As of the 2021 census, Pokhara Metropolitan City has a population of 518,452, making it the second most populous city in Nepal after Kathmandu. The population growth rate has been rapid, driven by internal migration from rural mountain districts to the city in search of better education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Pokhara is highly diverse. The indigenous Gurung and Magar communities form a significant and culturally influential portion of the population, famously known for their service in the British and Indian Gurkha regiments. The city also has large populations of Brahmins, Chhetris, Newars, and Dalits, as well as a long-standing Tibetan refugee community.
Hinduism is the dominant religion, followed by a significant Buddhist minority, along with smaller populations of Muslims and Christians. The literacy rate in Pokhara is among the highest in the country. A major feature of the local demographic landscape is the impact of remittances, as a large number of young Pokharelis work abroad in the Middle East, East Asia, or in foreign militaries.
