Phewa Lake, Pokhara

Pokhara's Phewa Lake reflects the snowy peaks of the Annapurna range, including the fishtail summit of Machapuchare, on clear mornings. Hire a colourful wooden rowing boat (with or without a boatman) from the shore at Lakeside and drift out on the water with a book.

Row out to the little island temple of Tal Barahi, or cross to the southern shore and walk up through the forest to the World Peace Pagoda for a view over the lake, the city and the mountains. Watch out for leeches on the forest trails during the monsoon.

The mountains are clearest from October to December and in the early morning. Lakeside, along the east shore, is full of guesthouses, cafes and trekking shops, and Pokhara is the starting point for treks into the Annapurnas.