Imagine a perfect, snow-capped mountain buffeted by icy Himalayan winds. Imagine a millpond calm lake reflecting the snowy peaks. Now imagine a village on the shore, thronged by travellers and reverberating to the sound of 'Om Mani Padme Hum' wafting from shops selling prayer flags, carpets, masks, singing bowls and CDs of Buddhist mantras. That's Pokhara.

Nepal's second city - at least in tourist terms - Pokhara is the end point for the famous Annapurna Circuit and starting point for a dozen more treks through the Annapurna Range. Even if you aren't a dedicated trekker, Pokhara has numerous museums, and there are fascinating caves, waterfalls, a hilltop monastery and Tibetan villages in the surrounding hills.

And wouldn't you know it, Pokhara has some of the country's best accommodation and restaurants as well. For many travellers, Pokhara represents a last chance to stock up on creature comforts before hitting the mountain trails. For others, it's a place to enjoy a steak and cold beer after weeks of dhal bhat in the hills.

Travel agents in Pokhara offer a slew of adventure activities, from trekking and microlight flights to river rafting and jungle safaris. Paragliding from Sarangkot viewpoint has to be one of the most thrilling experiences in the subcontinent.

Alternatively, bring a good book and spend your days reading in a cafe overlooking languorous Phewa Tal