About this place
Summary
Lakeside Pokhara is the comfortable base where most Annapurna treks begin and end. A strip of hotels and guesthouses by Phewa Lake offers real beds, hot showers, gear shops, and good food before the trail and a well-earned rest after.
Why we picked it
It is the natural, comfortable bookend for every Annapurna trek and the best place to prepare and recover.
Good for
Trekkers before and after the trail, couples, and travelers wanting comfort, gear shops, and lake views.
Skip if
Skip the cheapest rooms if you need dependable hot water and luggage storage for your trek.
Editorial guide
Almost every Annapurna trek starts and finishes in Pokhara, and Lakeside — the neighbourhood along the eastern shore of Phewa Lake — is where trekkers base themselves. It ranges from simple guesthouses to comfortable boutique hotels, all within walking distance of gear shops, cafes, permit offices, and the lake.
Why base here
A night or two in Pokhara before the trek lets you sort permits, rent or buy any missing gear, and adjust after the journey from Kathmandu. Afterward, it is the ideal place to recover: a hot shower, a real bed, lakeside food, and a boat on Phewa are the classic post-trek reward.
Useful caveat
Quality varies widely along Lakeside. For a trek base, prioritise a place with reliable hot water and secure left-luggage storage (so you can leave non-trekking bags behind), rather than the cheapest room. Book ahead in peak October and around festivals.
Best for
Good in
Details
- Amenities
- lakeside, hot-shower, restaurant, luggage-storage
- Wi-Fi
- Yes