Is Pokhara worth time, or just a trekking base?
Pokhara is worth time, especially before or after a trek. It is not the most intense part of Nepal, but that is the point: lake air, gear sorting, recovery meals and mountain views give the trip somewhere to exhale.
Answer
Pokhara works because it changes the tempo. After Kathmandu, it feels easier; after a trek, it can feel almost luxurious. The lake, cafés, gear shops, massage signs, paragliders and mountain glimpses are not the deepest version of Nepal, but they are very useful travel medicine. It is also a good place to check whether the next part of the route is sensible, especially around weather and road movement. The mistake is either skipping Pokhara entirely or expecting it to provide constant drama. Treat it as a recovery base and Annapurna hinge, and it earns its days.