Understand Nepal > adventure > Boating -Phewa Lake
Pokhara, the most beautiful city of Nepal, is full of natural and adventurous surprises. Home to several lakes, one of the popular recreational activities in Pokhara, is boating. The freshwater lake of Pokhara, Phewa, is the most famous boating destination in the Pokhara valley.
The beautiful Phewa lake is the largest of the seven lakes in Pokhara, with an area of 4.8 km2. Surrounded by the forested hill on the one side, the lake is beautiful with boating, kayaking, and fishing as the primary water activities. Phewa's lakeside is the most crowded place in Pokhara, with different refreshments and shopping areas, where tourists usually stay.
Boating in Phewa Lake is one of the mandatory things you do when you visit Pokhara. Tal Barahi Temple lies on the island in the center of the Phewa Lake, accessible via boats only. You can find different kinds of boats like old fashioned one joined two boats with planks called driven boats, rowboats, and sailboats (fibred or wooden) for reaching the temple. Boating at your own is adventurous and peaceful, and you can row as long as you want on each corner of the lake for a specified price. You can share your boat for a cheap amount with several devotees to reach the temple.
The best thing about boating in Phewa is witnessing Annapurna's majestic views and the fishtail mountain – Machhapuchhre, along with the flying gliders on the sky above the Sarangkot hill. You will be stunned by the breeze that flows on the lake and by the lake's freshness.
Boating in Phewa is possible on all seasons except monsoon when the water level is high. The boating to reach the temple in a group is cheap, and if you want to go on a reserved boat, the price can be around NPR 500. The costs can vary depending upon the hours you wish to book the boat. Besides Phewa, Rupa and Begnas are also quite popular for boating but receive fewer visitors than Phewa.