Is Pokhara expensive to visit?
Pokhara is a quaint locale that appeals to a variety of visitors, each with different travel styles, spending patterns, and budget needs. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Pokhara can become quite costly if you let it, but there are ways to save money, such as looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $10 (NP₨1,397) per day, mid-range travelers spend $25 (NP₨3,301) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $52 (NP₨6,986) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Pokhara.
Within Asia, Pokhara is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Asia for its affordability. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Pokhara.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Pokhara Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Pokhara?
The average Pokhara trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Pokhara travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Pokhara cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
To manage your travel budget, it's important to set realistic expectations. Many people think they can visit Pokhara on a cheap budget, but most don't enjoy the limitations of a tight shoestring budget. Consider how you like to travel. Do you enjoy hostels, resorts, hotels, or vacation rentals? Do you want to dine out and explore the major attractions? These decisions will determine your budget and itinerary.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $10 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Fortunately, there are plenty of hostels available in Pokhara, such as Kiwi Backpackers Hostel Pokhara, Pokhara Backpackers Hostel, and Zostel Pokhara. In these hostels, you can discover cheap dorm accommodations and a great social atmosphere, though amenities may be few.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
For couples or families traveling for enjoyment, opting for a mid-range hotel, dining at popular restaurants, and exploring major museums and attractions with entry fees is likely. When visiting Pokhara, most people will want to check out the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Remember, many activities do come with costs. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $25 per person, per day.
In Pokhara, you can find a variety of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with others, you can share the costs of your hotel with a partner, friend, or children, which can help you save money. Families will want to seek out hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Hotel Middle Path & Spa is a great choice for families, and Vardan Resort n' Apartment is another great option. To discover more family- and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel guide for Pokhara.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $52 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the destination, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as 1-Day Private Dhampus Trekking Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Pokhara
The cost of hotels in Pokhara can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Some hotels charge a lot more because they offer extra luxury and amenities. Prices are also much higher during peak season. Off-season rooms average $29, but the demand in peak season pushes that average to around $54. Budget hotels range from $12 to $138, and hostels provide a cheaper option, especially in dorms. Booking early, traveling off-season, or finding special deals can help save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Pokhara for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $7.69 (NP₨1,044). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $3.84 (NP₨522) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Pokhara? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Pokhara include:
- Temple Tree Resort & Spa Pokhara starting at $75
- Shangri-La Village starting at $264
- Hotel Middle Path & Spa starting at $34
- New Annapurna Guest House starting at $13
- Hotel Lake Star starting at $37
By traveling in the low or shoulder season (and avoiding ), you can benefit from cheaper accommodations and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in Pokhara
Unfortunately, Pokhara does not have a reliable public transit network.
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $7.50 (NP₨1,018) per person, per day, on local transportation in Pokhara. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Pokhara is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$7.50
NP₨1,018
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Intercity transfer by private car all over Nepal for $54 details
- Half Day Pokhara White Water River Rafting with Hotel Transfers for $70 details
- Pokhara to Kathmandu One Way Transfer by Private AC Car for $80 details
How much does it cost to go to Pokhara? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Pokhara will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
The typical transit costs in Pokhara are outlined below, based on data from actual travelers. These figures provide an estimate of overall transportation expenses in the city. Remember, your personal costs will depend on how you choose to get around, as taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than using public transportation.
Food Budget in Pokhara
Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Pokhara can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Pokhara is $14 (NP₨1,867) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$14
NP₨1,867
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Pokhara is around $14 (NP₨1867) per person, with previous travelers spending from $6 to $25. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Pokhara are as follows:
- Breakfast: $1 to $4
- Lunch: $2 to $6
- Dinner: $4 to $10
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $2
Pokhara has many amenities to accommodate tourists, including a wide range of restaurants. There are plenty of western, Asian, and Nepalese restaurants that range in price and style. There are also plenty of bars where you can grab a drink and relax with friends. The cheapest food you'll find is available through street stalls. You can pick up momos, samosas, or fried noodles for a very reasonable price. Local kids sell pastries in the morning that are quite good and cheap. Most of the tourist restaurants are located along the lakeside road. The food at these restaurants is decent but the prices are higher and the atmosphere is tourist friendly.
Lots of hotels throw breakfast into the room rate, but some will charge for it. The quality and price can differ by hotel. Understanding this in advance can help you figure out if you'll need to spend extra money. It may be worth splurging on the hotel buffet, or you could find a less expensive option at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Bring a water bottle along to avoid the need to buy drinks. It's also good for Mother Earth.
Before booking a tour, make a point of knowing which meals are part of the package. You may be responsible for some of your food costs, which can increase your overall budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Pokhara, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- 3 Hour Authentic Nepali Thakali Dish Cooking Class for $45 details
- Organic Farm Tour and Cooking Class at Durku for $115 details
- Nepali cultural dinner night in Pokhara for $21 details
Typical food prices in Pokhara, as reported by previous travelers, are outlined below. These costs offer a snapshot of what meals might cost in the city. Your personal expenses will vary depending on the type of dining experiences you choose and the dishes you order.
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Dinner for Two
NP₨600
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Dessert (for 2)
NP₨400
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Pastries
NP₨200
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Dinner
NP₨850
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Pokhara
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Pokhara typically cost an average of $7.14 (NP₨969) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$7.14
NP₨969
There are many sights in and around Pokhara that are worth a visit. Phewa Lake is one of the most beautiful spots in the country. The lake is surrounded by forests and snow covered peaks. You can hire a boat to get out on the water and enjoy the natural beauty Begnas Lake is about 13 kilometers southeast of town. It's a quiet and peaceful spot with a few hotels and shops. Other nearby lakes include Rupa Lake and Dipang Lake.
Other places worth visiting include Devi's Falls, The World Peace Pagoda, and Sarangkot. Interesting caves in the area include Mahendra Cave, Chamare Gufa, and Gupteswar Mahadev Cave. Museums around town include the International Mountain Museum and Gurkha Memorial Museum.
There are some great adventure sports in and around Pokhara. You can try your hand at whitewater rafting, paragliding, or mountain biking. You can also take a boat tour of the lake or enjoy a farmstay with a local family.
If you're looking for a more relaxing activity, consider taking a cooking class or doing a yoga or meditation retreat.
Popular festivals in town include Diwali and the Full Moon Trance Parties.
A nice way to explore destinations in Pokhara is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Morning Half Day Tibetan cultural tour to Tibetan Settlements for $60 details
- Best Sunrise Tour from Sarangkot for $25 details
- Explore Entire Pokhara (Sarangkot, Stupa, Lakes, Caves, Temples, Museum) Tour for $66 details
Pokhara, Nepal
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
It was easy for us to not spend a lot of money here because everything is cheap. The restaurants were all really good and low priced. Our hotel was also clean and fairly modern, too, and it was cheap. The lake and the nearby temples were nice, and all free. We walked around the city some and relaxed after our trek and enjoyed the market, too.