GUEST ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY

1 CONTENT

POKHARA Overview, Location...... 3 Golf at the Himalayan Golf Course...... 19 Geography, Climate, History...... 4 WHAT TO SEE IN VALLEY ON SITE EXPERIENCE Phewa Tal / ...... 20 AT THE PAVILIONS HIMALAYAS Lake and Rupa Lake ...... 20 Nepali Cuisine Cooking Class...... 5 Seti Gandaki (River Gorge) ...... 21 The Pavilions Himalayas Farm Tour ...... 5 Devi's Fall...... 21 Chisapani & Khalse Village Tour...... 6 The Old Bazaar...... 22 Bird Watching...... 6 Bindhyabasini Temple...... 22 ...... 22 OFF SITE ADVENTURES Barahi Temple...... 23 Half Day Day Hikes ...... 7 Nightlife and Entertainment ...... 23 Full Day Hikes...... 8-10 International Mountain Museum & Mountain Biking Tour ...... 11-13 British Gurkha Memorial Museum ...... 24 A . The Resort to Fewa Taal Circuit B . The Resort to Palme via Ghatichhita Route TREKS TRIP BEYOND POKHARA C . The Resort to Sarankot via Padeli School Circuit ...... 25 D . The Resort to and via Dobilla Ghachowk Trek...... 25 E . The Resort to Ramadi via Mattikhan & Ramkot to Ghorepani Circuit...... 25 Kupinde Circuit Kahun Danda ...... 25 Paragliding Experience ...... 14 ...... 26 Bungy Jump / Zip Lining Experience ...... 15 Rupa and Begnas Lakes ...... 26 Ultralight Flight Experience...... 15 Naudanda Trek...... 26 Rafting & Kayaking ...... 16 Sunrise & Sunset over the Annapurna Range. . . . 17 Sightseeing of Pokhara Valley...... 18 2 OVERVIEW

2nd largest city of POKHARA Headquarters of & Altitude varies from 827m (2,713 feet) in the south to 1,740m (5,710 feet) in the north

3 mountains in Annapurna Range are top 10 hightest mountains in the world

Base city for trekkers of Annapurna Area Conservation Project

LOCATION

NEPAL POKHARA KATHMANDU

BHARATPUR

3 GEOGRAPHY HISTORY

Pokhara is in the northwestern corner of the Pokhara Valley . Pokhara lies on an important old trading route between China and India . MOUNTAIN Elevated from 1000 to 7500m (3300 to 24600 feet) In the 17th century, it was ruled by the within 30 km . Shah Dynasty . Many hills around still have medieval ruins now . It had become RIVER Seti Gandaki is the main river flowing through the city an important trading place around which created several gorges and canyons . A tributary of the Nepal and from India to Tibet . Seti flowing out the Phewa Lake disappears at Patale Chhango, formed the famous tourist spot called Davis Falls . In the 1960s approximately 300,000 exiles from Tibet entered and settled in Nepal . The Tibertan settlements are CLIMATE now well-built with their own gompas (Buddhist monastery), chorten and Pokhara has a humid subtropical climate . particular architecture .

TEMPERATURE Summer is between 25-33 °C and Winter is The first road to the city was completed around -2-15 °C . in 1968 (Siddhartha Highway) and tourism grew rapidly afterwards . PRECIPITATION It has one of the hightest precipitation rates in the country . Rainfall occurs mostly during monsoon season (July-September) .

SNOWFALL There is no snowfall within valley but surrounding hills experience occasional snowfall in winter .

4 ON SITE EXPERIENCES HISTORY AT THE PAVILIONS HIMALAYAS

1. NEPALI CUISINE COOKING CLASS

WHAT TO DO Preparation of Momos (dumplings), Nepali Chicken or Buff Curry, Black Lentil, Traditional Nepali tomato chutney and Nepali dessert of Kheer . Guests also enjoy lunch of the prepared menu .

LOCATION Terrace Garden TIME Around 3 hours, starts at 11am and end after lunch COST For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge

2. THE PAVILIONS HIMALAYAS FARM TOUR

WHAT TO SEE A tour of the organic farm and viewing of the livestock of buffaloes, cows, wild boar, goats and chickens . Guests can also include a buffalo or cow milking experience happeded in very early morning .

LOCATION The Resort's farm TIME Departed after breakfast COST For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge

For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge 5 3. CHISAPANI & KHALSE VILLAGE TOUR

WHAT TO SEE A packed lunch is included along with the tour .

LOCATION Chisapani village is right next to The Resort & Khalse is 40 minute walk from The Resort TIME Departed after breakfast, around 3 hours COST For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge

4. BIRD WATCHING IN THE PAVILIONS HIMALAYAS AND POKHARA

WHAT TO SEE Explore in detail the valley and the Chisapani forest . Apart from the many birds found here, be rewarded with some of the best views of the and Machhapuchhare Pokhara has to offer . It starts with an early breakfast and involves a lot of walking and patience . A packed lunch is included .

LOCATION Along The Resort & hike up to the World Peace Pagoda TIME Around 4 hours departed after early breakfast COST For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge, advance booking required

6 For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge OFF SITE ADVENTURES

1. HALF DAY DAY HIKE (3.5 HOURS) TO PEACE PAGODA / POKHARA SHANTI STUPA

WHAT TO SEE The brilliant-white Shanti Stupa in Pokhara is a massive Buddhist stupa which was constructed by Buddhist monks from the Japanese Nipponzan Myōhōji organization . Besides being an impressive sight in itself, the shrine is a vantage point which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range and Pokhara city . The shining golden statue depicts the Buddha in the posture he assumed when he was born .

ROUTE Trek starts from The Resort with an uphill walk, gradually tapers off to a ridge line walk up to the Peace Pagoda then return to The Resort with downhill walks

TIME Around 3 .5 hours

COST For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge

For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge 7 2. FULL DAY HIKE (6.5 HOURS) TO PEACE PAGODA, DOWN TO THE LAKESIDE

WHAT TO SEE Phewa Lake, Phewa Tal or Fewa Lake is famous for the reflection of mount Machhapuchhre and other mountain peaks of the Annapurna and ranges on its surface . The Taal Barahi Temple is situated on an island in the lake .

DETAILS OF THE LAKE . 2nd largest lake in Nepal . Semi-natural freshwater lake . Latitude 742 m (2,434 ft) Area 5 .23 km2 (2 .0 sq mi) . Depth 8 .6 m (28 ft) , max 24 m (79 ft)

ROUTE Trek starts from The Resort with an uphill walk, gradually tapers off to a ridge line walk up to the Peace Pagoda . Walk downhill to the lake through forest and crossing the lake via boat to return to The Resort . A packed lunch is included or can be at a lakeside restaurant vetted by The Resort (included in hike rate)

TIME Around 6 .5 hours

COST For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge

8 For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge 3. FULL DAY HIKE (9 HOURS) TO PUMDI BHUMDI

WHAT TO SEE Enjoy a Panoramic view of the Annapurna Himalayan range and Pokhara city & valley . Later, arrive at The Pumdi Village and Bhumdi Village, a mixed community of different ethnic groups with a great view of southern part of Pokhara valley .

ROUTE Trek starts from the hotel with an uphill walk, gradually tapers off to a ridge line walk up to the Peace Pagoda; arrive view tower then head to Pumdi Village and Bhumdi village; walk back to the Resort through Mattikhana

This hiking may be done the opposite direction too

TIME Around 9 hours, departed after a 7am early breakfast

COST For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge

For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge 9 4. FULL DAY HIKE (8-9 HOURS) TO RAMADI VIA MATTIKHAN, RAMKOT, KUPINDE, KHALSE TO THE PAVILIONS HIMALAYAS CIRCUIT

WHAT TO SEE This route is one of the best full day hiking routes in the valley with unpaved rough tracks and along sub-tropical forest, typical Nepalese villages, agricultural lands . It gives a 360% view point of the entire Pokhara Valley and the Annapurna Himalayan Range .

ROUTE Start the hike along unpaved rough tracks and involves uphill, switchback ridge hike and downhills along forest and villages .Package included guide, bottled water and packed lunch

TIME Around 8-9 hours

COST For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge

10 For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge 5. MOUNTAIN BIKING TOUR

ROUTE The entire tour depends on how one’s stamina is . Mountain Bikes of international standards; professional biking guides are provided .

TIME Depends on tour content

A. THE PAVILIONS HIMALAYAS TO FEWA TAAL CIRCUIT

ROUTE This circuit is one of the of the best mountain biking trails in Pokhara, which takes one along the shores of the lake and into a river valley with some single tracks, a suspension bridge and a challenging uphill through some technical switch backs and up- hill climbs . It gives you the Lake views with a 360 degree views of the Annapurna range and the most amazing landscapes .

TRIP DISTANCE & TIME 32-35km, 3 .5-4 .5 hours PHYSICAL Moderate TECHNICAL Moderate COST US$60 per person, included bike, guide, biking gear and bottled water

For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge 11 B. THE PAVILIONS HIMALAYAS TO PALME VIA GHATICHHITA ROUTE

ROUTE This route is best to those who like to chill out on the lake shore and ride along paddy fields and through grazing land . It is most suited for novices to intermediate riders as it offers optional rides as far or less as one would like to ride ranging from 25 to 45 Km . This route is most suited for family and group rides .

TRIP DISTANCE & TIME 15-45km, 2-5 hours PHYSICAL Easy TECHNICAL Intermediate COST US$60 per person, included bike, guide, biking gear and bottled water

C. THE PAVILIONS HIMALAYAS TO SARANKOT VIA PADELI SCHOOL

ROUTE Sarankot Hill is known as the best view point for travelers its vantage views of the Annapurna Range and for mountain bikers . This area is one of the best biking playgrounds which offers the best trails through uphill’s, downhills, quaint villages, forests and paddy fields .

TRIP DISTANCE/TIME 25-45km, 3-4 hours PHYSICAL Moderate TECHNICAL Moderate COST US$60 per person, includes bike, guide, biking gear and bottled water

12 For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge D. THE PAVILIONS HIMALAYAS TO BEGNAS LAKE AND VIA DOBILLA

ROUTE Begnas Lake is the second large lake out of the three lakes of Fewa, Begnas and Rupa lakes . This Lake area is famous for a triathlon that is organized every year . It is a great day ride along paved, rough track roads and trails through villages streets agricultural fields and along the river gorge . You get to enjoy a rewarding view of the Himalayan range and countryside .

TRIP DISTANCE/TIME 30-45km, 3-4 hours PHYSICAL Easy TECHNICAL Easy COST US$60 per person, includes bike, guide, biking gear and bottled water

E. THE PAVILIONS HIMALAYAS TO RAMADI VIA MATTIKHAN & RAMKOT TO KUPINDE CIRCUIT

ROUTE This route is one of the best mountain biking routes in the valley with challenging rides along unpaved, rough tracks which involves serious uphill, switchback ridge rides and downhills along sub-tropical forest, Nepalese villages and agricultural lands . You get to enjoy a 360% view point of the entire Pokhara Valley and the Annapurna Himalayan Range, with a packed lunch at the Mattikhan view point .

TRIP DISTANCE/TIME 55km, 4-8 hours PHYSICAL Advanced to Moderate TECHNICAL Moderate COST US$85 per person, includes bike, guide, biking gear, bottled water and packed lunch

For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge 13 6. PARAGLIDING EXPERIENCE

Paragliding is a thrilling way to get acquainted with the true beauty of the region . Enjoy stunning views on the Phewa Lake and the Snowcapped Himalayas .

WHAT TO SEE From Sarangkot, soak in an excellent view of Phewa lake and the Himalayas . Glide down from the top of the Sarangkot and land next to lake Phewa . During the trip down, share the experience with eagles whilst you float over several villages . The flight is offered as a duo flight, which means that you will be attached to a qualified pilot .

LOCATION Sarangkot is a 1592 meter high peak within 11/2 hours driving distance of Pokhara; transportation to the Sarangkot take off point and back to the hotel is provided

TIME Depending on the weather and thermal waves, lasts up to 1 hour; depart from the hotel after early breakfast

COST For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge

14 For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge 7. BUNGY JUMP / ZIP LINING EXPERIENCE

WHAT TO SEE Nepal’s first and only tower Bungee, High Ground Bungee & Swing has something for everyone . The sky adventure is 5400 feets above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas as you zip-line over the forest (2 participants launch at once), at the High Ground Triangle, relax in the restaurant overlooking the gorge and get a taste of the culture of the local Tibetan refugee settlement nearby .

LOCATION 30 minutes away from The Resort DETAILS OF THE ZIP-LINING TIME Opens at 8am and closes at 3pm • Steel cable length 1 .8km • Descends 2000 vertical feet at an angle of 56% COST For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge • Speeds over 90miles/hr

8. ULTRALIGHT FLIGHT EXPERIENCE

WHAT TO SEE You’ll fly over the Fewa lake, past remote mountain villages and up close to the Annapurna Himalayas . The experience of being surrounded by the Himalayas is a once in a lifetime experience .

LOCATION Transportation is provided to and from take off point TIME 30-90 minutes COST For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge

For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge 15 9. SETI RIVER RAFTING & KAYAKING SEASONAL

WHAT TO SEE The short and sweet rafting adventure offers non-stop adrenaline filled class III+/IV rapids . With fantastic Annapurna mountain views, crystal clear Himalayan whitewater and a beautiful gorge decorated with a suspension bridge and prayer flags – rafting the Upper Seti River is the ultimate half day trip in Nepal .

LOCATION 45 minutes away from The Resort . Transportation is provided to and from the site

TIME Half day or full day; longer trip ranging from 1-3 days adventures are also available

COST For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge

16 For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge 10. SUNRISE & SUNSET OVER THE ANNAPURNA RANGE

WHAT TO SEE After a very early morning wake-up call and tea/coffee, drive for about 45 minutes from The Pavilions Himalayas to view either the sunrise or sunset . Packed breakfasts can also be included .

VISIT TO TIBETAN MONASTERY, MATEPANI GOMPA Matepani gumba is an important religious, cultural and heritage site of Pokhara . It is located in Matepani of Pokhara . It is a splendid Buddhist monastery on top of a small forested hill above Matepani in the east of Mahendrapool, center of Pokhara . Once there one finds oneself lost in time amid the chanting of Lamas, the colossal guardian images of the Buddha and two other accompanying gurus and a prayer house with exquisitely carved columns and friezes are very much worth seeing . A private audience and blessing with the Head Abbot can also be arranged .

LOCATION 45 minutes from The Resort, transportation to and from The Resort is also included

COST For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge

For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge 17 11. HALF DAY SIGHTSEEING OF POKHARA (4 HOURS)

WHAT TO SEE · Lakeside with boating & Tal Barahi · Gupteshwor Mahadev cave/temple temple visit · Patale Chango (Devis Falls) · Bindyabasini temple

TIME Around 4 hours

COST For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge, boating available at an additional charge

12. FULL DAY SIGHTSEEING OF POKHARA (6.5 HOURS)

WHAT TO SEE · Lakeside with boating & visit · Patale Chango (Devis Falls) · Gupteswor Mahadev Cave / Temple · Mahendra Gupha (Cave) & Chamero Gupha (Bat caves) OR Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda) · International Mountain Museum OR British Gurkha Memorial Museum

TIME Around 7 hours

COST For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge

18 For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge 10. GOLF AT THE HIMALAYAN GOLF COURSE

DETAILS OF THE GOLF COURSE The 6100 yards golf course is the pro-championship designed 18 holes golf course, located in a spellbindingly beautiful amphitheater like setting of a river canyon scene with a panoramic view of the Annapuma Himalayan range . The Club house is perched on the edge of a balcony land 250 feet above the river canyon . The course incorporates a full range shot and incorporates such Scottish- influenced features such as fairway mounding, split fairways and the use of natural landforms and nature to shape the course .

LOCATION 7km from the center of Pokhara city

TIME Fee varies depending on time and number of people Transportation is US$ 50 round trip from The Resort COST For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge

For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge 19 WHAT TO SEE IN POKHARA VALLEY

PHEWA TAL / PHEWA LAKE

WHAT TO SEE Phewa lake is the second largest lake in the kingdom, is the center of all attractions in Pokhara . The enchanting lake is an idyllic playground . The eastern shoreline of the lake, popularly known as Lakeside or Baidam . One of the fascinating parts of lakeside is the splendid view of the mountains, especially when the still water reflects the peaks, creating a double image .

WHAT TO DO Rent brightly painted wooden boats, kayaks or sailboats and ride around lakeside

BEGNAS AND RUPA LAKES

WHAT TO SEE The lakes are located about 15km from Pokhara at the end of a road that turns north from the highway to Kathmandu . Divided by the forested hillock called Panchabhaiya Danda, the lakes offer the perfect nature retreat because of their relative seclusion .

WHAT TO DO Splendid boating and fishing can be done here

The Pavilions Himalayas offer tours and experiences in and around Pokhara Valley 20 For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge SETI GANDAKI (RIVER GORGE)

WHAT TO SEE Flowing right through the city, the boisterous river runs completely underground at places . Amazingly, at certain points the river appears hardly 2 meters wide . But its depth is beyond imagination – over 20 meters! Mahendra Pul, a small bridge near the old Mission Hospital, provides a perfect view of the river’s dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by its powerful flow .

WHAT TO DO Rafting or kayaking through the river

DEVI’S FALL

WHAT TO SEE Locally known as Patale Chhango (Hell’s Fall), Devi’s fall (also known as Devin’s or David’s) is an awesome waterfall lying about 2 km south-west of Pokhara airport on the highway to Tansen . An interesting modern legend says that a foreigner named David was skinnydipping in the Pardi Khola (river) when the floodgates of the dam were opened, sweeping him into an underground passage beneath the fall, never to be seen again .

The Pavilions Himalayas offer tours and experiences in and around Pokhara Valley For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge 21 AN OLD BAZZAR GANESH TOLE AND RAM KRISHNA TOLE

WHAT TO SEE Pokhara’s traditional bazaar is colorful and so are its ethnically diverse traders . In its temples and monuments can be seen ties to the Newar architecture of the Kathmandu Valley . Located about 4 km from Lakeside, the market’s original charm is alive and well .

BINDHYABASINI TEMPLE BHADRAKALI TEMPLE

WHAT TO SEE Bindhyabasini temple is the center of WHAT TO SEE To the south of the Buddhist Monastery religious activity in the old bazaar . It is dedicated to there is another small but beautiful hill and in this goddess Bhagwati, yet another manifestation of shakti . pleasant sylvan setting lies Bhadrakali temple which Worshippers flock here to perform sacrifices, and also merits a visit . especially on Saturdays the parklike grounds take on a festive fair .

The Pavilions Himalayas offer tours and experiences in and around Pokhara Valley 22 For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge BARAHI TEMPLE

WHAT TO SEE This is the most important religious monument in Pokhara . Built almost in the middle of Phewa lake, the two- tiered pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protectress deity representing the female force Shakti . Devotees can be seen, especially on Saturdays, carrying male animals and fowl across the lake to be sacrificed to the deity .

NIGHTLIFE AND ENTERTAINMENT

WHAT TO SEE & DO There is not much of a nightlife in Pokhara other than dining . The town shuts down by about 10:30 in the evening . Some of the restaurants, bars and pubs that are becoming trendy in the area offers nightly Nepali cultural programs and live music .

The Pavilions Himalayas offer tours and experiences in and around Pokhara Valley For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge 23 INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN MUSEUM & BRITISH GURKHA MEMORIAL MUSEUM

BRITISH GURKHA MEMORIAL MUSEUM WHAT TO SEE Gurkha Soldiers joined the British Army since 1815 and later into the Indian Army after its independence in 1947 . The museum concentrates on their history to current British Army and the Indian Army . The displays include hundreds of photos of the many campaigns they took part in and their regimental life . Displays are located on the 3-floor galleries . Displays also include uniforms they wore, items they used and medals they won .

OPENING HOURS Open daily 8:30am - 4:30pm ENTRY FEE NPR 100, an extra NPR 20 if camera is used

INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN MUSEUM WHAT TO SEE The museum exhibits the developments about mountains and mountaineering around the world . It also introduces the culture and lifestyle of mountain people, flora and fauna, in a way to present the traditional culture & values of Nepalese people .

OPENING HOURS Open daily 9:00am - 5:00pm ENTRY FEE Rs 400

The Pavilions Himalayas offer tours and experiences in and around Pokhara Valley 24 For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge TREKS & TRIPS BEYOND POKHARA

Pokhara is the starting and ending point for many of the popular trekking routes in Nepal . Longer treks (1-3 weeks long) such as the Jomsom trek, Annapurna Circuit, and Annapurna Sanctuary begin here . For those with less time, Pokhara also provides shorter (1-3 days) more leisurely treks around the neighboring hills and villages .

ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT GHOREPANI CIRCUIT

DETAILS There are base camp trek and other treks DETAILS 5-7 days long, up to the Gurung village of offered ranging from 11 days to 21 days, which costs Ghandruk village, great views of the Annapurna range, included accomadations, meals and guided tours north-west of Pokhara

GHACHOWK TREK KAHUN DANDA

DETAILS 2 days trip of a circuit through Lhachowk to DETAILS A day trip, north east of Pokhara, 1560m altitude . Ghachowk and down to Batulechaur, north of Pokhara, Good views of the Pokhara valley and the Annapurna close up view of Fishtail mountain Himalayan range

The Pavilions Himalayas offer tours and experiences in and around Pokhara Valley For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge 25 SARANGKOT

DETAILS Good views of the sunrise and sunset over the Annapurna Himalayas and also a day trip, great view of the mountain range including Dhaulagiri, north of Fewa Lake, 1592m altitude

RUPA AND BEGNAS LAKES

DETAILS A day trip, 15km south-east of Pokhara, take a bus there and leisurely walk along the ridge that separates the two twin lakes

NAUDANDA TREK

DETAILS 2 days trips, to Naudanda from Suikhet and then back through Kaski, west of Pokhara

The Pavilions Himalayas offer tours and experiences in and around Pokhara Valley 26 For costs and arrangements please contact the Concierge