Pokhara vs. Kathmandu: The Great Debate!
Most of the tourists returning to Nepal, as a general rule, are pro Pokhara or Kathmandu. It is a very rare case that you want to spend the same time in your two favorite cities, however, I think those people are out there, as if it were one. Why one or the other you ask, well, each one is individually unique and has quite different atmospheres. What most tourists do not see is outside the square of each of these cities, mainly thinking that the city begins and ends in Thamel for Kathamndu and Lakeside Pokhara for Pokhara, when in reality there are several cities that widely surround each center. tourist.
Why Kathmandu? Well sure this is filled with a busy and noisy city atmosphere, but it is Nepal’s main arrival for most visiting tourists, so one cannot just pass it by without trying crazy but fascinating Kathmandu. Your little pocket of tourist paradise is in Thamel. It seems somewhat sheltered from today’s Kathmandu business district, where traffic, shopping malls, and the construction of bigger and better buildings mix in a huge explosion of progress. Thamel is a charming area, full of alleys, nooks and crannies, where little shops line the narrow streets, while taxis, rickshaws, motorcycles and tourists push and weave their way around and around the main narrow roads.
Restaurants of all cuisines are mixed in incredible disguise, in traditional buildings and authentic architecture, as one truly feels that one has entered another world that simply has not bothered to catch up with our own modern and developed countries, without However, Thamel disguises himself as an ancient gem in the middle of a journey, Kathmandu struggles to move towards today’s fast pace without us noticing. From this lively center, one can be sure to find fascinating culture, great nightspots, local markets, and just about anything on the menu of a host of multicultural restaurants. Temples adorn the street corners and hillside views, both Buddhist and Hindu, the ringing of bells and chants can still be heard in the quiet hours of the morning, although most of the day is occupied with sounds. From dogs barking and honking, Kathmandu is still a very spiritual and amazing place to spend a lot of time.
Why Pokhara? To me, the air seems a little easier to breathe here, time slows down a little more, and the peaceful Fewa Lake seems to be taking this laid-back lakeside town for a happy, relaxed nap. The sun seems to shine a bit brighter, maybe it’s because the roads are wider and the buildings aren’t that tall. The paved sidewalk makes getting around a bit easier after dodging taxis in Thamel. The side shops are generally a bit larger and unless you venture into the actual city of Pokhara you won’t find as many small alleys, however they are there to discover. The wide variety of restaurants still feature multicultural delicacies, but the sounds of honking and barking dogs are a bit more subdued, here you are more likely to get stuck behind a buffalo taking a morning walk to the lake.
The nightlife is very relaxed in Pokhara, some tourist favorite places line the main road that runs across the lake shore from the airport, after the road finally turns to gravel, the pace becomes even slower, but here you can find local places that you will never want. let. You can casually bike or even horseback along this path, just disappearing into another time. Temples still grace this lazy little town from hill to hill. One can find the best paragliding views along the Himalayas among raptors here, a simply divine experience. Of course, again, while Thamel disguises Kathmandu, so does Lakeside for Pokhara, a city not far from this quiet little town full of business and shopping, the real Pokhar. You will find the same if you venture to Chitwan National Park which has its own little town, there is a Chitwan town accompanying you believe it or not.
The resorts are masterpieces of Nepal, enjoy them, but also get out there and see the outer cities and districts, because that is where you will see the real Nepal, and not one that has been specially designed for you and me, even if it is a paradise. for adventurous travelers. .