Pokhara

Surrounded by the majestic snowy peaks of the Annapurna mountain range, the picturesque town of Pokhara is set in the shadow of the sacred ‘Machhapuchhare’ or Fishtail Mountain (6,993m) and lies along the shores of the serene Phewa Tal (Phewa Lake). This charming town, regarded as the ‘Jewel of the Himalaya’, is Nepal’s second-largest city.

The meditative Phewa Lake shores have long been a hub for those wanting to trek in the Annapurna region. Today, despite signs of modernisation, Pokhara has retained its peaceful vibe, and the pace of life is significantly slower than in Kathmandu, which gives this town a more laid-back feel. A tour of Pokhara will offer visitors the opportunity to hike up to the World Peace Pagoda, which offers stunning views of the Pokhara Valley as well as the Annapurna mountain range; discover the beautiful Devi’s waterfall; explore the lively Pokhara Bazaar, including a visit to the sacred shrines that showcase Newari-style architecture and combine a relaxing boat ride across the Phewa lake with a visit to the Tal Barahi Temple that is set on an island in the lake. Pokhara is an ideal base if you are interested in taking day hikes in the Annapurna foothills rather than the more strenuous multi-day trekking. One of the most popular trails is a walk to the delightful village of Dhampus, which offers splendid mountain views, including Annapurna 1 (8,090m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m) – the seventh highest peak, and Manaslu (8,156m) – the eighth highest peak.