Category: Things to Do

Pokhara, is the second largest city in Nepal and the gateway to Annapurna. It's also known as the 'adventure', or 'tourism' capital. This sprawling city is actually nine times larger than Kathmandu! The area of Lakeside is the tourist hub. It's a great place to unwind, or go adventure crazy! How you feel might depend on whether or not you've already completed your trek! But either way, you should consider spending at least a day in Pokhara before you return to Kathmandu. The culture of Lakeside is a vibrant, yet laid-back blend of East and West. Choose from many adventure sports, including paragliding and whitewater rafting. Soak up the stunning mountain scenery. Float in a boat on the lake. Enjoy the lazy summer vibe, the many yoga studios, and small luxuries like good coffee! Pokhara has changed significantly over recent years. More and more luminous bars and coffee shops have appeared on Lakeside, and it's more expensive than ever before. Yet you'll still witness a very different way of life and find cows randomly wandering the streets. You'll marvel at the lack of vehicle accidents despite the chaos - it just works! Even if you've only got a day in Pokhara, you can pack it full of great activities. These are my favourites! Phewa Tal (Fewa Lake) Pokhara's most stunning feature is Phewa Tal. Even more incredible for it's mirror reflections of Machapuchare (Fish Tail) and the Annapurna mountains. Rent a colourful wooden boat, then row out into the lake and experience pure tranquility. From the water, enjoy beautiful sunset views of the Shanti Stupa to the South, and Sarangkot and the Annapurna massif to the North. Sarangkot A very popular paragliding spot, Sarangkot (1,600m/5,249ft) also makes for a super day hike. As you climb 800m/2,625ft from Lakeside, stop to

What to do in Kathmandu? If you're planning a trek in Nepal and thinking you'll spend some time in the capital, you might be wondering what to do in Kathmandu! There are so many amazing things to see and do including an impressive seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites - more than in any other city! Yes, it's hard to know where to start! In this blog, read about my first experience in the incredible city I love - Kathmandu. First Time Arriving in Kathmandu My first trip to Kathmandu created a barrage of emotions. Apprehension and nervousness quickly turned into curiosity. Followed by the need to ‘be brave’ and just get out there and explore. I stayed in Thamel – the tourist haven of Kathmandu. It was another world. Vibrant colours, sounds and smells coming from every direction. Cows in the street and tiny taxis squeezing their way through unlikely spaces. I was instantly hooked on the laid back yet organised chaos of Kathmandu! Arriving in Kathmandu for the first time, a solo female, was a nerve wracking experience! Staff from my hotel were waiting for me at the airport. It was dark. We drove for what seemed like a long time through unlit streets, navigating bumps and holes in the road. I was grateful to reach the hotel safely! Getting Oriented in Thamel (or Not!) The next morning, I left the hotel to find a maze of tiny, colourful streets without pavements that all looked the same. Despite traveling regularly, my orientation leaves a lot to be desired! After ten minutes, I returned to my hotel to collect myself. It took a while, but I gradually ventured further and further out. The most important thing is to carry a business card from your hotel. If you’re lost, locals will