I met my guide Gyan Tamang after landing in Kathmandu, and we flew together to Pokhara. In-flight services consisted of a candy, some cotton for the noise, and some water, but served with a broad smile. Pokhara is the second largest city in Nepal with a population approaching 200,000, sprawling around beautiful Phewa Tal Lake, 200km west of Kathmandu. The elevation ranges from about 800m to 1000m. We stayed at a comfortable hotel with a great sunset across the garden.