Hotel Tragopan Pvt.Ltd.

The nearest hotsprings...

by Saagar

A short day hike away from Pokhara are the nearest hotsprings. Unless you are a very fast hiker or do it as a jogging trip you need to stay overnight. I reckon it's about 3 1/2-4 hours walk one way from the Pokhara-Baglung highway at Majha Bhatti just above Hyangja, and via Gharchok-Dhiprang. But if road conditions are ok, you can probably also take a 4x4 jeep up to Burjung kholagaon via K.I. Singh Bridge, Lamachaur and Tallakot, and have the vehicle wait for you while you do the 3-hour hike from here up to the hot springs and back via Chaura..

The hotsprings are tiny ones located on the banks of Sethi Khola up the valley from Pokhara, and the few hot spring sources here are ravaged by monsoon floods each year. The locals rearrange the rocks and dig out a basin after each monsoon, so there is a sandy basin where you can wallow. Nearby is an official ACAP-organised camp ground, but no guest house.
The exact location is on the eastern banks of the Sethi river very near the camp ground, just above the bridge across the Sethi, north of Dhiprang village/below Mirsa village. You see the sulphur-stained rocks just on the edge of Sethi there.
These days this is well within Maoist-controlled territory, so you may wish to take care while being there and walk out to a somewhat more populated place, such as Burjung Khola, for overnight stays.
I wouldn't consider the hotsprings a target for a single day hike, unless you do it for sports; they are not that impressive, but as a stop on a few days' hike easy the place is wonderful. Or on a return from a more serious Mardi Himal trek.

Outdoors on a real Lakeside

by Saagar about Fewa Park Restaurant

The food at Fewa Park Restaurant isn't the main thing - but the outdoors scene is. Here is a direct proximity to the lake in a park-like setting, outdoors and indoors seating and a generally a good atmosphere. A perfect place to relax and chat yournway into a meal.
A great place to bring children, too. The menu is long and winding.
They make excellent tandooris and daal bhaats. Try the fish in variations. A grilled fish sizzler with lemon sauce is a not-to-be missed thing to do in Pokhara, and Fewa park may be the place to try just that.

Boating on the Lake

by Folbi

If you want to take the photo of the previous tip then you'll have to hire a small boat on the lake shore. You can choose between driving it yourself or hiring someone to do it for you. Don't forget to haggle for the price of it.

Tibetan camps in Pokhara

by Saagar

You will encounter many Tibetans (from Tibet proper) in Pokhara. While they are not that badly off, enterprising and tolerant people as they are, they are still after all these years living in (refugee) camps and not entirely accomodated into the Nepal nation. Getting citizenship is exceedingly difficult and UNHCR and other UN agenices are therefore still involved in assisting them.
To see their well-run and neat (for a camp...) living areas, monasteries, stupas, schools, shops and handicraft production go an visit and buy your sovenirs and carpets etc. directly from them. It is not going to be a tour of poverty and sadness, but of nice encounters with a very proud and great people.

Phokara.

by euzkadi

"On the shores of Lake Phewa Tal."

The adventure center in Nepal. This city of almost 200,000 inhabitants is located 198 kms west of Kathmandu. The city is divided by the Seti river, and consists of three parts: Chipledunga or downtown, Bagar the old centre and the touristic area of Baidam or Lakeside, located on the shores of Phewa Tal lake.

"Lakeside."

This is the tourisitic area of the city, and where most of the hotels, restaurants and shops are located. Beautiful views of the lake (the second-largest lake in the country). A nice and relaxed bohemian atmosphere during the day, and a small but pleasant night life. A good hub to start your explorations around.

"Sarangkot."

Maybe the best place to enjoy a close view of the peaks ( if the weather permits). The viewpoint is located in the ruins of a fort occupied by the army. If you want to reach the fort walking, be prepared for a steep climb.