Phewa Tal

Pokhara

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Phewa Tal is the travellers’ focal point in Pokhara, and is the second largest lake in Nepal. In contrast to the gaudy tourist development of Lakeside, the steep southwestern shore is densely forested and alive with birdlife. The lush Rani Ban, or Queen’s Forest, bestows an emerald hue to the lake, and on a clear day the Annapurna mountains are perfectly reflected on its mirror surface.

You can take to the lake in one of the brightly painted doongas (boats) available for rent at Lakeside. Many people walk or cycle around the lakeshore – the trek up to the World Peace Pagoda affords breathtaking views over the tal to the mountains beyond.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Old Pokhara

    Old Pokhara

    2.45 MILES

    For a glimpse of what Pokhara was like before the traffic, chaos and tourist restaurants besieged the erstwhile village, head out to the old town, north…

  • Devi’s Falls

    Devi’s Falls

    1.78 MILES

    Also known as Patale Chhango, this waterfall marks the point where the Pardi Khola stream vanishes underground. When the stream is at full bore after…

  • International Mountain Museum

    International Mountain Museum

    2.49 MILES

    This expansive museum is devoted to the mountains of Nepal, the mountaineers who climbed them and the people who call them home. Inside, you can see…

  • Varahi Mandir

    Varahi Mandir

    0.5 MILES

    Pokhara’s most famous Hindu temple, the two-tiered pagoda-style Varahi Mandir stands on a small island in Phewa Tal, near the former Ratna Mandir (Royal…

  • Gurkha Museum

    Gurkha Museum

    3.1 MILES

    Located just north of Mahendra Pul, near the KI Singh Bridge, the Gurkha Museum celebrates the achievements of the renowned Gurkha regiments. Accompanied…

  • World Peace Pagoda

    World Peace Pagoda

    1.07 MILES

    Balanced on a narrow ridge high above Phewa Tal, the brilliant-white World Peace Pagoda was constructed by Buddhist monks from the Japanese Nipponzan…

  • Seti River Gorge

    Seti River Gorge

    3.11 MILES

    The roaring Seti River passes right through Pokhara, but you won’t see it unless you go looking. The river has carved a deep, narrow chasm through the…

  • Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

    Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

    1.8 MILES

    Across the road from Devi’s Falls, this venerated cave contains a huge stalagmite worshipped as a Shiva lingam. The ticket allows you to clamber through a…

View more attractions

Nearby Pokhara attractions

1. Varahi Mandir

0.5 MILES

Pokhara’s most famous Hindu temple, the two-tiered pagoda-style Varahi Mandir stands on a small island in Phewa Tal, near the former Ratna Mandir (Royal…

2. World Peace Pagoda

1.07 MILES

Balanced on a narrow ridge high above Phewa Tal, the brilliant-white World Peace Pagoda was constructed by Buddhist monks from the Japanese Nipponzan…

3. Devi’s Falls

1.78 MILES

Also known as Patale Chhango, this waterfall marks the point where the Pardi Khola stream vanishes underground. When the stream is at full bore after…

4. Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

1.8 MILES

Across the road from Devi’s Falls, this venerated cave contains a huge stalagmite worshipped as a Shiva lingam. The ticket allows you to clamber through a…

6. Bhimsen Temple

2.19 MILES

This small, 200-year-old, two-tiered temple is dedicated to the Newari god of trade and commerce. It's decorated with erotic carvings, and the surrounding…

7. Pokhara Regional Museum

2.26 MILES

North of the bus station on the road to Mahendra Pul, this little museum is devoted to the history and culture of the Pokhara Valley, including the…

8. Old Pokhara

2.45 MILES

For a glimpse of what Pokhara was like before the traffic, chaos and tourist restaurants besieged the erstwhile village, head out to the old town, north…

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