Pokhara, Nepal

International Mountain Museum

A museum with a window view of the Himalayas and an on-site climbing wall.

From a presentation of the world’s highest peaks to an exhibition of Everest’s climbers’ gear, this modern museum offers everything you need to know about mountains and the history of mountaineering.

Opened in 2004, the museum has a focus on Nepali mountains and the Himalayas, with a wing dedicated to Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, who first summited Everest in 1953. There is also an exhibition about the legend of the Yeti, beliefs and facts about the abominable snowman—which they recognize is probably a Tibetan brown bear. On a clear day, visitors will have a wonderful view on the Annapurna mountain range in the northwest, quite appropriate for the theme of the museum.

Outside, there is a “living museum” dedicated to the diverse tribes and indigenous people of Nepal, their cultures and their homes. Nepal is an extremely diverse nation, with as many as 125 different castes and ethnic groups. Clothes and crafts from many of these different groups are on display at the museum.

The museum also has its own mountain to climb, a 31-foot (9.44-meter) replica of Mt. Manaslu, the eighth highest peak in the World, also located in Nepal.

Know Before You Go

The museum is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entrance fees are 100 rupees for Nepali citizens and 500 rupees for foreigners (check website for other ticketing discounts). The museum's main building is wheelchair accessible.