Trekking in Nepal Pokhara : Exploring Pokhara
Introduction
Welcome to Trekking in Nepal Pokhara , a heaven for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts! Situated in the Annapurna mountain range, Pokhara offers an unparalleled trekking experience that combines natural beauty with cultural richness. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a amateure explorer, Pokhara has crystal clear lakes, scenic beauty of Himalayas, deep george, white mountain view, green forest view. This blog will guide you through the essentials of trekking in Pokhara, including important information about the region, cultural insights, and practical tips to make your adventure unforgettable.
1. Today’s Date in Nepal
Staying updated with the current date in Nepal is crucial for planning your trek. As of today, Time (UTC) of UTC+05:45 all over Nepal, Nepal is bustling with trekkers eager to explore its majestic trails. The weather and local festivals can significantly impact your trekking experience, so it’s always a good idea to be aware of the current date and any ongoing events.
2. Nepal Mad Honey
While Trekking in Nepal Pokhara, you might come across the concept of Nepal Mad Honey. This rare and potent honey, harvested from cliffside hives by the Gurung tribes, is known for its psychoactive properties. The honey gets its unique characteristics from the rhododendron flowers that the bees pollinate. Rhododendron flower is the national flower of Nepal. Consumed traditionally by locals, it offers a unique cultural experience for those adventurous enough to try it. Consuming it would provide the same level of experience when it feels consuming the 40% Level alcohol.
Mad honey is said to have medicinal properties, including pain relief and hypertension treatment. However, it’s important to consume it with caution, as it can cause hallucinations and other intense effects like vomiting. If you’re curious about this local delicacy, it’s best to seek guidance from experienced locals or guides to ensure a safe experience. You would find different color rhododendon. Some are in Pink. Some are in White But most of them are in Red color.
3. Travel Visa for Nepal
Before going on your Trekking in Nepal Pokhara, ensure you have a valid travel visa for Nepal. Obtaining a visa is straightforward and can be done online or upon arrival at the airport. Tourists can get visas for 15, 30, or 90 days, depending on the duration of their stay.
Here are the steps to obtain a travel visa for Nepal:
Online Application: You can fill out an online application form on the official Nepal immigration website. This option allows you to complete most of the paperwork before your arrival, speeding up the process at the airport.
On Arrival: If you prefer, you can also obtain a visa upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Fill out the visa application form, provide a passport-sized photo, and pay the visa fee in cash (USD is widely accepted).
Visa Extension: If you decide to extend your stay, you can extend your visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry, and always carry a few extra passport-sized photos and a photocopy of your passport.
Visas obtained on Arrival at the Entry and Exit points are ‘Tourist Visas’. They bear multiple Re entry facility. Tourist Visa ‘On Arrival’ is the only entry visa to Nepal. If you are visiting Nepal for the purposes other than Tourism (sightseeing, tour, travel, mountaineering, trekking, visiting friends and families), you should still get ‘ Tourist Visa’ to get into the country. However, you must change the category of visa as per your purpose and length of stay in Nepal from Department of Immigration by producing required documents.
Nationals of following countries are requested to acquire Visa prior their arrival from their nearby Diplomatic missions (Embassies/consulates) of Nepal Government.
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Zimbabwe
- Swaziland
- Cameroon
- Somalia
- Liberia
- Ethiopia
- Iraq
- Palestine
- Afghanistan
- Syria
- Refugees with travel document
On Arrival Visa Fee at Entry Points
15 Days – 30 USD
30 Days – 50 USD
90 Days – 125 USD
for more information on visa process:
https://www.immigration.gov.np/en/page/tourist-visa
4. Trekking in Nepal Pokhara
Pokhara is a trekker’s home, offering a variety of trails that cater to different levels of difficulty. The Annapurna Circuit and the Poon Hill trek are among the most popular routes, providing stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, lush forests, and picturesque villages.
Annapurna Circuit trek: This is one of the most famous trekking routes in the world, known for its diverse landscapes and cultural richness. The trail takes you through lush subtropical forests, terraced farmlands, arid deserts, and high-altitude landscapes. The circuit typically takes around 15-20 days to complete, depending on your pace and acclimatization needs.
Poon Hill Trek: For those with limited time, the Poon Hill trek is an excellent option. This 4-5 day trek offers panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The highlight of the trek is the sunrise view from Poon Hill, where the first rays of the sun illuminate the snow-capped peaks, creating a magical experience.
Mardi Himal Trek: Another less crowded trek, the Mardi Himal trek takes you to the base of Mardi Himal and offers stunning views of the Annapurna Range. This trek usually takes about 5-7 days and is ideal for those seeking a quieter trail with equally breathtaking scenery.
5. Hiking in Pokhara Nepal
Pokhara is also perfect for short hikes. The World Peace Pagoda and Sarangkot offer breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the mountains. These hikes are ideal for those looking to experience the natural beauty of Pokhara without committing to a multi-day trek.
World Peace Pagoda:
World Peace Pagoda is also known as the Shanti Stupa, this hike takes about 2-3 hours round trip. The trail starts from the south of Phewa Lake, and after a moderate climb, you reach the stupa, which offers a serene environment and spectacular views of the lake and mountains.
Sarangkot:
Sarangkot is famous for its sunrise and sunset views, Sarangkot is a short hike from Pokhara. The trail can be completed in about 3-4 hours, making it a popular choice for those who want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas with minimal effort. Sarangkot is also a popular spot for paragliding, providing a bird’s-eye view of the valley and mountains.
These shortHiking in Pokhara Nepal are perfect for gaining full experience of the trip with limited time who still want to experience the natural beauty of the region.
6. Practical Tips for Trekking in Pokhara
For safe and enjoyable trekking experience, here are some practical tips:
Acclimatization: Altitude sickness is a common concern for trekkers in Nepal. It’s essential to acclimatize properly by taking rest days, ascending slowly, and staying hydrated. You must not climb a large vertiacal distance at once, you have to take time by resting at different altitude. Different tablets available in country capital can help prevent altitude sickness, but consult with a healthcare professional before use.
Packing: Pack light but ensure you have essential gear such as trekking boots, a warm sleeping bag, a down jacket, layered clothing, a first aid kit, different pair of shoes and a good quality backpack. Don’t forget trekking poles, a headlamp, and a water purification system or tablets.
Permits: Obtain the necessary permits, such as the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. These can be obtained in Kathmandu, Pokhara or you can counsult your travel agency.
Guides and Porters: Hiring a local guide or porter can enhance your trekking experience. Guides provide valuable insights into the local culture and ensure your safety, while porters can carry your heavy bags, allowing you to enjoy the trek with less strain.
Weather: Check the weather forecast before your trek. The best seasons for trekking in Pokhara are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is stable, and the views are clear.
Respect Local Culture: Nepal has a rich cultural heritage, and respecting local customs and traditions is important. Always ask for permission before taking photographs of people, dress modestly, and learn a few basic phrases in Nepali to communicate with locals. But dont worry Nepalese are very polite, friendly and helpful people.
Conclusion
Start your journey to Pokhara, Nepal, where every step on the trail reveals beautiful lakes, white himalayas, big george, antique historical places, modern luxury five star hotels for accomodation. From the mystique of mad honey to the grandeur of the Himalayas, Pokhara promises an unforgettable trekking adventure of sarangkot and many more with natural waterfall. Whether you’re tackling the challenging Annapurna Circuit or enjoying a peaceful hike to the World Peace Pagoda, the experiences you gain in Pokhara will stay with you forever.
So pack your bags, secure your visa, and get ready to explore the trekking capital of Nepal. With its stunning natural waterfalls, vibrant culture, and helpful people, Pokhara is a destination that every trekker should experience at least once in their lifetime.
For more hiking and trekking ideas:
https://www.racealpine.com/hiking-and-trekking-in-nepal/
https://www.racealpine.com/nepal-motorcycle-tour/
https://www.racealpine.com/nepal-visiting-wildest-dream/
Trip planned by Race Alpine Treks and Tours
Banasthali, Kathmandu, Nepal
for more info
whatsapp : 977-9851356749, 977-9851356748
website : www.racealpine.com
email : contact@racealpine.com
