“If there is heaven on the earth, it starts from the north of Pokhara”. Situated at an altitude of 1350m from the sea level ‘Astam’ is truly a heaven. It always serves you with the majestic view of the valleys. Since, Hananoie is also situated on the same hillock it’s a part of that nature’s beauty. The view point situated within the premises of Hananoie is the best place for you to have a morning sip of masala tea with the homemade pan bread. The Himalayas standing tall upfront, which measure as high as 7000 to over 8000 meters welcomes you with the cool breeze towards the view point. The valleys and the rivers that originate from the Himalayas can be seen from the view point. The mesmerizing view of the valley from the view point makes you feel relaxed and you can stay there all day long just having the view of the Himalayas, valleys and the rivers. Lahachowk, Ghachowk are the two big valleys you can see from the viewpoint of Hananoie. Seti and Mardi are the two major rivers you can see from the view point. The night view of the lights glowing on the villages (Rivan, Lwang,Bindabari )of other hills are awesome.

The hillock of Astam serves you with different views from different places. So, if you walk towards the hilltop you can have a beautiful view of the Pokhara valley. The view of the Suikhet valley and the fields surrounding can easy attract you to amazingly stare at them. The hilltop locally called as “Nare ko Dil or Daada” is the best place to have the view of Pokhara valley. The cool breeze flowing up towards the place rejuvenates you and fills you with energy. The scene from the “Bhume ko Dil” is just like having a satellite view of the valleys and the Highway. It’s just astonishing!!!

“The views and scenic beauty from and around Hananoie will make you feel like you are on the top of the world”

The concept of permaculture has been today’s issue. Combining permaculture with tourism was a great concept that stroke Mr. Hidai Hiroshi in the late 90′s that led to the establishment of “HANANOIE”. It all started in 1998 when he visited the home of Himalayas “Nepal” with that concept. The massive use of pesticides, insecticides, various plant hormones to increase the yield of the plants was the major things that were concerning him. He was with a motive to take a step to make change. The developed countries which were producing the chemicals were using developing countries like Nepal as their trail places. So, to discourage the use of chemicals, to increase yield of the product (which have long term effect on humans), he thought of setting an example by establishing an agro-resort in a village of Nepal. Since then the resort has been growing its own fruits and vegetables without use of any chemicals and serving people with authentic Japanese, continental and Nepali cuisines. We have our own farm land where we grow plants and raise buffalos and goats for milk and their dungs (used as natural fertilizers in the farm), and chicken for meat and its all organics.

Despite the civil war in Nepal, the project that started in 1998 was quickly completed in two years. During these two years 5 cottages were made for the guests containing 10 rooms with attached bathrooms. Preserving the nature is another main concern of the resort and we believe in green energy so we use photocells to produce electricity required for the resort and use solar power as water heating system. Moreover, we have biogas plants for the fuel in the kitchens. Even the cottages, the staff’s house, the lobby, the public bath house are made by using only naturally available materials like slate for roofs, mud, stones, timbers, ceramics, straw, hay, woods etc.

Hanano-ie always serves you with four delightful seasons, summer, autumn, winter and spring. The summer in Hanano-ie is hot and wet. Since the houses are made of mud and stones they will keep you cool in the hot summer days and usually hot summer days are followed by rain (the monsoon). Standing in the lap of Annapurna Himalayan ranges and Machhapuchhre you will be able to have wonderful view of them either early in the morning or in the late evening during summer. As, the rain stops in summer and the clouds move away you will have the wonderful view of the valleys and the green mountains. Summer is also very busy season people are busy planting paddy and we can involve in planting paddy with the local people in and around the village. The temperature goes up to 32-33 degree centigrade during extreme summer.

Autumn always serves with the beautiful scenic view of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre Himalayan ranges, the fields turn yellow and people start harvesting paddy almost in the end of the season. It also rains, following the cool breeze that hits our face from the Himalayas. A lot of flowers bloom this season and Nepal observes two of its major festivals. Hananoie will make you feel festive and they will teach you the cultural and traditional aspects of Nepalese festivals.

Then comes winter, with the temp ranging from 7- 25 degree centigrade. Though its winter the Himalayas will always be there to welcome you. The sky stays clear and the silver linings on the north are decorated by the clear blue sky. The winters are always cold and dry.

Spring, the king of the season makes you feel like you are living in a piece of heaven. The greenery of the valleys and the awesome view of the northern silver linings (Himalayas) and the breathtaking view of birds flying around makes you forget all your sorrows and brings you to eternal peace. You can enjoy doing yoga and meditation feeling the cool breeze from the Himalayas and facing them.

Bird watching is one of the task you can do in Hanano-ie. Egyptian vulture, Black kite, Doves, Whistling Thrush, Sparrows, Golden beaked Eagle, etc. are the major birds you can see in all four seasons.

Monsoon, it is rainy time in Nepal. The weather is mostly cloudy and rainy. It has less chance to see the Himalaya. However, it is beautiful and different from other seasons because mountains transform into greenery and it has less snow on the Himalaya.

Hananoie is located near to Pokhara in western part of Nepal, where it rains heavier than other parts of the country. The monsoon is very important for us because it brings us the rain, which is necessary for paddy. It is a busy time in Nepal. You can see farmers working in paddy fields if you come in this season. Of course, you can experience several activities in planting in Hananoie and the village around here. The farmers are friendly and will teach you as a friend. In Hananoie, you can try Nepali cooking, making yogurt, planting, harvesting, etc.

Indra Kamal

You can see some monsoon flower such as Indra Kamal, which has white color. Also, you can see rainbow from Hananoie.

Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and altitudinal variation. The elevation of the country ranges from 60 m above sea level to the highest point on earth..Nepal runs east and west along the spine of the Himalaya and contains eight of the ten highest peaks in the world. These Himalaya mountains including the formidable Mt.everest at 8848 m.and dozens of smaller peaks.

In the clear day, we can see Himalaya from Hananoie. The incredible Annapurna range includes Lumjung Himal, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna Himal, the five Annapurna peaks (Annapurna I to IV plus Annapurna South, and the magnificent Machhapuchhare which are most wellknown. Machhapuchhare means fish tail. It is lower than the five Annapurnas.

List of all Himalaya peaks and height, which can be seen from Hananoie is shown below.

1. Annapurna I, 8091 m
2. Annapurna II, 7937 m
3. Annapurna IV, 7525 m
4. Annapurna South, 7219 m
5. Machhapuchhare, 6993 m
6. Lamjung, 6986 m
7. Hiunchulli, 6441 m