Can You Live on Less Than $1000 a Month in Pokhara, Nepal?

If you’re interested in living in Asia but don’t want to spend a fortune doing it, Nepal is definitely worth considering. As a popular backpacker destination, Nepal has become an affordable destination for many people.Pokhara, Nepal’s second-largest city, is particularly attractive for its year-round temperate climate, stunning natural beauty, and laid-back lifestyle. But the question is: can you live there for under $1000 a month?In this blog post, we’re going to look at the cost of living in Pokhara, Nepal, and find out if it’s possible to live there for less than $1000 a month.

The Cost of Living in Pokhara

To get an idea of the cost of living in Pokhara, we need to look at some of the basic expenses:

Accommodation

The cost of accommodation in Pokhara is much lower than in other cities in Nepal. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center will cost you around 10,000 Nepalese Rupees (NPR) per month (around $85 USD), while a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center will cost around NPR 7,000 ($60 USD).It’s worth noting that most apartments in Pokhara do not come with air conditioning, so you’ll have to rely on fans during the hot summer months.

Food

Food is another area where Pokhara is very affordable. Basic meals at local restaurants will cost around NPR 300-400 ($2.50-$3.50 USD). If you prefer to cook at home, groceries will cost around NPR 12,000 ($103 USD) per month.

Transportation

Transportation in Pokhara is also inexpensive. Taxis are available but are less common, as most locals opt for public transportation. Buses are the cheapest option, with fares starting at NPR 15 ($0.13 USD).If you plan to explore the area around Pokhara, renting a motorbike is a popular choice. Rentals start at around NPR 500 ($4.25 USD) per day.

Other Expenses

Other living expenses, such as healthcare and utilities, are also quite affordable in Pokhara. A visit to a doctor can cost between NPR 500-1000 ($4.25-$8.50 USD), and a monthly gym membership will cost around NPR 3000 ($26 USD).Overall, the cost of living in Pokhara is significantly lower than in other cities in Nepal, and the quality of life is quite high.

Can You Live on Less Than $1000 a Month in Pokhara?

The short answer to this question is: yes, it’s entirely possible to live in Pokhara, Nepal, for less than $1000 a month.If we add up the expenses mentioned above, a single person could expect to spend around NPR 35,000 ($300 USD) per month on basic living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses.However, keep in mind that this budget would leave little room for additional expenses, such as entertainment or travel. Additionally, expenses like visa fees, health insurance, and other unexpected expenses can quickly add up.By being mindful of your expenses and prioritizing your spending, it’s possible to live quite comfortably in Pokhara on a lower budget.

Conclusion

Pokhara, Nepal, is a beautiful city with a lot to offer, and it’s possible to live there for less than $1000 a month. While this budget wouldn’t leave much room for luxuries, it’s entirely possible to live a fulfilling life in Pokhara on a lower budget.If you’re looking for an affordable destination with stunning scenery and a laid-back atmosphere, Pokhara might just be the place for you.

An Insider’s Guide to Pokhara, Nepal

Located in the Western region of Nepal, Pokhara is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. It is popularly known as the “Gateway to the Himalayas” and offers stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). But what is even more enticing is the fact that travelers can live here on less than $1000 a month. Here is a comprehensive insider’s guide to Pokhara, Nepal.

Attractions

Though Pokhara is a small city, there are plenty of things to see and do here.

• Phewa Lake: It is the second-largest lake in Nepal and offers numerous water sports activities such as kayaking and boating. Travelers can also watch the sunset over the lake.
• World Peace Pagoda: This is a beautiful white pagoda located atop a hill overlooking the city and the lake. It was built by Buddhist monks and is a symbol of world peace.
• Devi’s Falls: This waterfall is located just a few kilometers from the town and is a popular attraction here. It is named after a Swiss woman who drowned here in the 1960s.
• Mahendra Cave: A natural cave located near the Devi’s fall. It’s a beautiful place to explore and learn about the geological history of the area.
• Bindabasini Temple: This temple is dedicated to goddess Bhagwati, and it is located near the Old bazaar. It is one of the oldest temples in Pokhara.

Dining

Pokhara is a melting pot of cultures and has a diverse food scene. Here are some of the best dining spots in the city.

• Momo Hut: If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Nepalese dumplings (momo) at this local spot. They serve both vegetarian and non-vegetarian momos.
• The Lemon Tree: This restaurant has been in operation since 1995 and serves authentic Nepali food in a cozy ambiance.
• Third Eye Restaurant: An outdoor restaurant located with a beautiful view of the lake and the hills. It serves various cuisines including Thai, Indian, Chinese, and Nepali.
• OR2K: This Israeli-run restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its hippie ambiance. It serves vegetarian food, and it’s a great place to chill.

Cultural Experiences

Pokhara has a rich cultural history, and there are plenty of opportunities to learn about its culture and tradition.

• Gurkha Museum: The museum provides insight into the history of the Gurkha soldiers who have served in the British Army for over 200 years.
• Lake Side Yoga: Pokhara has many yoga centers, but Lake Side Yoga is among the best. They offer yoga classes for all levels from beginners to advanced.
• Pokhara Shanti Stupa: The Buddhist stupa is a symbol of peace, and it’s a great place to meditate or just enjoy the views.
• Pokhara International Mountain Museum: This museum showcases the history of mountaineering in Nepal and provides information about the Himalayan mountain range.

Local History

Pokhara has a rich history that dates back to the 16th century. The city was once part of the trade route between India and China. Here are some of the places to learn about the history of Pokhara.

• Old Bazaar: The town’s oldest market, a place where traders used to come from Tibet and India to trade goods.
• Barahi Temple: It is one of the most famous temples in Pokhara and is located on an island in the middle of Phewa Lake.
• Seti River Gorge: It is a stunning natural wonder located near the Old Bazaar. The river flows underground through the limestone, and the gorge provides insight into the natural history of the city.
• The Royal Palace: Located in the center of the city, it was built in the early 1800s and served as the residence of the ruling king until Nepal became a republic in 2008.

Off-The-Beaten-Path

If you’re looking for something unusual, here are some off-the-beaten-path suggestions to explore in the city.

• Pokhara- Kathmandu cycling route: A cycling route that takes you through beautiful mountain views and a Nepali countryside experience.
• Umbrella street: A small side street located near the old bazaar that is decorated with colorful umbrellas.
• Sarangkot viewpoint: A viewpoint located on a hill above the city, which offers stunning views of the sunrise over the Himalayan mountain ranges.
• Sidhhartha and Basundhara Caves: Two caves located on a hill behind the Devi’s Falls that provide a serene, secretive environment and unique rock formations

Conclusion

Pokhara is a city full of life, adventure, and natural beauty. As an insider’s guide, this list is just the tip of the iceberg, but it will undoubtedly help you get started in uncovering the city’s treasured gems. From cultural experiences to dining spots and local history to off-the-beaten-path adventures, this city has it all. So, pack your bags and head to Pokhara, Nepal, where you can live comfortably on less than $1000 a month and have the adventure of a lifetime.