Off to Pokhara - Gateway to Annapurna region

Pokhara is the end point for the Annapurna Circuit trek and the starting point for a dozen more treks through the mountains of the Annapurna Range, including the Annapurna Sanctuary trek which I am doing.

Pokhara as compared to Kathmandu is quieter, lesser traffic but more touristy.  Thou like Themal, the streets are lined with shops selling trekking stuff, but the area is more spectacular as Mt Machhapuchhare (6,997m, "Fish Tail" in Nepali) looms high above Pokhara and on a calm day, being reflected in the placid waters of Phewa Tal.

One side of Phewa Tal

After almost like 6-7 hours of bus ride from Kathmandu, we finally reach Pokhara.  Thou, Pokhara is 400m lower than Kathmandu, it was cold (for me) with the wind blowing at me unlike our 1st day in Kathmandu where it was stuffy hot.  The hotel for the night was Green Tara Hotel which was much more decent than the one we stayed at Kathmandu. Well, added points to my liking for Pokhara. 

Street of Pokhara main tourist area