Top Outdoor & Adventure Activities in Pokhara to explore 

Gateway to Annapurna Region, Pokhara or the city of Lakes is a premier destination for adventure enthusiasts and travelers seeking thrilling activities with a blend of natural beauty. The city has earned itself the name “adventure hub” offering an array of action-packed activities, stunning landscapes, lush green hills, and the panoramic views of the Annapurna region.

 Along with the scenic backdrop and sightseeing activities in Pokhara, there are some of the best outdoor and adventure activities in Pokhara that you should not miss. Pokhara is a perfect spot for activities like trekking, paragliding, kayaking, and bungee jumping. The city’s mesmerizing geography, picturesque Himalayas, and multiple lakes and rivers create an ideal domain for outdoor sports. 

In addition, the city’s vibrant culture, warm hospitality, and local customs and traditions add to the overall adventurous experience, cultural immersion, and relaxation. The city of Lakes offers an unparalleled adventure that caters to all levels of enthusiastic adventures. 

Through this blog we will be exploring the adventurous world of Pokhara where every corner offers an adrenaline rush with unforgettable memories. 

Paragliding in Pokhara 

Paragliding in Pokhara is more than just an activity. It is a lifetime experience that offers tranquility, thrill, and a sense of freedom that is hard to find elsewhere. This aerial journey over the enchanting Phewa Lake lets you experience a unique perspective of the world below. 

As you glide through the air, you can witness the majestic Annapurna range with its snow-capped peak, Machapuchare to the north and Phewa Lake with its calm waters reflecting the surrounding hills to the south. Besides that, you can witness the bustling city of Pokhara, terraced fields, and the Peace Pagoda beautifully nestled at the top of the hill. 

If you’re planning to go for this thrilling adventurous ride, go for it during the dry seasons which run from March to May and September to November. During these months, weather is mostly stable with favorable wind conditions and clear skies offering a comfortable experience both on the ground and in the air. 

You can book your flight from one of the oldest and the most reputable paragliding companies in Pokhara, Sunrise Paragliding. They offer professional service, safety standards, and a variety of paragliding packages and pilots with years of flying experience. Some of other well-known paragliding operators are Blue Sky Paragliding,

Open Sky Paragliding, AVIA Club Nepal, Frontiers Paragliding, and Advance Paragliding to name a few. The pricing for a half hour of flying starts around Rs.3500 to Rs.4000 i.e. USD$27 to USD$30. 

Bungee Jumping in Pokhara 

Yet another adrenaline-pumping adventure the city has to offer is Bungee jumping. This thrilling adventure offers an unmatched experience of freefalling with the breathtaking beauty of the nearby landscape. The moments, both before and after you take the leap are terrifying yet exhilarating and full of promising experiences as a highlight of your adventurous time in Pokhara. 

This adventure sport is mainly practiced in a few certified prime locations i.e. Hemja and HighGround Adventures. Hemja is the first bungee jumping site opened in Pokhara and is about 20 minutes away from the city center. Here, the jump is set over a breathtaking gorge with a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. 

Likewise, HighGround Adventures is also located nearby Hemja site and offers other adventure activities like giant swings and zip-lining along with bungee jumping. The price for bungee jumping with HighGround Adventures starts around Rs.6000 i.e. USD$45. 

Some of the best places and organizations to experience this thrilling adventure are The Cliff Resort, The Last Resort, and HighGround Adventures.

 As bungee jumping is considered one of the deadliest adventure sports, safety and precautions are top priority for both operators and participants. To ensure a safe and secure experience, all operators use regularly inspected high-quality equipment like harness, safety gear, and cord. Participants are required to disclose any health issues and medical conditions and need to be of specific weight to ensure safety. 

Lastly, thorough checks and safety briefings are done before each jump and operators and trained personnel are equipped with emergency response plans for any unexpected situations.

 Hot Air Balloon Ride in Pokhara 

Hot air balloon ride is a relatively new adventure activity in Pokhara offering a serene and awe-inspiring way to experience the stunning beauty from above. This activity provides a unique experience to gently drift over the tranquil Phewa Lake and the picturesque landscape of the Annapurna range with snow-capped peaks like Machapuchare and Dhaulagiri. This is perfect for someone seeking a peaceful yet elating experience besides other ground-based adventures. 

The best time to go for a hot air balloon ride is between March to May and September to November when the weather is mostly stable with clear skies for a smooth and enjoyable flight. 

You can book your hot air balloon ride with Balloon Nepal which is the leading operator known for their professional service and safety services. Balloon Nepal has experienced pilots overseeing the ride that offers unforgettable and stunning landscapes of Pokhara and its surrounding. The price for a 30 to 40 minutes balloon ride cost around Rs. 9500 for Nepalese and USD$130 per person for foreigners.

Kayaking and Rafting

Apart from the stunning landscapes, Pokhara offers magnificent rivers and waterfalls which are ideal for kayaking and rafting. Hundreds of kayaking and rafting enthusiasts visit Pokhara to experience these thrilling water adventures, especially in Seti and Marshyangdi River. 

Seti river is known for its milky white waters offering gentle yet exciting rides through beautiful gorgeous and lush green surroundings which is perfect for beginners and intermediate rafters. The rapids in the Seti river feature Class II and III rapids which are exciting but not overly challenging, allowing rafters to fully enjoy the surrounding and the scenic beauty while navigating through the waters. 

On the other hand, Marshyangdi river is known for its challenging rapids which is ideal for experienced kayakers and rafters seeking for an intense adventure. This massive river boasts Class III to V rapids which are powerful and require skill and experience to navigate. Rafting in Marshyangdi offers intense and exhilarating rides with steep drops, demanding maneuvers, and swift currents making it thrilling for adventure lovers. 

The ideal time for rafting and kayaking is either pre-monsoon which falls around March to May and post-monsoon which is from September to November. During this time, participants can fully enjoy the stunning landscapes, lush, vibrant surrounding forests, and clear skies with optimal water levels. 

 Canoeing on Begnas and Rupa Lakes 

After the tranquil Phewa Lake, Begnas and Rupa lakes offer a serene and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Pokhara city. 

These two lakes in Pokhara are located amidst the lush green forest with scenic landscapes and calm bodies of water perfect for canoeing. This leisurely activity allows you to soak in the natural beauty and the peaceful ambiance as you gently glide across the lakes surrounded by greenery and dense forests with diverse wildlife. 

Both of the lakes provide multiple rental facilities where visitors can rent canoes with necessary equipment like paddles and life jackets. Visitors can rent it by the hourly rate or a full day rate system according to their liking. For individuals seeking a more informative experience, guided canoeing and excursions are also available with local guides who offer insights on the local history, lake’s ecosystem, traditional lifestyle, local fishing practices, and the unique flora and fauna around the lake. 

Canoeing across these calm and quiet lakes offer a perfect setting for relaxation and unwinding with unparalleled views of surrounding peaks, hills, forests, and terraced fields.

 Trekking around Pokhara 

As mentioned above, the city of lakes, Pokhara is the gateway to Annapurna region which is Nepal’s most renowned trekking route. The city is nestled in the laps of Annapurna range making it an ideal point for starting and ending of trekking routes. From beginners to seasoned trekkers, each individual can access diverse trails and hiking routes that cater to their potential. Some of the most famous trekking destinations from Pokhara are: 

-Annapurna Base Camp which offers breathtaking views of Annapurna, Machapuchare, and Hiuchuli. 

– Ghorepani Poon Hill, known for its phenomenal panoramic sunrise views over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range. 

– Mardi Himal Trek which is a relatively less crowded trekking route providing a spectacular view of Machapuchare or Fishtail and the surrounding peaks. 

– Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village cuddled in-route to ABC offering an up-close glimpse into Gurung culture and tradition. 

The trekking routes around Pokhara valley offer unparalleled natural beauty, diverse array of landscapes, lush rhododendron forest, terraced fields, and picturesque mountain views. Besides all the stunning vistas, trekkers can immerse and learn about the local customs and traditions of Magar, Gurung, and Thakali communities. Whether its a month-long trek or a leisurely hike through the terrains, trekking routes around Pokhara offers a unique blend of promising adventure, cultural understanding, scenic topography, and adrenaline-pumping experience.

 Ultralight Flight in Pokhara 

Ultralight flight in Pokhara is a unique and thrilling way to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas and the striking landscapes of the Pokhara valley from a bird’s eye view. As you soar above the clouds in these light, motor-powered aircraft, you experience a sense of freedom and feel the thrill of flying amidst the majestic annapurna and Dhaulagiri range. With experienced pilots ensuring a safe adventurous journey, ultralight flights allow passengers to enjoy the mesmerizing vistas of serene Phewa lake, lush green forest, valley, the charming city of Pokhara, and last but not the least, the whole Annapurna range. 

The ride usually lasts between 15 to 60 minutes depending on the weather. For Nepalese, the price starts around Rs. 17,600 while foreigner’s pricing starts around USD$150 up to USD$440. The prices may vary depending on the service provider and specific time of the year, hence, visitors are advised to research before their trips.

The best time for Ultralight flights in Pokhara is considered around Autumn i.e. September to November and Spring i.e. March to May when the skies are clear, temperatures are mild, with blooming flowers adding more to the alluring beauty of the region. Taking the flight at a calm and clear weather provides an unforgettable adventure infused with the thrill of flying and incredible landscapes. 

Taste Paradiso At Dorje’s Resort & Spa 

Pokhara stands as a beacon of light for travelers and adventurers with a diverse array of thrilling outdoor activities and adventures. With exploring stunning backdrops and majestic views of Annapurna range to kayaking and rafting in the Seti and Marsyangdi river, Pokhara offers a plethora of natural beauty for adventurers to traverse. 

And after all the adrenaline-pumping adventure, experience Paradiso at Dorje’s Resort and Spa with their warm hospitality and service. At Dorje’s guests are catered by experienced staff with tranquil ambiance, outstanding food, cozy accommodations, accompanied by stunning views of the lake, a perfect setting to unwind the day’s adventure. 

Tucked away amidst the peaceful lush forest with serenity, Dorje is a haven where you can spend the day recharging and rewinding the life-long memories and unforgettable adventures the city has to offer. On your next adventurous trip to the city of lakes, let Dorje’s Resort and Spa be your sanctuary for peace and comfort amidst the hustle and bustle of the city life.