Pokhara

As the second biggest city in Nepal, Pokhara is a very popular destination. Although only 200 kilometers away, a bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara is likely to take 7 hours. There are tourist buses that have AC and reclining seats for around $11 or you can take a microbus where you are likely to be crammed together with locals for $6.

Road Conditions

As far as taking buses to other parts of the country, all roads lead to Kathmandu. When I needed to get from Pokhara to Gongar to start a volunteering gig, I had to go what looked like an out of the way route in which I stopped in Kathmandu for a few days. Roads in Nepal are a nightmare unless you accept the way things are and choose to appreciate it. Going a mere 160 kilometers can take up to 10 hours. In the heart of the Himalayan mountains, the buses must wind up and down mountains on roads meant to fit one bus comfortably. That means when another bus comes the opposite direction, the bus often has to suddenly back up and put itself in a precarious position. The roads are covered in potholes and on multiple occasions the bus I was on got a flat tire. We pulled over to the side of the road and the bus driver quickly put on a new tire. This was clearly something they were well practiced in.

Pokhara

Pokhara is a stunning town. It is situated on Phewa Lake which makes for some surreal views. The Annapurna Mountain range is visible in the background, from the safety of a tropical environment. After my Annapurna trek I spent a few days in Pokhara to shower, buy clean clothes (as mine were being watched at a hostel in Kathmandu) and relax.

Where to Stay

I stayed at the Pokhara Youth Hostel which is my favorite hostel I’ve ever stayed at. The bunk beds had an outlet and a curtain to give you privacy. There was a common area that consisted of a balcony with a view overlooking the lake and hammocks to chill on. Breakfast was included in the price and included stir fried veggies and potatoes, eggs, bread, and as much coffee as I wanted.

Activities

There are many fun activities to do in Pokhara. If you are traveling with a companion, it would be quite affordable to rent a kayak and paddle around the lake. There are many hikes around the lake and even a waterfall, Devi’s Fall. I walked to the World Peace Pagoda and enjoyed the view of the city and the Annapurna Mountain range. Many of the restaurants along the lake advertised happy hour deals which make the best treat after surviving a long trek. It isn’t advisable to have alcohol at high altitudes so I had been sober for awhile. Also, many businesses offer trekker massages, to relieve your tight muscles. Another activity included movie nights offered at multiple places in town.

Although I did not personally have time to go here, a travel friend of mine highly recommended going to the Ganden Yiga Chozin Buddhist Meditation Center. They offer drop-in meditation and yoga classes, as well as opportunities to sign up for weekend Buddhism courses.

 

I left Pokhara sooner than I wanted to due to a volunteering obligation but I’d definitely recommend spending more time there than in Kathmandu! While Kathmandu is dusty and hectic, Pokhara is tranquil and serene.