Nature · Pokhara, Nepal
Row across Phewa, walk up to the Peace Pagoda
Take a wooden boat past the island temple of Tal Barahi to the south shore of Phewa Lake, then climb through forest to the white Shanti Stupa for the best view of the lake and the Annapurnas together.
Photo: PageantUpdatess · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsHire a boat at Lakeside or Barahi ghat in the morning, when the water is still. Most boatmen first stop at Tal Barahi, a small two-storey pagoda on an island, where families make offerings, especially on Saturdays. Then cross to the south shore near Anadu, about 20–30 minutes' paddling.
From the jetty, a stepped trail climbs through forest to the Shanti Stupa, the World Peace Pagoda, in about 45 minutes. It was built by the Japanese Buddhist order Nipponzan Myohoji as one of a series of peace pagodas around the world. Walk around it clockwise, keep quiet near the shrine and leave shoes at the steps.
From the terrace you see the whole of Phewa Lake, Lakeside and, on clear mornings, the Annapurna range and Machapuchare above the city. Walk down the other side to the road and take a taxi back, or return the way you came and catch a boat. Carry water; there are cafes on the ridge.
Good for
Also in Pokhara
More days here
Photo: Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Sunrise over Machapuchare from Sarangkot
Drive or walk up to the Sarangkot ridge before dawn and watch the sun hit Machapuchare, Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri.…
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg · CC BY 4.0 · Commons
Tandem paragliding from Sarangkot
Launch from the Sarangkot ridge with a licensed pilot and circle down over Phewa Lake with the Annapurnas behind you. P…
Trips through Pokhara
Do this on a trip
Each of these trips stops in Pokhara. Tell us and we keep a slot for this day.
Photo: Gerd Eichmann · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Comfort
Kathmandu, Bandipur and Pokhara by private car
Private car with driver
Photo: Gerd Eichmann · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Saver
Pokhara, Poon Hill and Ghandruk on a budget
Tourist bus and shared jeep; three days on foot
Photo: Gerd Eichmann · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Signature
Dwarika's, Bandipur and Tiger Mountain
Private car with driver; domestic flight Pokhara–Kathmandu
Sleep nearby
Stays in Pokhara
Photo: Andrew Cattoir (Lake Mead National Recreation … · Public domain · Commons
Mid
Temple Tree Resort & Spa
A stone-and-timber resort at Gaurighat in Lakeside, about 150 m from Phewa Lake, with an outdoor pool, spa and gar…
Photo: Utsab Raj Giri · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Luxury
Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge
A hilltop lodge on a ridge about 30 minutes outside Pokhara, with 18 rooms in stone cottages, private verandas, an…
Questions
Before you book
How much does a boat on Phewa Lake cost?
About NPR 700–1,000 an hour for a rowing boat, more with a boatman. Prices are posted at the main ghats; check current status before you travel.
How long is the climb to the Peace Pagoda?
About 45 minutes from the south shore jetty on a stepped forest trail.
Are life jackets provided on Phewa Lake boats?
They should be. Ask for one before you set off, especially with children.