Pokharaपोखरा

⚠ Travel Notes

• ·Pokhara itself sits at 827m and presents no altitude risk, but it is the staging point for treks that gain 3,000-4,000m within 3-5 days — acclimatisation plans should be made before leaving the city, not after symptoms appear higher up
• ·Monsoon (June–September) renders many approach trails to Annapurna Base Camp slippery and subject to leech infestation and landslide closure; the Kathmandu–Pokhara highway is also prone to landslide disruption during this period, making flights the more reliable option
• ·The Annapurna Conservation Area requires a separate ACAP permit (NPR 3,000 for foreigners) in addition to the standard TIMS card — both must be obtained before the trek departure point, either in Kathmandu or at the ACAP office in Pokhara
• ·Lakeside (Baidam) accommodation and restaurants operate on significant seasonal pricing variation; during October–November peak trekking season, budget rooms book out days in advance and prices double
• ·Pokhara's new international airport (opened 2023) has experienced intermittent commercial service disruptions due to instrument landing certification issues — verify flight status independently rather than relying solely on booking confirmations, particularly in low-visibility winter mornings
• ·Mountain visibility is highly weather-dependent: October–November and March–April offer the clearest conditions; December–February brings frequent morning fog in the valley that can obscure the range entirely for days at a time