Pokhara, Annapurna & Mustang
Lakeside relaxation and mountain adventures 🛶⛰️
Pokhara is widely regarded as the most family-friendly destination in Nepal. Situated at a lower altitude (822m) than Kathmandu, it offers cleaner air, warmer temperatures, and a laid-back atmosphere centered around the sparkling Phewa Lake. Families can hire colorful wooden boats (doongas) to paddle across the water or visit the Tal Barahi temple located on an island. The lakeside promenade is lined with restaurants serving everything from wood-fired pizza to fresh juice, providing a comfortable respite after travel. Adventure activities here are plentiful; older kids might enjoy paragliding tandems, while the International Mountain Museum provides fascinating exhibits on yeti folklore and mountaineering history that appeal to all ages.
North of Pokhara lies the Annapurna Conservation Area, the most popular trekking region in the country. The Poon Hill trek (3-5 days) is a classic choice for active families. It involves climbing stone staircases through mossy forests to witness a spectacular sunrise over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. The trail is dotted with well-equipped teahouses offering hot showers and Wi-Fi, making the logistics of trekking with children much more manageable.
For a completely different landscape, the Mustang district to the north sits in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, offering arid, desert-like terrain similar to the Tibetan plateau. Flights from Pokhara to Jomsom place families in the heart of Lower Mustang, where they can explore apple orchards in Marpha or visit the sacred temples of Muktinath. The wind here picks up in the afternoon, so early starts are recommended. Jeep tracks now connect much of this region, allowing families to explore the high mountains overland without the need for multi-day trekking if they prefer. The region is famous for its apples, and trying local apple pie, crumble, and dried apple rings is a culinary must for visitors.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Home to the world-renowned Annapurna Circuit and the unique high-altitude desert of Mustang, offering peerless trekking and Himalayan vistas. Peak months provide optimal visibility and dry trails, while the heavy monsoon (Jun-Sep) brings significant landslide risks and obscured mountain views.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
The 'Forbidden Kingdom' of Mustang provides an authentic window into ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture, featuring 15th-century monasteries and mysterious sky caves. The dry climate of Mustang allows for exploration in May, but the overall region's archaeological access is hampered by monsoon rains from June to September.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Pokhara serves as an international hub for yoga and meditation retreats, offering serene lakeside environments with mountain backdrops. Peak seasons offer crisp air and comfortable temperatures (17-23°C), while mid-summer humidity and extreme rainfall (up to 674mm) detract from the peaceful, outdoor-focused wellness experience.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Pokhara is a global premier destination for paragliding and ultra-light flights, complemented by world-class white-water rafting and technical trekking. Conditions are ideal during the stable post-monsoon and spring windows; summer rainfall (>400mm) makes rivers dangerous and flight conditions unstable.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Lakeside Pokhara and the traditional villages of the Annapurna foothills offer authentic cultural immersion into Gurung and Thakali traditions. The cultural experience is most vibrant during the clear autumn and spring festival seasons, whereas winter can be biting and summer too wet for comfortable urban exploration.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
Features authentic events like the Tiji Festival in Mustang (typically May) and major national celebrations like Dashain and Tihar in autumn. These provide deep cultural insights for sophisticated travelers, though the timing is strictly seasonal and often coincides with the best weather windows.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Rugged, high-altitude routes into Mustang offer some of the world's most dramatic mountain scenery for adventurous families. While road infrastructure is developing, peak dry months are essential for safety, as the monsoon months cause frequent road washouts and treacherous driving conditions.
Attractions (56 total)
Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Annapurna Base Camp
Annapurna Conservation Area
A high-altitude plateau surrounded by massive Himalayan peaks, providing an awe-inspiring destination for adventurous families.
Visit website →Davis Falls
Pokhara
A unique underground waterfall where the Pardi Khola stream disappears into a deep tunnel, surrounded by a landscaped park.
Muktinath Temple and Valley
Mustang
A sacred high-altitude site featuring 108 water sprouts and natural gas fires, set against the stark beauty of the Mustang mountains.
Poon Hill
Ghorepani
One of Nepal's most popular sunrise spots, offering a spectacular 360-degree view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
Sarangkot
Pokhara
A renowned hilltop viewpoint offering families a breathtaking panoramic vista of the Annapurna Range and Dhaulagiri at sunrise.
Upper Mustang Cliffs
Lo Manthang
A remote trans-Himalayan landscape of red sandstone cliffs, ancient caves, and arid desert-like beauty.
Hiking & Cycling Routes
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Nayapul
110km moderate-challenging 7-10 day trek reaching 4,130m with approximately 7,000m total elevation gain through diverse rhododendron forests and alpine landscapes.
Visit website →Annapurna Circuit Trek
Besisahar
160-230km challenging 15-21 day trek or mountain bike route crossing the 5,416m Thorong La Pass with approximately 10,000m total elevation gain. Bike rental: Pokhara Mountain Bike Adventure (nepalmtb.com)
Visit website →Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Nayapul
45km easy-moderate 4-5 day trek peaking at 3,210m. Famous for sunrise views over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges with roughly 3,000m elevation gain.
Visit website →Upper Mustang Trek
Jomsom
125km challenging 10-14 day trek or mountain bike expedition through a high-altitude arid desert reaching Lo Manthang at 3,840m. Rental: Himalayan Single Track (himalayansingletrack.com)
Visit website →Phewa Lake Cycling Loop
Pokhara
30km moderate 1-day cycling route around Phewa Lake including the climb to the World Peace Pagoda. 800m elevation gain. Bike rental: Hallan Chowk shops, Pokhara.
Visit website →Jomsom to Muktinath MTB Trail
Jomsom
40km challenging 1-2 day mountain bike route reaching 3,760m. Features technical rocky sections and high-altitude winds. Bike rental: Mustang Mountain Bikes (mustangmountainbikes.com)
Visit website →Mardi Himal Trek
Kande
40km moderate 5-7 day trek following a high ridge with spectacular views of Machhapuchhre, reaching 4,500m at High Camp. Approximately 4,000m elevation gain.
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
Annapurna Conservation Area
Pokhara
Nepal's largest protected area, offering families diverse landscapes from lush rhododendron forests to high-altitude Himalayan peaks.
Visit website →Upper Mustang Landscape
Lo Manthang
A remote trans-Himalayan high-altitude desert known for its striking red sandstone cliffs and ancient cave dwellings.
Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Beni-Jomsom-Muktinath Road
Beni
95km rugged mountain route (8-10 hours) requiring a 4WD vehicle. This legendary road trip passes through the Kali Gandaki Gorge—the deepest in the world—and climbs from lush forests to the arid, high-altitude landscapes of Lower Mustang and the sacred Muktinath Temple.
Visit website →Prithvi Highway (Kathmandu to Pokhara)
Kathmandu
200km paved national highway (6-8 hours) connecting the capital to Pokhara. The route follows the Trishuli River and offers stunning views of terraced hillsides, rural villages, and the Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges.
Visit website →Upper Mustang Road (Jomsom to Lo Manthang)
Jomsom
100km high-altitude 4WD expedition (7-9 hours) across the Trans-Himalayan plateau. The route features a dramatic rain-shadow desert landscape, ancient sky caves, red rock cliffs, and the medieval walled city of Lo Manthang.
Visit website →Siddhartha Highway (Pokhara to Tansen)
Pokhara
120km scenic paved highway (4-5 hours) known for its intense hairpin bends and mountain ridges. The drive provides panoramic vistas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges while descending through dense jungles and terraced rice fields toward the historic hill station of Tansen.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Ghandruk Cultural Village
Ghandruk
A premier eco-tourism destination where families can experience traditional Gurung lifestyle, mountain farming, and explore local cultural museums.
Marpha Village Apple Orchards
Marpha
Famous for its unique stone architecture and extensive apple orchards, this village offers an iconic rural experience in the heart of the Mustang region.
Pokhara Zoological Park
Pokhara
A community-managed wildlife center near Begnas Lake where families can observe native Himalayan animals in spacious, natural forest enclosures.
Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Ghandruk Village
Ghandruk
A traditional Gurung village offering an authentic mountain experience with its stone houses, cultural museum, and iconic views of the Annapurna massif.
Lo Manthang Walled City
Lo Manthang
The historic capital of the former Kingdom of Lo, featuring a massive defensive wall, ancient monasteries, and traditional Tibetan-style mud-brick homes.
Visit website →Muktinath Temple Complex
Muktinath
A significant pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, known for its sacred 108 water sprouts and a natural gas flame that burns continuously.
Visit website →Old Pokhara Bazaar
Pokhara
A historic cultural hub showcasing 18th-century Newari architecture, traditional shops, and the ancient Bindhyabasini Temple.
Kagbeni Village
Kagbeni
A medieval-style trade village situated at the junction of the Kali Gandaki and Jhong Rivers, serving as the gateway to Upper Mustang.
Marpha Village
Marpha
A well-preserved Thakali village famous for its white-washed stone houses, narrow stone-paved alleys, and beautiful apple orchards.
Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
HighGround Adventures Nepal
Pokhara
Featuring one of the world's steepest ziplines and a bungee jump, this center offers thrill-seeking families high-altitude adventure with mountain views.
Visit website →The Cliff Nepal
Kushma
Suspended over a massive river gorge, this facility hosts the world's second-highest bungee jump and a sky-high canyon swing.
Visit website →Pokhara Climbing Center
Pokhara
A professional facility in the heart of the tourist district offering rock climbing walls and training for both beginners and experienced climbers.
Visit website →Whoopee Ways Water Park & Adventure Park
Pokhara
This expansive park combines thrilling water slides and wave pools with amusement rides, making it a popular destination for families visiting Pokhara.
Visit website →Major International Festival / Cultural Event
Holi Festival
Pokhara
Typically March (variable lunar date), 1-day main celebration with a week of buildup. A Hindu spring festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil through the throwing of colored powders and water. Pokhara's Lakeside district is the premier hub for international visitors, attracting thousands of tourists who participate in street celebrations, concerts, and cultural processions. The morning hours are particularly family-friendly with a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere.
Tiji Festival
Lo Manthang
Typically May, 3-day duration. An ancient Tibetan Buddhist ritual commemorating the victory of a deity over a demon to bring peace and water to the region. Held in the walled capital of Upper Mustang, it is an internationally renowned cultural event that attracts hundreds of dedicated travelers and photographers annually. Key activities include the unfurling of a giant 400-year-old thangka scroll and elaborate ritual performances in the historic monastery courtyard.
Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
International Mountain Museum
Pokhara
This museum offers families an immersive look into Himalayan geology, mountaineering history, and the diverse cultures of the mountain people.
Visit website →Mustang Eco-Museum
Jomsom
A discovery center highlighting the unique high-altitude flora, fauna, and traditional Tibetan medicinal practices of the Mustang region.
Annapurna Natural History Museum
Pokhara
Known as the Butterfly Museum, it features an extensive collection of rare Himalayan butterflies, insects, and bird specimens for nature-loving families.
Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Lo Manthang Royal Palace
Lo Manthang
The historic seat of the Mustang royalty, this 15th-century palace sits at the heart of an ancient walled city in the high desert.
Muktinath Temple
Muktinath
A significant ancient religious complex for both Hindus and Buddhists, featuring 108 eternal water spouts and a natural gas flame.
Tal Barahi Temple
Pokhara
A beautiful two-story pagoda temple located on a small island in Phewa Lake, accessible only by a traditional boat ride.
Bindhyabasini Temple
Pokhara
The oldest temple in Pokhara dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati, offering a glimpse into local culture and panoramic Himalayan views.
Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Mountain Garden (International Mountain Museum)
Pokhara
A beautifully landscaped thematic garden within the museum grounds featuring indigenous Himalayan flora and detailed scale models of the world's highest peaks.
Visit website →Regional Botanical Garden
Pokhara
The second-largest botanical garden in Nepal, featuring a vast collection of indigenous plants, orchids, and themed sections dedicated to regional biodiversity.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Phewa Lake
Pokhara
The center of tourism in Pokhara, this expansive lake offers family-friendly boat rides with stunning views of the Annapurna massif and the Machhapuchhre peak.
Begnas Lake
Pokhara
A tranquil and pristine alternative to Phewa Lake, perfect for families seeking a quiet day of boating and walking along natural, forested shorelines.
Natural Hot Spring / Thermal Bath / Historic Bathhouse
Tatopani Hot Springs
Tatopani (Myagdi District)
45°C to 50°C naturally heated mineral pools located along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. This standalone complex features two large concrete pools rich in sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate, believed to have healing properties. It is a major stop on the Annapurna Circuit.
Chame Hot Springs
Chame (Manang District)
Naturally warm mineral-rich pools located on the banks of the Marsyangdi River. This public facility features a small concrete-walled bathhouse area with temperatures around 35°C, offering a scenic view of the surrounding pine forests and snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna range.
Jhinu Danda Hot Springs
Jhinu Danda (Ghandruk)
35°C to 40°C natural geothermal pools situated on the banks of the Modi Khola river. The facility consists of three stone-lined pools managed by the local community. It is a popular destination for trekkers returning from the Annapurna Base Camp to soothe tired muscles.
Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
World Peace Pagoda
Pokhara
A brilliant white pagoda offering stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna range and Phewa Lake, ideal for a family hike or boat trip.
Pumdikot Shiva Statue
Pokhara
One of the tallest Shiva statues in Nepal, this massive monument offers a spiritual atmosphere and 360-degree Himalayan views.
Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Pokhara Art Gallery
Pokhara
The city's main public art space, managed by the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, showcasing contemporary and traditional works by regional artists.
Visit website →Mustang Cultural Museum
Lo Manthang
A cultural repository in the walled city of Lo Manthang featuring ancient thangkas, rare manuscripts, and royal artifacts from the Kingdom of Lo.
Theme Park / Amusement Park
Pokhara Fun Park
Pokhara
A popular local amusement park near the Lakeside district featuring a Ferris wheel, carousels, and classic fairground rides for families.
Big Splash Water Park
Pokhara
A modern aquatic park featuring multiple water slides, a wave pool, and children's play areas, offering a high-quality family leisure experience.
Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Wild Water Park
Pokhara
A family-oriented water park known for its variety of slides, rain dance floor, and spacious swimming areas situated on the outskirts of the city.
The Big Splash
Pokhara
The region's premier water park featuring an array of high-speed slides, a large wave pool, and dedicated play zones for younger children.