Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge, Pokhara
Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge, just half an hour’s drive from Pokhara, is situated on a ridge a thousand feet above Pokhara Valley with panoramic views of the sacred Machhapuchhare Mountain and three of the world’s 8,000 metre peaks. The steep drive up the lodge lends itself to the fantastic views which can be enjoyed in full splendour from the main lodge, rooms 8-11 and the secluded swimming pool that reflects the religious peak.
The main lodge is the focal point, with its cosy fireplace, seating areas and bar, arranged around a Nepali-style courtyard. There is also the Colonel Jimmy’s Library contains a fascinating collection of Himalayan mountaineering literature and photographs belonging to the late Col. J.O.M. Roberts. The nineteen rooms are arranged around the hilltop in hand-cut stone bungalows, seemingly blending in with their surroundings. Although on the smaller side, the rooms have been sited to maximize the breath-taking vistas, each of the rooms have a private veranda. The General Manager, Marcus, is an institution in his own right and runs a tight ship at Tiger Mountain. His knowledge and understanding of Nepal is unparalleled and his stories of life in this mountainous nation keep guests highly entertained.
Staying here is about enjoying the views (and the food!), the walks in and around Pokhara and Phewa Lake, and exploring the ever-growing town itself. Pokhara is the best place to pick up some souvenirs of your time in Nepal. Filled with cashmere and shop selling knock-off hiking brands, Pokhara is every retail therapy addicts dream. Cashmere originates from Nepal so it’s far more affordable than in the West and the options on offer are delightful and set to fill suitcases; lightly woven bed throws, thick cashmere sweaters and embroidered pashminas will tempt shoppers at every corner. For the more adventurous of travellers, Pokhara offers hot-air ballooning, paragliding, micro-lighting, mountain biking and white-water rafting in and around the valley. Watching the sunrise over the Annapurna range from a hot-air balloon in Phewa Lake is a very special way to start the day. Suitable for adults and children alike, these activities can be a great addition to a Nepal itinerary.
Pokhara is a short flight from Kathmandu and acts as a base from which to begin your hike through the Annapurna circuit, or indeed it can be a rejuvenating rural stay in the foothills of the Himalayas peppered with trips into town. Alternatively, the adrenaline pumping activities can fill you days before heading down to Chitwan for safari, which is also easily accessible by flight.
