Gandaki Province is Nepal's adventure heartland, home to Pokhara—the gateway to the Annapurna Himalayas—and encompassing some of the world's most dramatic landscapes from subtropical valleys to high-altitude deserts. The province stretches from the Terai plains to the peaks of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges, including the mystical kingdom of Mustang.
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Pokhara Lakeside Road (Baidam)
The main commercial strip running parallel to Phewa Lake, approximately 2km long. Houses the largest concentration of shops, restaurants, and services in Pokhara. Everything from budget guesthouses to thangka galleries to trekking gear shops lines this road. Bargaining is expected in most small shops but not in larger, fixed-price stores.
Best for: Trekking gear, souvenirs, clothing, restaurants, money exchange
Pokhara Old Bazaar (Bazar)
The traditional market area of pre-tourist Pokhara, centered around Mahendra Pul. More authentic and less touristy than Lakeside. Good for local produce, hardware, traditional Nepali clothing, and household goods. The best place to shop alongside local residents.
Best for: Local produce, traditional clothing, everyday goods, non-tourist prices
Tashiling Tibetan Refugee Camp
A Tibetan refugee settlement established after the 1959 Chinese annexation of Tibet, located 3km from Lakeside. The camp has a carpet weaving factory where visitors can watch traditional Tibetan hand-knotting techniques and buy directly from the producers. Quality and authenticity are guaranteed here.
Best for: Tibetan carpets, handicrafts, thangkas, singing bowls