Pokhara

About six hours drive, or a short flight, west of Kathmandu, Pokhara is the third largest city in Nepal and one of its major tourist attractions. Located in the foothills of the Annapurnas, Pokhara is picturesquely sited on the edge of Lake Phewa (Phewa Tal) with beautiful mountain views.

Pokhara is the base for many treks in the Annapurnas, and offers good accommodation in a range of budgets. The Lakeside district has many excellent restaurants, bars and shops, while the old market in the heart of Pokhara is a lively place to explore. A boat trip on Lake Phewa is a great way to relax and enjoy the beautiful settings, while a sunrise visit to Sarangkot offers excellent mountain views.

The landscape around Pokhara is pockmarked with deep gullies and caves. The Seti river that flows through the city is often enclosed in a narrow canyon with sheer sides, while the tributaries of the river suddenly vanish underground. Devi's Falls about 2km from the city centre is a famous waterfall where a river empties into a deep cave, which can also been viewed from underground if you explore the depths of nearby Gupteswar Cave.