Pokhara in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Pokhara

26°C (79°F) High Temp

13°C (55°F) Low Temp

64 mm (2.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Crystal clear mountain views - March has the clearest skies before monsoon season, with Annapurna and Dhaulagiri visible 85% of mornings
Perfect trekking weather - daytime temperatures around 20°C (68°F) at higher altitudes, minimal precipitation, and stable weather patterns
Rhododendron blooming season - Nepal's national flower covers hillsides in brilliant reds and pinks, especially visible on Poon Hill and Sarangkot trails
Post-winter tourist lull - crowds are 40% lower than peak April season, but weather is equally good with better accommodation availability

Considerations

Afternoon haze buildup - mountain views often disappear after 11am as dust and humidity increase from valley warming
Dry and dusty conditions - March is peak dry season with minimal rainfall, creating dusty trails and requiring more water consumption
Variable morning temperatures - 13°C (55°F) dawn temperatures require layers, but afternoons reach 26°C (79°F) causing constant clothing adjustments

Best Activities in March

Annapurna Region Trekking

March offers ideal trekking conditions with stable weather, clear mountain views in early morning, and blooming rhododendrons creating natural color displays. Trails are dry but not yet dusty from peak season traffic. Temperatures at 3,000m (9,842 ft) hover around 15°C (59°F) during day - perfect for sustained hiking without overheating.

Booking Tip: Book teahouse treks 2-3 weeks ahead as March popularity is rising. Budget ₨2,500-4,500 ($19-34) per day including guide, food, and accommodation. Look for TAAN-registered guides and operators with fixed departure dates. See current trek packages in booking section below.

Sarangkot Sunrise Viewing

March delivers the year's most reliable sunrise views with 80% clear morning success rate. Pre-monsoon atmospheric conditions create dramatic mountain silhouettes and golden hour lighting. The 1.5-hour pre-dawn hike to 1,592m (5,223 ft) is comfortable in cool morning air before tourist buses arrive around 7am.

Booking Tip: Independent hiking costs ₨500-800 ($4-6) for jeep transport plus trail fee. Guided sunrise tours run ₨1,200-2,000 ($9-15) including transport and basic breakfast. Book evening before through licensed operators for 4:30am departures. Current tour options available in booking section.

Phewa Lake Kayaking and Boating

March's calm weather creates mirror-like lake conditions perfect for water activities. Morning sessions offer reflection photography of Machapuchare peak before afternoon winds pick up around 2pm. Water temperature reaches comfortable 18°C (64°F) and March's low rainfall means consistent lake levels.

Booking Tip: Kayak rentals cost ₨800-1,200 ($6-9) per hour through lakeside operators. Multi-day kayak-camping packages run ₨3,500-5,500 ($26-42) per day. Book morning slots (6am-11am) for best conditions. Licensed water sports operators available through booking platform below.

Gorkha and Bandipur Cultural Tours

March's clear weather makes day trips to historic hill towns exceptional with unobstructed Himalayan backdrops. Gorkha Palace offers panoramic views and Bandipur's Newari architecture is perfectly lit in March's crisp air. Cool mornings make the 2-3 hour drives comfortable before midday heat.

Booking Tip: Private vehicle tours cost ₨8,000-12,000 ($60-90) for full day including driver and fuel. Group tours run ₨2,500-3,500 ($19-26) per person. Book 3-5 days ahead for weekend departures. Look for operators including entrance fees and lunch. Current cultural tour options in booking section.

Paragliding from Sarangkot

March offers ideal paragliding conditions with consistent thermal updrafts from valley heating and minimal precipitation. Wind patterns are stable between 10am-3pm with average flight times of 45-60 minutes. Clear skies provide unobstructed aerial views of Annapurna range and Phewa Lake 914m (3,000 ft) below.

Booking Tip: Tandem flights cost ₨8,000-12,000 ($60-90) including transport and basic photos. Premium packages with GoPro footage run ₨15,000-18,000 ($112-135). Book 2-3 days ahead with APPI-certified pilots. Weather cancellation policies essential. See certified operators in booking section below.

Mountain Biking Seti River Trails

March's dry conditions create perfect single-track riding with minimal mud and good trail visibility. Morning temperatures around 18°C (64°F) are ideal for sustained pedaling before afternoon heat. Seti River gorge trails offer technical challenges while village routes provide cultural immersion with clear mountain views.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals start ₨800-1,500 ($6-11) per day for quality mountain bikes. Guided trail tours cost ₨2,500-4,000 ($19-30) including bike, helmet, and local guide. Multi-day adventures run ₨5,000-7,500 ($38-56) daily. Book through certified bike tour operators listed in booking section.

March Events & Festivals

Early March

Holi Festival

Nepal's busy color festival typically falls in early March, creating unique cultural experiences in Pokhara's diverse communities. Local celebrations around Phewa Lake and in Tibetan settlements offer authentic participation opportunities with colored powder throwing and traditional sweets.

Mid to Late March

Rhododendron Blooming Season Peak

March marks peak blooming for Nepal's national flower across hillsides around Pokhara. Poon Hill, Australian Camp, and Sarangkot trails showcase brilliant red, pink, and white displays creating natural festivals of color for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - morning temperatures drop to 13°C (55°F) but afternoons reach 26°C (79°F), requiring easy add/remove layers

SPF 50+ sunscreen and UV sunglasses - March's clear skies create intense UV exposure at altitude with index reaching 8

Lightweight rain jacket - brief afternoon showers occur 10 days in March, lasting 20-30 minutes each

Dust mask or buff - March is peak dry season with dusty trails and roads, especially problematic for those with respiratory sensitivities

Insulated water bottle - temperature swings require both hot drinks in cold mornings and cold water for afternoon heat

Trekking poles - March trail conditions include loose gravel and steep sections made more challenging by dry, slippery surfaces

Headlamp with extra batteries - sunrise viewing requires 4:30am starts in complete darkness with no street lighting on mountain trails

Breathable hiking boots - dry March conditions allow lighter footwear but ankle support needed on rocky trails

Power bank 10,000+ mAh - clear weather encourages more photography and GPS usage, draining phone batteries faster at altitude

Basic first aid kit - remote trekking areas have limited medical access and dry conditions increase risk of cuts and dehydration

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations on lake's north shore (Baidam, Khahare) rather than touristy Lakeside - you'll get better mountain views and pay 30% less while being only 10-minute walk from restaurants

Start mountain viewings before 7am - March's atmospheric heating creates haze by 11am, obscuring peaks that were crystal clear at sunrise

Carry extra water on treks - March's dry conditions require 3-4 liters daily vs typical 2 liters, and teahouse prices increase with altitude from ₨50 to ₨300 per liter

Visit local morning markets (5:30-8am) in Mahendrapul for authentic food experiences - vendors sell seasonal specialties like gundruk soup and fresh rhododendron honey before tourist day begins

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature swings - tourists pack either for cold or warm weather, not both, then suffer in 13°C (55°F) mornings or 26°C (79°F) afternoons

Planning mountain photography after 10am - March's clear early mornings turn hazy quickly, leaving disappointed photographers with obscured peak shots

Inadequate hydration planning - March's low humidity and clear skies cause faster dehydration than expected, especially problematic during multi-day treks