Complete Guide to Food, Accommodation & Transportation!

I arrived in Pokhara on July 24, 2024. This is a recap post, filling in some tips I haven’t shared before. Next stop: Chitwan! 🚗 Transportation I booked a sofa bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara through a travel agency. You can book independently (at the bus station or online) for about 10 RMB cheaper. The agency charged 100 RMB, and the sofa seats were comfortable. You’ll need to board at a specific location—don’t arrive too early, as restrooms nearby are scarce. The ride is bumpy—take motion sickness pills in advance! There are stops for restrooms and meals. We arrived in Pokhara around 5 AM. If you haven’t booked accommodation, just take a taxi to Lakeside (the main tourist area) and find a place there. Most of Pokhara’s attractions are concentrated around Lakeside. 🏠 Accommodation: The Orchards The driver dropped us off on the main road, and we had to walk through a winding country path to get there. At 5 AM, half-asleep, I questioned the route—but trust me, it’s correct! 🤣 The views are stunning. No AC, just fans, but in the off-season, it’s 1,000 NPR for two people—what more could you ask for? There are plenty of nearby hotels and guesthouses. I recommend checking rooms in person and bargaining. 🛍️ Shopping Lakeside is lined with small shops, but after coming from Kathmandu, I found little new here—and prices are higher. Better to stock up on souvenirs in Kathmandu. 🍽️ Food The Juicery Cafe A Pokhara (internet-famous spot). We headed here for breakfast after checking in. The views are gorgeous, but prices are steep (thanks to the lakeside location). Mosquitoes are rampant—spray repellent! Juices are good, and the dishes are Instagram-worthy. Western breakfasts are a matter of taste—I’m not a fan, so can’t rate them highly. Lakeside Restaurants Lots of eateries and street food along the lake—great for dinner with sunset views and evening strolls. Many have live bands, super relaxing. Pro tip: The lakeside “Disney Land” (yes, that’s its name!) is a quirky, almost Indian-style amusement park. We tried the “death-defying Ferris wheel” 🥲—I’m afraid of heights, so I yelled “stop” mid-ride. My friend’s safety bar even fell off—she held it up the whole time. It looks dangerous, and it is! 🤣 Korean Gallery Cafe Korean food here is just okay, but it’s more suited to Chinese palates. Sit outside for lakeside views. 🏖️ Activities Extreme Sports Pokhara is full of adventure options—book through local agencies and bargain hard! I’m afraid of heights but tried paragliding—it’s less scary than expected. Takeoff and landing are the most nerve-wracking parts. Paragliding Details You’ll be picked up the next day and driven to the mountains. Flights depend on weather—we waited ages due to rain. Coaches are assigned by lottery, and they’ll take photos/videos with a GoPro. Landings are in rice fields—very sunny, so pack sunscreen. You’ll leave once everyone has flown. #NepalTravel #PokharaGuide #Backpacking #BudgetTravel