Under $100: Pokhara, Nepal

Pokhara has long stood as the base of operations for intrepid travelers looking to hike the Himalayas. It’s the starting point for thousands of adventurers heading into the mountains each year and, as such, has a bustling tourist district and plenty of things to keep you busy for a day.

In the morning, start with a hearty breakfast and savory coffee at Perky Beans. Be sure to grab yourself a seat on the rooftop for excellent views of the mountains. A meal here will run you $10 per person.

Fewa Lake © Dmitry Pichugin | Dreamstime

From there, make your way up to the Peace Pagoda, or Peace Temple, before the heat sets in. You’ll have to catch a boat across the lake to get there, which will run you another $10, but the views at the Temple of Fewa Lake and the Himalayas are breathtaking. You’ll likely spend two hours here just enjoying the sights.

Head back to town and spend some time walking the streets and shopping while you build up an appetite, then make your way over to Moondance Restaurant, easily the most popular in town, for a delicious lunch of chicken chili. A plate here will cost around $15.

© Kalcutta | Dreamstime

In the afternoon you’ll want to take a hike to Sarangkot, the highest land point in all of Pokhara at 500 meters. The trek is a bit arduous, or you could always bike or take a cab for a few extra bucks, but the view when the sun goes down is unparalleled. The best part is that after a few hours wandering around exploring the land, there’s a restaurant conveniently located at the summit where you can sit down for dinner and drinks. The meal will run you about $20.

Pokhara is primarily a town of beautiful landscapes, and you’ll want to spend as much of it outside exploring as you can.