Pokhara information

If Kathmandu is the cultural hub of Nepal, Pokhara is its centre of adventure. An enchanting city nestled in a tranquil valley, it is the starting point for many of Nepal's most popular trekking and rafting destinations. The atmosphere on the shore of Phewa Lake is one of excited vitality as hipster backpackers crowd the many bars and restaurants exchanging recommendations on guest houses and viewpoints, both by the lake and above the clouds.

Pokhara is a place remarkable natural beauty. The serenity of Phewa lake and the magnificence of the fish-tailed summit of Machhapuchchre (6,977m) rising behind its create an elevation lower than Kathmandu, it has a much more tropical feel to it, a fact well appreciated by the beautiful diversity of flowers which prosper in its environs. Indeed, the valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, emerald lakes, and of course, the world famous views of the Himalayas.

Moreover, Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. This is the land of the Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and world-renowned brave-Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneur.

Places of interest in Pokhara:
Fewa Lake
Barahi Temple
Sarankot ( 1,592m)
Seti Gandaki
Devi's Fall
Mahendra Cave
The Old Bazaar
Museums

How to reach Pokhara
Pokhara, 200 km west of Kathmandu, can be reached either with flight (30 minutes) or 5 hours car/bus ride from Kathmandu. The flight to Pokhara itself is a semi-mountain flight and a wonderful bird's view of central Nepal. The enjoyable drive on the bank of river passes through small towns and village is fantastic to observe the life in Nepal.

How to reach Base Camp Resort
Let us pick you up at airport or the bus stop by car. It is 5 minutes drive from airport and walking distance to the tourist bus stop in Pokhara. Just come by the lakeside, find us and be our guest.

pokhara flying sites

The main area for flying in Nepal is the Annapurna region, more specifically the Pokhara valley. This lakeside town is Nepal's second city, nestled at the foot of the Annapurna Himal, the views commanded from here of 3 of the worlds 8000m peaks, are unsurpassed. At an altitude of 800m ASL the sub-tropical climate means that, year round, it is short and T-shirt weather. The micro-climate of the valley makes it an ideal area for flying, with far more constant conditions than the Kathmandu valley 150km east.

There are several sites around Phewa Taal (the lake) but the most accessible is Sarangkot (1500m ASL). A view point 700m above Pokhara, it is unique in that it has a road running to the top. A short walk brings you to the only purpose built take off in the country. Cut out of the slope is a 45m by 45m clearing. With regular cycles providing easy reverse launches, you could not ask for a more picturesque site. With the lake 2000ft below, the mountains behind, and the unlimited potential for XC and out and returns, this has quickly become the main site for the area, and many pilots have based themselves in Pokhara for the season, flying from this mountain alone.

There are an abundance of other sites around the valley with names such as Dhikie Danda, Galem, Sirkot, Tansen, Bandipur all can be connected by air from Sarangkot.

This is a spectacular site, with everything that makes flying in Nepal so awesome. A sheer jungle covered mountain over 2700m. Home to an abundance of wildlife and waterfalls. You can cruise along, scaring troops of monkeys screaming at you from their tree only inches from your wing tip, or ride the face and fly through the spray of a 300ft waterfall. It is also the start for the best XC flights in the area.

Paragliding in Pokhara

Visitors to Pokhara can enjoy a bird's-eye-view of its splendid Himalayan scenery and experience the thrill of flying in a micro-light aircraft. The exciting sport of motor gliding is now available in Pokhara to complement its natural beauty. The Russian-made delta-wing powered gliders can carry two persons. They have a maximum speed of 130 km per hour and can reach heights of 5,000 m. Flights are conducted by experienced Pilots.

Paragliding in Nepal : Paragliding is a relatively new adventure sport in Nepal, and little information is available in tourist guidebooks. Paragliding in this Himalayan country can be a truly wonderful and fulfilling experience for the adventure seekers. You can experience unparalleled scenic grandeur as your share airspace with Himalayan griffin vultures, eagles, kites, while floating over villages, monasteries, temples, lakes, and jungles, with a fantastic views of the majestic Himalayas.

Gliding is a weather dependent sport and the flying season in Nepal commences from November through February, the best months being November and December. By virtue of its latitude and monsoon climate, the tree line in Nepal is at an incredible 3900m above sea level. With conditions milder than summer alpine, these are excellent and constant atmospherics. The topography and climate of Nepal also make it an ideal destination for all levels of pilots - subtropical conditions provide plenty of thermals and combined with the long valleys common in Nepal, they produce perfect "cloud streets" ideal for Para gliders, inviting them to fly along this "sky highway. The local microclimate, controlled by the numerous lakes in the valley, is unique, which makes it even better for the glider.

pokhara Aircraft and its safety

These aircrafts are manufactured in Russia and are completed with the Rotax 582 engines. The operational speed ranges from 50 km/h to 130 km/h. These are two-seater plane which carries once pilot one passenger each in every flight. These aricrafts can fly for four hours and reach the height of 5000 meter and fly 300 km at a stretch. Its high aerodynamic qualities. Allow this delta wing aircraft to perform long flights with engine turned off. It’s uniquely designed and is filled with a ballistic parachute system, which will enable the aircraft to land safely during emergencies.

Insurance Policy: Our Flights are controlled by Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal and insure the Passenger, Aircraft, Pilot and the third party. Which means the insurance policy is as good as in any other domestic flights.

Operation Time: We operate our flights at Pokhara Airport from September till June from sunrise to 11pm and 3:30 pm to sunset. But if the weather permits we can fly throughout the day as well.

mustang to pokhara trekking

Mustang, a land where the soul of man is still considered to be as real as the feet he walks on: a land said to be "barren as a dead deer" but where beauty and happiness abound in spite of hardship, was a part of the Tibetan Kingdom of Gungthang until 1830's. The wall city of Lo Monthang, unofficial capital of Mustang still remains a kingdom within a kingdom. The early history to Lo Monthang is embellished in myth and legend rather than the recorded fact. Mustang has maintained its status as a separate principality until 1951. The king of Lo Monthang still retains his title and he has been given the honorary rank of Colonel in the Nepal army.

pokhara Lakes

Northside View of Lake Fewa

Northside View of Lake Fewa
Fewa Lake, the most famous lake in the Pokhara valley (other significant lakes being Begnas and Rupa) is home to over 22 native species of fish. In the center of Fewa Lake, there is what seems to be a floating temple (Barahi) which is actually an island and is the most important temple in Pokhara. Built near the center of the lake, this pagoda was constructed and dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the deity representing the female force Shakti. Barahi temple is easily accessed by renting a shuttle boat. When you are on the little island, you can buy some food to feed the large fish that swim around the temple. You are not allowed to fish from the temple as it is sacred and so are the fish that happen to be feeding there. During Dashain (a major holiday and festival) there is a grand celebration at the temple.

Although you are not permitted to fish from the Barahi Temple, Fewa Lake is an ideal spot to indulge in some recreational boating or fishing. (For information on Himalayan River fishing click here.) You can rent a boat for a couple hours (or all day if preferred) and if fishing is on your list of things to do, you can also find fishing gear for hire. There is always the option to row yourself or hire a boatman to do the tiring work for you while you relax on the lake and enjoy the views. What is more exciting is you have an option of different boats to hire: rowboats, kayaks, sailboats, and even pedal-driven ones for those looking for a little exercise on the lake.

Besides Fewa Lake, Begnas and Rupa lakes are known to be peaceful, less populated destinations for the traveler looking to do a little boating as well as fishing. Other minor lakes of the area are the Dipang, Maidi, Khaste, Neurani, and Gunde.

pokhara Outdoor Activities

Pokhara is the launching point for the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal like the Annapurna Circuit, Jomsom- Muktinath, Annapurna Base Camp, and Dhaulaguiri treks. There are different ways to start either of these treks, for those who cannot get enough trekking in their lives, they start trekking from Pokhara. There are also mountain flights to Jomsom, where you can personalize your distance to trek to any of these destinations (For tips for picking out a trek see our Choosing a trek page). There are also buses and taxis that can take you to different towns close by if you do not wish to hike directly from Pokhara and regular Pokhara-Kathmandu route buses leave daily.


Ultralight Flight Pokhara, Nepal

Ultralight Flight Pokhara, Nepal
Our sister-company, Avia Club Nepal, provides unique views of Pokhara city, valley, as well as Fewa Lake, and Himalayan mountains via ultra-light flight-- a truly one of a kind experience. They fly you as close as safety allows with the feeling that you could practically wipe the snow off of Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain)with your hand.

If river rafting or kayaking is your cup of tea, there are many rivers within a short driving distance from Pokhara. The Kali Gandaki, Seti and the Trishuli Rivers are the most popular and convenient rafting or kayaking launch sites to get to from the lakeside town. All easily accessed by bus or taxi and a respectable travel service should provide the transportation for you.

There is always the option to rent and explore the valley and surrounding mountains via mountain bike. This form of travel in Nepal has become ever more popular especially on Nepal's non-paved paths. There are places to rent bikes along lakeside drive as well as maps so you know where you are biking.

Eleven of the worlds 15 families of butterflies, call Nepal home and 523 species of birds. Many of these can be seen in the Pokhara Valley.