Heritage Exploration

Explore Old Pokhara Bazaar.
Visit the Gorkha Memorial Museum.
See the Bindhyabasini Temple.
Plan a day trip to Gorkha Durbar.

Immerse yourself in centuries of Nepali history.

Food & Culinary Experiences

Savor the flavors of Nepal through local cuisine.

Culinary Journey

Dedicate time to eating at local eateries and momo stalls.
Join a Nepali cooking class.
Visit the Tibetan refugee camp for authentic Tibetan cuisine.
Explore local markets for fresh produce and snacks.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Seek thrills and natural beauty in Pokhara's adventurous landscape.

Airborne Adventures

Paragliding over Phewa Lake.
Zip-lining for a rush.
Ultralight flights for distinct scenery.

Ground & Water Thrills

Multi-day treks (Poon Hill, Mardi Himal).
Mountain biking on local trails.
Paddling a kayak on Phewa Lake.

Family-Friendly Itinerary

Activities suitable for all ages to enjoy Pokhara.

Family Fun

Enjoy leisurely boating on Phewa Lake.
Visit the International Mountain Museum.
Explore Devi's Fall and Gupteshwor Cave.
Choose hotels with swimming pools and spacious grounds.

Art & Architecture Emphasis

Discover the artistic and structural heritage of Pokhara.

Artistic Journey

Explore thangka painting shops and local craft stores.
Observe traditional Newari architecture in Old Pokhara.
Look for local galleries featuring Nepali artists.
Discover traditional wood carving and pottery workshops.

Spiritual & Wellness Journey

Mindful Retreats

Participate in yoga and meditation retreats offered in and around Pokhara.

Sacred Spaces

Visit monasteries like Matepani Gumba and spend time at the serene World Peace Pagoda for reflection.

Personalized Journey

Design your Pokhara adventure around your passions, whether it is history, food, or thrilling activities.

Budget-Based Plans

Travel styles vary with budget. Here are plans for different financial considerations.

Backpacker's Guide

Maximize your experience on a shoestring budget.

Budget Travel Tips

Stay in hostels or budget guesthouses.
Eat local food, especially dal bhat, at small eateries.
Utilize local buses for transportation.
Rent bicycles for exploring the area.

Self-guided walks and hikes are free and fulfilling.

Mid-Range Traveler's Itinerary

Comfortable travel with a balanced budget.

Comfortable Choices

Choose comfortable mid-range hotels.
Mix dining between local and tourist restaurants.
Use taking a taxi for ease.
Opt for organized day tours to attractions and adventure activities.

Luxury Experience Plan

Indulge in premium services and exclusive experiences.

Premium Travel

Stay in luxury resorts with spas and fine dining.
Use private transfers and domestic flights for travel.
Enjoy exclusive guided tours and premium adventure sports.
Consider hiring a private trekking guide for a personalized experience.

Value-Focused Recommendations

Smart strategies for cost-effective travel without compromising on experience.

Maximizing Value

Visit during the shoulder season (September, February, May) for better prices.
Book flights and hotels in advance for savings.
Take tourist buses for inter-city travel.
Negotiate prices where appropriate (taxis, market purchases).

Budgeting for Experiences

Accommodation Costs

Varies from $5 dorms to $200+ luxury resorts per night.

Food Expenses

Local meals from $2-5, tourist restaurants $10-20 per meal.

Activity Prices

Paragliding $80-100, treks vary by duration and services.

Smart Spending

Pokhara caters to all budgets.

Seasonal Specialties

Plan your itinerary to take advantage of Pokhara's unique seasonal offerings.

Summer/Monsoon Highlights June-August

Embrace the unique beauty of Pokhara in the wet season.

Monsoon Experiences

Enjoy lush green landscapes and powerful waterfalls.
Fewer tourists mean lower prices for accommodation and tours.
Activities can potentially shift indoors or to rain-friendly options.
Mountain views are often obscured during this time.

A serene and budget-friendly time to visit.

Winter Highlights December-February

Experience crisp air and clear skies during Pokhara's winter.

Winter Wonders

Experience blue skies and excellent mountain views.
Am and pm are cold; pack warm clothing.
A good time for short treks and enjoying fewer crowds.
The annual Lakeside Festival (Dec/Jan) has cultural and musical events.

Spring March-April & Autumn October-November

These shoulder seasons offer optimal weather and balanced experiences.

Spring Charm

Warm, pleasant weather.
Rhododendrons bloom in the hills.
Ideal for trekking and outdoor activities.

Autumn Perfection

Consistently clear skies.
Spectacular mountain views.
Peak trekking season with comfortable temperatures.

Off-Season Exploration Strategies

Discover the tranquility and benefits of visiting during quieter times.

Maximize Your Off-Season Trip

Embrace the rain during monsoon for verdant landscapes.
Enjoy the tranquility and fewer crowds.
Take advantage of significantly lower prices for accommodation and tours.
Center on cultural sites, which remain accessible and offer quiet reflection.

Local Events & Festivals

Timings of major festivals align with certain seasons.

Festival Calendar

Dashain & Tihar (Autumn): Major Hindu festivals with celebrations.
Pokhara Street Festival (Winter): Features food stalls, music, and folk performances.
Bishwa Shanti Stupa Festival (Spring): Celebrates Buddha's birthday.
Paragliding Festival (Spring/Autumn): Highlights adventure sports.

Optimal Timing

Pokhara has different charms each season. Choose the time that aligns best with your preferences for weather, crowds, and activities.

Pokhara Itineraries