Pokhara lies in the mid-western part of Nepal, situated in the northwestern corner of the Pokhara Valley. The city's geography is defined by one of the most extreme altitudinal gradients in the world. Within a span of just 30 kilometers, the elevation rises sharply from roughly 1,000 meters (3,300 ft) to over 8,000 meters (26,000 ft) at the peaks of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu.
The city is famously characterized by its water systems. The Seti Gandaki River flows directly through the city, often completely disappearing into deep, narrow limestone gorges that carve underneath the urban landscape. Pokhara is also known as the "City of Lakes," hosting nine lakes within its metropolitan boundaries. The three largest and most prominent are Phewa, Begnas, and Rupa.
The surrounding hills are densely forested, featuring subtropical flora at the base and temperate forests at higher elevations. The dramatic geography not only provides stunning panoramas but also creates a unique microclimate that traps moisture against the Himalayas, resulting in highly fertile soils and abundant biodiversity.