Pokhara Palace Hotel

About Pokhara

Located at a height of 2900 feet (884 meters) from sea level, expect experience the abundant natural beauty of snow clad mountain peaks, crystal clear purity of Himalayan lakes, adventurous trekking routes under a green cover of lush foliage and of course, the famed ever-smiling, friendly hill-folk, called 'Pokhralis.'

The ancient rulers of this city of Mallas, as Pokhara was historically known, held sway over all of Nepal for many hundreds of years up to 250 years ago. Then another Nepali community, hailing from the Kathmandu valley, called the Newar, migrated here and built similar dwellings to the residential structures made by the Mallas. Soon after, the city expanded in terms of housing settlements and in fiscal growth as well, rising to its current status of being the hub of Nepal tourism and a vital export and import center for both local and foreign products sourced from and to smaller towns. This economic success extends to villages located in Kaski besides other neighboring districts in Nepal today.

The entrepreneurial efforts of another major ethnic group, known as the Thakalis, also contributed immensely to the growth and development of Pokhara, Nepal.

Thus, this once popular trade route between India and was urbanized into a land associated with the foundation for the legendary Gurkha soldiers, the time-honored soldiers of Nepal.

It is only in recent times that Pokhara and its nearby districts have gained the recognition of being the best starting point for rafting and trekking holidays in Nepal, besides offering access routes to relaxing nature holiday spots across all of Nepal too.

Most foreigners to Pokhara though, are known to frequent Damside and Lakeside (called Pardi and Baidam locally) because these areas are home to many hotels, restaurants and bright, well-stocked shops. Additionally, the lure of these two Pokhara tourist hotspots lies also in the fact that they are situated just a few km from the main Pokhara bazaar's south west area, therefore are easily accessible.

Another lesser-known fact about Pokhara is that it is the top choice for real estate investment for Nepali people settled abroad, with many buying land, houses and involved in commercial partnerships in this city. This is largely thanks to a growing number of vehicles and tourist attractions developed on the outskirts, nearby villages as well as the main town area for boosting the tourism industry in conjunction with the local business for the benefit of all Nepalese.

Getting There And Away

Pokhara lies to the western part of the valley region of Kathmandu, Nepal's capital city, and is about 200 kms (124 miles) away from Kathmandu.

Pokhara is linked with Kathmandu, Pokhara via an air route with a short, comfortable flight (35 minutes only).

The other option of getting to Pokhara is by public bus; the ride takes around 5 hours from Kathmandu and buses travel every day to and from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The lunch/dinner stop is typically Mugling, which offers a chance to taste some authentic Nepali food, spicy but filling and easy on your pocket. There are plenty of restaurants at the food stop on the bus route that specifically cater to foreigners, so just take in the scenery and enjoy the cuisine variety on offer on your way to Pokhara.

If you like a bit more privacy and A/C comfort, your hosts at the Pokhara Palace Hotel are ever ready to help out with a private taxi pick-up (and drop) for the airport or bus stop, according to your travel preferences. So, do contact Raju for the most convenient way to get to Pokhara.

Once in Pokhara, the Pokhara Palace Hotel affords an ideal location for restful and comfortable stay for you, your friends and your family with the impressive Annapurna range viewable from every room.

Attractions − Places Of Interest in Pokhara

There are thousands of domestic as well as foreign tourists visiting Pokhara, Nepal annually and the traditional as well as modern attractions in and around this paradise city in the Northern Himalayas never fail to delight a wide range of travelers, each seeking his or her own favorite holiday pleasure.

Some of these are given below for your easy reference and for planning a holiday at leisure according to your personal ideas of vacation pleasures and that of your travel companion(s).

• Davi's/Davis/David Fall
• Caves − Gupteswar Gupha, Mahendra Gupha (great for deep caving experiences with some basic equipment and preferably a local guide)
• Museums − Mountain, Pokhara, Annapurna
• Matepani Stupa
• Temples − Barahi, Bindabasini, Bhadrakali,
• World Peace Pagoda
• Mahendra Pul, (main town)
• Old Bazaar
• Refugee Camp
• Seti George
• Lakes − Rupa, Begnas, Fewa/Phewa (great for swimming, boating and picnicking)
• Paragliding (Sarangot)
• Jungle Safari
• Hiking, trekking, horseback and mule rides
• Blind Massage (Seeing Hands Clinic, Lakeside, 200 km from Fishtail Gate) a peaceful, rejuvenating opportunity to enjoy clean massage therapy by masseurs trained by volunteer physiotherapists from the UK combines charity with local tourism boosting and relaxation opportunity, since half the price you pay goes for training other blind Nepalese for the job

Weather And Clothing

The weather in Pokhara is pleasant all-year round, even in the winter months of December to February when temperature is cool but not cold.

The rainy season starts in June and ends in September; maximum rainfall of up to 33 inches (about 845 mm) is experienced during the month of July, the highest anywhere in Nepal. This makes the months of March-April and October-November the best time to visit Pokhara and other parts of Nepal.

Of course, for those with reliable raingear and an affinity for the monsoons or the cooler winters, local tea, piping hot traditional Nepali food and hand-crafted, luxuriant and cozy quilts, stylish winter wear and more - available at down to earth prices, make visiting any time of year a pleasure.

Light woolens in summer with appropriate jackets, hardy footwear and sun-protection caps; umbrellas, light-weight, quick-dry, wrinkle-free clothes and rain shoes during the monsoons, with heavy woolens, fleece lined jackets and thermal wear for winter are recommended to pack in, depending on the season they're planning their trip in, advises Raju, of the Pokhara Palace Hotel.