Pokhara, Nepal's second largest city, is normally a bustling tourist hub for outdoor activities. It's the perfect base for trekking in the famous Annapurna region. Pokhara didn't have any damage from the earthquake, but it has far fewer tourists than normally. We stayed here before and after our Annapurna trek, and there was a noticeable increase in the number of tourists as it gets closer to the October-November high season. The lakeside setting is beautiful, and when the clouds cooperate you can see the Annapurna Himal.
We did as many activities as we could:
-We went paragliding for the first time ever. Priscilla really enjoyed and her pilot let her steer. I was immediately sick from the constant circling to catch the thermals. Luckily we were over a forest.
-Whitewater rafting on the Trisuli River. Priscilla really enjoyed, and I again got really motion sick. Did only one day instead of our planned two.
-Rooftop yoga in the rain with a local guru.
-Saw the filming of a Nepali music video.
-Rented bikes and explored the city plus a few more sights: 1) a cave temple 2) a waterfall and 3) the excellent International Mountaineering Museum, with exhibits on Nepalese culture, the history of mountaineering in the Himalayas, geology, and conservation.
-Massages, more enthusiastic than skilled, but still a bargain at $20/hr.
-Outdoor movie at a cafe: "Empire Strikes Back", complete with trivia quiz.
-Peter
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