Kathmandu to Pokhara ,Songkhran getaway..any suggestions ?

[Forest]

'smokey' season is here!and i am not getting very good reports crossing to Cambodia/Cham Yeam border (?)so Considerating a trip to Nepal,trying also to avoid the Songkhran weeklong nonsense..
for sure some of you have been that way..wonderin about route and interesting places to see ,stopovers on the way and around Pokhara.is it worth to ride from KTM or rent a bike in Pokhara?any info appreciated.
thanx