New Year Celebrations In Pokhara

Pokhara, a city with stunning natural beauty, lies within the breathtaking Annapurna region of Nepal. Its value is deeply connected to its spectacular milieu. A key element of this beauty, and a powerful symbol of Pokhara, is the reflection of the majestic Machhapuchhre mountain in the serene waters of Phewa Lake. This perfect reflection vividly demonstrates the strong and significant relationship between the elevated peak and the tranquil lake.

Here, with calm water and modest beauty, I first encountered my soulmate. That meeting and the city made an impression on my heart that still pulls me back time and again. The serenity of the water and the quiet, understated beauty of the setting were the hallmarks of my first encounter with my betterhalf. The details of that encounter, the quiet moments and the unspoken understanding, remain vividly and intensely etched in my heart.

Each trip to Pokhara is lovely and nostalgic for me. The boat ride on Phewa Lake is delightful, and walking along the lakeside, immersed in the city's relaxed atmosphere, brings inner peace. There's something in the air of Pokhara that makes you want to breathe deeply and live fully.

I had finally experienced Pokhara's lakeside nightlife, something I had surprisingly missed during my previous trips to the city. We planned to witness the vibrant lakeside atmosphere at night during this visit. So, our family trip coincided with Nepali New Year's Eve in 2082, making it a celebratory and memorable occasion.

We had assumed finding a hotel would not be difficult, especially after some local friends assured us there was no need to book in advance. We planned to choose accommodation after arriving, based on the facilities and location. However, to our surprise, finding a room became quite a challenge. Being New Year's Eve, most hotels were fully booked, and the few available had significantly high rates.

After wandering through the rain-soaked streets of Pokhara for nearly an hour, we finally managed to book a hotel on Street 17 of Lakeside. Once we had freshened up, we stepped out to explore the lively, festive atmosphere of the streets. Initially, I was concerned that we had arrived after the commencement of the celebration. However, the presence of people increased as the evening progressed. Lakeside experienced significant congestion due to large crowds of national and international tourists. Various entertainment, including Panche Baja music, folk songs, Bhajans, Rateuli performances, and circus acts, was provided at key intersections.

A trendy and young crowd completely occupied the streets. The lively atmosphere with light colors gives every person a festival vibe. The multicultural variety of street food added to the setting, from local traditional food to international cuisine. People enjoyed music and food of their preference and budget, whether from roadside stalls or high-rated restaurants. Lakefront dining at night is magical: shimmering lights, soft music, and the scent of grilled fish was an unforgettable experience. Though pricey, it's worth it. Nepali folk music and cocktails by the lake offered blissful respite from the day. We left the bustling New Year's Eve street celebrations around midnight, though the festivities continued until 2:00 am.

On the first day of the New Year, we went to the Talbarahi Temple, situated serenely on the beautiful Phewa Lake.Later we went for an easy boat ride on the lake, which provided a great opportunity to enjoy the calmness and beauty of the surroundings. This was just a two-hour trip, but a great chance to enjoy some calmness before the return trip back to Kathmandu. The soothing movement of the boat, the peaceful water, and beautiful scenery provided a great way to finish off a New Year's Day visit. While in Pokhara's hills, we visited Pumdikot, which is 13 kilometers from the lake. This settlement has a panoramic view of the valley reside, and enjoyed the chance to fill out a large Lord Shiva statue that garnered many Hindu devotees. 

We also visited the beautiful Davis Falls (Patale Chhango), which has a direct tunnel that can be seen from Mahendra Cave. We had a great experience in Mahendra and Bat Caves, and saw a lot of Indian tourist groups. Although we did not visit Begnash Lake on this trip, we loved Pokhara. For me, Pokhara is a unique Nepali city that merges the calmness of nature with the energy of a modern city. I believe Pokhara feels like a world apart from the rest of Nepal—a place where nature exists in perfect harmony. This trip made it our most memorable New Year celebration yet. Visiting Pokhara at least once a lifetime is a must to experience its unique blend of culture, joy, and community spirit, all set against the backdrop of stunning natural beauty.

(The author is a journalist at  The Rising Nepal.)