Exercise Increased Caution
“Exercise increased cautionin Nepal due to natural disasters. Some areas have increased risk.”
Updated Fri, 04 Sep 2026
Full advisory →Personalize report nowTailor this report to you.Next: age, gender, group size preference…Next: the latest news and insightsNext: one click, 5 seconds, no costStart now6 districts
Is Pokhara safe? 🇳🇵
Nepal · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, Pokhara scores 71/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Pokhara is generally safe for visitors, but increased caution is advised due to recent natural disasters and some localized crime. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams. The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Pokhara 🇳🇵
Nepal · Assessed 13 October 2026
71
/ 100
What drives this score
Crime71/100GoodCrime index 30.3 / 100 · city-level
Sentiment83/100GoodMostly positive
Advisories75Good
Stability62Fair
Health67Fair
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
No advisory against travel
“Flash flood in the Rasuwa district and the Nepal-China border area On 26 August 2026, major flooding in Rasuwa district and the Nepal-China border area caused widespread damage. Buildings, roads, other transport and communications infrastructure have been severely damaged.”
Updated 2026-10-07T11:15:53Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)
“Canada's official risk level for Nepal: exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories).”
Updated 2026-09-24T08:53:34.882415-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Good
Mugging & robbery risk
Low risk
92
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
Moderate risk
78
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
75 / 100 (Mostly positive)
75
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
600k residents
74
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
2.1 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6Nepal2.1World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
85
Robbery / mugging
LowWorry about mugging or robbery is low according to surveys, with violent crime seen as a minor local problem.
Pickpocketing
ModerateWhile not highlighted as a severe issue, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist spots and markets.
▸ 3 more indicators▾ Hide extra indicators
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Fair
04 · Institutions
Stability
Fair
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Stable
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
83/100
Reported feel75Mostly positive
Robbery risk92Low risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Most visitors report feeling safe, with high scores for feeling safe walking in daylight and a moderate level of concern about being mugged or robbed.
Pokhara is generally safe for visitors, but increased caution is advised due to recent natural disasters and some localized crime.
While Pokhara itself has a low crime rate and residents feel safe, Nepal has experienced significant flooding. Travelers should stay informed about weather conditions and local advisories. Be aware of petty crime and potential scams.
Recent developments
- Aug 2026Severe floods disrupted travel and caused widespread damage across Nepal, affecting the tourism season.— Al Jazeera
- Aug 2026Five Indian nationals were arrested in Pokhara on narcotics charges.— Nepalnews.com
- Jul 2026A QR code service was launched in Pokhara to enhance tourist safety.— The Rising Nepal
- Jul 2026Two individuals, including an Indian national, were arrested in Pokhara for online fraud.— Nepalnews.com
Common scams
- Overcharging for goods and services, especially in tourist areas.
- Fake trekking or tour guides demanding upfront payment.
- Requests for money from people claiming to be monks or in distress.
Full briefing
Recent flooding in Nepal has impacted the tourism season, with Al Jazeera reporting in September 2026 that the situation was still affecting travel. While Pokhara itself appears to be a safe destination with residents reporting feeling secure, the country has experienced significant natural disasters. Official advisories from the US, UK, and Canada recommend exercising increased caution or a high degree of caution for Nepal overall.
Travellers to Pokhara should be aware of potential scams, such as overcharging in tourist areas or offers from unofficial guides. While violent crime is perceived as low, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur, particularly in crowded markets. Recent reports from Nepalnews.com in July and August 2026 noted arrests for narcotics and online fraud involving foreign nationals in Pokhara, underscoring the need for general vigilance.
Given the recent flood alerts in Nepal, it is crucial to stay informed about weather conditions and any local advisories, especially if engaging in trekking or outdoor activities. The launch of a QR code service in July 2026 by The Rising Nepal aims to enhance tourist safety, suggesting a proactive approach by local authorities. Travelers should also be mindful of the global health notices for Polio, Dengue, and Measles.
Was this Pokhara, Nepal report helpful?
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 6 Pokhara districts for visitors: 4 safer, 2 needing caution. See them plotted on the Pokhara safety map.
SarangkotcautionPopular for views, but access roads can be challenging and remote.
Begnas LakecautionMore remote than Phewa Lake; exercise caution with transport and local conditions.
LakesidesaferPopular tourist hub with good visitor sentiment and infrastructure.
DamsidesaferGenerally safe area, though can be busy with local activity.
PardisaferResidential area, considered safe for visitors.
Pokhara City CentersaferUrban area with good services; watch for petty crime.
07 · After Dark
Is Pokhara safe at night?
Worry about mugging or robbery is low according to surveys, with violent crime seen as a minor local problem.
After dark, be most careful around Sarangkot, Begnas Lake. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Pokhara safety FAQ (2026)
Is Pokhara safe right now (2026)?
Pokhara is generally safe for visitors, but increased caution is advised due to recent natural disasters and some localized crime. While Pokhara itself has a low crime rate and residents feel safe, Nepal has experienced significant flooding. Travelers should stay informed about weather conditions and local advisories. Be aware of petty crime and potential scams. (Assessed 13 October 2026.)
Is Pokhara safe for women, families and solo travelers?
Safety is not one number, and this Pokhara report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Which areas of Pokhara should tourists avoid?
No districts were flagged as no-go areas for visitors at the last assessment.
What are the most common scams in Pokhara (2026)?
- Overcharging for goods and services, especially in tourist areas.
- Fake trekking or tour guides demanding upfront payment.
- Requests for money from people claiming to be monks or in distress.
How does Pokhara compare with other places in Nepal (2026)?
Pokhara ranks #1 of 5 Nepal destinations we've assessed, scoring 71/100. See the Nepal safety overview for the full list.
How is this pokhara safety score calculated (2026)?
The score blends 15+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
More Nepal reports
4 reports
Nearby destinations
4 reports
Similar safety profile
4 reports
Keep exploring
Raw data: pokhara.json (CC BY 4.0).