Pokhara is empty, but amazingly beautiful  (with photos)

POKHARA, April 15:  The three-week-long restriction order enforced by the government has been extended for 12 more days, until April 27.

Pokhara, the most famous tourist hub in western Nepal, is bizarrely silent, wearing a deserted look. The city would have been bursting with thousands of domestic and international tourists this time of the year. 

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Beautiful lakes, reflection of snow-clad peaks on them, pleasant weather and generous people never fail to attract anyone visiting the city.

These days, Pokhara looks even more beautiful. Fewer vehicles ply on the road. Factories have been shut down. 

When a Republica correspondent today walked beyond the city and reached the Fewa Lake area, there was no one, but the Fewa lakeside was mesmerizing. Clearly visible snow-clad peaks, including the famous Mt Machhapuchhre, were soothing to the eye.

Lockdown has hit hard the daily wage earners. All the hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and other services related to travel and tourism have halted, owing to lockdown and the coronavirus fears.

Nevertheless, Pokhara never fails to please the locals. Here are some photos capturing the city on Wednesday afternoon.