Phewa Lake is a freshwater lake in Nepal, and it sits at the heart of Pokhara, the city that many travellers use as a base for the Annapurna region. On a calm day the water mirrors the Annapurna range, which makes the lake a natural place to slow down and take in the mountains.
What to do
- Take a boat ride across the water to Tal Barahi Temple, which stands on a small island in the lake.
- Relax by the shore and watch the light change on the mountains through the day.
- Photograph the view, since the reflections of the Himalayas are a large part of why the lake is so widely photographed.
The atmosphere
Much of the appeal of Phewa Lake is its quiet. The surface is often still, the setting is open, and the backdrop of the Himalayas gives the lake a sense of space that few urban places offer. It suits an unhurried visit, whether you come for an hour or spend a whole afternoon.
Visitors who want a short trip out on the water, a temple visit, and a long look at the mountains will find the lake a rewarding stop. Those looking for a busy nightlife or a large museum collection may find it a quieter and simpler kind of destination, but one that many travellers remember fondly.