Pokhara – the cheapest city in the world to travel

American Business Magazine ‘Forbes’ has listed Pokhara as the cheapest city in the world to travel. On a list entitled “The 20 Best Value Cities for Budget Travelers”, Pokhara was placed in the first spot of the list. According to the report, tourists can spend their day on as little as USD15.84 on the beautiful city of Pokhara.

Pokhara the cheapest city- tourists enjoying at the lakeside

Tourists enjoying at the Lakeside of Pokhara

Popular as an adventure hub of Nepal, Pokhara caters a wide range of attractions for travelers. Holding some magnificent lakes with the backdrop of Mount Fishtail, Pokhara is also the gateway to the trekking in Annapurna Region.

 

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Five reasons to visit Pokhara once in a lifetime

“On Earth there is no heaven but there are pieces of it”, a beautiful quote by Jules Renard and probably the quote came into authors mind during the visit to a place like Pokhara. Pokhara is truly a piece of heaven on Earth.

A town lying 200km west from Kathmandu, Pokhara is one of the major tourism hubs in Nepal. A destination fully gifted with natural wonders was not at all affected by the earthquake 2015. Comparatively smaller than Kathmandu, Pokhara caters wide variety of activities for travelers.

Pokhara a must visit destination on Earth

In today’s post, we have listed five reasons why Pokhara is a must travel destination in Nepal.

Adventure hub

With huge options of flying adventures like Skydiving, Paragliding, Ultralight Flights, Bungee Jumping, Pokhara welcomes large number of tourists every year. Rafting is another thrilling activity, Pokhara offers.  Pokhara is one of the few destinations in the world catering the wide range of adventure activities.

Pokhara a must visit destination on Earth

Landscape

Pokhara is popular for its beautiful landscapes in and around. A valley surrounded by hills and famous landmarks like Begnas Lake and Phewa Lake where the elevation suddenly changes taking you to a hilltop like  Sarangkot; ideal spot to observe the thirst healing sunrise falling on giant Himalayan Ranges. Mountain views including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Fishtail from any place around the city as the backdrop of Phewa Lake are the pleasurable sights for anyone’s eyes.

Pokhara a must visit destination on Earth

Serene and peaceful

Well facilitated as Kathmandu but comparatively more serene and peaceful Pokhara is one of the best places for your holidays in Nepal.  Less busy roads and well managed urban life allows travelers to be lost in the natural beauty of Pokhara.

Pokhara a must visit destination on Earth

Affordability

Pokhara is one of the cheapest places to chill out compared to other tourist hubs across the world. The accessibility to various things in a reasonable price is also the reason Pokhara is in the bucket list of many budget travelers.

Pokhara a must visit destination on Earth

Gateway to Annapurna

Whatever the above reasons are, most of the tourists choose to go Pokhara because it is gateway to the globally known trekking region Annapurna. The trekking to Annapurna begins from various points around Pokhara, which lets travelers to plan their stay at Pokhara.

Best of Nepal – Culture, nature & adventure

We would not hesitate to call this tour the Best of Nepal Tour because it incorporates the best of Nepal’s culture, wildlife, nature and adventure.

The country better known for Himalayas and the adventurous walking activities to the elevated landmarks closer to the Himalayas also caters equally fascinating culture, rich wildlife, matchless urban nature and the thrilling adventures. And the Best of Nepal is a blend all these wonderful highlights Nepal caters without trekking to the elevated regions.

 

best of nepal kathmandu

Our Best of Nepal Tour takes you to three major cities of the country i.e. Kathmandu Pokhara and Chitwan. These cities of Nepal are the biggest tourist hubs known for the contrasting extraordinary treasures they house.

The tour is also considered the best of Nepal because travelers have plenty of options for lavish stay as three towns house the best hotels and restaurants of the country, with all the modern facilities and amenities.

Let us see why we call this tour the Best of Nepal Tour

Kathmandu – where culture is older than the countries like USA & Australia

If you are entering Nepal via air, you need to tolerate Kathmandu. The first experience of Kathmandu for many is not good. The sights, sounds and smells of Kathmandu for most of westerners definitely give them the cultural shock. However, travelers slowly begin to like Kathmandu.

best of nepal newar

The metropolis choke full of traffics and pedestrians has so much to offer. The cobbled maze streets of Old Town Asan that lead to the site of artistic and cultural Heritage Square – the Kathmandu Durbar Square cater abundant opportunities to understand the culture of this ancient town. The city known as the melting point of Hinduism and Buddhism also houses the largest Hindu shrine of the country, Pashupatinath and two major Buddhist stupas – Boudhanath and Swayambhunath.

Moreover, the neighboring towns Bhaktapur and Lalitpur are not less fascinating culturally and artistically as all these towns went through tough Art War with each other for centuries. Additionally, the culture of native community of all three cities, Newars is wonderful aspect to observe in Kathmandu.

best of nepal kathmandu lifestyle

 

Newars are the families of artists, who designed every tiny creation of the valley bit by bit. They are the families of the celebrators, who throughout the year are involved in celebrating the most vibrant festivals of the country and they are the families of the indigenous cooks, who are admired for cooking the most delicious and traditional Newari cuisines.

Pokhara – from where 8000m+ Himalayan peak loom dramatically in 30 km radius

Pokhara is truly a dream town where everyone likes to settle down permanently. Perfect weather throughout the year, lush green hills that ring the valley and the spectacular views of the Himalayas dominated by Virgin Mountain Fishtail, Pokhara is unarguably a heaven on Earth.

best of nepal pokhara

This Lake Town that lies 200km west of Kathmandu is the most popular stopover point for trekkers to Annapurna and Mustang Region to spend significant amount of quality time before and after the trek. The tourist hub in Pokhara, Lakeside that lies in the shore of verdant Fewa Lake is full of life catering live music and colorful souvenir shops.

best of nepal adventure

Apart from soft adventures like boating in Fewa Lake and excursion of caves and gorges of the town, Pokhara is the most popular adventurous hub of Nepal. Among several hilltops that cater the magnificent views of the Himalayas and Sarangkot is one of them. Sarangkot is the most special hilltop in Pokhara because it is from here the Aerial Adventure as if Paragliding takes place.

Besides, the city is also the home to Aadventures like zip-flying, bungee jumping, Ultra-light flights and skydiving. The soft adventures like Mountain Biking and day hiking are also the popular activities Of Pokhara.

Chitwan – where the endangered wild species are sheltered for generations to come

When it comes to the wildlife adventure in Nepal, Chitwan National Park is the first destination most people think of. UNESCO World Heritage, protected park spreads over 932 sq km with wetlands, grasslands and woodlands.

best of nepal chitwan

The park caters one of the best wildlife activities of entire Asia. If you are a wildlife lover, Chitwan National Park has plenty of wildlife activities for you. Elephant Safari, dugout canoe ride, Jeep drive, nature walk, elephant bathing and bird-watching tours are the most popular activities of Chitwan National Park. All these activities are full of fun catering you an opportunity to sight as much as species of mammals, reptiles and birds.

However, spotting a wild species in the wilds needs bit of luck. The home to one horned rhino and Royal Bengal Tiger, the park also houses rare gangetic dolphin and 544 species of birds.

best of nepal tharu culture

 

Plus, the opportunity to enjoy glimpses of Tharu culture in the neighborhood of Chitwan National Park is an additional cultural activity attached with the incredible wildlife park of Nepal.

 

Best of Nepal- few testimonials

Best of Nepal that comprises the three major cities of Nepal- Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan is Nepal’s one of the best selling cultural tours. Kathmandu boasts on cultural heritages, Pokhara wows on natural delights and Chitwan is a wildlife paradise. Recently few of our clients had the Best of Nepal Tour. After the tour, they shared their experiences in Nepal.

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The best memory of the trip was flying over the Himalayas, the stay at Bandipur & Tibetan Refugee Camp.

The meeting and handling of Explore Himalaya was excellent, effective and on time. Both the guides in Pokhara and Kathmandu were good. The transport was excellent. The driver who took us to Pokhara was excellent.

I highly recommend Explore Himalaya as a service that takes the hassle out of you. It’s been already an exceptional experience in Nepal.

-Mr. Kenneth Thomas Sutton, Austrailia

 

Every different place has been memorable for different reasons. We’ve loved the “hustle & bustle” of Kathmandu to the peacefulness of Bandipur and Pokhara and the breathtaking mountain views.

Explore Himalaya’s meeting and handling was great. They met us with smiles on their faces. It was a perfect way to start our trip. All the hotels were clean and fantastic. Our guides Nabu &Prakesh were amazing. They were funny, polite and never boring. Every member of staffs from the driver to manager has been great.  The transport was clean and safe.

100% YES! I will recommend Explore Himalaya to other travelers who are willing to visit Nepal. The whole experience has been mind blowing fun, informative. We loved every minute our stay in Nepal.

It has been an amazing and wonderful experience with great staff. A real credit to Explore Himalaya.

-Ms. Denise Appleton & Ms. Lauren Lidford from United Kingdom

Holiday in Nepal- Amazing wildlife, history and culture

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Knudsens from Denmark, Mr. Frederik and Kristian and Ms. Tine through our exclusive country partner Kipling Travel recently explored few places of Nepal. Ms. Tine shared her experience on their holiday to Nepal. The group rated the entire trip with 4 stars.

We have lots of beautiful memories of the holiday. Among them Wildlife Safari on Elephant at Chitwan National Park, sightseeing tour of culturally unique Bhaktapur Durbar Square and visit to the temple of Living Goddess, Kumari at Kathmandu Durbar Square are the best memories of the holiday in Nepal.

Explore Himalaya is the team of professionals. Hotels we stayed in were all great. Guides and other staffs were very helpful and knowledgeable.

Danish senior citizens recommend to “Go to Nepal”

Mr. Christiansen Bjarne Ms. Kristen Gram, Mr. Ole Gram, Ms. Anne Larsen and Mr. Hanne Soegaard from Denmark, recently were our clients through our exclusive country partner Kipling Travel. Here we have a photo essay on their vacation to Nepal, including a beautiful testimonial by Ms. Anne Larsen at the end of it.

Danish visitors cordially welcomed at Kathmandu
Danish visitors cordially welcomed at Kathmandu
Celebration of 40th Anniversary at Bandipur
Celebration of 40th Anniversary at Bandipur
Serving Humanity-Danish visitors visit SOS, Pokhara
Serving Humanity-Danish visitors visit SOS, Pokhara
Observing cultural program at SOS Pokhara
Observing cultural program at SOS Pokhara
Visitors ready for boating in Fewa Lake
Visitors ready for boating in Fewa Lake
Sarangkot, a hilltop above Pokhara ideal for the sunrise view
Sarangkot, a hilltop above Pokhara ideal for the sunrise view
Tharu cultural dance at Mathariya VDC in Dang
Tharu cultural dance at Mathariya VDC in Dang
Tharu girls in typical Tharu attire at Dang
Tharu girls in typical Tharu attire at Dang
Canoeing at Rapti River- aquatic and bird life at its best
Canoeing at Rapti River- aquatic and bird life at its best
Visitors on a wildlife safari at Chitwan
Visitors on a wildlife safari at Chitwan
Fierce predator, Crocodile at Chitwan National Park
Fierce predator, Crocodile at Chitwan National Park
Elusive leopard at Chitwan National Park
Elusive leopard at Chitwan National Park
Time to go back home
Time to go back home 

Ms. Anne Larsen rated our service with 5 stars and said few beautiful lines.

Every place in Nepal has beautiful landscapes and the people here are friendly and smiley. The best part of our trip was visit to Mathariya Village in Dang and the sunrise view from Sarangkot in Pokhara.

The service of Explore Himalaya was very good.

We recommend travelers around the world to “GO TO NEPAL”.

Every Nepali there was honored, as on cloud nine an American shouted, “Only paradise on Earth is Nepal.”

Towering ice-topped mountains sparkle with the colorful prayer flags, while the fanatical streets of Kathmandu are a ceaseless delirium of honking motorbikes, additionally the historical and religiously important 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites scattered in different corners of Kathmandu: Nepal is  thoroughly a vibrant slice of Asia.

If there is a trekkers’ paradise, then beyond doubt Nepal is the first pick. Trials to the base of Himalayas in Nepal offer top-notch trekking terrain – from verdant Annapurna to eminent Everest – sprinkled with rural mountain hamlets, and hundreds of rolling trails that have been trodden upon for centuries.

But divinely and naturally blessed Nepal is indeed not only for mountaineers who set off to clamber the higher elevation; from the lime-green grasslands of Chitwan National Park rustling with the dark grey flash of One-horned rhino, to the eclectic cafés and unconventional vibe of Lake-side Pokhara, Nepal is truly an interesting and convivial destination for all.

As a part of company CSR, six Explore Himalayans toured and trekked around few prominent destinations of Nepal which included Chitwan, Pokhara and Poonhill Trek. The FAM trip involved more fun and of course little bit of work. Field work obviously was focused on visiting our service partners so that we could improve the level of our services offered to the clients. Fun part definitely boosted our work efficiency while on work table . Have a look at a photo essay which highlights the prime attractions of the trip.

Day 1: Drive to Chitwan and transfer to Tigerland Safari Resort

166 km South East of Kathmandu lies the first Wildlife Park of Nepal, Chitwan National Park

Thrau-stick-dance

One of the biggest Ethnical tribes of Terai Lowlands of Nepal, Tharus have unique history and culture. The tharu stick dance at the resort is an insightful opportunity to peep into rich Tharu culture and history.

Day 2: Bird watching tour at the bank of Rapti River, Elephant wildlife Safari at Chitwan National Park and transfer to Hotel Water Front in Pokhara

birding-rapti-bank

Boating or Canoeing in Rapti River inside the Park is wonderful chance to spot different species of birds. Chitwan National Park is the home to 543 species of birds including 160 species of migratory birds.

elephant-wildlife-safari

The total area of 932 sq. km, Chitwan National park offers one of the best Wildlife Safaris in the world on the back of giant Asian Elephant. The Park comprises diverse species of floras in the form of wide grasslands and dense deciduous moist forest.

pea-cock

Birds like peacock and Braminhy Duck are easy spotting in the park whereas endangered bird species like Gould’s sunburn and Slaty-breasted Rail among others can also be spotted here which depends on traveler’s luck.

one-horned-rhino

Chitwan National Park is the home to 43 species of mammals which includes one-horned rhino and Royal Bengal Tiger. Varieties of species of reptiles, insects and amphibians also share the wild habitat.

After the safari and lunch with wonderful hospitality at Tigerland Safari Resort, we drive 146km North West of Chitwan and arrive to TripAdvisors’ ranked hotel of Pokhara, Water Front Resort.

Day 3: Drive to Nayapool in a private vehicle, drive to Kimche in a public vehicle and then trek to Tadapani

fishtail-pkr

Initial view of stunning Mt. Fishtail from Pokhara. The view changes as we climb higher.

Kimche

One and half hour drive to Naya Pool from Pokhara followed by 1 hour drive brings us to our trek starting point Kimche. The massif of Mt. Fishtail at the backdrop.

ghandruk

Two hours long steep uphill climb on the stone staircases from Kimche brings us to wonderful Gurung hamlet, Ghandruk. The first glimpse of rural lifestyle at Ghandruk.

tadapaniAlmost 4 and half hours of ascending climb followed by the final part of the pleasant walk along the rhododendron and bamboo woods takes us to the major stopover point in the region Tadapani. Places to stop for tea and snacks between Ghandruk and Tadapani- Sitkyu and Bhaisi Kharka

Day 4: Trek to Ghorepani via Deurali

tadapani-view

The morning view from Tadapani- From right to left- Fishtail, Gangapurna, Hinchuli and Annapurna South

Gurung-hill

Three hours of walk on the slippery, icy and rolling trial via Banthati brought us to Deurali 3105m. The view of Gurung Hill from Deurali. Gurung Hill is almost 150m steep uphill climb from Deurali.

dhaulagiri-gurung-hill

One hour up and down from Deurali to Gurung Hill rewards with striking view of Dhaulagiri, Tilicho Peak and Dhampus Peak

mt-view

One hour walk from Deurali and just before the final descend to Ghorepani the mountains open up even more. The view from the ridge of a hill between Deurali and Ghorepani. Ghorepani is just 45 minutes walk from this point.

Day 4: Early Morning Trek to Poonhill for the sunrise view, trek back to Ghorepani, and trek to Hille via, Nangethati, Banthati, Ulleri and Thirkedunga. Drive to Nayapool and drive back to Lakeside Retreat in Pokhara.

sunrise-poonhill

Colorful Nature- Dark Hills, silvern Himalayas, aureate sky and nigrescent cloud during the emerging new sun somewhere in the horizon- a striking view from Poonhill

view-poonhill

Color changes in a flash at Poonhill. Wide Himalayan range sprawls right before the eyes.

view-poonhill

The section of hills swarming to the wide Range of Dhaulagiri Himalayan Range, yet another contrast view from Poonhill- Anyone would call this place a paradise

poonhill-view

Dhaulagiri witnesses the expression of love! Where else in the world people can find such a romantic place?

Day 6: Boating at Fewa Lake in Pokhara

tal-barahi

A sacred Hindu shrine, Taal Barahi Temple in the middle of Fewa Lake

fewa-lake

Tranquil Fewa Lake, colorful boats and sacred small island- A place to enjoy serenity in Pokhara

fishtail-paragliding

Flying to face the beautiful Fishtail- Pokhara is also an adventurous flying hub of Nepal

Day 7: Drive back to Kathmandu

group-pic

Explore Himalayans during the FAM Trip with their guide/porter Mr. Phool Man Kafle

Sur Sudha influences foreign musicians to play Mexican and African tunes.

 

sur-sudha

Music, a sole universal language plays an integral role in anyone’s life. Goodwill Ambassador of Nepal Tourism Year 2011, Sur Sudha performed for the first time at Pokhara. Madhushala Restro and Lounge Bar situated in Lakeside, Pokhara was enthralled to listen a soothing music by Sur Sudha, which propagated a complete message of peace and harmony.

“Tourists enjoyed the show, listening to typical Nepali music at its best and the fellow Nepalese appreciated the real essence of Nepali music”, Siroj Koirala the owner of Madhushala said.

Poet Tirtha Shrestha, who attended the live show said, “Traditional music blended with the Nepali culture very well fits into tourism.” Sustainable tourism can be achieved only if nature and culture are connected”, Shrestha added.

Prem Rana Autari, flutist of the band was overjoyed to perform at Pokhara. Ear pleasing melodies of Yaman Raag, Malashree dhun, simsime panima and resham firiri were played by Surendra Shrestha, Rajeev Shrestha, Bikash Sunar and flutist Autari to entice the audience at the bar. Besides, the Eastern music played with instruments like Tabala, sitar and flute among others, the introduction of guitar to these instruments created wonderful fusion music during the live show.

The musical atmosphere turned out to be an international show as the few foreign musicians played Mexican and African tunes, influenced by Sur Sudha ’s performance.

Sur Sudha, one among the few Nepali bands to have performed hundreds of live shows in European and American Cities targets to promote Nepalese Tourism through music.