 Daybreak in a small village beyond Pokhara reveals a breath-taking mountain panorama. (Right) The early morning vista from Pokhara’s Fishtail Lodge includes Machhapuchhre and its reflected ‘twin’. (Far Right) Pokhara’s many mountain attributes are enhanced with the beauty of tiny Phewa Lake. |
  The mighty Himalayan Mountains span some 2560 km from northern Pakistan to China. Eight of its colossal peaks are often visible from Pokhara, Nepal’s largest second largest city.
Stretching from east to west the 140 km long panorama of the Annapurna Range seen in the charming town includes Annapurna I to IV and Annapurna South. Though it’s not the tallest the sharp triangular peak of Machhapuchhre stands out distinctly from the rest of the mountains.
Some of the other peaks are higher like Annapurna I at 8091 metres but being farther away they are dwarfed by the fish tailed pinnacle of mighty Machhapuchhre. The magnificent massif has yet to be conquerored though it’s not due to a lack of attempts. The pyramidal façade of this 6993 metre mountain can only be admired and that’s what some 40,000 domestic and foreign visitors currently do each year.
It’s doubtful that there is any town in Asia other than Pokhara where so many great Himalayan peaks can be seen from such a close position. A sense of awe swept over me as I stood at a lakeside vantage point 900 metres above sea level gazing at a icy summits nearly 7 km high.
An illustrated feature on Pokhara can be written on assignment from 1000 to 2000 words depending upon editorial requirements. A short ‘sidebar’ or a dedicated feature can also be written on the twin golf challenges in this delightful getaway.
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