Travel guide – pokhara
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Overview
Pokhara is known more for its beautiful lakeside setting and panoramic mountain views of distant Himalayan peaks than for historical sights and culture. The lake is the second largest in the Kingdom, and the sight of brightly painted wooden boats and sails rippling across the reflections of icy summits, presents a picture of perfect serenity. It has become a popular base for some of Nepal’s finest trekking expeditions as well as the main centre for white water rafting and kayaking trips. The city provides a peaceful place to relax before or after tackling the mountains or the rivers, and there are a multitude of excellent shops supplying the necessary equipment for trekking expeditions.
Pokhara is divided into two parts – the lakeside and the bazaar area. The actual town or bazaar of Pokhara is set back from the lake, while the lakeside has become the main tourist-orientated zone brimming with bakeries, international restaurants, shops, souvenirs and woven handicrafts, bookshops, hotels and guesthouses.
The city is a favourite for visitors to Nepal as a relaxing break from the temples, noise and bustle of the Kathmandu Valley. There are ample opportunities for swimming, boating and fishing on the lake, or lazing on the sunny lakeshore before the magnificent backdrop of some of the highest mountains on earth.
Climate
Nepal has two seasons – the dry season from October to May and the rainy, monsoon season from June to September. Early spring (March to April) and late autumn (October and November) are the best times to visit, and also offer the clearest mountain views and good weather for trekking. From December to February there is snow on the mountains with freezing temperatures at high altitudes, while the summer months of June to August can be very hot for general travel.
Health
No immunization is required, but vaccinations for cholera, hepatitis A, meningitis, tetanus, diphtheria and typhoid are recommended. Altitude sickness is a real risk for trekkers. There is a risk of malaria between June and September in the low-lying areas including Chitwan National Park. Outbreaks of Japanese encephalitis occur annually, particularly between July and December; vaccination is advised. More than 300 people died in December 2005 from this disease. Untreated water should be avoided; visitors can buy bottled water or purify their own. When trekking it is preferable to treat one's own water rather than leaving a trail of plastic bottles behind; purifying water with iodine is the cheapest and easiest way to treat water. Stomach upsets are likely to be the most common cause of illness in travellers; food in tourist restaurants or 'Western' food should be treated with caution as it is often reheated or left to stand out, and drinks or salads can contain ice or have ingredients washed in dirty water. Standard of care in hospitals varies, but there are traveller's clinics in Kathmandu and numerous pharmacies in the major towns. Medical insurance is essential.
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