Pokhara is one of the most famous tourist hubs of Nepal. Without a doubt, it is a beautiful place and deserves all of the inflow of tourists that it annually receives. Along with harboring a gorgeous natural setting, Pokhara is also close to the beautiful Annapurna massif- so much so that the mountain range appears a short distance away from the city itself, decorating the skyline with majestic peaks.
It is a real city of many marvels and natural beauty to match. However, because of its popularity, there are many tourists in the city. From foreign visitors to local tourists, Pokhara receives many people who come to enjoy the city from both near and far. However, Nepal has many hidden gems besides Pokhara as well.
Nepal has many places that one can visit where they can enjoy unique features of both the religious and natural aspects. If you want to experience the hidden valleys and relatively less popular destinations of Nepal, then have a look at the must-see places beyond Pokhara.
Here are the top 7 must-see places beyond Pokhara that you will likely enjoy-
1. Ghandruk
A small village lying at the foothills of the mountain, Ghandruk is a beautiful traditional village. As a matter of fact, it is also often the gateway to the famous Annapurna Base Camp. Trekkers often stop here for a time during the popular trekking journey.
Ghandruk is considered among the must-see places beyond Pokhara because of its purely natural setting. It is situated at an altitude of 2012 meters and presents an easy trail with various accommodation fasciitis for passing trekkers.
In fact, Ghandruk has two countenances; one front is of a very traditional Gurung settlement, while the other is rather modernized with modern facilities. From the village, there are amazing views of the Machhapuchhre Himal and the Hiunchuli Peak. It is a 42 kilometers drive and 5–6 hours walking distance from Pokhara.
2. Poon Hill
The best and most popular vantage point not only in the Annapurna region, but the whole of Nepal, Poon Hill is one of the best must-see places beyond Pokhara. Trekkers to the region always make sure to not miss out on Poon Hill while visiting.
The reason for this is the absolutely gorgeous panoramic view that is seen from Poon Hill of the entire Mount Annapurna massif. Trekkers visit the vantage point early at dawn before sunrise to experience the sunrise over the mountain peaks. It is an awe-inspiring phenomenon.
From Poon Hill, you can look at the rising sun as it slowly changes the tincture of the silver mountains into molten gold. It takes two days from Pokhara to reach Poon Hill. Along the way, you also come across the villages of Ulleri and Ghorepani as well.
3. Bandipur
Another top hill station, Bandipur is a rich Newari village. Among the must-see places beyond Pokhara, Bandipur embodies the buzz of the word "hidden gem". Situated 60 kilometers east of Pokhara city, Bandipur is often sought after for a one-day visit by people who like to take detours while visiting the Annapurna region. Likewise, home stays in Bandipur are quite welcoming.
As it happens, it is one of the staple features of the village, along with its rich Newari culture. Along with that, Bandipur also has the Bandipur Cave- one of the largest caves in Nepal. Additionally, the thriving traditional tenor of the village makes Bandipur often referred to as "an open museum of Newari culture".
4. Tansen
Another famous hill station of Palpa, Tansen is one of the bourgeoisie must-see places beyond Pokhara that seems like it still is sprouting traditional entrainments. In ancient times, Tansen was a famed Newari bazaar that reaped the benefits of being situated on an important trade route between India and Tibet.
The village is located 122 kilometers south on the way to Lumbini from Pokhara, on the crest of the Mahabharata range. It is extremely reputed for handlooms and metal crafts and presents an ancient market center.
The Srinagar Hill is located just above Tansen, and on clear weather- you can see panoramic views of the Himalayas along with the plains of Terai and Lumbini. In addition, Tansen was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
5. Ghurunkha
A traditional Gurung village in Syangja, Ghurunkha is a dainty getaway and one of the most beautiful must-see places beyond Pokhara. Ghurunkha is a rather off-the-beaten-paths village, making it an isolated destination for visitors. It has a beautiful traditional culture and a quiet atmosphere where cobbled streets and narrow winding alleyways ornament its own distinct feel.
6. Sirubari
One of the best must-see places beyond Pokhara to experience the ideal Nepalese village life and ethnic culture, Sirubari is a great escape from busy city life. Rich in Gurung culture, Sirubari harbors rolling hills and drenching rice farms organized in pretty terraces.
Furthermore, Sirubari won PATA- Gold Award in 2001 for its outstanding presentation in hospitality and cultural heritage. Almost the entire household at Sirubari offers the home-stay option.
The village also offers grand views of the Himalayas, from Manaslu and Dhaulagiri range in the east along with Mount Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range.
7. Ghale Gaun
And lastly, among the must-see places beyond Pokhara, Ghale Gaun is a village located atop a green hill in Lamjung. With traditionally built houses of wood and timber, Ghale Gaun has a spectacular Himalayan tapestry that decorates its pretty skyline.
The beautiful tourist village is surrounded by Annapurna Circuit- one of the classic treks of the Annapurna region. Ghale Gaun presents amazing views of the Machhapuchhre Himal, Mount Annapurna I, II, and IV, Mount Lamjung, Mount Buddha, and the Himalchuli among others. Nature photography is quite prominent here.
