Nepal, April 26 -- Pascal Blank and Susan Blank, a French couple, are currently in Pokhara for a sightseeing tour.

The couple was inspired to visit Pokhara after reading 'Annapurna', a book by French climber Maurice Herzog, the leader of the 1950 French Annapurna expedition.

The first ascent of the 8,091-metre Mt Annapurna I in June 1950 by Herzog put Pokhara on the global map and established it as the gateway to the Annapurna region, a haven for trekkers.

In the 1970s and late 1980s, Pokhara remained a favourite destination for Western hippies.

On Tuesday, the Post caught up with the couple taking in the serene Fewa Lake.

"Skies are hazy. I don't think we will be able to view Mt Annapurna from here," the 71-year-old Pascal said.

Th...