THE ESCAPE TO NATURE IN... NEPAL
WHAT? Nar-bis Hotel
WHERE? Pokhara, Nepal
WHY? You fancy escaping real life for a back-to-basics mental refresh HOW MUCH? Double rooms from £29 a night; nar-bishotel.com
WHO? Corinne Redfern, WH contributor
Yeah, Nepal sounds great. But for a holiday?
There’s an argument that the most life-altering moments happen when you’re stationed well outside the boundaries of your comfort zone – in which case, it’s worth noting that there are two Nepals. Sure, there’s the ‘climbing Everest with five backpacks containing nothing but Mars bars and dried noodles and the casual risk of hypothermia’ Nepal. But there’s also a ‘yoga in the sunshine by the side of a lake in the middle of the mountains with a fresh orange juice in your hand’ Nepal. And while we’d have to recommend you finish your drink before starting your salutations, we’re also of the opinion that if you need to get away from it all for a week or two, then you need to make your way to the bohemian lakeside town of Pokhara, stat.
Hold on, navigating Nepal sounds complicated…
But here’s the thing – Pokhara is actually remarkably easy. Take a quick (hour-long) connecting flight from Kathmandu ( just remember to switch airports if you’re arriving from the UK) and you’ll be in the centre of one of Asia’s most tranquil, tourist-friendly towns before you can say ‘one plate of vegetable momos and an Everest beer, please’. There are plenty of hotels in the town centre (Glacier Hotel is our pick for local-style luxury, not to mention an expansive breakfast menu and famous Bloody Marys). But if you’re really looking to cut yourself off and decompress, take a taxi around the west side of the lake to Nar-bis. What’s so special about Nar-bis? The peace and quiet, for one thing. It’s so silent out here, you wonder whether somebody even told the animals to keep
it down. And then there are the views, should you need another. This family-run hotel is newly opened and sits high up on the slopes of the hillside, overlooking the famous Pokhara lake and vertiginous mountain skyline. The traditionally designed rooms come with cloud-like pillows and Nepali blankets so cosy you imagine they were knitted by a team of grannies out the back, and the rooftop restaurant menu is made up of curries cooked with freshly caught fish and must-try home-cooked dal bhat (that’s steamed rice and lentil soup to you and me). Plus, every room features floor-to-ceiling windows that gaze out over the still blue waters – leave the curtains open when you go to bed and you’ll be awoken by one of the most spectacular sunrises of your life. Truth be told, if you’re looking for decadence, then head back into town and check in at the Glacier (which still comes with incredible views), but Nar-bis feels like home.
Got it. But is there anything to do besides look at the lake?
As if chilling out lakeside isn’t entirely the escape you’re looking for. But sure – as soon as you tire of leaning back on your balcony with a good book and fixing your eyes on the fishermen below, take a stroll along the edge of the water and back into the hippy-loving town. One-, two- or three-day treks can be arranged for those who want to stretch their legs – or horses can be hired if you’re more in the mood for sitting down. Paragliding is famous in Pokhara – either walk or drive up to one of the district’s many clifftops before gently soaring up into the sky and floating your way down to the ground. The sun sets early here, so end your day with a drop-in hatha yoga or meditation class at Sadhana Yoga Retreat before heading back home for a hot shower and hot chocolate in bed. You’ll never feel the need for a holiday ever again.