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Known as the jumping ground for the best trekking in Nepal, the
Pokhara Valley lies 200 kms. west of Kathmandu,
enriched with gorgeous lakes and surrounded by picturesque
mountains.
 Mt. Machapuchre as seen from Pokhara
Pokhara has always been a favorite among tourists
visiting Nepal, to get away from the hustle and bustle of the
capital to a peaceful setting, to relax by the lake side or take a
hiking trip around the valley, with routes available to suit
everyone's needs, ability and preferences.
The valley is about 35 minutes abroad a plane, on
about six daily flights available from Kathmandu or about 7 hours
drive on a luxury bus. The city itself is divided into two zones -
the lakeside and the bazaar area. The lakeside lies around the Phewa
Tal, where most of the hotels, restaurants and tourist stores are
concentrated. It is a place to relax before and after a long trek
around the Annapurna range. One can just rent a boat and spend the
whole day in the lake, sunbathing.
As the jumping grounds for trekking, the stores around
the lake carries all the necessary equipment needed for such trips,
plus it is a good place to buy souvenirs to take back home. Pokhara
also has the immigration office, one of the two in the country from
where trekking permits can be obtained and visas extend.
 Pokhara has some interesting sites with religious
significance like Varahi temple in the middle of the lake and Binde
Basini Temple in the city, atop a small hill. Like the Tibetan camp
in Kathmandu, Pokhara has its share of settlements, where Tibetan
arts and handmade carpets can be shopped. Another one of Pokhara's
attraction is the David's Fall. The best way to see the valley is
pedaling on a rental cycle.
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