Pokhara and Annapurna Circuit

More about The Annapurna Circuit

Pokhara is often referred to as the "Gateway to the Annapurna Circuit." While Pokhara itself isn't the starting point of the trek, it's the major city closest to the beginning and end points of many treks in the Annapurna region. Most trekkers fly into Kathmandu, then travel to Pokhara by bus or flight. From Pokhara, they then drive or take a local vehicle to the actual starting point of their chosen trek.

For the Annapurna Circuit, the traditional starting point is Besisahar, which is a few hours' drive from Pokhara. Similarly, treks like the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek start from Nayapul, which is also a drive from Pokhara. After completing these treks, trekkers often return to Pokhara to rest, relax, and maybe even explore the city's attractions.

The reason Pokhara is essential in the context of Annapurna treks is multifaceted:

• Logistics and Preparation: Many trekkers use Pokhara as a base for final preparations. They might spend a day or two here acquiring last-minute gear, meeting their guides or porters, and enjoying the city's amenities before heading to more remote areas.

• Recreation and Recovery: After completing a trek, Pokhara offers a comfortable place for trekkers to rest. With its beautiful lakeside setting, a variety of restaurants, massage centers, and other entertainment options, it's a great spot to relax.

• Tourist Amenities: Pokhara is a major tourist hub, so there are many guesthouses, hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies catering to trekkers' needs.

• Connectivity: While the actual trailheads might be closer to smaller towns or villages, Pokhara has better road and air connections than these places, making it more accessible for international travelers.

Annapurna Circuit Options

Annapurna Full Circuit Trek:

• Duration: 14-21 days

• The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a captivating journey that circles the Annapurna massif, traversing diverse landscapes from subtropical forests and terraced fields to alpine deserts and crossing the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters. Along the way, trekkers experience rich cultural encounters in picturesque villages and witness some of the Himalayas' most breathtaking panoramic vistas.

Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek:

• Duration: 7-12 days

• It's a direct trek to the base camp of Mount Annapurna. This trek is ideal for those wanting to experience the heart of the Annapurna mountains without spending the time required for the full circuit. The route typically goes through Ghorepani and Poon Hill, allowing for that iconic sunrise view, before heading towards the base camp.

2. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek:

• Duration: 4-6 days

• One of the most popular short treks in Nepal, this route offers stunning mountain views, especially from Poon Hill, a popular sunrise viewpoint. This trek is perfect for those with limited time or for those who want a less strenuous trekking experience.

3. Annapurna Royal Trek:

• Duration: 3-5 days

• This is one of the shortest treks in the Annapurna region and is named after Prince Charles of Britain, who trekked here. It offers scenic views without the long and challenging walks of other routes.

4. Jomsom-Muktinath Trek:

• Duration: 5-7 days

• Instead of continuing over the Thorong La Pass on the Annapurna Circuit, trekkers can head to Jomsom and then on to the holy temple of Muktinath. This route is also part of the full circuit, but many opt to fly back from Jomsom to Pokhara to shorten the journey.

5. Annapurna Circuit Shortened Version:

• Duration: 10-12 days

• With the construction of roads in parts of the Annapurna region, some trekkers are now opting to do a shortened version of the circuit. This often involves starting from a different point (skipping the first few days of the traditional route) and sometimes taking a jeep or bus on the return journey.

Best Shopping

Shopping in Pokhara:

• Lakeside Street: This is the primary shopping street in Pokhara, lined with numerous shops selling everything from traditional Nepali handicrafts to trekking gear. Here, you can find souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, and more.

• Handicrafts and Souvenirs: Look for handmade wooden items, thangka paintings, Tibetan carpets, and traditional Khukuri knives. Pashmina shawls and scarves are also popular.

• Tibetan Refugee Camp: There are a few Tibetan settlements in Pokhara where you can buy authentic Tibetan crafts, jewelry, and carpets. These items are handcrafted by the refugees and serve as a primary source of their income.

• Books and Maps: There are several bookstores along Lakeside Street where you can find books on Nepali culture, Himalayan mountaineering, and even some fiction by Nepali authors. If you're planning a trek, you can also find trekking maps here.

• Trekking and Outdoor Gear: Given that Pokhara is a starting point for many treks, there are numerous shops selling or renting trekking gear, from down jackets and sleeping bags to hiking boots and tents. Some shops offer branded gear, while others sell cheaper local or imitation products.

• Local and Organic Products: Check out stores and stalls selling organic teas, local coffee, honey, and handmade soaps. Some establishments also offer herbal products from the Himalayas.

• Silver and Gem Jewelry: Along Lakeside Street, you'll find several jewelers selling intricate silver jewelry often combined with semi-precious gemstones like turquoise, lapis lazuli, and coral.

• Traditional Nepali Attire: If you're interested in clothing, you can find traditional Nepali attire like Dhaka topis (traditional caps) and wrap-around skirts.

When shopping in Pokhara, it's common practice to bargain in smaller shops and stalls. Always compare prices before making a purchase, especially for more expensive items.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Nightlife and Entertainment in Pokhara:

• Bars and Pubs: Lakeside in Pokhara is lined with numerous bars and pubs, each offering a unique ambiance. Some are laid-back and cozy, perfect for a quiet evening, while others play lively music and become quite vibrant as the night progresses.

• Live Music: Many bars and restaurants in Lakeside host live music sessions. The genres range from traditional Nepali folk songs to popular Western hits.

• Dance Clubs: While Pokhara's nightlife isn't as bustling as Kathmandu's, there are a few dance clubs where you can groove to the latest tunes, both international and local.

• Themed Nights: Some establishments hold themed nights or special events, such as trivia nights, cultural dance performances, or even karaoke.

• Cafes: If you're not into the bar scene, Lakeside has a plethora of cafes. Many of them stay open late and offer a serene environment to relax, perhaps with a book or some board games.

• Movie Nights: Some restaurants and guesthouses in Lakeside host movie nights, where travelers gather to watch films—often related to Nepal or trekking—in a communal setting.

• Cultural Shows: These are a must if you're interested in experiencing local traditions. Some restaurants offer cultural performances, where you can see traditional Nepali dances and listen to folk music.

• Stand-Up Comedy and Open Mics: These are becoming increasingly popular, especially among the younger crowd. It's a good way to mingle with both locals and fellow travelers.

Local Cuisine

Nepali cuisine is a blend of flavors influenced by its ethnic diversity and topography. In Pokhara, which is situated in the western region of Nepal, you can find a mix of traditional Nepali dishes along with some specific to the ethnic communities of the region. Here are some of the must-try local dishes:

• Dal Bhat: This is the staple food of Nepal and consists of lentil soup (dal) served with rice (bhat). It's accompanied by vegetable curries, chutney, and might also include meat curries or fried fish, especially in Pokhara due to its proximity to freshwater sources.

• Momo: Nepali-style dumplings that are filled with either meat or vegetables. They're usually steamed, but you can also find fried or kothey (pan-fried) versions.

• Thukpa: A noodle soup that originated from Tibet but is widely loved in Nepal. It consists of meat or vegetables mixed with noodles and flavored with green chili sauce.

• Sel Roti: A traditional homemade, sweet, ring-shaped rice bread/doughnut.

• Chatamari: Often referred to as 'Nepali Pizza', it's a kind of Rice Crepe which is a traditional specialty of the Newars of the Kathmandu Valley.

• Masyaura and Gundruk: Masyaura are dried balls of black lentil paste and rice, while Gundruk is fermented leafy green vegetable. Both are unique to Nepali cuisine and offer a distinct taste.

• Yomari: A delicacy of the Newar community, Yomari is steamed dumplings filled with jaggery and sesame seeds.

• Fish Dishes: Due to the abundance of freshwater lakes and rivers around Pokhara, various local fish dishes are popular. They're often curried or fried.

• Bandel Roast: Bandel is a type of wild boar meat, and its roast is a delicacy in Pokhara.

• Bara: A traditional Newari snack made of lentil paste with spices, flattened into a patty and deep-fried.

• Local Liquor: Try Raksi, a traditional distilled alcoholic beverage, and Chhaang, a kind of rice beer. Both are popular among the locals.

• Masala Tea: A spiced tea made by brewing black tea with aromatic spices and herbs.

When in Pokhara, you'll find numerous local restaurants and eateries called 'Bhattis' serving these authentic dishes. Apart from local cuisine, Lakeside in Pokhara also offers a wide range of international cuisines due to its status as a tourist hub.

Accommodations

When visiting Pokhara and the Annapurna Circuit, the best areas to stay vary based on the kind of experience you're seeking and the activities you've planned. Here's a breakdown:

Pokhara:

• Lakeside:

  • This is the main tourist hub of Pokhara, with Phewa Lake to its side.

  • It offers a wide range of accommodation options from budget hostels to luxury hotels.

  • Here, you'll find numerous restaurants, cafes, bars, travel agencies, and shops catering to tourists.

  • The area is divided into Lakeside North and Lakeside South, with the former being more bustling and the latter a bit quieter.

• Damside:

  • Located a bit away from the main Lakeside area, Damside offers a quieter environment.

  • It's closer to the dam of Phewa Lake and provides some picturesque views.

  • Accommodation options here range from guesthouses to mid-range hotels.

• Sarangkot:

  • It's a hill located just outside of Pokhara city, known for its panoramic views of the Annapurna range and stunning sunrises.

  • There are a few guesthouses and lodges here, suitable for those wanting a peaceful environment and proximity to nature.

Annapurna Circuit:

The Annapurna Circuit doesn't have specific "areas" like a city but has numerous villages and towns serving as stopover points for trekkers. Your stops and stay will largely depend on your trekking itinerary, but here are some key places:

• Besisahar:

  • This is the usual starting point for the Annapurna Circuit trek.

  • It has several lodges and guesthouses to accommodate trekkers preparing for or just starting their journey.

• Manang:

  • Situated at an altitude of 3,519 meters, it's a major stop for trekkers to acclimatize.

  • Manang has a good range of teahouses and provides amenities like bakeries, shops, and even a small movie theater.

• Thorong Phedi/High Camp:

  • These are the last stops before crossing the challenging Thorong La Pass.

  • Accommodation here is basic, serving the primary purpose of giving trekkers a night's rest before the pass.

• Muktinath:

  • Post crossing the Thorong La Pass, Muktinath is a significant stopover.

  • It's a pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists and offers several guesthouses and lodges.

• Marpha/Jomsom/Tukuche:

  • These are on the other side of the pass and are known for their apple orchards.

  • Each village has its own set of teahouses and lodges, and Marpha, in particular, is known for its apple brandy.

• Ghorepani:

  • This village is often part of the shorter Ghorepani-Poon Hill trek but can also be integrated into the longer Annapurna Circuit trek.

  • Known for the nearby Poon Hill, a famous viewpoint, Ghorepani has numerous teahouses catering to trekkers.

Throughout the Annapurna Circuit, there are teahouses, which are basically lodges offering both accommodation and meals. As you progress in the trek, the facilities might become more basic, especially in higher altitudes. It's essential to book accommodations in advance during peak trekking seasons to ensure availability, especially in popular stopover points like Manang.