Pokhara in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Pokhara

30°C (86°F) High Temp

16°C (60°F) Low Temp

142 mm (5.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect visibility for mountain views - April's clear mornings offer 85% chance of seeing Annapurna range before 10am, best clarity of the year
Rhododendron season at peak - Nepal's national flower blooms across hillsides in busy reds and pinks, creating spectacular trekking backdrops
Ideal trekking temperatures - daytime warmth of 20-25°C (68-77°F) at higher elevations, cool evenings perfect for sleeping
Pre-monsoon adventure window - last month for high-altitude activities before June rains, with stable weather patterns

Considerations

Afternoon heat and humidity - temperatures can reach 30°C (86°F) in lakeside areas with 70% humidity making midday activities uncomfortable
Increasing haze by month-end - dust and pre-monsoon atmospheric pressure reduces mountain visibility after April 20th
Higher accommodation prices - shoulder season pricing with 20-30% premium over March rates due to trekking season peak

Best Activities in April

Annapurna Foothills Day Treks

April offers the perfect combination of clear mountain views and comfortable trekking temperatures. Morning starts at 6am provide crystal-clear Annapurna panoramas before afternoon haze builds. Rhododendron forests are in full bloom, creating a natural flower tunnel effect on trails between 1,500-2,500m (4,920-8,200ft). Daytime temperatures at altitude stay comfortable at 20-25°C (68-77°F).

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed trekking agencies. Day treks typically cost NPR 3,500-6,000 ($26-45) including guide and lunch. Look for agencies with TAAN certification. Start early - 6am departures maximize clear mountain views before afternoon weather changes.

Sunrise Sarangkot Viewpoint Tours

April mornings provide the clearest Himalayan views of the year. The 5:30am departure timing aligns perfectly with April's sunrise at 6:15am. Temperature at Sarangkot (1,600m/5,249ft) is crisp 12-15°C (54-59°F) at sunrise, warming quickly. Visibility extends to Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre peaks. Post-sunrise paragliding conditions are optimal with stable thermals developing by 8am.

Booking Tip: Reserve transport the evening before through your accommodation or licensed operators. Round-trip costs NPR 1,500-2,500 ($11-19) by jeep, NPR 800-1,200 ($6-9) by motorcycle. Paragliding add-on typically NPR 8,000-12,000 ($60-90). See current tour combinations in booking section below.

Phewa Lake Kayaking and Boating

April's stable weather creates perfect lake conditions with minimal wind before 2pm. Water temperature reaches comfortable 18-20°C (64-68°F). Morning paddles offer mirror-like reflections of Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre. Temple visits to Tal Barahi island are pleasant in morning coolness. Avoid 2-5pm when afternoon thermals create choppy conditions.

Booking Tip: Rent directly from lakeside operators - kayaks NPR 600-800/hour ($4.50-6), rowboats NPR 400-600/hour ($3-4.50). Multi-hour packages typically NPR 1,500-2,500 ($11-19). No advance booking needed except for guided eco-tours. Best rates negotiated after 4pm for next-day morning sessions.

Cultural Village Cycling Routes

April's dry trails and comfortable temperatures make cycling ideal before monsoon mud season. Routes through traditional Gurung and Magar villages showcase spring barley harvesting. Morning temperatures of 18-22°C (64-72°F) perfect for uphill climbs. Afternoon return rides benefit from valley breezes. Trails to Dhampus, Astam, and Ghandruk are dusty but well-defined.

Booking Tip: Mountain bike rentals cost NPR 800-1,500/day ($6-11) depending on quality. Guided village tours typically NPR 3,500-5,500 ($26-41) including bike and lunch. Book through licensed operators with mechanical support. Helmets and repair kits essential on remote village routes.

Gupteshwor and Devi's Falls Cave Exploration

April's moderate rainfall creates impressive water flow at Devi's Falls while keeping cave passages safely accessible. Water levels are substantial but not dangerous like during monsoon. Cave temperatures stay cool at 15-18°C (59-64°F) providing relief from afternoon heat. Limestone formations are clearly visible without monsoon flooding. Best visited 2-4pm when surface heat makes cool caves refreshing.

Booking Tip: Entry fees: Devi's Falls NPR 50 ($0.37), Gupteshwor Cave NPR 100 ($0.75). Combined visits take 2-3 hours. Taxi from Lakeside costs NPR 300-500 ($2.25-3.75) each way. Wear non-slip shoes for wet cave floors. Waterproof phone cases recommended near falls.

Traditional Tharu Cultural Experiences

April timing coincides with post-harvest celebrations in nearby Tharu communities. Evening cultural programs showcase traditional dances in comfortable 22-25°C (72-77°F) temperatures. Spring is wedding season, offering authentic celebration glimpses. Cooking classes feature seasonal vegetables and preparation techniques for upcoming monsoon preservation.

Booking Tip: Cultural evening programs cost NPR 1,500-2,500 ($11-19) including dinner and transportation. Cooking classes typically NPR 2,000-3,500 ($15-26) for half-day sessions. Book through community-based tourism operators. Village homestays available for NPR 2,500-4,000 ($19-30) per night including meals.

April Events & Festivals

Early April

Chaitra Dashain

Lesser-known spring version of Nepal's major festival, celebrated with kite flying, temple visits, and family gatherings. More intimate than autumn Dashain with local flavor. Temple ceremonies at Bindhyabasini and Tal Barahi temples feature traditional music and offerings.

Mid April

Ram Navami Festival

Birth celebration of Lord Rama with processions through Pokhara's Bratislava. Devotional songs, temple decorations, and street food vendors create busy atmosphere. Bindhyabasini Temple becomes focal point with continuous prayers and ceremonies.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight merino wool layers - temperature swings from 16°C (60°F) at dawn to 30°C (86°F) afternoon require versatile layering system

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 at altitude with intense reflection off lake and snow peaks

Quick-dry hiking pants - switchable between pants and shorts for temperature changes and cultural site requirements

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid synthetic fabrics in 70% humidity conditions that trap moisture and odor

Light rain jacket or poncho - afternoon showers last 20-30 minutes but can be intense, occurring 10 days in April

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support - uneven stone steps at temples and viewpoints, dusty trails require closed shoes

Power bank and universal adapter - frequent electricity fluctuations during pre-monsoon atmospheric pressure changes

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquito activity increases with warming temperatures and pre-monsoon humidity

Electrolyte supplements - combination of altitude, heat, and activity increases dehydration risk above 1,000m (3,280ft)

Headlamp with extra batteries - early morning treks and potential evening power outages require reliable lighting

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by March 15th - April is peak trekking season with 70% occupancy rates and premium pricing after March 20th

Schedule mountain viewing activities before 10am - afternoon haze from dust and atmospheric pressure builds rapidly after late morning

Negotiate transportation rates after 4pm - drivers offer 20-30% discounts for next-day bookings when competing for morning slots

Stock up on supplies by April 25th - pre-monsoon shopping rush and potential transport disruptions affect availability of trekking gear and medications

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning mountain views after 11am - afternoon haze obscures peaks that were crystal clear at sunrise, disappointing photographers expecting all-day visibility

Underestimating temperature swings - packing only for daytime heat without layers for 14°C (25°F) morning-afternoon temperature differences

Booking budget accommodations without confirming hot water - solar systems struggle during cloudy pre-monsoon days requiring backup heating systems