Accommodation in Pokhara

Hi everyone!

I’m planning a short visit to Pokhara around mid-February 2027 (it’ll be my 4th time in Nepal 😊, over 40 years!). I’d like to book a room in advance rather than looking when I arrive. I’ve checked a bit on Bxxking.com and see lots of options. I’m used to scoping out the surroundings of places listed, just to avoid ending up in areas that are either unappealing or far from everything.

So, I see quite a few offers around the lake (Lakeside?), but every time I check what it looks like, the streets seem really uninviting. It’s kind of like a construction site with buildings everywhere… Nothing like Bhaktapur (for example) or even Thamel, where the streets seem way more pleasant.

Could anyone give me some advice?

Also, I don’t really get the impression that Pokhara is worth a visit of several days. The lake, sure, but once you’ve seen it—what else is there?

Hi there,

A friend stayed there recently and was happy with the accommodation, but personally, I don’t know it. The value for money is excellent. Breakfast included, plus a pool and gym—all just steps from Phewa Lake! Rate: 34 €. Hotel Middle Path & Spa

I don’t really feel like Pokhara is worth a visit of several days. The lake, sure, but once you’ve seen it—what else?

True, most people come for the views of the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhre... Others now for paragliding! It’s also the starting point for all treks in the Annapurna region, but you probably already know that ;) Back in the 70s (doesn’t make us any younger!), we used to wander around the town itself, which is a bit off-center from the lake. Haven’t been back since. Now, everyone just sticks to the lake!

The lake, sure, but once you’ve seen it—what else?

-Bindhyabasini Temple, a Hindu temple north of Pokhara (I went there ages ago!) -On my last trip, I discovered a temple built by the Japanese on a hill overlooking the lake (it didn’t exist before). From what I remember, it’s about a half-hour walk on a trail starting from the lake: World Peace Pagoda (or World Peace Pagoda).

Hello,

A friend went there recently and was happy with his accommodation, but personally, I don’t know it. The value for money is excellent. Breakfast included, and even a pool and gym, all just a stone’s throw from Phewa Lake! Rate: 34 €. Hotel Middle Path & Spa

I don’t really feel like Pokhara is worth a visit of several days. The lake, sure, but once you’ve seen it—what else?

Actually, people mostly come for the views of the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhre... and now for paragliding too! It’s also the starting point for all treks in the Annapurnas, but I’m sure you already know that ;) Back in the 70s (doesn’t make us any younger!), we used to wander around the town itself, a bit away from the lake. I haven’t been back since. Now, everyone just sticks to the lake!

The lake, sure, but once you’ve seen it—what else?

-Bindhyabasini Temple, a Hindu temple north of Pokhara (I went there a long time ago!) -During my last trip, I discovered a temple built by the Japanese on a hill overlooking the lake (it didn’t exist before). From what I remember, it’s just a half-hour walk on a trail starting from the lake: World Peace Pagoda (or Peace Pagoda)

Hi Jean-Michel,

Thanks for your reply. I see that accommodation options in Pokhara are indeed very appealing.

Our plan (my partner and I) is to do a 4- or 5-day trek, nothing too physically demanding, just to get closer to the high mountains!

I spent a few days in Pokhara back in 1980, and I remember the lakeside well. There wasn’t even a tenth of what you find there now, based on the photos... I don’t have any special memories of the town itself, except that it wasn’t very big!

Our plan (my partner and I) is indeed to do a 4- or 5-day trek, nothing too physically demanding, just to get closer to the high mountains!

Why not take a bus to Beni and then Jomsom or earlier (Marpha) and cover what used to be the final stretch of the Annapurna Circuit (which almost no one does anymore now that the road has been built...)? There are alternative paths to this road on the left bank of the Kali Gandaki—you can easily descend them (it goes back up to Tatopani!) and stop anywhere in the villages (like in Marpha). You can also stray from these paths to head toward a beautiful lake whose name I’ve forgotten, as well as the spot where you leave the main trail to find it further south.

Check the Jomsom/Tatopani route on the map. (stage 12) In Tatopani (hot springs), take the bus back to Beni/Pokhara because the climb to Ghorepani (the Annapurna balcony) is really tough! https://endlesssherpaadventures.com/annapurna-circuit-trek-map/

Our plan (my partner and I) is indeed to do a 4- or 5-day trek—nothing too physically demanding, just to get closer to the high mountains!

Why not take a bus to Beni and then to Jomsom or earlier (Marpha) and cover what used to be the final stretch of the Annapurna Circuit (which almost no one does anymore now that the road has been built...)? There are alternative paths to this road on the left bank of the Kali Gandaki—you can easily descend them (it climbs back up to Tatopani!) and stop anywhere in the villages (like in Marpha). You can also veer off these paths to head toward a beautiful lake whose name I’ve forgotten, as well as the spot where you leave the main trail to find it again further south.

Check the Jomsom/Tatopani route on the map. (stage 12) In Tatopani (hot springs), take the bus back to Beni/Pokhara because the climb to Ghorepani (the Annapurna balcony) is really tough! https://endlesssherpaadventures.com/annapurna-circuit-trek-map/

Can this be done in 4 or 5 days? And can it be done without a guide?

Can this be done in 4 or 5 days? And can it be done without a guide?

Easily! You need 3 stages to do Jomsom–Tatopani (see the map): Jomsom/Mapha/Leyte/Tatopani. You can’t get lost! No guide needed! Buy the right map in KTM (bookstore).

Another option, but there’ll be more people since almost this whole area can now be done by jeep! It’s also more rugged (Muktinath is at 3,800m). From Jomsom (not very pretty), "climb" in 2.5 hours of easy walking along the Gandaki River to Kagbeni (a lovely medieval village and the gateway to Upper Mustang). (Beyond this point, a special permit is required.) Stay the night there. Then head east to Muktinath (a Hindu pilgrimage site; temple with the blue flame), avoiding the track!! (Pass through villages like Jarkot.) Descend back to Jomsom the next day via the direct route, then continue to Marpha (downhill), a pretty village with lots of orchards (apples). After that, if you don’t have enough time to go all the way to Tatopani, take the track again (e.g., at Ghasa) and do a stage by bus or even return to Pokhara by bus (via Beni).

Thanks! I’ll need to study this more closely, map in hand! I’ve got time—I’m only planning for around February / early March.