5 GREAT VALUE CITIES
01 POKHARA, NEPAL
Nepal is many things to many travellers: a country with great trekking and backpacking opportunities, a wildlife magnet, and a cultural draw. We’ve picked Pokhara because it’s got tonnes to see and do… It’s also a major hub for the hordes of trekkers looking to take on the Annapurna Ranges.
GREAT-VALUE STAYS
The volume of travellers passing through Pokhara ensures great stay options on a budget.
Zostel Pokhara comes well equipped with a cool in-house restaurant, wi-fi and the option of air-conditioned dorms and private rooms; expect a fun-filled atmosphere and a chilled crowd (00-977-986-927-3860; www. zostel.com/zostel/pokhara; 18, Sedi Bagar, Lakeside; from ₹ 1,000). The beautiful stone cottages at Mum’s Garden Resort, just off the lakeside in Baidam, are inviting and the perfect spot at which to unwind. For the best lake views, choose the rooms on the first floor (00-977-61-463-574; www.mumsgardenresort.com; Lakeside; from ₹ 3,000).
Located just five minutes from Phewa Lake, Hotel Middle Path & Spa offers panoramic views of the Pokhara mountains from its rooms and rooftop (00-977-61-462-812; www.hotel-middle-path.business.site;Middle Path St; from ₹ 2,300).
GREAT-VALUE FOOD & DRINK
Pokhara offers a delightful mix of Indian, Chinese, and Tibetan flavours.
BREAKFAST: Choose from an extensive menu of vegan, vegetarian and non-vegetarian options at Little Windows (00-977-980-324-8921; www.facebook.com/littlewindowsnepal; opp Saleways or Nabil Bank, Lakeside; 7am –10.30pm; from ₹ 150).
A perfect place to start your day, The Juicery serves cold-pressed juices and smoothies. Try the Summer Breeze, a mix of watermelon, mint, lemon and pomegranate (00-977-980-667-6158; next to Freedom Cafe, Lakeside 6; 7.30am – 7pm; from ₹ 100).
Old Mike’s Kitchen is known both its idyllic lakeside setting and great food; it’s perfect for that post-trek breakfast. Choose from a variety of pancakes, burritos and salads (00-977-61-463-151; Lakeside 6, Debisthan; 6.30am – 9.30pm; from ₹ 150).
LUNCH: Known for its eclectic setting and extensive menu, Fresh Elements has a large selection of European wines to make an already good lunch better – try the fish curry or anything off the grill (00-977-61-465-744; www.freshelementsrestaurant.business.site;Middle Path St, Central Lakeside; 7.15am – 10pm; mains from ₹ 200).
Visit Natssul for a taste of Korea in Nepal. The colourful bibimbap or kimchi jjigae and bulgogi come recommended (00-977-980-674-3394; www.natssul.modoo.at; right side of ₹
