Dhauligiri, Machupuchure and a host of Annapurnas can all be seen from right here in the Nepali town of Pokhara. For me it was a blessed relief from the intense ‘hassle’ of travelling in India, and even a pleasant change from Kathmandu. The Nepali capital is great but the Kathmandu Valley is so polluted nowadays you can no longer see any mountains.
Pokhara is a popular base from which to launch trekking expeditions in the Annapurna region and it has a great deal of charm in its own right. In fact the erstwhile royal family of Nepal even had a lakeside residence here in Pokhara. Travellers find guesthouses with friendly staff, restaurants and bars for celebrating climbing and hiking success.
If you’re not setting off on the Circuit or the Annapurna Base Camp trek, there are pleasant day trips to lookouts in the surrounding countryside such as Sarangkot. And a row on the lake to join the domestic tourists visiting the Barahi Temple on the island is a must.
On the poinsettia-fringed promenade, boys are playing table tennis, old men playing chess and old women bring vegetables in huge baskets to sell. A stroll further down the road reveals women pounding their laundry on the lakeside steps.
Don’t miss the International Mountain Museum, a little way out of Pokhara. It’s quite a stunning facility filled with fascinating information and artefacts both about mountain climbing in this part of the Himalaya and about the indigenous inhabitants of the region. It also has impressive views…
By Natasha von Geldern
Have you chilled out in Pokhara?
Hi Natasha,
these are beautiful photos & it sounds as if you like Pokhara as much as we do! Are you still in Pokhara, or going back? If you are, do try a trip up to the World Peace Pagoda – stay in the boat passed the Barahi Temple, and land on the south side of Fewa Tal.
Trek for 40-45 minutes up the well maintained & signposted trail to the Peace Pagoda. It’s an impressive place, with a stunning view across the lake to Sarangkot & the paragliders – and behind them the big mountains.
Ifyou make it that far, think about carrying on for 0 minutes more and come and see us at Raniban Retreat. You don’t have to, but you might like it if you do. We’ll have a cold juice (or a beer, depending on the time of day and your mood!) waiting for you.
John
PS I do like your blog – it makes ours at look pretty boring!
Thanks John! This post is a memory lane trip for me – was there last year. I have to say thinking of you guys with that cold beer at Raniban is making me really want to be in Pokhara again! Hope you continue to enjoy your time in Nepal – how could you not 🙂
I have been hearing a lot about Nepal from other travelers I meet lately. Maybe I need to push this destination up higher on my travel list.
Wow, that place is absolutely stunning. What a great place for some R and R!
It’s very picturesque – I love how white those mountains are!
It might be worth going to the mountain museum just for the view! Beautiful
Those mountain ranges look incredible, what a place to visit!
Gorgeous photos, Natasha, especially the little touches of red from the boats.
Thanks Sophie!
Beautiful vistas, thanks for the advice about getting out of Kathmandu Valley to see the mountains and to experience tranquility.