Pokhara's topography is highly dynamic, characterized by a mix of flat basin valleys, rolling mid-hills, deep river gorges, and striking karst (limestone) formations. The city sits on a plain composed of gravel and boulders deposited by the Seti River and ancient glacial outbursts from the Annapurna range.
The Seti River Gorge is a remarkable topographical feature, cutting a deep, narrow canyon through the center of the city—in some places only a couple of meters wide but over 50 meters deep. The city's karst topography has also created extensive cave systems, most notably Mahendra Cave, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, and the Bat Cave (Chameri Gufa).
While the city center sits at an elevation of roughly 827 meters, the municipal boundaries stretch into the foothills. The World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) and Sarangkot are perched on elevated ridges surrounding Phewa Lake, offering panoramic viewpoints of both the valley floor and the towering mountains directly to the north.