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Pokhara

The second largest city in Nepal, Pokhara sits in its eponymous valley, and is the second largest city in Nepal, home to about 26,000 people. Its subtropical forests rise to mountains that loom 8,000 meters (24,246 feet) over the surrounding lowlands, making for a striking contrast between the lush green of rich rice terraces, and the stark white of the snowcapped mountains. Because of the elevation, temperatures in Pokhara are mild year-round, and snowfall in the winter is confined to some of the higher hills.

EXPERIENCES

Caving

Caving enthusiasts will enjoy the Gupteswar Madadev Cave located at the southern tip of Pokhara, and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Alternately, visit the Chamare Gufa Bat Cave, home to a large colony of roosting bats.

Cycling

Explore the charming villages, lush valleys and lovely lakes around Pokhara by bicycle, traveling as far as you wish and at your own pace.

Gurkha Memorial Museum

Visit the Gurkha Memorial Museum. The Gurkhas are legendary warriors from Nepal who waged war against the British East India Company in the early 19th century, when the British Empire attempted to extend its reach beyond India’s borders. Later, Gurkhas were recruited by the British and gained a reputation as stalwart fighters who participated in wars ranging from the Anglo-Afghan War to World War II.

International Mountaineering Museum

Visit Pokhara’s International Mountaineering Museum, which offers fascinating displays of artifacts of famous mountaineers and expeditions, exhibits on the origins of Himalayas and scale models of some of the ranges’ highest peaks.

Paragliding

Depending on the season, go for a thrilling 30-60 minute tandem paraglide flight with an experienced pilot starting from Sarangkot hilltop. The take-off spot is at an elevation of 5,223 feet (1,592 meters), and you will land at Pame, on the northwest side of Phewa Lake. Your thrilling glide offers unmatched bird’s-eye views of both Phewa Lake and the Annapurna range.

River Rafting

Head for the river and feel the thrill of gliding along across the rapids. The beautiful mountain scenery of Nepal will be your backdrop as you make your way down the roaring river.

The Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit has become renowned as one of the great walks of the world. While the full-circuit trek, consisting of a 21- to 23-day walk, is for the more adventurous in peak physical condition – not to mention with the necessary time on hand – the Annapurna area offers a multitude of shorter treks as well, including day hikes out of Pokhara, short treks of 3-4 days, and excursions of a week or more.

Alternately, guests should note that horse trekking is also available.

Ultra-Lite Aircraft

Go on a private, 1-hour or 30-minute ultra-light aircraft ride over Pokhara Valley. Board a 2-person aircraft for an expansive, breathtaking view of Pokhara town and its surrounding farms, fields and lakes. In good weather you will also have a clear view of Annapurna range.

Ziplining

Brave an extreme vertical drop of several thousand feet at speeds which exceed 100 miles per hour on Pokhara's zipline.

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MAJOR AREAS

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PREFERRED HOTEL

Tiger Mountain Lodge

Tiger Mountain Lodge is located on a hilltop ridge a thousand feet above the Pokhara Valley and just a half hour drive from town. With spectacular views of the Annapurna Range, the lodge has also been touched by history: Sir Edmund Hilary, the first man to scale Everest, led the hotel’s opening ceremony in 1998. The 19 rooms are arranged around the hilltop in hand-cut stone bungalows that blend into their surroundings. All the bungalows have spacious verandas, adjoining bathrooms, and elegantly traditional décor that blends Tibetan hand-knotted wool carpets with British watercolor wall paintings. The lodge offers a range of in-room massage treatments, personal yoga sessions, and meditation training. There is a mountain-view swimming pool for post-hike relaxation. The hotel serves organic produce and locally supplied products, including at its authentic Nepali lunch buffet, and at the dinner with a table d’hôte menu that features European and Nepali selections. The Main Lodge has a cozy central fireplace, comfortable seating areas, and a bar, arranged around a Nepali-style courtyard. Another special feature of the lodge is Colonel Jimmy's Library, with an impressive collection of Himalayan mountaineering literature and photographs. There is no business center. The hotel is located 40 minutes from Pokhara Airport.

Begnas Lake Resort

Begnas Lake Resort is situated on the southern bank of Begnas Lake, famous for its clear fresh waters and lush surroundings. The resort boasts 37 guest rooms, unbeatable views of the waterfront and mighty snow-dipped Himalayan peaks as well as an outdoor pool, steam room, spa, restaurant, poolside bar and lounge bar. The large rooms, scattered amongst a flower garden and orchard, are built in the style of indigenous ethnic Gurung stone-houses. Rooms are air-conditioned with roomy bathrooms and decorated with teakwood, terracotta and cane. Inside the rooms guests will find a safe, TV, satellite TV channels, an iron, ceiling fan and a mini bar. The resort has complimentary Wi-Fi and is within easy reach of the area's must-see attractions.

Fish Tail Lodge

The Fish Tail Lodge in Pokhara is situated on a peninsula on Phewa Lake. Guests are received and transported to the Lodge on its shuttle-floats or boats. Since its opening in the late 1960s, Fish Tail Lodge has hosted countless celebrities and numerous world leaders, including former US President Jimmy Carter, former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, and Prince Charles and Princess Anne of England. The resort’s round cottages set amidst a lush garden offer a choice of 48 standard rooms and 12 deluxe rooms, all of which are decorated with oak furnishings and accented with traditional Nepali art. The restaurant overlooking the lake serves Nepali, Continental, Chinese, and Indian cuisines. There is no fitness center or spa, but there is a central swimming pool for fitness and relaxation. The hotel is located just 3 kilometers from the airport.

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TRAVELOGUES

Poon Hill: The Annapurna Alternative Worth the Trek

Author : Nam Cheah

If the altitude and long hours of the Annapurna Circuit seem a little too intense, this personal journey to the summit of Poon Hill is just what you need.

Pokhara: 5 Incredible Activities for the Adventure Traveler

Author : Travelogues

On the ground, in the white water, and above the mountains, Pokhara is a playground for travelers seeking and adrenaline rush.

Wellness and Spirituality in Nepal

Author : Remote Lands

Journey to the “roof of the world” and meditate on your impressions. A trip to Nepal offers even more than the opportunity to hike and trek some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet.