A starting and ending point for many of the world's most demanding hikes, Nepal guests in Pokhara can mentally and physically prepare for the brutal weeks ahead or ease back into civilization.
Those bedraggled and hairy can take advantage of the plethora of tradtional barbers in town. Often using classic straight razors and rich shaving creams, most shaves are accompanied by a soothing head massage and alum oil-infused face rub.
Pokhara's newer digs are in the appropriately named Lakeside region. Travelers find it easy to zen out beside the calm waters of Phewa Tal. However, for those guests whose adrenaline is never satiated, the lake also provides many opportunities to paraglide over one of the world's most scenic vistas of the Himalayas.
Hikers who time their travels appropriately may be able to watch or even participate in the always-popular Rickshaw Run. Now held three times per year due to increasing popularity, teams will trek through some of the wildest Himalyan terrain for two weeks, with the rickshaws always expected to stay in tow and well-kept. With routes always changing, many races terminate in Pokhara, so those simply wanting to celebrate the race completion with competitors can do so in town.
The Himalayas' front door in Pokhara
Posted on Wednesday, Feb. 22nd, 2012
