Is Pokhara safe? Honest answers from our Lakeside team
Safe for most travellers; here is what actually needs care.
Yes. Pokhara is one of the calmest cities in Nepal, and most visitors, families and solo travellers alike, have a trouble-free stay. The real risks are not crime but the things around you: hill roads in the monsoon, deep water, altitude on treks and adventure sports. Take normal care with money and late nights, wear a life jacket on the lake, check the weather before long drives from June to September, and book activities with registered companies.
Everyday safety in Lakeside
Violent crime against visitors is rare in Pokhara, and Lakeside is busy and well lit in the evening. Petty theft does happen, so use the same sense as anywhere:
- Keep your passport, spare cash and cards in the hotel safe, and carry only what you need.
- Use ATMs in the daytime, inside a bank where you can.
- Late at night, walk on the main lakeside road and take a known taxi back to quieter areas.
- Agree prices before a boat, taxi or activity starts, and book adventure activities and guides through registered companies, not offers on the street.
- Cannabis is illegal in Nepal, even if someone offers it to you.
- Watch your drink in bars, as you would at home.
Many solo travellers, women included, travel here without trouble. Dress modestly at temples and in villages, and a polite “no, thank you” is enough with sellers.
Is Pokhara safe in the monsoon? Floods and landslides
Pokhara is one of the wettest places in Nepal: the valley gets about 3,350 mm of rain a year, most of it from June to September. Heavy downpours can leave some streets waterlogged for a while, but the bigger problem is the roads. Landslides can block the highways to Kathmandu, Chitwan and Mustang for hours, and sometimes longer on the mountain roads.
- Drive long distances in daylight and leave early.
- Keep a spare day before an international flight.
- After heavy rain, stay away from riverbanks and gorges: rivers such as the Seti rise fast.
- Check the forecast and the road news before you set off, or ask us.
- Use mosquito repellent; dengue mosquitoes are around in the monsoon.
The monsoon has its own beauty: green rice terraces, full waterfalls and few crowds. Plan caves, museums and cooking classes for the wet afternoons.
On Phewa and Begnas lakes
- Wear the life jacket on every boat, and make sure children wear one that fits.
- Swimming far from the shore is not a good idea: Phewa is up to 24 m deep and there are no lifeguards.
- Come back to shore if the wind rises or a storm builds; in spring this often happens in the afternoon.
- Kayak and paddle with an instructor if you are new to it.
Paragliding, rafting, bungee and zipline
Pokhara is Nepal’s adventure town, and many operators run these activities every day. They are still adventure sports with real risks. Choose a registered company, listen to the briefing, tell the operator about any health problems, accept their decisions about the weather, and check that your travel insurance covers the activity. More in our guide to paragliding in Pokhara.
Treks and altitude
Since April 2023, foreign trekkers in Nepal’s protected areas must walk with a licensed guide, which also makes the trails safer. Above about 2,500 m, go up slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide about headaches or nausea. Weather changes fast in the mountains: carry warm layers even on short treks such as Australian Camp, and avoid high routes in heavy snow or rain.
Health: water, food and sun
- Do not drink tap water: use filtered, boiled or bottled water. Many hotels and cafes refill bottles.
- Eat freshly cooked food, and peel fruit. Busy restaurants are usually the safest.
- The sun is strong, especially on the lake and the hills: hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Pokhara has hospitals and pharmacies; travel insurance that covers medical care is wise.
What to watch for, season by season
October and November
The safest weather and the clearest skies. It is also the busiest time: book cars, guides and hotels early.
December to February
Dry and clear, with cold mornings and nights. Fog can slow the roads and flights in the lowlands in the morning.
March to May
Warm and hazy, with afternoon thunderstorms from April. Be off the lake and the ridges before a storm.
June to September
The monsoon: rain most days, landslides on the hill roads, leeches on the trails and mosquitoes. Leave spare time for every journey.
Emergency numbers in Nepal
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 100 |
| Tourist police | 1144 |
| Ambulance | 102 |
| Fire | 101 |
If you are travelling with us, call or WhatsApp us on +977 9863418859 at any time during your trip.
Questions people ask
Is Pokhara safe for tourists?
Yes. Crime against visitors is rare. The real risks are monsoon roads, deep water, altitude and adventure sports, and simple care handles most of them.
Is Pokhara safe for solo female travellers?
Many women travel here alone without trouble. Use normal care at night, dress modestly at temples and in villages, and book guides and activities through registered companies.
Is it safe to visit Pokhara in August?
Yes, but it is the heart of the monsoon. Expect rain most days and landslides on the hill roads; drive in daylight and keep spare time. The valley is green and quiet.
Is Pokhara affected by floods?
Heavy monsoon rain can waterlog some streets for a while and makes rivers rise fast. The main risk for travellers is landslides on the roads. Stay away from riverbanks after heavy rain and check the road news.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Pokhara?
No. Drink filtered, boiled or bottled water; many hotels and cafes refill bottles.
Is Pokhara worth visiting?
Yes. Few places put a lake, a calm town and 8,000 m peaks this close together, and it is the start of the Annapurna treks. Three days is a good first stay.
What is the tourist police number in Nepal?
Dial 1144 for the tourist police, 100 for the police and 102 for an ambulance.