1 post tagged “pokhara”

Pokhara

Two hundred kilometers west of Kathmandu lies Pokhara City, a centre of several recreational activities that make Nepal a dream destination of adventure seeking tourists. Situated in the Pokhra Valley about 500 metres lower than Kathmandu, the city boasts at least four rafting rivers, a boating lake (Phewa Lake) and Nepal’s most popular trekking trail of Annapurna region. That explains why there are numerous adventure expedition operators in almost every corner of the town.

For rafting, Pokhara offers four rivers with varied characteristics, namely the Seti, Marsyangdi, Trisuli and Kali Gandaki. Each presents different levels of challenges from 3+ to 5+. The best time to make a rafting trip starts from October to November. July and August are monsoon season in which the challenging water is recommended for rafting experts only. For ultimate fun and safety, you are advised to book your adventure expedition directly with a reliable operator, instead of agents.
 
For other waterborne activities such as kayaking and boating, it boasts some lakes that suit the taste of travelers who love recreational boating. They range from the glacier fed lakes up north, down to where the laden rivers ease into the Terai plains. Among them is Phewa Lake in Pokhara City. It is the most popular destination and the second largest lake in the Kingdom. Rowing boats, kayaks and sailboats can be rent around the lake.

Begnas and Rupa Tal Lakes are located 15 km out of Pokhara at the end of a road that turns off the Kathmandu highway. Phewa, Begnas and Rupa were all once part of the body of water that filled the Pokhara Valley. While Phewa is bustling with travelers, guesthouses and tour operators, Begnas and Rupa have remained largely pristine. These lakes are divided by a forested hillock called Panchabhaiya Danda. Boating in the Pokhara Valley is fun throughout the year, barring the monsoon months. The best time is between October and February, when the skies are clear.

Mountain biking trip is a another way to explore the suburb of Pokhara and Kathmandu, passing through lush green rice fields with roaming cattle, up and down the hillside, along the river bank, and along the suspension bridge. The trip can be made all year round but the best time starts from October to December and again January to March.

Even though independent cycling tour can be done with cheaper price and more flexibility, it’s recommended to go with an organized tour. Albeit a bit more expensive, mountain bike tour operators can save your time in finding mountain bike gear and a tour guide can help you show the trails you may never find on your own and interpret the culture you encounter. Mountain bikes are available for rent in many of the bicycle rental outlets in and around Kathmandu or Pokhara.