Pokhara, Nepal 🇳🇵
#717
28.209538, 83.991402
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Pokhara is a picturesque city located in central Nepal, renowned for its stunning lakes and panoramic views of the Annapurna mountain range. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 200,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 20 Mbps, but local cafes and coworking spaces can offer higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 132 NPR. ATMs are available, and Visa/Mastercard are widely accepted in urban areas. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It's advisable to use bottled or filtered water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Ncell and NT Mobile are popular providers offering good coverage. A prepaid plan costs around 1,000 NPR with data. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Nabil Bank and Standard Chartered offer services with ATMs widely available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, hotels, and Airbnb, with average prices ranging from 1,500 NPR to 5,000 NPR per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Mostly cash-based. Cards are accepted in some hotels and restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are popular. Expect prices from 2,000 NPR to 6,000 NPR per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Zostel and Pokhara Backpackers offer dorms starting at 500 NPR per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Workshop Pokhara offers a vibrant working environment with high-speed internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Rojan is a popular spot with good Wi-Fi and a peaceful ambiance. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Scheduled monthly meetups at The Hub, bringing together digital nomads and locals. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Pokhara Expats' frequently organize social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Insta Taxi is the most popular ride-sharing app in Pokhara. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Shree Sita Bike Rental offers scooters starting from 800 NPR per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Phewa Lake is the closest water body, offering numerous activities and views. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Buddha Air provides convenient flights from Kathmandu. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines offer flights connecting through Kathmandu. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Prithvi Highway provides excellent access to Kathmandu and other regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no trains in Pokhara. Buses are the main mode of land transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes. Local buses and taxis are available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses run frequently to major cities. Ticket prices to Kathmandu range from 1,000 NPR to 1,500 NPR. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Manipal Teaching Hospital is the primary medical facility, with a range of services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Ananda Yoga offers classes and wellness retreats in a serene environment. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Pokhara Fitness Centre provides a well-equipped gym for local residents. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Quick Clean Laundry provides affordable laundry services starting from 100 NPR per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodmandu is a popular food delivery app with a variety of local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Daal Bhat (lentil soup with rice) is a staple must-try dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Green Kitchen offers an excellent selection of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dreamcatcher offers delicious baked goods and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Lakeside region is buzzing with cafes and shops offering local products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.com.np is popular for online shopping in Nepal. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery shopping can be arranged through local markets or online services like HamroBazar. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Lakeside is the main area for nightlife, with various bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Pokhara Brewing Company offers craft beers with stunning views. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | WINE & DINE serves a good selection of international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is prevalent around Lakeside, with items like momo (dumplings) being very popular. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Café Bato offers diverse international dishes including pizza and pasta. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The World Peace Pagoda offers breathtaking views of the region. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Pokhara Museum showcases the cultural heritage of the region. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Bindhyabasini Temple is a significant religious site worth visiting. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Tal Barahi Temple, situated on an island in Phewa Lake, is a key site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Pokhara Street Festival celebrates local culture and music annually in February. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Lakeside is the hub for cultural activities and gatherings. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Nepal Cultural Center operates various shows and performances showcasing Nepali art. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Lakeside market is vibrant with local handicrafts and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found in many cafes and bars, focusing on Nepali folk and popular music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local artists have created murals throughout Lakeside depicting Nepalese culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Dal Bhat Cooking Center offers classes where you can learn to cook traditional Nepali dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Artistic Studio is a notable gallery showcasing local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Gurkha Inn hosts historical significance and offers a glimpse into the region's past. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The traditional house structures along Lakeside showcase typical Sharma and Thapa architecture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Rupa Lake is a serene escape for nature lovers, located a short drive from Lakeside. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Annapurna Conservation Area is easily accessible for trekking and outdoor activities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Lakeside promenade offers a scenic walking path along the water. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Sarangkot is a popular viewpoint for sunrise and sunset over the Himalayas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Rupa and Begnas Lakes are perfect for birdwatching, especially during migratory seasons. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | The lakeside areas allow bonfires at certain designated spots during the camping season. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Nepal Post provide parcel delivery services and options within Pokhara. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Techfix offers quick repair services for electronics and mobile devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers have table tennis facilities for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Pokhara Language School offers Nepali language courses for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Pokhara Public Library is a quiet place to read and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Himalaya Community Center organizes various cultural activities and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Joyland Gaming Center offers modern gaming consoles and computers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Royale offers entertainment options for those looking to try their luck. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $40,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $42,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $48,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 36% for income over 4 million NPR. |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are provisions in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Varies based on location and property type. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% of the transaction value. |