Pokhara: The Jewel of Nepal's Natural Beauty

• Helloनमस्ते
  [Namaste]
• Goodbyeबिदा
  [Bida]
• Yesहो
  [Ho]
• Noहोइन
  [Hoin]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [Kripya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyabad]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ गर्नुहोस्
  [Maaf garnuhos]
• How are you?तपाईंलाई कस्तो छ?
  [Tapailai kasto chha?]
• Fine. And you?राम्रो छ। र तपाईं?
  [Ramro chha. Ra tapai?]
• Do you speak English?तपाईंले अंग्रेजी बोल्नुहुन्छ?
  [Tapainle angreji bolnuhunchha?]
• I don't understandमैले सम्झिनु भएन
  [Maile samjhinu bhayena]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनु हेर्न मान्छे
  [Kripya menu hern manche]
• I don't eat meatम भांसामात्र खाँदिन
  [Ma bhasa matra khandina]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [Chearz!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया भुक्तानी गर्न चाहन्छु
  [Kripya bhuktani garn chahanchu]

• Help!मद्दत गर्नुहोस्!
  [Maddat garnuhos!]
• Go away!दूर हुनुहोस्!
  [Dur hunuhos!]
• Call the Police!प्रहरीलाई फोन गर्नुहोस्!
  [Prahari lai phone garnuhos!]
• Call a doctor!डाक्टरलाई फोन गर्नुहोस्!
  [Doctor lai phone garnuhos!]
• I'm lostम खोइएको छु
  [Ma khoieko chu]
• I'm illम बिरामी छु
  [Ma birami chu]

• I'd like to buy...म खरीद गर्न चाहन्छु...
  [Ma kharid garn chahanchu...]
• I'm just lookingम केवल हेर्न आएको छु
  [Ma keval hern aeko chu]
• How much is it?तलको मूल्य कति हो?
  [Talako mulya kati ho?]
• That's too expensiveत्यो धेरै महँगो छ
  [Tyo dherai mahango chha]
• Can you lower the price?के तपाईं मूल्य कम गर्न सक्नुहुन्छ?
  [Ke tapain mulya kam garn saknuhunchha?]

• What time is it?कति बज्यो?
  [Kati bajyo?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे छ
  [Ek baje chha]
• Half past (10)दसबजे बितिकै
  [Dasbaje bitikai]
• Morningबिहान
  [Bihaan]
• Afternoonदिउँसो
  [Diunso]
• Eveningसाँझ
  [Saanjh]
• Yesterdayहिजो
  [Hijo]
• Todayआज
  [Aaj]
• Tomorrowभोलि
  [Bholi]
• 1एक
  [Ek]
• 2दुई
  [Dui]
• 3तीन
  [Teen]
• 4चार
  [Char]
• 5पाँच
  [Paanch]
• 6छ
  [Chha]
• 7सात
  [Saath]
• 8आठ
  [Aath]
• 9नौ
  [Nau]
• 10दश
  [Dash]

• Where's a/the...?होला... कहाँ छ?
  [Hola... kaha chha?]
• What's the address?ठेगाना के हो?
  [Thegana ke ho?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?खिचान गर्न सक्नुहुन्छ?
  [Khichan garn saknuhunchha?]
• When's the next (bus)?अर्को कति बज्यो?
  [Arko kati bajyo?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक किट कति मा...
  [Ek kit kati ma...]

Nestled in the lap of the Annapurna range, Pokhara's history dates back to ancient times. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area was inhabited by the Kirat people and later by the Newar merchants. The region was a significant part of the Magar kingdom, which is believed to have ruled the area before the rise of the Gurkha kingdom.

During the medieval period, Pokhara was an important trading hub on the trans-Himalayan trade route between India and Tibet. The city's strategic location made it a bustling center for trade, attracting merchants from different regions. The Newar traders from the Kathmandu Valley played a significant role in establishing Pokhara as a commercial nexus, bringing with them their rich culture and architectural styles.

The modern history of Pokhara began in the mid-18th century when the Shah dynasty unified Nepal. The Prithvi Narayan Shah's conquest of the region in 1786 marked the beginning of Pokhara's integration into the Kingdom of Nepal. The establishment of the Gorkha recruitment center in the early 19th century further boosted the city's significance, as many young men from Pokhara joined the British and Indian armies.

During the Rana regime (1846-1951), Pokhara saw considerable infrastructural development. The Ranas, known for their autocratic rule, invested in the city's development to facilitate administrative control and enhance connectivity. The construction of roads, schools, and government buildings during this period laid the foundation for Pokhara's future growth.

The overthrow of the Rana regime in 1951 and the subsequent political changes opened Nepal to the outside world. Pokhara, with its stunning natural beauty and proximity to the Annapurna range, quickly became a popular destination for tourists. The construction of the Siddhartha Highway in the late 1960s connected Pokhara to the rest of Nepal, making it more accessible and boosting its tourism industry.

Pokhara is a melting pot of diverse cultures and ethnicities. The Gurungs, Magars, Brahmins, Chhetris, and Newars form the major ethnic groups in the city. Each community has contributed to the rich cultural tapestry of Pokhara, visible in its festivals, dances, music, and cuisine. The city is also home to a significant Tibetan refugee community, adding to its multicultural character.

Today, Pokhara is Nepal's second-largest city and a major tourist destination. It is known for its stunning landscapes, serene lakes, and adventure activities such as trekking, paragliding, and boating. The city's blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage continues to attract travelers from around the world, making it a vibrant and dynamic place to visit.

Pokhara is accessible by air and road. The Pokhara Domestic Airport has regular flights from Kathmandu, which is approximately 25 minutes away by air. For those preferring to travel by road, several bus companies operate daily services from Kathmandu to Pokhara, with travel times ranging from 6 to 8 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. Private cars and tourist minibusses are also available. The scenic drive offers beautiful views of the countryside and the Trishuli River.

Within Pokhara, local transportation options include taxis, rickshaws, and rental bicycles or motorbikes. Public buses and minibuses run along major routes and are an economical way to get around. For a more comfortable ride, taxis can be hired for short trips or on a day-rate basis for sightseeing. Renting a bicycle or motorbike is a popular choice for tourists who want to explore the city at their own pace.

The official currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). While credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, smaller vendors and establishments prefer cash. ATMs are widely available in Pokhara, but it is advisable to carry sufficient cash, especially when traveling to more remote areas. Currency exchange services are available at banks, hotels, and authorized dealers.

Pokhara is generally safe for tourists, but like any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas, and keep your belongings secure in crowded places. While crime rates are relatively low, areas such as Lakeside can experience occasional petty theft targeting tourists. Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 100 for police assistance and 102 for medical emergencies. Pokhara has several medical facilities and hospitals, including the Western Regional Hospital. Pharmacies are also readily available for minor health issues. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. For embassy assistance, the nearest embassies are located in Kathmandu.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes before entering temples and be mindful of sacred areas. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Namaste' (a slight bow with hands pressed together). Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Pokhara like a local, visit the bustling local markets such as the Old Bazaar, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Nepali goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and eager to share stories about their culture. Don’t miss a boat ride on Phewa Lake and a visit to the Peace Pagoda for panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. For an authentic experience, try a traditional Nepali meal at a local eatery and enjoy live folk music performances.