Pokhara: Blessed with nature’s bounty

Ask any tourist who comes to Nepal where he or she would like to go besides Kathmandu, and almost always you will hear the answer “Pokhara”. A laid back valley in the laps of the Annapurna mountain ranges, Pokhara enchants the visitors with its beautiful Fewa Lake and the spellbinding view of the Machhapuchre mountain.

Boating is one of the favourite means to pass the time in Pokhara.

Besides swimming or boating at the Fewa lake, visitors can also go for short and long treks and get a close up view of the local people, most of whom are Gurungs and Thakalis, two of the many ethnic groups of Nepal.

Pokhara is  easy to reach both by air and by road. There are almost a dozen flights to the town every day from Kathmandu. After the construction of the Prithivi High way in 1970, Pokhara is within a comfortable driving distance as well. The drive takes about six hours to reach Pokhara and you start to feel a difference right from the moment you take the first breath in this inviting land. You do not have to worry about your fooding and lodging requirements in Pokhara. There are many hotels in the town but it is advisable to have a hotel room booked in advance.

There are so many places to see and visit in Pokhara. You can see  peaks like Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167 mtrs.), Mt. Annapurna south peak (7219 mtrs.) Mt. Annapurna I (8091 mtrs.) Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) (6997 mtrs.) Annapurna III (7555 mtrs.) Mt. Annapurna IV (7529 mtrs.), Mt. Annapurna II (7937 mtrs.) and Mt. Lamjung (6983 mtrs.) from this lake town.

  In Phewa Taal, you can  hire a boat at the lake side and  glide along the waters of this tranquil lake. There is a temple of Goddess Varahi built on a mound  at the middle of the lake. It is a pagoda type temple and the Hindus go to worship the Goddess inside. Don’t forget to see the image of Mt. Machhapuchhre reflected in Phewa lake. The scene looks brilliant at sunrise.

You may also go riding on a pony and seeing local sights. One of them is “Devi’s Fall”, which is called Patle Chhango in Nepali. It is a seasonal fall so you may not find this fall full of water in the winter and dry seasons. But the shapes of the stones and rocks through which it is flowing is really unique and worth viewing. The other interesting sight is the Seti river with deep gorges.

 Mahendra Cave is a stalagmite-stalactite cave and interesting from religious point of view too. There are many images of the Hindu Gods and Goddesses on the walls of the cave and it is said that they are natural. Electric lights have been fitted in some portions of the cave, so you can see the cave very clearly. You can also carry a candle with you inside the cave. Bindebasini temple is another artistic temple constructed on a small mound at the outskirts of Pokhara. The old market of Pokhara is also an interesting place.

If you are interested in trekking, there are many places to go from Pokhara. If you want to go for a half day trek there are quite a few places like Tashi Ling and Tasi Pakhel, the Tibetan villages not very far from Devi’s Fall, where you can see the typical Tibetan culture. Ram Bazaar is another place which gives you a good view of the hardworking Nepalese in their typical way of living. There are many places like Sarangkot, Kanchu Danda, Tutunga, Dhunge Sangu, Phoksing Danda, Begnas Taal, Rupa Taal, Ghachok Lekh for one day or two day’s trekking. You just have to go and contact one of the good trekking agencies in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

If you want to go by yourself only, just find a detailed map of Pokhara and its surroundings, get the necessary permits from the authorities and start walking.

GG prepares for the 2000!

-By A Staff Reporter

Soaltee Crowne Plaza’s restaurant Gurkha Grill is all decked up with pomp, panache and party ambience to welcome in the new millennium with Pre-marital, a band from the Philippines that has shaken, rattled and rolled in snazziest of establishments across the Pacific.

Gurkha Grill considered by many as the finest French and continental restaurant in Kathmandu maintains its old charm yet combines modernity with the introduction of Pre-marital. The Pre-marital band comprising of three beauties from the Orient - Kathryn, Rubirosa, Cris Lanneh along with Baltazar belt out latest hip-shaking, mind-pulverizing, hottest chart-toppers to suit the mood of the moment. Visiting Gurkha Grill now offers the very best in entertainment in here along with cordon bleu cuisine prepared by Master Chef Brian Hewitt.

Along with entertainment and reburbishment, the menu also receives an innovative facelift. The existing menu has been added a dash of steam and sizzle with the introduction of a special Grill & Mash Menu. This menu is an all new concept in dining out. With it the guest can simply make his own combination of grill, mash and sauce.

The Grukha Grill or GGs as it would be known in the next millennium will soon open and taking centrestage will be Pre-marital. So for the best seats keep your eyes open for more from GGs.

Push for quality tourism persists

-By A Staff Reporter

A Group representing various travel companies, tour operators worldwide and travel writers are in Nepal on the eve of the Millennium Year to promote tourism to this country. Emphasis is laid on the fact that Nepal is a diverse destination offering opportunities for not only cultural but adventure tourism covering a spectrum of activities that is unique to this country. Nepal will be promoted at a higher level keeping in view that quality tourism is alive and well here.

The group comprising of travel companies senior sales executives and the journalists is second such tour sponsored by the companies in their continuing efforts in promoting more travel into Nepal. It will also preposition the country as an important hub destination that connects travellers to neighbouring Bhutan, Tibet and the north eastern regions of India.

The Study Group is sponsored by Regal Excursions, Asian Encounters/Bhrikuti Himalayan Treks, Hotel Shangrila, Necon Air, Globotrek Switzerland and Qatar Air.

Globotrek is among the top leading Swiss tour operators offering cultural and adventure holidays in that country. Besides Nepal, holidays to 15 other destinations are available in the worldwide programme promoted by this company.

Regal Excursion and Asian-Encounters-- Bhrikuti Himalayan Treks are two leading quality travel operators based in Kathmandu with over 20 years of experience in leisure trade. Cultural tours and treks are offered throughout the country and the neighbouring regions as well. Experienced culture and trekking guides are offered through its professional services.

Hotel photo exhibits

-By A Staff Reporter

In its ongoing commitment to promote local talent, Hotel De L’Annapurna organised a Photo Exhibition from 29th Nov 99 to 1st Dec 99.

The renowned Nepalese photgraphers from Professional National Photographic Society, Pradeep Shakya, Sambhu Manandhar and R.K. Manandhar have tried to capture the beauty of Nepal and its people with their camera.

The exhibition had on display 30 colour and black and white photgraphs that provided glimpses of Nepal, its natural beauty, lifestyle and culture. Their work was highly appreciated by all the viewers. When it comes to capturing the glimpses of Nepal, who else but the Nepalese photgraphers can give you the true picture.

British assistance to HRA

-By A Staff Reporter

The British Government has given the medical centre at Pheriche US$ 7,650 to procure and supply solar power equipment. The centre is run by the Himalayan Rescue Association.

According to a British Embassy press release here, the health post at Pheriche is at an altitude of 4,200 metres and is situated five days walk from Lukla on the main trekking route in the Everest Region. The clinic, which is completely staffed by volunteer doctors, is the only source of medical care in the area for local people as well as for trekkers and their support staff. The centre treats an average of 600 patients a year. The provision of the solar equipment will provide a source of electricity for the health centre.