Pokhara
is the most popular destination in Nepal after
Kathmandu. It lies at the centre of the Annapurna
Conservation Area in the Pokhara Valley, enclosed
by the Annapurna Range of the Himalaya (in the
shape of a horse shoe). At 900m above sea level,
the air is clean and fresh and the sub-tropical
climate is ideal.
The
city of Pokhara developed from an important staging
post on the ancient trade route between India
and China and even today, mule trains can be seen
in the outskirts of Pokhara as they ply their
way to take goods to market throughout the region.
Since the 1960s, Pokhara has developed to become
the main hub for trekking and mountaineering expeditions
in Nepal.
Most
travellers stay in the favoured Lakeside District
which follows the shoreline of Fewa Tal (Nepal's
second largest lake). The Hotel Barahi is located
in a prime spot in Lakeside and in easy reach
of Fewa Tal, the shops and restaurants. The main
throughfare runs parallel with the shore and has
the feel of a relaxed border town.
Pokhara
is a popular meeting point because it is set in
spectacular natural lanscapes and is so well placed
for connections with the major trekking routes
in the region as well as easy to reach from Kathmandu,
Lhasa and elsewhere.
