The Pokhara Valley at 827 meters above sea level and 200 km west of capital kathmandu is one of the most picturesque spots in Nepal. Glorius views of the Annapurna range of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I - IV and the magnificent "fish tail mountain" Machhapuchhare are visible from the town. Machhapuchhare for example, is only 28 kilometers from Pokhara's Phewa Lake, without a single mountain range intervening between the two.

The beauty of the valley is enhanced by its lakes like, Phewa, Begnas, and Rupa, which have their source in the glacial region of the Annapurnas. Pokhara has a much more tropical feel to it than other mountainous regions; a fact well appreciated by the beautiful diversity of flowers which prosper in its environs. Indeed, the valley surrounding Pokhara is home of thick forests, rapid rivers, emerald lakes, and of course, the world famous views of the Himalaya. Also, since Nepal is further south than north American Himalayas start at 15,000 feet; higher than the summit of the tallest mountain in the contiguous 48 states.