Districts
Gandaki Province
Kaski कास्की
Pokhara, Phewa Lake, Annapurna views, paragliding
Kaski is built around Pokhara, Nepal's lakeside tourism capital and the gateway to the Annapurnas. Phewa Lake, paragliding from Sarangkot and the trailheads for Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill all lie within it. It is the second hub, after Kathmandu, that most itineraries are built around.
About Kaski
Kaski is built around Pokhara, Nepal's second city and its unrivalled adventure capital, spread along the shore of Phewa Lake beneath a wall of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre peaks that seem close enough to touch. The lakeside strip of cafés, rowing boats and paragliding launches is the relaxed counterpoint to Kathmandu and the obvious base for the western treks.
The district is the gateway to the Annapurna region: trailheads for Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill and the Mardi Himal ridge all start within a short drive, and the Annapurna Conservation Area begins just north of the city. Closer in, Sarangkot's sunrise viewpoint, the World Peace Pagoda, Davis Falls and the Gupteshwor cave fill the days that aren't spent on the water or in the air.
Pokhara's mild, low-altitude climate makes it pleasant year-round, and it works equally as a trek launchpad or simply a few slow days by the lake.
At a glance
- Headquarters
- Pokhara
- Known for
- Pokhara, Phewa Lake, Annapurna views, paragliding
Getting there
Pokhara is about 200 km west of Kathmandu — 6–8 hours by road on the Prithvi Highway, or a 25-minute flight. Tourist buses run daily from Kathmandu; Pokhara International Airport also handles some regional flights. From Pokhara, jeeps and local buses reach the Annapurna trailheads at Nayapul, Kande and Phedi within 1–2 hours.