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Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Pokhara is a major city located in the central region of Nepal, known for its stunning lakes and views of the Annapurna mountain range. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 300,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speeds of 20-50 Mbps in most areas |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 132 NPR; diverse banking services including ATMs for major banks like Nabil Bank and Himalayan Bank |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D and M sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Ncell and NTC are the main providers; prepaid SIM cards widely available |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Services available at major banks like Standard Chartered, and accept international cards |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from guesthouses to luxury hotels like The Fulbari Resort and Spa |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Some places accept cards, but cash is necessary for most transactions |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb and local guesthouse platforms |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Zostel Pokhara and Pokhara Youth Hostel |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Lakeside is the most popular area for tourists, offering proximity to attractions and restaurants |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Lakeside and Patan are favored by digital nomads due to coworking spaces and amenities |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive, located in Lakeside, offers a productive environment and networking opportunities |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Coffee Day provides a quiet atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups within coworking spaces and expat networking events |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join local Facebook groups like 'Expats in Pokhara' for community gatherings |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Pathao app is commonly used for local rides |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals available at several local shops, typically around NPR 1,500 per day |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beach, but Phewa Lake offers water activities |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Buddha Air operates frequent flights to Kathmandu |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways provide connecting flights |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the Prithvi Highway from Kathmandu |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Pokhara does not have a train station; buses are used for transit |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No passes available; local buses are inexpensive but less reliable |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses frequently connect Pokhara to Kathmandu and other cities |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Western Regional Hospital, well equipped for emergencies |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | International Yoga Center offers various yoga classes and workshops |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Center Pokhara provides modern equipment and classes |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at most guesthouses and dedicated laundromats |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodmandu and Bhatbhateni Food Delivery for local cuisine and international options |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Dal Bhat, a traditional Nepalese meal commonly available |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Mamma Mia and Busy Bee offer great vegetarian menus |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café de Patan known for its variety of desserts and pastries |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets around Lakeside, especially during weekends, are budget-friendly |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.com.np is a popular online shopping platform in Nepal |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Basic grocery services via Bhatbhateni Online |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Lakeside has several bars and lounges that come alive after sunset |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Gorkha Brewery is popular among locals and expats |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; however, Hotel Barahi has a nice selection |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Many stalls along Lakeside selling momos and other local snacks |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Tandoori Grill serves excellent Indian cuisine in Pokhara |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Phewa Lake, World Peace Pagoda, and Bindhyabasini Temple |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Pokhara Regional Museum showcases local history and heritage |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Old Bhimsen Temple and Tal Barahi Temple offer cultural insights |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Numerous temples, including the famous Tal Barahi Temple on Phewa Lake |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Pokhara Street Festival is celebrated every October |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Lakeside is vibrant, filled with restaurants and shops reflecting local culture |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural shows are often held at various restaurants in Lakeside |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekend market near Lakeside offers local crafts and foods |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is common at cafes and bars in the evenings |
| 🎨 Street Art | Increasing street art presence near Lakeside area |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Available at various centers like the Nepal Cooking School |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Fewa Art Gallery showcases local artists' work |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Temples exhibit traditional architecture prevalent in Nepal |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Rich cultural traditions and festivals linked to various ethnic groups |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Sarangkot offers stunning sunrise views and trekking opportunities |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Annapurna Conservation Area is a major highlight for trekkers |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Trekking routes around Phewa Lake and nearby hills |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Sarangkot for panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Begnas Lake area is known for diverse bird species |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas around Lakeside allow bonfires during the appropriate seasons |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local courier services like Nepal Post and Sprint Courier |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Various local shops offer repair services for phones and laptops |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table tennis available at community centers and some cafes |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Nepali language classes offered by various local institutions and private tutors |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Pokhara Public Library is a quiet place for reading and studying |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community spaces in Lakeside where events take place |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; check local cafes for gaming nights |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos, but some gaming lounges offer gaming experiences |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NPR 100,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = NPR 4,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NPR 70,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = NPR 2,800,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NPR 90,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = NPR 5,400,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NPR 65,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = NPR 3,900,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NPR 80,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = NPR 6,400,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NPR 60,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = NPR 4,800,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% for businesses operating in Nepal |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Yes, 15% on dividends |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax rates based on income levels |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 36% for income above NPR 4,000,000 |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% standard VAT rate |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable only to certain companies |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes based on property value |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% of the transaction value |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Newly introduced provisions for certain foreign business owners and investors |