Pokhara (2,690 ft, 820 m) has long been one of Nepal’s most
popular tourist destinations. The attractive lakeside city in central
Nepal lies 125 miles (200 km) west of Kathmandu. It serves as a restful
hub for deeper ventures into the Himalaya and post-trek rejuvenation as
well as general entertainment, sightseeing and relaxing. Pokhara’s Lakeside
area is basically Kathmandu's Thamel --brimming with tourist facilities
--- but with the big city of Kathmandu stripped away. Pokhara's layout
generally has wider avenues, less traffic annoyances and noise
pollution, cleaner air and a beautiful lake with surrounding hill and
mountain scenery to gaze at.
On clear days, Pokhara’s setting is breathtaking with white-capped peaks looming large as they peer over the lush northern hills. The titanic mountains are best seen from the southern fringe of the Pokhara Valley where several high end hotels and a golf course are located. The highlight of the skyline is magnificent Macchapuchhre ‘Fishtail’ (6,997 m, 22,956 ft) although the reason for it's name, twin peaks, is not apparent from Pokhara itself. Only the highest peak is visible. On an expedition in 1957, climbers voluntarily stopped short of this summit per an agreement with the local community who consider the mountain sacred. Subsequently, it has been declared off limits, and the peak has not been climbed.
The busiest tourist months in Pokhara are October, November and March followed by September and April. The determining factor is climate, and views are clearest and the weather is the most reliable then, especially for trekkers. With increasing numbers of Chinese tourists, their new year, around the end of January to the beginning of February is also becoming busy.
Pokhara is about 600 m (2000 ft) lower in elevation than Kathmandu and therefore generally warmer, too. The valley receives the highest yearly rainfall of all Nepal…meaning the surroundings are an emerald green nearly the year round. (The wettest months, in descending order are July, August, September, June, May and October.)
Visitors relish not just the natural beauty but the city’s many offerings including adventure sports (paragliders can be seen throughout the day as they float down from a nearby ridge top), shopping, and a busy restaurant, bar and live music scene.
‘Lakeside’ has a relaxed atmosphere for a stroll and most of facilities for tourists are in this area. Many restaurants, book and gift shops and travel agents abound to cater to travelers' needs.
For more insider information, the following e-guidebook offers a deeper look at Pokhara:
Pokhara's Best Massage
On clear days, Pokhara’s setting is breathtaking with white-capped peaks looming large as they peer over the lush northern hills. The titanic mountains are best seen from the southern fringe of the Pokhara Valley where several high end hotels and a golf course are located. The highlight of the skyline is magnificent Macchapuchhre ‘Fishtail’ (6,997 m, 22,956 ft) although the reason for it's name, twin peaks, is not apparent from Pokhara itself. Only the highest peak is visible. On an expedition in 1957, climbers voluntarily stopped short of this summit per an agreement with the local community who consider the mountain sacred. Subsequently, it has been declared off limits, and the peak has not been climbed.
The busiest tourist months in Pokhara are October, November and March followed by September and April. The determining factor is climate, and views are clearest and the weather is the most reliable then, especially for trekkers. With increasing numbers of Chinese tourists, their new year, around the end of January to the beginning of February is also becoming busy.
Pokhara is about 600 m (2000 ft) lower in elevation than Kathmandu and therefore generally warmer, too. The valley receives the highest yearly rainfall of all Nepal…meaning the surroundings are an emerald green nearly the year round. (The wettest months, in descending order are July, August, September, June, May and October.)
Visitors relish not just the natural beauty but the city’s many offerings including adventure sports (paragliders can be seen throughout the day as they float down from a nearby ridge top), shopping, and a busy restaurant, bar and live music scene.
‘Lakeside’ has a relaxed atmosphere for a stroll and most of facilities for tourists are in this area. Many restaurants, book and gift shops and travel agents abound to cater to travelers' needs.
For more insider information, the following e-guidebook offers a deeper look at Pokhara:
Pokhara's Best Massage
Nepal is generally disappointing when it comes to massage,
especially compared to the rest and relaxation paradise of Thailand.
Thai massage is dependably good — refreshes body, mind and spirit — and
affordable…at least within my means.
Yesterday, mentally exhausted, I tried a hole-in-the-wall place on the main Lakeside (Pokhara) road by recommendation of an acquaintance. Exceptional massage! Best I’ve had in a very long time. Renu, the skilled therapist knows bodywork — she understands massage from a client’s perspective. I felt completely revitalized after the hour treatment.
Renu is on staff and not the owner and thus makes less than $USD 100/month salary (believe it or not, 8000 NPR is actually a relatively decent wage – slightly above standard), and she certainly appreciate tips. The owner offered an off-season discount, too.
Pokhara Dynamic Spa is below Golden Gate Hotel and next to Hotel Lakeside. If you are lucky, Renu will be available.
Yesterday, mentally exhausted, I tried a hole-in-the-wall place on the main Lakeside (Pokhara) road by recommendation of an acquaintance. Exceptional massage! Best I’ve had in a very long time. Renu, the skilled therapist knows bodywork — she understands massage from a client’s perspective. I felt completely revitalized after the hour treatment.
Renu is on staff and not the owner and thus makes less than $USD 100/month salary (believe it or not, 8000 NPR is actually a relatively decent wage – slightly above standard), and she certainly appreciate tips. The owner offered an off-season discount, too.
Pokhara Dynamic Spa is below Golden Gate Hotel and next to Hotel Lakeside. If you are lucky, Renu will be available.
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