VIA POETICA 2026
Starting from 16th of April, in Annapurna National Park from Nepal’s Himalayas and in Pokhara city, Via Poetica&Zidul de Hartie writers group are organizing a residency and a festival. The residency is open to worldwide creative people for 1-4 weeks in Pokhara city (Phewa Lake) and, optional, in Annapurna Sanctuary (at the main Base Camp, 4200 meters high, at the ending point of world famous ABC Trek Route). Additionally to residency, in late April a poetry, art performance and music festival will be organized by the local partners in Lakeside Pokhara. Residents to come may attend, exhibit or perform during it. A special anthology will be printed with poems written during trek.
Second largest city of Nepal, Pokhara is one of the most visited places of Himalayas, with cultural hubs, traditional Gurkha villages around, music venues and beautiful scenery being half-surrounded by ones of the biggest world moutains: Annapurna I (8091m), Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Manaslu (8163m).
On the Road Again Festival will happen in April on Lakeside Pokhara, the famous old hippie paradise, in few venues and will include music events, poetry readings, exhibitions, book launches and screenings.
Cost of Pohkara city residency for single rooms with bathroom, wifi and balcony will be 100 USD per week, seven nights. Double rooms, 150 USD. Kitchen and working space outside and on rooftop are available.
Accomodation at Annapurna 4200m high basecamp will be in double rooms with shared bathroom, breakfast and dinner included is 20 USD/night, only vegetarian meals are allowed in sacred Annapurna Sanctuary area. Treking and staying at Base Camp is optional and it will take 4 to 7 days. ABC Trekking Route to Base Camp nowadays is well mantained and not requering technical skills. Organizers offer guided trekking to basecamp in Anapurna Sanctuary. April is one of the best month to visit Nepal, with clear sky and calm, rainless weather.
Pick up from Kathmandu airport can be organized at request. Pick up from Pokhara airport or Pokhara Tourist Bus Station is free as well as daily assistance during your stay.
To participate you need first to submit an application meaning to send an email with your CV and links with your website or any online work (if possible) until deadline of March 1st. Up to 10 foreign residents may be accepted (writers, poets, artists, musicians or other creatives with special interest into Nepal, travel or research on local culture). You get a response within 3-5 days then you can start organizing your travel. Ask any other information or apply by email ziduldehartie at gmail.com
