'Kuttimama is gone to Pokhara for Ukra's wedding;' Wish to follow him to this Nepal city?

Malayalam movie Yodha's Appukuttan never knew Kuttimama's real intentions in heading to Pokhara in Nepal. But if you are a nature- and peace-loving tourist, we can give you 100 reasons to go there. From calm walkways, cool lakes, serene nature, mouth-watering street food and music-filled nights to friendly people, Pokhara, the second-largest city in Nepal, is hailed as the tourism capital of the Himalayan country.  

Nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas, Pokhara is known as the gateway to the Annapurna Mountain Ranges.  Trekkers, climbers, and other adventure enthusiasts camp here before heading into the more brutal Himalayan terrain. Though the food and shopping are slightly expensive by Nepalese standards, the favourable exchange rate for Indian tourists - 1 INR = 1.61 NPR - comes as a relief.  

Lakeside charm
Don't miss a walk through the stone-paved pathways along the Phewa Lake, both in the morning and evening. Mornings are perfectly calm as life in this Himalayan city begins only after 10 am. Except for those heading out for sightseeing expeditions to hilltops to witness the dawn painting the peaks red, the town remains sleepy. 

Phewa Lake looks ethereal at this hour, with columns of mist gliding over its surface. No chatter of tourists, no calls of boatmen- only the gentle sway of anchored boats dancing in the cool morning breeze.  A boat ride on Phewa Lake is a must for every visitor. The surrounding hillocks and Himalayan views provide a spectacular backdrop. The lake is lined with hotels, restaurants, malls, and shops selling winter wear and curios. The lake and surroundings constitute a cultural hub. Don't miss a visit to the Barahi Temple, located on an Island at the centre of the lake. 

At every corner of the street, you will find liquor shelves - whether it is a provision store or a supermarket. It is a woman's world here; you can see girls cycling home after late-night shifts at bars and dance clubs. Women play an equal role in managing tourism activities.   

Key attractions
Sarangkot Himalayan View: Located at 11.3 km from Pokhara, Sarangkot is famous for breathtaking sunrise views. At dawn, the rising sun paints magical colours across ice-clad mountain peaks such as Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail), and Manaslu. If you enjoy trekking, you can walk up in around two hours— taxi fares for dawn sightseeing start at around ₹500. 

World Peace Pagoda: A stunning white stupa offering a panoramic view of the Himalayas and the Pokhara valley. You may test your fitness by climbing the long flight of stairs to reach the hilltop. The walkway around the Pagoda, and the chanting inside the prayer hall add to the tranquility. 

Begnas Lake: A  quieter alternative to Phewa Lake, offering a serene, crowd-free experience and captivating mountain views. 

Annapurna Region: Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). Numerous travel operators offer tailor-made trekking packages. For those willing to splurge, helicopter tours over the Himalayan ranges are also available. 

Adventure Sports: Pokhara is an adventure hub with paragliding, trekking, mountaineering, zip lining, and ultralight flights offered by various adventure clubs.  

Other centres of attraction: International Mountain Museum, Gurkha Memorial Museum, Seti River Gorge, and Bahang Village for experiencing authentic rural life.

Transport
Taxi drivers are gentle but firm on rates. They won't shout or bargain aggressively, but they are pretty adamant- so it's better to cross-check fares in advance. Shared trips are available to most destinations, and apps InDrive offer cheaper rides, shared taxis, and bike taxis.  

Vibrant nightlife
Most bars and clubs open at 5 pm and operate until midnight or later. Many eateries host live music bands with genres ranging from 'Rock' to 'Jazz'.  

Local cuisine
Pokhara is a haven for street food lovers. Lakeside streets are lined up with BBQ stalls offering  tender chunks of chicken, goat, pork, or buffalo, marinated in local spices and roasted over open fire. Sel Roti, pani puri, and aloo tikki are some of the popular treats. 

Currency
The Nepal currency is Nepalese Rupee (NPR).  1 INR = 1.6 NPR. Visa/Mastercard withdrawals are available at all ATMs, but a fee of ₹500 NPR per transaction applies. Money exchangers and wire transfer services are available everywhere, with costs varying from bank to bank.  

How to reach? 
Pokhara is easily accessible by a short flight from Kathmandu. Pre-booked fares start at around ₹2,500, and the flight takes just 25 minutes.  Yeti Airlines often offers competitive rates.  

You may also travel by bus from Kathmandu, costing around ₹1000 for deluxe sofa seats, with a travel time of  7 hours.  Taxis from Kathmandu cost around ₹10,000, depending on the vehicle type and group size. 

Where to stay
There are plenty of hotels, lodges, and guest houses offering comfortable stays. Room tariffs start at around 1000 NPR. 

Best season
March to May, September to November. 

For an Indian tourist, Pokhara offers the best of hospitality at an affordable price.  The tourism zones are well-maintained, the water bodies are pristine, and the people are welcoming. And believe it or not, there are no beggars seen around!