Pokhara

Pokhara, one of the major cities of Nepal is an enchanting city with its natural setting. This valley stands on an elevation of about 827m above the sea level. This city, abundant with thick forests, gushing rivers, clear lakes etc. is even known as the city of seven Lakes. The serenity of Phewa, second largest Lake of Nepal in this valley is guarded by the magnificence of Fish tail summit along with the Annapurna Himalayan range. Any one could get enchanted with the shadow of Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail) falling on the yard of Phewa. It is nestled in 200km west of capital city, Kathmandu, which can be connected through air and road, both means. As Kathmandu is a cultural hub it is a center for adventure. It is a major point for trek to Jomsom, Annapurna circuit etc. It is the common abode for Brahmin, Chhetri, Gurung, Newar, Magar, Thakali, Manangi, and Tibetan; the different ethnic communities of Nepal.

 Places to visit in Pokhara

 Phewa Lake

Phewa is one of the serene seven lakes of Pokhara and the second largest lake of Nepal. It occupies the total area of 4.4sq.Km. In average it is 8.6m deep and maximum19m. Mainly, Harpan Khola (river) feeds this lake. On the southern part, forested hill is guarding this lake with a peace stupa at its top. Two storied temple of Goddess Barahi in the middle of the lake symbols its religious significance. On the Northern shore, there are many hotels and restaurants illuminating each time to serve the visitors. One can get enough entertain with the acts of boating, fishing etc.

 World peace Pagoda

This Pagoda, a massive Buddha stupa is situated on the top of a forested hill on the southern shore of Phewa lake. It is under the patronage of Pumdi Bhumdi Village Development Committee (V.D.C) of Kaski district. It has four Different images of Lord Buddha facing in four different directions. This Pagoda is an Impressive sight and its hilltop location commands great view. It is a vantage point to eye over Annapurna Himalayan range and the whole Pokhara city. You can reach there by crossing the lake by boat and then hiking up the hill.

Begnas and Rupa Lake

These too are enchanting lakes like Phewa. One can get an access to these lakes within the distance of 15km from Pokhara. These are located in the eastern part of the valley. Divided by the forested hillock called Panchabhaiya Danda, the lakes offer the perfect nature retreat because of their relative seclusion. Splendid boating and fishing can be done here.

Seti Gandaki River

This boisterous river runs completely underground at places through out the Pokhara valley.  Amazingly, at certain points the river appears hardly two meters wide. Its depth is quite beyond one’s imagination. It depths more than 20 meters. Mahendra Pul the city center, a small bridge near the old Mission Hospital there, provides an exact view of the river's awful rush and the abyss gorge made by its powerful flow.

Devi’s fall

It is even known as Patale chhango. It is an awesome waterfall lying 2 Km southwest of Pokhara airport on the Siddartha highway. During summer and rainy season, the waterfall takes its real form, with gushing water splashing and making its way through the rocks.

Gupteshwor cave

This cave with religious significance is located just opposite of Devi’s fall, on the other side of the Siddartha highway. The cave is almost 3km long.  It has some big hall-size rooms and some narrow passages where one have to crawl on all fours. It advocates the significance of Hindu religion. It is popular for the different natural forms made from limestone deposits. Photography is strictly forbidden inside the cave.

Tibetan Refugee Camp

On your visit to Gupteshwor cave, just a few walks ahead towards the left leads you to the Tashiling Tibetan Refugee Camp.

This limestone cavern is named after the then king of Nepal, Mahendra Shah and is located in Batulechaur, a village, two hour walk to the Northern part of Pokhara valley. Locally, this cave is known as Chamero Odhaar ("House of Bats"). Some shepherd boys are said to have discovered this cave around 1950s. Professional minstrels (Gaines) live in this village, Batulechaur. They eke out their living by singing folk songs around the village area.

The old Bazaar (Ganesh and Ramkrishna tole)

These are the traditional toles in Pokhara covered by the houses of local Newars. These are the area of monuments. Here, the temples and monuments can be seen carved with the Newari architecture of the Kathmandu valley. Located near about 4 km from Lakeside, these markets’s original charm is well and alive.

Bindbyabasini Temple

This is one of the oldest temples in Pokhara, which is the center of religious activity in the old bazaar. It is the abode of Goddess Durga Bhagawati. The holy precinct of this temple flocks with devotees almost every day for to worship, sacrifice of goats etc.

Matepani Gumba (Buddhist Monastery)

This splendid Buddhist monastery is nestled on the top of the small forested hill above Matepani, east of Mahendra pool, the city center. The large section of Pokhara city can be observed from there. Different Buddha images inside the monastery enchant anyone for a long.

Bhadrakali Temple

To the south of Buddhist Monastery, there is another small but enthralling hill and in this pleasant sylvan setting lies Bhadrakali temple, which also tempts anyone to pay a visit.

Museums

Pokhara Museum, which is located between the airport and Mahendra Pul, reflects the ethnic mosaic of Western Nepal. Though it is small, it displays a variety of goods that captures the culture and custom of different tribes and races. The lifestyle and history of different ethnic groups such as the Gurung, Thakali and the Tharu are shown attractively.

Annapurna Museum, also known as the National History Museum is located in the precinct of Prithvi Narayan Campus, east of the old Bazaar. Managed by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the museum has an exceptional collection of butterflies, insects, birds, and models of wildlife as well as samples of various precious and semi-precious stones and volcanic rocks.

Mountaineering Museum is another one located near about Pardi Chowk of Pokhara. This Museum aims at providing detail information about mountaineering activities in Nepal.

Himalayan views

The spectacular panorama of Annapurna range that pillared on the Northern skyline of Pokhara is quite incredible. The main peaks in this range are Annapurna I to IV and the beautiful Machhapuchhare (Fishtail). Besides these, one can eye over Himchuli, Varahashikhar, Gangapurna and other peaks. The mountains will probably be hidden in the clouds during the months, April and September. A nice evening on the bank of Fewa Lake with the mountain range at its backdrop is what Pokhara really mean.

Nightlife and entertainment

There is not much of nightlife in Pokhara other than dining. The town lights off about 10:30 in each evening. Until that time one can get enjoyed in the local bars and pubs. Fishtail Lodge puts up an hour long nightly Nepali cultural show with dances and such.

Around Pokhara

For those with less time, Pokhara also provides shorter (one to seven days) more leisurely treks around the neighboring hills and villages. The popular ones are:

Pumdi Bhumdi

It is seven Km drive towards south of Pokhara to Thulibidi, and one has to climb to Pumdi Bhumdi top from there. It will take about an hour to reach to the top. Once you reach there, you can enjoy the beautiful views of the Himalayan peaks, dense forest and the serenity of Phewa Lake.

Ghachowk Trek: two days, a route through Lhachowk to Ghachowk and down to Batulechaur, north of Pokhara, close up view of Fishtail Mountain.

Naudanda Trek: two days, to Naudanda from Suikhet and then back through Kaski, west of Pokhara.

Ghorepani Circuit: five to seven days long, up to the Gurung village of Ghandruk, great views of the Annapurna range, north-west of Pokhara.

Kahun Danda: day trip, located in the north east hill of Pokhara, 1560m altitude from sea level, two hours walk from Mahendra Pul, city centre of Pokhara, good place to view the spectacular Mountain ranges.

Sarangkot: day trip, great view of the mountain range including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre and Ganesh Himal, north of Fewa Lake, 1590m altitude. One can observe the magnificence of sun rise and sunset. This is the hub for Para Gliding.

Rupa and Begnas Lakes: day trip, 15km east of Pokhara, take a bus to reach and stroll along the ridge that separates the two twin lakes.