Fish Tail Lodge stands on a small peninsula at the southern end of Phewa Lake, opposite the Basundhara area and close to Damside. Guests cross a short stretch of water on a flat pontoon raft pulled by hand along a rope, which sets the tone: once across, there are no cars, only gardens, trees and the lake on three sides. The lodge was the first resort-style hotel in Pokhara when it opened in 1969, and its round, low-rise buildings have been renovated over the years.
There are about 60 rooms, many facing the lake and the mountains, with an outdoor swimming pool, a children's pool, a restaurant and bar and lawns that run down to the water. The view across Phewa to Machhapuchhre and the Annapurnas on clear mornings is the main draw, and the World Peace Pagoda is directly across the lake. Cultural dance evenings are held on some nights. Boating, birdwatching and Lakeside are all close at hand.
Why we book it
- Lake on three sides and Machhapuchhre in view from the garden and many rooms
- Car-free peninsula reached by rope raft, quiet but minutes from Lakeside
- Pool and lawns suit families, while history and setting suit couples
Best for
- Couples
- Families
- Seniors
- Photographers
Questions travellers ask
How do you get to Fish Tail Lodge?
Cars drop you at the lodge's landing on the lakeshore near Basundhara and Damside, and you cross to the peninsula on a hand-pulled pontoon raft in a couple of minutes. Staff carry luggage across. The raft runs whenever guests need it, including in the evening.
Is Fish Tail Lodge suitable for elderly guests?
Yes. The raft crossing is short and staff help guests on and off, and the grounds are mostly level with garden paths. Ask for a ground-floor, lake-facing room. Avoid crossing in heavy storms. It is a peaceful choice for seniors who want a lake view without traffic.
Can you see the mountains from Fish Tail Lodge?
Yes, on clear days. The lodge looks north across Phewa Lake to Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range, with the reflection on the water in still morning conditions. Views are clearest from October to March. Lake-facing rooms and the garden have the best outlook.
