POKHARA - The most beautiful place in Nepal

Pokhara, by its name, means a city of lakes and ponds, as there are numerous beautiful lakes where you can boat and literally drown your sorrows. And these lakes aren’t the only thing to blow your mind in Pokhara. Pokhara is the home to numerous lakes and caves, a modern yet welcoming city life and not to mention, a plethora of peaks of the Himalayas. The lakes in Pokhara include Fewa Lake, Begnas Lake, Rupa Lake, Gude Lake, Neurani Lake and Maidi Lake among many others. The peaks than can be closely observed from Pokhara include Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and Manaslu as these are within 30 miles from the city, and all of these peaks are more than 8,000 meters high. The city is also the gateway for trekking to the Annapurna Circuit. The notable caves here are Bat Cave, Mahendra Cave and Gupteshwor Cave among others. There are two major notable hilltops in Pokhara that serve as a perfect getaway, the World Peace Pagoda at the southern shore of Fewa lake and Sarangkot, a beautiful hill at the north-west part of Pokhara. The newest attraction of Pokhara is Paragliding. Now you can paraglide from Sarangkot over the famous Fewa Lake and land at the bottom of the city. Other adventure sports in Pokhara include canyoning, base diving, kayaking, mountain biking and rock climbing. One of the tourist attractions in Pokhara is Lake Side, a small part of the city famous for its ultra-modern restaurants and night clubs. Lake Side is the place to be if you want to experience the night life of Pokhara. There are numerous pubs, clubs and discos here to give you the taste of nightlife of Pokhara. Words are not enough to describe the amount of fun you can have in Pokhara, the only way to experience the city is by going there and receiving what delights it has to offer. So, have Pokhara on your top list of places to travel when you are in Nepal.

Pokhara Photo Gallery

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking

Ghorepani Poon Hill is the popular short and easy trekking trail in Annapurna Region. Also known as Annapurna Panorama Trek or Mountain Sunrise Trek, the trekking is undertaken throughout the year but Autumn season (September-October-November-December) and Spring Season (March-April-May) are the best time for hiking. This trekking trail is popular not only for foreign tourist but also Nepali hikers as this is the best trekking trail for Mountain sunrise or sunset over the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu Himalayan ranges.

It's the best trekking trail in the world as well as in Nepal providing you the spectacular mountain views along with the ethnic gurung and magar villages, scenic trail though the rhododendron forests, bank of river and terraced paddy fields. Hiking to Poon Hill from Ghorepani, you will feel like you are in heaven when you witness the golden sunrise over the snow-capped summits of Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna (8,091m) along with Annapurna south, Machhapuchhapure (fishtail), Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal, Barasikhar, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, Hiunchuli and with a maze of other peaks slowly begin to appear, like magic, just in front of your eyes.

There are plenty of teahouse/lodge on the trail to Ghorepani Poon Hill, camping can be managed on demand. Ghorepani Poon Hill is the gateway to Annapurna Sanctuary/Base Camp Trekking and Annapurna Circuit Trekking.

This is the best trekking trail even possible during the winter season or summer/monsoon season.

Tansen, Palpa one of the Best Places in Nepal For Hiking

Tansen, perched high above the Kali Gandaki River on the road between Butwal and Pokhara, is far enough off the radar to make it a rewarding detour for independent travellers. Tansen’s main attraction is both its Newari charm and distinct medieval feel. Lining Tansen’s steep cobblestone streets, which are too steep for cars, are wooden Newari houses with intricately carved windows, from where the clacking of looms can be heard. On winter mornings a blanket of mist is cast over the bowl-shaped Madi Valley, earning it the moniker ‘White Lake’.

Chatting to locals, you’ll find they’re fiercely proud of their home town, which no doubt stems from its rich history during the glory years as the capital of the Magar kingdom of Tanahun. Until the rise of the Shahs, Tanahun was one of the most powerful kingdoms in Nepal. Troops from Palpa even came close to conquering Kathmandu in the 16th century under the leadership of King Mukunda Sen. The power of the Magars waned in the 18th century and Tansen was reinvented as a Newari trading post on the trade route between India and Tibet.

Today Tansen remains the administrative headquarters of Palpa district, and many Nepalis still refer to the town as Palpa. The town escaped serious damage in the 2015 earthquake.

Picture Gallery

Everest Base Camp Trekking

Tengboche Monastery

Tengboche Monastery, also known as Dawa Choling Gompa, in the Tengboche village in Khumjung in the Khumbu region of eastern Nepal is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Sherpa community.

Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar is a village and Village Development Committee in Solukhumbu District in the Sagarmatha Zone of north-eastern Nepal. It is located within the Khumbu area at 3,440 metres at its low point, populating the sides of a hill.

Mount Everest

Mount Everest, also known in Nepal as Sagarmatha and in Tibet as Chomolungma, is Earth's highest mountain. It is located in the Mahalangur mountain range in Nepal and Tibet. Its peak is 8,848 metres above sea level.

Khumjung Village

Khumjung is a village and Village Development Committee in Solukhumbu District in the Sagarmatha Zone of north-eastern Nepal. It is located in the Khumbu region inside Sagarmatha National Park, a world heritage site.

Khumbu Region

Khumbu is a region of northeastern Nepal on the Nepalese side of Mount Everest. It is part of the Solukhumbu District, which in turn is part of the Sagarmatha Zone.

Gokyo Lake

Gokyo Lakes are oligotrophic lakes in Nepal's Sagarmatha National Park, located at an altitude of 4,700–5,000 m above sea level.

Bhotekoshi River

The Bhote Koshi is the upper river course of the Sun Kosi, known as Poiqu in Tibet. It is part of the Koshi River system in Nepal. A western tributary of the upper Dudh Koshi is also called Bhote Koshi.

Best Season for Trekking to Annapurna Region

September-November(Autumn)
Autumn is considered as the best trekking season for the trekking in Nepal. September, October and November are fall in this trekking season in Nepal. During in this season offers excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views. Temperature is moderate, making it a good time for any trekking. The sky is generally clear with outstanding views. Occasionally short storms may dump considerable snow at high altitudes.

March-May(Spring)
Spring season in Nepal is also considered as the best season to do the trekking and mountain climbing. In this season offers different varieties of wild flora blossoming of the giant rhododendrons above 3000m and hunting paradise during this season, which makes higher altitude trekking more comfortable and interesting. It is mildly warm at lower elevations and quite moderate temperature at higher elevation over 4000m, which provides spectacular and excellent mountains View. March, April and May months are fall in this trekking season in Nepal.

Best Time/Season to Visit Nepal Himalayas

Trekking in Nepal can be undertaken throughout the year. There are four seasons in Nepal. Each season has its distinct attraction to offer. The seasons are classified as follows:

AUTUMN (Sept - Nov): This Autumn season is considered the best time for trekking in Nepal, which offers excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views. Moderate temperatures, clear sky with outstanding views, making it a great time to do any of our trek. Occasional short storms may dump snow at high altitudes.

WINTER (Dec - Feb): This season is noted for occasional snowfall at higher elevations in Himalayas. Though it gets colder in night, often it offers the clear day / blue sky and relatively less trekkers on the trail. However, we need to be selective in choosing the winter trekking as climbing and crossing high passes trip won’t be an ideal option. Trek like Everest base camp, Annapurna Panorama, Annapurna Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Sanctuary, Instant Everest treks etc can be done even in winter.

Spring (March - May): Different varieties of wild flowers, specially the rhododendrons make the hillside a haunting paradise during this spring season. It is mildly warm at lower elevations and at higher elevation the mountain views are excellent and temperature is quite moderate.

Summer (Jun-Aug): summer time from June till mid September makes travel wet and warm. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. Trekking in the rain- shadow (places are out of reach of the rain clouds because of the high mountains) areas north of the Himalaya like Upper Mustang and Dolpo could be an ideal trek selection.

Annapurna Base Camp Trekking - Trekking Nepal Himalayas

There are few treks that combine so many different landscapes and bring you so close to the base of 7,000 and 8,000 meter peaks in a such a short period of time as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the most popular treks in the Annapurna region. The trail goes alongside terraced rice paddies, lush rhododendron forests and high altitude landscapes with the Annapurna Range in view most of the times.

The setting of Annapurna Base Camp at 4130 m is unique and incredibly spectacular, set amidst the majestic peaks of Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna South (7219 m), Machapuchhre (6993 m) and Hiunchuli (6441 m).

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes 7 to 11 days, depending on your itinerary and length of walking days. The itinerary presented here takes 11 days, starting from Nayapul (a 1 1/2 hour drive from Pokhara) and going north up to Gorepani and the famous viewpoint of Poon Hill. From Gorepani you go eastward to Chomrong and then north again entering the Modi Kola Valley which leads up to the Base Camp.

Many people trek the circuit Nayapul-Ghorepani-Ghandruk-Nayapul, which is very rewarding in itself. This trek can easily be done with children as well.
You can return via Jhinu Danda and give your tired muscles a well deserved rest in the delightful hot springs. Upon your return it is worthwhile visiting one of the Gurung villages of Ghandruk or Landruk.

The lodges in the Annapurna Trekking Region are well equipped with extensive menus ranging from the typical Nepali dahl bath (rice with lentils) to pizza and chau mein. Hot showers are readily available as well. If you are planning to trek in the winter months please check with a travel agency to confirm which lodges are open.
The Annapurna trekking region is easily accessible with different trailheads starting just an hour or two away from Pokhara.
Between Himalayan Hotel and Machapucchre Base Camp there is a risk of avalanches so make sure you have the latest information on trail conditions before setting off or hire a knowledgeable guide.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek can easily be done independently. It is possible to do this trek in all seasons, however, in the winter the Base Camp can sometimes be closed due to the snow level. In spring time the huge rhododendron forests are in full bloom which gives the trek an extra appeal.

Pictures

Pokhara

Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty. Situated at an altitude of 827m from the sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu (Capital of Nepal) valley, the city is known as a centre of adventure. This enchanting city has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic. So today the city has not only become the starting point for most popular trekking and rafting destinations but also a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Pictures: Humnath Panthi