Pokhara, Nepal
Main tourist area along Phewa Lake with hostels, restaurants, and tour shops. Safe during the day, comfortable for solo travelers because you're never the only one. English widely spoken. Keep to main streets after 10pm.
Lakeside is Pokhara's tourist strip - 2km of cafes, guesthouses, and tour agencies along Phewa Lake's north shore. The Annapurna range sits there in the background when clouds clear. You'll be surrounded by other backpackers, trekkers between trips, and people working remotely from cafes. Women eating alone are everywhere, completely standard. Staff speak English because they deal with foreigners all day. Menus cover dal bhat to pizza to pad thai - the usual international traveler food. Things stay busy until 10pm with people moving between restaurants and bars, some families walking around. The main street has decent lighting, side streets less so. Tourist Police office is in the area. It's more mountain town than party destination - sunset beers by the lake, early-ish dinners, not much clubbing.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
ModeratePublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
LowScam Risk
ModeratePolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
GoodEvening Venues
ExcellentSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
LowHomelessness Visibility
ModerateGetting By in English
Excellent"Eating alone is totally normal - everyone's doing it"
"Mountain views from cafes are the main appeal besides trekking access"
"Met people easily without the hostel party vibe getting annoying"
"English everywhere made logistics simple"
"Fine walking around during the day, got taxis after dark"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
Quieter, cheaper southern end of the lake with better Annapurna views. Safe during the day but isolated after dark - budget for taxis if you want evening options. Good if you prefer peace over convenience.
Hilltop village for sunrise views and paragliding launches. Most people visit on day trips or tours because staying overnight means isolation and minimal facilities.
Local market where Nepalis actually shop. Authentic and safe during busy hours but minimal English, constant staring, not tourist-oriented. Daytime visits only.
Help other women stay safe in Lakeside (Baidam)
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.