Some 200 km west of Kathmandu, the lakeside resort of Pokhara enjoys convenient road and air access from the capital. Tourist buses run around 20 services a day in season, dearer than local buses but worth it for a more comfortable and quicker 5-6 hour journey.
The alternative is a scenic 20-30 minute flight, with up to 30 services a day. At just 867 metres above sea level, landing in Pokhara is generally considered easy and safe, with flights less likely to be affected by the weather than elsewhere in Nepal.
Holidays to Nepal, Pokhara Hotels, Luxury and Budget
At the lower end of the scale and excellent value for money, the family run New Pokhara Lodge has just 13 rooms, standard, semi-deluxe and deluxe with mountain views, all with en suite, cable TV and wi-fi access. Prices start at US$20 per night in high season. The lodge enjoys a quiet location out of town, 300 metres from the lake and restaurants.
Shangri-La Village is a luxury resort with 61 stylish rooms in a contemporary décor, all with balcony and mountain views. Dining options include international fare and a range of dishes highlighting the old spice route. Guests can relax in the gardens, the pool or enjoy a massage by the waterfall.
The Fishtail Lodge is a 5 star venue with a difference, donating its profits to cardiac care for destitute Nepali. The hotel claims a fabulous location on a scenic peninsula, accessed by private boat. Standard or deluxe, guest rooms are set in attractive circular bungalows, spaced out in lush gardens. The Fishtail has an outdoor pool, fine continental and Asian dining and an impressive list of VIP visitors.
Top Attractions in Pokhara Nepal
Phewa lake is undoubtedly Pokhara’s top attraction, especially by clear weather when the whole Annapurna range with the striking Fishtail are reflected in the water. The lake is 4 km long, with superb opportunities for rowing or sailing and maybe joining the Hindu pilgrims on their way to the island temple of Barahi. Look out for tiny restaurants hidden along the shore and enjoy some delicious whitebait.
For a bird’s eye view, walk or drive up to the World Peace Pagoda, the massive Buddhist stupa all gleaming white on the hilltop. There’s a large gilded statue, lots of prayer flags and marigolds and a stunning panorama of lake and town, framed by the Annapurna.
Back in town, Devis’ waterfall, the Mahendra bat bave and Pokhara ethnic museum are popular sights but the favourite activity is wandering around the Old Town, in search of traditional architecture, colourful shrines, rooftop restaurants and shops and stalls where one can buy anything from trekking gear to Newari woodcarvings or Tibetan turquoise.
Trekking in the Himalayas, Annapurna
Hotels or agencies, everyone in Pokhara is eager to offer a group or tailor made guided trek, from a few days to several weeks. Gentle options include rambling through nearby villages, for instance along the Royal Trek once followed by Prince Charles, but bear in mind that most villages will be on hilltops. Up on the ridge, at 1600 metres, three hours or so from town, Sarangkot is the easiest to reach with superb views of town and lake on one side and mountains on the other, Putali, Daulaghiri, the whole Annapurna range, Manaslu in the distance. Stay overnight to enjoy an unforgettable sunrise.
Serious trekkers head for the Annapurna Sanctuary and Fishtail and Annapurna base camps, either on the classic route via Ghandruk and Chomrong or the longer but more scenic trail via Ghorepani, Poon Hill famous for sunrise, and Tadapani. The arduous ‘around Annapurna’ trek requires at least 18 days, climbing to high altitude, over 5400 metres at the Thorung pass. But when you return, there is no better place to recover than down by the lake in Pokhara.
Solange Hando - I am a travel writer, editor and photographer, contributing to a range of publications in the UK and worldwide.
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