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Where to stay in Pokhara
Pokhara stretches along the eastern shore of Phewa Lake, flanked by the dramatic Annapurna range to the north. Lakeside acts as the tourist hub, dense with agencies and guesthouses. Northward sits Khapaudi and Damside to the south, while the traditional trading hub of Pokhara Old Town lies further inland. Your choice dictates whether you wake to mountain reflections on the water or the bustle of local commerce.
Lakeside (Baidam)
Lakeside is a high-energy strip following Lakeside Road parallel to Phewa Lake. It feels like a bustling alpine resort town mixed with South Asian energy, packed with gear shops, bakeries, and rooftop cafes. You can easily walk to Barahi Ghat to catch a wooden boat across the lake, or stroll up to the Tal Barahi Temple on its small island.
Damside
Damside sits at the southern end of Phewa Lake where the water empties into the Seti River. It feels much calmer and dustier than Lakeside, dominated by budget guesthouses, local eateries, and residential homes. You can walk across the Pardi Dam for sweeping views of the southern valley, or easily catch a local bus from the nearby tourist bus park.
Pokhara Old Town (Bindhyabasini)
Located about four kilometers northeast of the lake, Old Town is a dense maze of traditional Newari shophouses and bustling bazaars. It feels entirely detached from the lakeside backpacker scene, offering a gritty, authentic slice of Nepali commerce. Within easy walking distance are the historic Bindhyabasini Temple perched on a green hill and the vibrant Bhimsen Temple.
Rent a car in Pokhara
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Compare car rentals in PokharaOne thing to think about
Avoid booking accommodation directly along the main Lakeside Road if you are a light sleeper. The constant stream of honking motorbikes, blaring trekking agency music, and late-night party crowds make it notoriously noisy well past midnight.
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Pokhara are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Top tours & activities in Pokhara
Common questions
Should I stay in Lakeside or Damside?
Stay in Lakeside if you want restaurants, gear shops, and nightlife right outside your door. Choose Damside if you prefer a quieter, more budget-friendly neighborhood with an authentic local neighborhood feel within walking distance of the southern lake shores and bus park.
Is it walkable to get around Pokhara neighborhoods?
Lakeside and Damside are extremely pedestrian-friendly with wide paths and lakeside promenades. However, walking between Lakeside and Pokhara Old Town takes about 45 to 60 minutes along busy, dusty roads without continuous sidewalks, so taking a local taxi or shared micro-bus is usually better.
Are there good accommodation options near the trekking departure points?
Most people stay in Lakeside to organize treks, as nearly every agency, gear rental shop, and bus ticket counter is located right there. You can easily walk to any service you need on foot before heading out to the trailhead.
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