Pokhara
Nepal's adventure capital sits at 830m on Phewa Lake with the Annapurna massif filling the horizon — Annapurna I (8,091m), the sacred unclimbed Machhapuchhre Fishtail (6,993m), and Dhaulagiri all visible from town on a clear morning. Lakeside (Baidam) is the laid-back tourist district — paragliding from Sarangkot is world-class. Trek launch point for Annapurna Circuit, ABC, and Poon Hill. The new Pokhara International Airport opened 2023. Domestic flight from Kathmandu is 25 minutes.
Tours & Experiences
Browse bookable tours, activities, and day trips in Pokhara
📍 Points of Interest
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At a Glance
- Pop.
- 420K (city), 520K (metro)
- Timezone
- Kathmandu
- Dial
- +977
- Emergency
- 100 / 101
Pokhara sits at roughly 830 metres elevation on the shores of Phewa Lake, with the Annapurna massif — including Annapurna I (8,091 m) and the sacred unclimbed Machhapuchhre Fishtail (6,993 m) — filling the northern horizon on clear days
The Lakeside district (Baidam) is the backpacker heartland of Nepal, lined with cafes, gear shops, and guesthouses that have attracted trekkers and hippies since the 1970s
Pokhara is considered one of the world's premier paragliding destinations — pilots launch from Sarangkot at 1,600 m and ride thermals above Phewa Lake with Himalayan giants as a backdrop
The city is the main gateway for the Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, and Poon Hill treks — some of Nepal's most popular and spectacular routes
The new Pokhara International Airport (PKR) opened in January 2023, though international services remain limited; most travellers still connect through Tribhuvan International in Kathmandu
Nepal's catastrophic 2015 earthquake (magnitude 7.8) caused widespread damage across the country, and the 2023 Yeti Airlines crash near Pokhara — killing 72 people — was Nepal's deadliest aviation accident in decades
Top Sights
Phewa Lake & Tal Barahi Temple
🌿Rent a wooden rowboat and paddle across Phewa Lake to Tal Barahi, a small two-storey pagoda temple on an island sacred to Goddess Bhagwati. The lake reflects the Annapurna range on calm mornings and the surrounding hills glow at sunset. One of Nepal's most serene and photogenic spots.
Sarangkot Sunrise & Paragliding
📌The hilltop at 1,600 m above the valley offers the most celebrated Himalayan panorama in the Pokhara region — Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu at dawn. It is also the launch point for tandem paragliding flights over Phewa Lake, widely regarded as one of the top paragliding experiences in Asia.
World Peace Pagoda
📌A gleaming white Japanese-built stupa perched on a forested ridge south of Phewa Lake. Reached by a 45-minute hike through jungle or by boat and short climb, the pagoda offers sweeping views of the lake, city, and Annapurna range. One of 80 such peace pagodas built worldwide by the Nipponzan-Myohoji order.
Devi's Falls & Gupteshwor Cave
🌿Devi's Falls is a waterfall that dramatically disappears underground into a narrow gorge — at its peak during monsoon season it is thunderous. Directly across the road, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave is a sacred Hindu cave system that stretches beneath the falls with natural Shiva lingam formations and underground passages.
Begnas Lake
🌿The second-largest lake in the Pokhara Valley, about 15 km east of the city. Far quieter than Phewa, Begnas offers rowing, fishing, and lakeside walks without the tourist bustle. Local villages surround the lake and the atmosphere is genuinely tranquil.
International Mountain Museum
🏛️Nepal's premier museum dedicated to the Himalayas, mountaineering history, and the indigenous peoples of the mountain regions. Exhibits cover all fourteen 8,000-metre peaks, the history of summit attempts, high-altitude equipment through the decades, and the cultures of Sherpa, Gurung, and Thakali communities.
Annapurna Trekking Gateway
🌿Pokhara is the starting and ending point for the Annapurna Circuit (14-21 days around the massif), Annapurna Base Camp (7-10 days to 4,130 m), Mardi Himal, and the popular short Poon Hill trek (4-5 days) with its iconic sunrise viewpoint at 3,210 m. All treks require a TIMS card and ACAP permit obtainable in Pokhara.
Off the Beaten Path
Bindabasini Temple
Pokhara's oldest and most important Hindu temple, dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati and set in a quiet garden in the old bazaar area north of Lakeside. Busy with local worshippers especially on Saturdays, with vendors selling marigold garlands and sindoor outside.
While most visitors head straight to Phewa Lake, Bindabasini is where Pokhara's religious life actually happens — genuine and unhurried, with virtually no tourist crowds.
Pumdikot Shiva Statue
A colossal 51-metre statue of Lord Shiva under construction on a hilltop east of Pokhara, already partially visible and accessible via a short hike. The hilltop offers 360-degree views of Phewa Lake, the Pokhara Valley, and the Annapurna range.
Few foreign visitors know this site exists, yet it promises to become one of Nepal's most dramatic viewpoints once complete — visit now before it becomes crowded.
Seti River Gorge Viewpoints
The Seti Gandaki river runs directly through Pokhara but almost entirely underground through a narrow limestone gorge — in some places the roaring white river is invisible from street level. Several bridge viewpoints in the city let you peer down into the slot canyon.
A completely free and extraordinary geological curiosity that most day-trippers skip entirely. The contrast between the busy street above and the thundering river below is surreal.
Old Pokhara Bazaar (Bagar)
The historic market district north of Lakeside with traditional Newari-style architecture, local vegetable markets, spice sellers, and small temples. A complete contrast to the tourist-focused Lakeside strip.
Gives a window into everyday Pokhara life — chai shops, hardware sellers, and fresh produce markets that serve locals rather than trekkers.
Bat Cave (Chamero Gupha)
A small natural cave near the Gupteshwor area that houses thousands of fruit bats roosting in its vaulted ceiling. A short walk from Devi's Falls, completely off the standard tourist trail.
An eerie, memorable 20-minute detour that almost no guidebook mentions — the sound and smell of thousands of bats overhead is an unforgettable sensory experience.
Insider Tips
Climate & Best Time to Go
Monthly climate & crowd levels
Pokhara has a subtropical highland climate at 830 m elevation, warmer and wetter than Kathmandu. The city receives some of the highest rainfall in Nepal due to its position at the base of the Annapurna range, which traps monsoon clouds. Mountain views are completely obscured during the wet monsoon months. The clearest Himalayan panoramas occur in October and November.
Pre-Monsoon / Spring
March - May57-82°F
14-28°C
Warm and increasingly humid. Rhododendron forests on the Annapurna foothills burst into bloom from March through April — a spectacular sight on the Poon Hill and ABC treks. Mountain views are good in March, becoming hazier by May. A popular trekking window despite heat on lower trails.
Monsoon
June - September68-86°F
20-30°C
Heavy, sustained rainfall makes Pokhara one of the wettest cities in Asia during peak monsoon. Mountain views are almost entirely hidden by clouds. Leeches infest trails. Landslides close mountain roads. The lake fills and the landscape turns lush and intensely green. Not recommended for trekking or mountain viewing.
Post-Monsoon / Autumn
October - November54-75°F
12-24°C
The best time to visit Pokhara. The post-monsoon atmosphere is crystal clear, delivering the sharpest and most dramatic Himalayan views of the year. October and November are peak trekking season — trails are busy but weather is near-perfect with stable skies, comfortable temperatures, and very low rainfall.
Winter
December - February39-64°F
4-18°C
Cool and mostly dry at lake level, with cold nights. Mountain views remain excellent on clear days. Higher altitude trails require warm layers. December and January can see frost at Lakeside on the coldest nights. Fewer crowds and lower prices make it a good value season for experienced trekkers.
Best Time to Visit
October and November are the undisputed best months — post-monsoon skies are crystal clear delivering the sharpest Himalayan views of the year, temperatures are ideal for trekking, and the trails are at their most spectacular. March and April offer the second-best window with rhododendron blooms on the Annapurna foothills.
Spring (March - May)
Crowds: High in March-April, moderate in MayWarm and increasingly humid with some haze, but rhododendron forests from 2,000 m upward are in full bloom in March and April — a spectacular sight on the Poon Hill and ABC treks. Mountain views are clearest in March before pre-monsoon haze builds.
Pros
- + Rhododendron blooms at altitude
- + Good trekking weather in March-April
- + Long daylight hours
- + Vibrant trail atmosphere
Cons
- − Haze obscures peak views by May
- − Increasing humidity
- − Busy trails and guesthouses
- − Higher accommodation prices in April
Monsoon (June - September)
Crowds: Low — primarily domestic Nepali touristsHeavy, sustained rainfall with Pokhara receiving some of the highest precipitation totals in Asia. Mountain views are almost entirely hidden. Trails are slippery with leeches. Landslides can close roads.
Pros
- + Lush, intensely green landscape
- + Very low prices
- + Few foreign tourists
- + Phewa Lake at its fullest
Cons
- − Mountains invisible behind clouds
- − Leeches on all trails
- − Landslide risk on roads
- − Flight delays and cancellations common
Autumn (October - November)
Crowds: Very high — peak tourist seasonPeak season for very good reason. The post-monsoon atmosphere is the clearest of the year with razor-sharp mountain panoramas. Temperatures are perfect for trekking — warm days, cool nights. Trails are busy but the weather is near-flawless.
Pros
- + Best Himalayan views of the year
- + Ideal trekking weather
- + Stable, predictable conditions
- + Festive season atmosphere (Dashain, Tihar)
Cons
- − Most crowded and expensive period
- − Book accommodation well in advance
- − Tea houses fill quickly on popular routes
Winter (December - February)
Crowds: Low to moderateCool, dry, and significantly less crowded than autumn. Mountain views remain excellent on clear days. Higher trails require warm layers and gear. A good value season for budget-minded trekkers willing to brave cold mornings.
Pros
- + Low prices
- + Good mountain views on clear days
- + Quiet trails
- + Atmospheric misty mornings on the lake
Cons
- − Cold nights (near freezing at lake level)
- − High altitude trails icy and more challenging
- − Shorter days
- − Some mountain lodges close at highest altitudes
🎉 Festivals & Events
Dashain
September / October (varies by lunar calendar)Nepal's biggest festival, celebrating the victory of the goddess Durga over evil. Families reunite, fly kites, swing on bamboo swings, and receive tikka blessings. The city is festive and many businesses close for the main ten days.
Tihar (Deepawali)
October / November (5 days)Nepal's Festival of Lights, equivalent to India's Diwali. Oil lamps and string lights illuminate every home and shop; crows, dogs, and cows are worshipped on successive days; sisters give tikka blessings to brothers. A beautiful and joyful time to be in Pokhara.
Holi
March (full moon day)The festival of colours is celebrated enthusiastically in Pokhara, especially in Lakeside where foreigners and locals drench each other in coloured powder and water. A chaotic and exhilarating experience — protect camera gear.
Buddha Jayanti
May (full moon)The birth, enlightenment, and death of Siddhartha Gautama are all celebrated on the same full moon. Processions and ceremonies take place at Pokhara's Buddhist temples, and the day is especially significant given Lumbini's (Buddha's birthplace) proximity to the region.
Safety Breakdown
Moderate
out of 100
Pokhara is one of the safer tourist destinations in South Asia. Lakeside is well-policed, tourist-oriented, and generally very low in serious crime. The main risks are trekking-related — altitude sickness, trail accidents, and poor weather — rather than urban crime. Solo female travellers generally find Pokhara comfortable and hassle levels significantly lower than in Kathmandu.
Things to Know
- •Plan proper acclimatization on any trek above 3,000 m — ascend slowly, follow the "climb high, sleep low" principle, and know the symptoms of altitude sickness (AMS, HACE, HAPE)
- •Purchase a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card and the relevant conservation area permit (ACAP for Annapurna) before departing — checkpoints on all major trails verify these
- •Use only registered, licensed paragliding operators — check for official Nepal Paragliding Association registration before booking, as unregulated operators do operate in the area
- •Drink only bottled or purified water — water-borne illness is common; carry a filter or iodine tablets on treks where bottled water is unavailable
- •Apply food hygiene caution at lower-end restaurants — thoroughly cooked food, freshly peeled fruit, and busy local eateries are generally safe bets
- •Keep copies of your passport, permits, and travel insurance documents in a separate bag from the originals when trekking
Natural Hazards
Emergency Numbers
Police
100
Ambulance
102
Fire
101
Tourist Police Pokhara
+977-61-465-258
Costs & Currency
Where the money goes
USD per dayQuick cost estimate
Customize per category →Estimates based on regional averages. Flight prices vary by season and airline.
budget
$15-30
Lakeside hostel or basic guesthouse, dal bhat meals, walking and cycling, free lake and viewpoint activities
mid-range
$50-100
Comfortable Lakeside hotel with lake view, restaurant meals, paragliding or guided day trip, boat rental
luxury
$150+
Boutique resort with Annapurna views, fine dining, private guide, helicopter excursion, spa
Typical Costs
| Item | Local | USD |
|---|---|---|
| AccommodationHostel dorm bed (Lakeside) | NPR 500-1200 | $4-9 |
| AccommodationMid-range hotel (double, Lakeside) | NPR 2000-5000 | $15-38 |
| AccommodationBoutique resort with Himalayan views | NPR 8000-20000 | $60-150 |
| FoodDal bhat (rice + lentils + sides) | NPR 250-500 | $2-4 |
| FoodBreakfast at Lakeside cafe | NPR 300-600 | $2.25-4.50 |
| FoodDinner at tourist restaurant | NPR 600-1500 | $4.50-11 |
| FoodMomo (dumplings, plate of 10) | NPR 150-300 | $1.15-2.25 |
| TransportTaxi within Lakeside area | NPR 200-400 | $1.50-3 |
| TransportTourist bus Pokhara–Kathmandu | NPR 800-2000 | $6-15 |
| TransportDomestic flight Pokhara–Kathmandu | NPR 13000-20000 | $100-150 |
| AttractionsRowboat rental on Phewa Lake (1 hr) | NPR 500-800 | $4-6 |
| AttractionsTandem paragliding (Sarangkot) | NPR 10500-13000 | $80-100 |
| AttractionsInternational Mountain Museum entry | NPR 300 | $2.25 |
| AttractionsACAP trekking permit | NPR 3000 | $23 |
| AttractionsABC or Poon Hill trek (7-10 days, with guide) | NPR 52000-130000 | $400-1000 |
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- •Eat dal bhat at local Nepali restaurants away from the main Lakeside strip — filling, nutritious, and NPR 250-400
- •Trek independently without a guide on well-marked routes (Poon Hill) — only compulsory on certain Restricted Area trails
- •Rent a bicycle instead of taxis for reaching sites within 10 km such as World Peace Pagoda trailhead and Devi's Falls
- •Take the tourist bus to Kathmandu rather than flying — save $80-120 at the cost of 6-8 hours
- •Book paragliding directly with operators at their Sarangkot offices rather than through Lakeside touts or hotel desks
- •Stay in guesthouses one street back from the lake — prices drop 30-50% without losing access to the same restaurants and views
- •Shop for trekking gear in Kathmandu's Thamel before coming to Pokhara — wider selection and slightly lower prices
- •Visit Begnas Lake as a free day trip by local bus instead of booking a guided tour from Lakeside
Nepalese Rupee
Code: NPR
1 USD is approximately NPR 133 (as of early 2026). ATMs are plentiful throughout Lakeside and accept Visa, Mastercard, and Union Pay. Indian Rupees (INR) are widely accepted in Pokhara — smaller denominations only (INR 100 and below); INR 500 and INR 2000 notes are not accepted. Do not exchange currency at hotels — use street exchange counters or ATMs for better rates.
Payment Methods
Cash is essential throughout Pokhara and mandatory on all treks. Lakeside restaurants and gear shops increasingly accept credit cards (usually with a 3-4% surcharge). Most trekking tea houses are cash-only. Withdraw enough NPR before departing on any multi-day trek — ATMs do not exist beyond Pokhara on major routes.
Tipping Guide
Tipping 10% is standard and appreciated. Many tourist-facing restaurants include a service charge — check the bill before adding more.
Leave NPR 20-50 for drinks and light meals. Not strictly expected but always appreciated.
NPR 1,300-2,000 per day ($10-15/day) is the standard tip on top of their daily wage. Tip at the end of the trek, in cash.
NPR 2,600-4,000 per day ($20-30/day) tip is expected and forms a significant part of a guide's income. Tip generously for exceptional service.
Round up fares to the nearest NPR 50 or 100. No formal tipping culture but small rounding-up gestures are appreciated.
NPR 100-200 per bag for porters. NPR 100-200 per day for housekeeping in higher-end hotels.
How to Get There
✈️ Airports
Pokhara International Airport(PKR)
3 km east of LakesideTaxi to Lakeside takes 10-15 minutes and costs NPR 300-500. No airport bus. The new terminal opened January 2023 with a modern facility but remains largely domestic-only, with limited international charter services and hopes for future regional connections to India, China, and Southeast Asia.
✈️ Search flights to PKRTribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu(KTM)
200 km eastDomestic flights Kathmandu–Pokhara operate multiple times daily (Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Shree Airlines) and take approximately 25 minutes costing $100-150. Most international travellers enter Nepal through KTM and connect to Pokhara by air or tourist bus.
✈️ Search flights to KTM🚌 Bus Terminals
Pokhara Tourist Bus Park (Lakeside)
Tourist buses to Kathmandu depart from Lakeside daily (typically 7-8 am) and take 6-8 hours on the Prithvi Highway (NPR 800-2000 depending on operator and seat class — some offer semi-sleeper coaches). Private microbus services are faster and cheaper but less comfortable. Local public buses are cheapest (NPR 300-500) and depart from the main Pokhara bus park near the bazaar. No rail connections exist anywhere in Nepal west of Kathmandu.
Getting Around
Pokhara's Lakeside district is compact and very walkable. Most guesthouses, restaurants, gear shops, and boat rental points are within easy walking distance along the lake. For sites outside Lakeside — Sarangkot, World Peace Pagoda, Devi's Falls, Begnas Lake — taxis, rented bicycles, or scooters are the practical options.
Taxis
NPR 200-400 (~$1.50-3) within Lakeside area; NPR 500-1200 to Sarangkot or airportMetered and non-metered taxis are widely available. Agree on a fare before departing — few drivers use meters voluntarily. Taxis are the easiest way to reach Sarangkot, Devi's Falls, the International Mountain Museum, and the airport.
Best for: Getting to sites outside Lakeside, airport transfers, early morning Sarangkot sunrise runs
Walking
FreeLakeside (Baidam) is flat and pedestrian-friendly along the eastern shore of Phewa Lake. The strip from the northern end to the dam at the south is walkable in 20-25 minutes. Streets are busy with foot traffic and vehicle-free zones near the lake.
Best for: All Lakeside exploration, lake promenade, boat rental access
Bicycle & Scooter Rental
NPR 300-600/day bicycle; NPR 800-1500/day scooterBicycles (NPR 300-600/day) and scooters (NPR 800-1500/day) are widely available for rent throughout Lakeside. Scooters require an international driving permit and are convenient for reaching Sarangkot, Begnas Lake, and sites on the valley fringe. Traffic on main roads can be chaotic.
Best for: Exploring the lakeside perimeter, reaching World Peace Pagoda trailhead, day trips to Begnas Lake
Local Buses
NPR 20-100 (~$0.15-0.75) within the valleyCheap local buses connect Lakeside to other parts of Pokhara city and nearby towns. Routes are infrequent and crowded but extremely affordable. Useful for getting to the old bazaar or catching a Kathmandu-bound public bus from the main bus park.
Best for: Budget travellers heading to the city bus park, old bazaar area, or nearby villages
🚶 Walkability
Lakeside is highly walkable along the lake promenade and main strip. However, Pokhara is a sprawling city and most attractions beyond Lakeside require transport. Sarangkot is reachable on foot (a steep 90-minute hike) or by taxi. The World Peace Pagoda requires a boat crossing plus a walk.
Travel Connections
Kathmandu
Nepal's chaotic, fascinating capital — the gateway to Everest trekking, filled with UNESCO-listed temples in Kathmandu Valley (Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath), teeming bazaars in Thamel, and the best international flight connections in the country.
Chitwan National Park
Nepal's most accessible wildlife reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Terai lowlands. Famous for one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, gharial crocodiles, and elephants. Jungle safaris, canoe rides, and birdwatching are the main draws.
Lumbini
The birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), marked by the sacred Maya Devi Temple and the Ashoka Pillar erected in 249 BCE. A pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide, with monasteries built by dozens of nations surrounding the sacred garden.
Bandipur
A beautifully preserved hilltop Newari trading town frozen in time, with car-free stone-paved streets, traditional merchant houses, stunning Himalayan views from Thani Mai Hill, and far fewer tourists than Pokhara or Kathmandu. One of Nepal's most charming off-the-beaten-path towns.
Entry Requirements
Nepal offers visa on arrival to most nationalities at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at Pokhara International Airport. Visas can also be obtained in advance at Nepali embassies abroad. Citizens of SAARC nations (India, Bhutan excluded for special rules) receive free visas or visa-free entry. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival date.
Entry Requirements by Nationality
| Nationality | Visa Required | Max Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Citizens | Yes | 15, 30, or 90 days | Visa on arrival at KTM or PKR airports. $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, $125 for 90 days. Bring 2 passport photos and cash (USD accepted). Online pre-approval available at nepal.gov.np. |
| UK Citizens | Yes | 15, 30, or 90 days | Same visa on arrival as US citizens. $30/$50/$125 depending on duration. Passport photos required. |
| EU Citizens | Yes | 15, 30, or 90 days | Visa on arrival for most EU nationals. Same fee structure. Some nationalities must apply in advance — verify with the nearest Nepali embassy. |
| Australian Citizens | Yes | 15, 30, or 90 days | Visa on arrival at Kathmandu and Pokhara airports. Standard $30/$50/$125 fees. Online pre-registration recommended to speed up arrival process. |
| Indian Citizens | Visa-free | Unlimited (no restriction for tourism) | Indian citizens do not require a visa for Nepal. Valid Indian passport or government-issued voter ID card is sufficient for entry. |
| Chinese Citizens | Yes | 30 days | Visa on arrival available. Standard fee applies. Some Chinese travellers pre-arrange visas through the Nepali embassy in Beijing. |
Visa-Free Entry
Visa on Arrival
Tips
- •Bring two passport-size photos for visa on arrival — the machines at KTM airport often have long queues
- •USD cash is the easiest currency for paying visa fees at the airport; EUR and GBP are also usually accepted
- •Complete the online pre-registration at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np before travelling to speed up arrival processing
- •TIMS cards for trekking are separate from your entry visa — obtain them at the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara
- •Visas can be extended at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara for an additional fee
Shopping
Pokhara's Lakeside strip is lined with outdoor gear shops, souvenir stalls, and clothing boutiques. Quality varies widely — some items are genuine Himalayan crafts, others are mass-produced imports. Bargaining is expected in most shops except fixed-price stores. For a more authentic shopping experience, head to the old bazaar in Bagar.
Lakeside Main Strip (Baidam)
tourist shopping streetThe main tourist commercial street running along the eastern shore of Phewa Lake, packed with shops selling trekking gear, pashmina, singing bowls, thangka paintings, and souvenir clothing. Prices are higher than Kathmandu but quality outdoor gear is readily available.
Known for: Trekking gear (genuine and knockoff brands), pashmina shawls, thangka paintings, singing bowls, prayer flags
Mahendra Pul Market
local marketA busy local market at the bridge in central Pokhara, mixing vegetable vendors, hardware shops, and local tailors. Less tourist-focused than Lakeside, with more honest pricing and a better sense of everyday Nepali commerce.
Known for: Fresh produce, local textiles, everyday goods, cheaper souvenirs than Lakeside
Old Bazaar (Bagar)
traditional bazaarThe historic commercial heart of Pokhara, with traditional Newari-style merchant buildings selling spices, dried goods, brass items, and local crafts. The atmosphere is authentically Nepali and prices reflect local demand rather than tourist expectations.
Known for: Spices, local metalwork, traditional Nepali goods, authentic handicrafts at fair prices
🎁 Unique Souvenirs to Look For
- •Pashmina shawls and scarves — genuine Himalayan pashmina from Chyangra goats; verify quality with a burn test
- •Singing bowls — hand-hammered Tibetan brass or bronze bowls used for meditation, in various sizes and tones
- •Prayer flags (lungta) — colorful Tibetan Buddhist flags printed with mantras, traditionally strung across mountain passes
- •Thangka paintings — intricate Buddhist scroll paintings of deities and mandalas, hand-painted on cotton or silk
- •Khukuri knives — the iconic curved blade of the Gurkha, handmade by local blacksmiths in varying quality and price
- •Trekking gear — name-brand knockoffs and legitimate surplus gear for Annapurna trekking; inspect stitching carefully
- •Organic Himalayan tea — high-altitude teas from Nepal's Ilam and Kanchenjunga regions, sold loose in local shops
- •Yak wool blankets and hats — warm and durable; higher quality than generic acrylic alternatives sold at lower prices
Language & Phrases
Nepali is written in Devanagari script and is the official language of Nepal. English is widely spoken throughout Lakeside and among trekking guides. In the Pokhara Valley, Gurung and Magar are spoken by indigenous communities. Newari (Nepal Bhasa) is spoken in traditional Newari bazaar communities. A few Nepali words go a long way and are warmly received by locals.
| English | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello / Greetings | Namaste | nah-mah-STAY |
| Thank you | Dhanyabad | DHAN-yah-baad |
| Please | Kripaya | kri-PAH-yah |
| Yes / No | Hajur / Hoina | hah-JOOR / hoy-NAH |
| How much? | Kati ho? | KAH-tee hoh? |
| Too expensive! | Mahanago cha! | mah-HAN-goh chah! |
| Where is...? | ... kaha cha? | ... KAH-hah chah? |
| I don't understand | Maile bujhina | MY-lay boo-JEE-nah |
| Delicious! | Mitho cha! | MEE-tho chah! |
| No problem | Kei chaina | KAY-ee chai-NAH |
| I am going trekking | Ma trek garne | mah trek GAR-nay |
| Safe travels | Subha yatra | SOO-bha yah-TRAH |