Pokhara, Nepal

Pokhara is Nepal’s second city and a
recommended stop for travelers.  Phewa Tal, the beautiful
lake, is surrounded by green hills with a striking Himalayan backdrop.  The lakeside
area is the place to visit.  With a main street that is
similar to the Thamel region of Kathmandu, but less hectic, with every service a
traveler could want.  But it is easy to escape the commercial side, and
with a short walk, bike ride or row into the lake you will find complete peace and quiet.

There is lots to do in Pokhara, with a
lake, trekking on the Annapurna range, mountain biking, rafting, kayaking, Paragliding
and more.  This is a good place to spend
a long time.

Things to do

• Trekking – lots
  of choices including access to the Annapurna range.
• Rafting and kayaking – take a trip down one of the
  many rivers.
• Rent a boat on
  the Phewa Tal lake, visit the Varahi Mandir temple in the middle, row over to
  the World Peace Pagoda, or just
  float around on the water.
• Try paragliding
  at the best place in the subcontinent.
• Rent a mountain bike and explore the roads and villages around Pokhara, which are
  much quieter.
• Rent a motorbike
  and explore further afield.
• Enjoy the amazing Annapurna range views from
  Sarangkot .
• Walks
  • Walk to the beautiful hilltop World Peace
    Pagoda, with its magnificent views.
  • Walk north through the town and along the lakeside
    for stunning views.
  • Walk right around the lake, you’ll need to start
    early in the day though.
• Visit the excellent International
  Mountain Museum, further out of town.
• Devil’s Fall – where the stream
  disappears underground with great force and noisy.
• Visit the Tibetan settlementsoutside of town.

Transport

Getting to and from Pokhara

There are regular buses to the following destinations:

• Kathmandu – there are a few things to do between Pokhara and
  Kathmandu .
• Royal
  Chitwan National Park
• Indian border – Sunauli is the closest border town,
  but others include Mahendrangar, Nepalganj, Birganj and Kakarbhita.
• Various trekking
  routes

There are regular flights
to:

• Kathmandu
• Jomsom
• Manang

Getting around
Pokhara

The lakeside area is small and you only need your
feet.  Get a taxi to Sarangkot, and other further a field places.
Bicycles cost NRS100 per day.  You can rent
motorcycles for NRS350 per day, look around
though.

Facilities in Pokhara

There are lots of travel agents in the
central area of the lakeside town.  Most are reputable.
Wayfarers
are reliable.

There are loads of Internet places with
moderate speed, but cheap.  USB access, CD burning and printing are
available.  WiFi is available at the MoonDance restaurant, but it’s the same
price as an Internet cafe.  There are only a couple of mobile
phone networks, but coverage is ok.  Local and international
phone calls are available at most Internet places, but they’re
not so cheap.

Accommodation in Pokhara

If, after the bustle of Kathmandu, you want a peaceful hotel head to the east or northern lakeside area. Hotels here are amongst small farms and many have great views of the Himalayas.

East Lakeside

East lakeside is set amongst small farms and residences,
but no lake views.

Orient Youth
Hostel
t: 522619
e: [email protected]
NRS300 – NRS450.
A lovely quiet, family
run hotel with clean neat rooms. More expensive rooms upstairs have great views
of the Himalayas. Very quiet area, overlooking small farms.

North Lakeside

Quieter than the central area, the quiet road passes by, but the lake views are stunning.

Banana Garden Lodge
t:
542401
NRS150
A bright budget guesthouse right on
the very edge of town.  The views from the balcony are amazing.  The friendly owners keep a lovely garden and provide good Nepali meals.

Namaste Lodge
NRS100 without
bathroom

Next door to Banana Garden Lodge, with simple rooms.  Upstairs rooms are the best.