Pokhara Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended hotels

Pokhara's new international terminal, opened in 2023, is just 3 km from Lakeside, the strip of guesthouses, trekking shops and restaurants along Lake Phewa: 10-15 minutes is enough to go from runway to water. Those who want lake life and boats within walking distance choose Lakeside; those seeking a highland retreat with Annapurna views or a more secluded lake instead have to accept a 45-55 minute transfer to the hills around Pokhara.

Lakeside, Phewa Lake

Neighbourhood · 3 km and 10-15 minutes by car from the new international terminal, opened in 2023.

Best for: Those who want Lake Phewa, boats and the Lakeside restaurants within walking distance, with the airport just minutes away.

Pros

Lake Phewa, the Tal Barahi Temple and the Lakeside restaurants within walking distance
One of the shortest airport transfers in this whole guide, just minutes each way

Cons

A tourist area, so pricier and busier than Pokhara as a whole
More limited mountain views than the resorts up in the surrounding hills

Recommended hotels in this area

Atithi Suites: On Lakeside Road, just 3 minutes on foot from Lake Phewa: restaurants such as The Juicery Cafe and Lemon Grass a few minutes away, outdoor pool on site.
Annapurna Boutique Hotel: A 12-15 minute walk from Lake Phewa and about 3 km from the new terminal; terrace and in-house restaurant, a good compromise between price and closeness to the lake.

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Highland retreat and the smaller lakes

Neighbourhood · 54 minutes to the hills of Kaskikot for the Himalayan Hideaway; about 15 minutes from Phewa but on a different road to Lake Begnas, where the InterContinental is located.

Best for: Those with more days who want views of the Annapurna or a lake less touristy than Phewa, accepting a longer transfer from the airport.

Pros

Views of the Fishtail/Annapurna range and access to the Sarangkot Loop trail directly from the resort
Lake Begnas, less touristy and quieter than Phewa, with the resort a minute's walk from the water

Cons

A 45-55 minute transfer from the airport, to be budgeted for tight flights
No restaurant or shop within walking distance outside the resort: evenings are spent on site

Recommended hotels in this area

Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, The Centara Collection: In the hills of Kaskikot, 54 minutes from the airport and 12 miles from Lakeside: 42 rooms and villas with views of the Fishtail (Machapuchare) and direct access to the Sarangkot Loop trail.
InterContinental Pokhara Resort by IHG: On Lake Begnas, not Phewa: a minute's walk from the water and about 15 minutes from Phewa Lake; 80 rooms with activities such as rowing and lake fishing.

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