The Annapurna mountain range is in the Himalayas in Nepal.
The Annapurna mountains dwarf pretty much every other mountain range in the world, definitely in size (7000 metres plus) if not in there beauty.
Pokhara is Nepal's second-city and is by far the best place to arrange a multitude of treks into the Annapurnas.
You really are spoilt for choice. You can go on very well trodden routes that have guesthouses and tea houses every half an hour meaning you don't even need a guide with you to show you the way. Or if you are feeling more adventurous you can go on 14 day epics with a guide and sheerpas carrying your stuff (if you are lazy!) and camping equipment! Then there are lesser known routes that take you through the foothills where you will stay in mountainside Gurkha villages among rice terraces and rivers.
And Pokhara city, the jumping off point for such treks, is an absolutely stunning place in itself.
It is well and truly on the beaten trail, there are backpackers everywhere, but it's one of those special places that still retains it's beauty and character in the face of a tourist influx.
This is party because of the surrounding landscape; A very large beautiful blue lake surrounded by sloping emerald green pine forests and the mighty snow capped Annapurna mountains towering over the plateau.
It's one of those places you instantly fall in love with. You will probably extend your stay here and end up throwing your original plans out the window. I fell in love with Pokhara the moment I got there and ended up staying there for months!
Aside from being the base for possibly the best mountain treks in the world, there is so much to do here you are totally spoilt for choice; Fancy launching yourself off the side of a nearby 2000 metre mountain and paragliding your way safely to Earth? What about some white water rafting? Or for the artistic why not learn how to paint 'Thangka's' (Buddhist art/carfts) in one of the many shops? Or learn yoga or buddhist meditation at one of the dozens of retreat centre sideally situated right next to the lake out of town.
Or just enjoy the atmopshere and the excellent bars (fairly low key, nothing too hectic) and resturants on offer around the lakeside area.
Pokhara is jaw droppingly beautiful and has something for everyone. It provides the absolutely perfect base to explore the Annapurna mountain range.
What more could you really ask for?
I cannot recommend this place high enough. It's a must-see!
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Advantages: Spectacular scenery and a wealth of opportunities for outdoor pursuits. Disadvantages: Not great if you are not into outdoor pursuits. Leeches.
salar15 13.11.2007 (13.11.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Pokhara (Nepal)
Advantages: Spectacular scenery and a wealth of opportunities for outdoor pursuits. Disadvantages: Not great if you are not into outdoor pursuits. Leeches.
salar15 13.11.2007 (13.11.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Pokhara (Nepal)
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