Spice up your family trip to Pokhara with these off-the-beaten-path activities!
The pretty lakeside town of Pokhara attracts large numbers of visitors, ranging from thrill-seekers enjoying adventure sports, to serious trekkers embarking on hikes around the Annapurna Circuit, to families looking for a little R&R around the lake. There are welcoming, affordable guest houses, cozy restaurants, and yoga studios, making the place a breeze for family visitors to Nepal. Moreover, the compact nature of the place means families can see the major sites in just a few days. The mountain breezes make Pokhara a literal breath of fresh air for anybody who has recently spent time among the traffic fumes of Kathmandu, but the swathes of North Face-clad tourists who flock here can make a visit to Pokhara feel a little like following the herd. Follow these tips to get off the beaten path with your family in Pokhara!
Head to Begnas Lake
Pokhara sits pretty on the shores of beautiful Phewa Lake, and it’s not surprising that this lovely stretch of water is a major draw for nature-loving families heading out to the water for boating, windsurfing and other water sports. It’s undoubtedly a gorgeous spot, but it’s also a very popular one, drawing more visitors than any other lake in the country. For something that feels more satisfyingly off-the-beaten track, Begnas Lake is just as picturesque, but lacks the big crowds and bustling restaurants. Regular buses make the 18km ride out to the lake, but it’s also possible to combine a visit with a relatively easy trek. Keen walkers will be able to do it in a day, with ample opportunity to stop for picnics in stunning surroundings, and it’s even possible to hire a sherpa guide and/or a porter who can carry little ones in a wicker basket, taking some of the strain off parents’ weary limbs and freeing up space for backpacks. The north side of the lake is particularly quiet, even in high season, and visitors to Pokhara with kids will find plenty of budget-friendly spots for a night’s stay, as well as simple restaurants that feel a whole lot less touristy than those in Pokhara itself.
Visit Nearby Villages
If you and your family want to get a taste of how local people live in the mountainous Annapurna region of Nepal, you’ll need to leave Pokhara and head to the nearby villages. Luckily, there’s gorgeous scenery galore as you set off along trails that follow trickling rivers past terraced fields to small, traditional villages inhabited by Gurung and Ghale people. You’ll be met with friendly curiosity, and following trails onwards (it’s possible to do this alone with a reliable map, or with a guide if your navigation skills are likely to fail you) to reach the village of Kalikasthan. Kalikasthan is famous because it is the starting point for the Royal Trek, the route so-named because Prince Charles walked along it with a 90-person entourage back in the 1980s. There are plenty of places to enjoy a peaceful hot drink and bite to eat in this small village, but the real beauty of the place is the view of snowy mountains, stretching as far as the eye can see. From here, three central Himalayan ranges, Manaslu, the Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri, are clearly visible, while the nearby Kalikasthan Ridge houses still more villages and camps, as well as a large local school.
Socially-Responsible Shopping
Pokhara’s shops and markets offer any number of opportunities to pick up colorful souvenirs and climbing gear–just watch out for “North Fake” items that will do little to protect you in extreme conditions, as counterfeit items are commonplace! There is one store that merits a visit over the others: the Women’s Skills Development Organisation is a not-for-profit, fair-trade group that works with socially and economically disadvantaged women from rural communities. The gorgeous, expertly crafted bags, scarves and knitted toys are worthy of your investment even without the feel-good factor. You’ll find the store right by the lake in Pokhara.
Visit a Tibetan Refugee Village
A little out of town in Chhore Patan, visit the Tashiling Tibetan Refugee Settlement, which is home to about 500 Tibetans who have fled their homeland after Chinese troops invaded Tibet. Here you can meet some Tibetans and attend the puja (Buddhist ceremony), which occurs daily at 3 PM. The ceremony involves the young monks playing traditional instruments and chanting from religious texts. If you’re in need of some authentic Tibetan souvenirs, check out the Tashiling Handicrafts Centre outside the gates of the village. Chhore Patan showcases the rug-making skills of Tibetan refugees, and the goods are first rate.
Chill Out at the Movie Garden
Head to Northern Pokhara for movie night, every night! Located in the quieter northern end of town, the Movie Garden screens different films every night (time differs depending on the season). Their outdoor area is filled with comfy bean bags and couches, and they project the movies on a large screen. They also serve beers and non-alcoholic beverages, along with snacks (popcorn is a must!). On Saturdays, there is a double-feature with a kids’ movie in the early evening and a film for more mature audiences afterwards. Check the schedule on their Facebook page to see what the movies are going to play each week.
Eat This: Momos
Whether you’re visiting for a relaxing few days in Pokhara with the family, or taking a pit stop before an energy-burning trek, food is likely to be a focal point of your stay here. Tibetan momos are hugely popular in Pokhara, and the meat-or-chicken-stuffed dumplings are usually a big hit with kids. Wash those momos down with sweet and spicy masala tea or, if you’re brave enough, potent raksi (the local firewater) at any number of family-run spots. Opinion is strictly divided about which Pokhara restaurant serves the best momos, but most people agree that the most authentic taste of Tibet, (and a tourist-free experience!), take a 20-minute ride out of town to Mount Kailash Tibetan Restaurant, at the entrance to the Tibetan encampment at Chhore Patan, and run by a friendly Tibetan family. Just ask them to hold the chili sauce if the little ones haven’t acquired a taste for spice!
