A mirror to Himalayas, Pokhara
Author – Meenakshi Sai
Pokhara is a vacation destination like no other. It has a little bit of everything for everyone. From the adrenaline junkies to the laid back traveller, Pokhara offers a mixture of adventure and tranquillity. It is always bustling and busy, but strangely in spite of all the tourist activity, it is still very enjoyable. Arguably, Pokhara is the best paragliding locale in the world, surrounded by White Water Rivers, bungee jumping, skydiving, canoeing and what not!
If you need to get anywhere near the Annapurna Range, you will have to go via Pokhara. It is literally the gateway for all the trekking activity in these magnificent mountains. The Phewa lake is where all the action is. The lake is gigantic and serene. The colourful boats bobbing around idly is a fabulous photo opportunity. On a clear day, you will get spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks which strategically reflect on the lake. A boat ride is a must-do.
There is a Durga temple on the lake as well, accessible only by boat. Boat rides are cheap, and it’s necessary for everyone to wear a life jacket. You will be sure to see the sky dotted with the
There is a Durga temple on the lake as well, accessible only by boat. Boat rides are cheap, and it’s necessary for everyone to wear a life jacket. You will be sure to see the sky dotted with the colourful chutes of the paragliders, taking to the sky every morning and afternoon.
Sitting on the banks of the lovely Phewa Lake, Pokhara turns into a party place at night. The promenade around the lake is lined with bars and restaurants, and suddenly you feel like you are in Goa or even Thailand for that matter. It even has its share of Yoga studios and Spas. The vibe is very bohemian and hip. Just chill in
one of the beach hut type bars /cafes, grab a drink and watch the world go by. Don’t forget to bring a good book.
The food scene is equally interesting. The town is brimming with restaurants that cater to all tastes and preferences. Figuring out where to eat is going to be hard for everyone. Vegan to Korean, Italian to local Nepalese food, Pokhara has it all. It is a gastronomic paradise.
Shopping in Pokhara or for that matter in Nepal is unlike anywhere else in the world. Take your time and stroll around the lake. Shopping here is very pleasant. A lot of trekking gear shops and knockoff North Face apparel is everywhere. Souvenirs, handicrafts, jewellery, Thangkas, pashmina shawls, the shops are laden. But if you are going to Kathmandu, reserve your shopping for there as the prices are slightly higher and more choices too. Also, you need to brush up your bargaining skills before you hit Nepal. Don’t feel shy, start at rock bottom prices and slowly make your way up.
There are plethoras of high end as well as budget hotels, but be sure to stay around the lake. Waking up to a view of the lake is just amazing, and if you are lucky you will see the snow-capped mountains too. Hostels are highly popular with western tourists. If you have itchy feet and don’t want to just chill, there are several day trips out of Pokhara. The most popular ones are Sarangkot, Lumbini, and spend half a day at the Ghorka museum maybe.
The best non-painful way to get to Pokhara is by air (bumpy nevertheless), but if you are adventurous, take the Bus, an experience you will never forget for the rest of your life. The bus from Kathmandu is long, windy, dusty, precarious and thoroughly arduous. You also have a choice of taking an expensive private car. Pokhara will overwhelm you with its natural beauty providing you with abundant photo ops, I promise you, you will be reaching for your camera all the time. An ultimate traveller’s heaven in Nepal, it’s laid back unlike Kathmandu, and you will feel like staying longer than you came for.
One day will just blend into the next, and before you know it, it will be time to leave. You can put up your feet, and chill by the lake, be adventurous and go on treks or indulge in some extreme sports, either way; you will want to come back to Pokhara for more.