Places to Visit in Pokhara
Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty. Situated at an altitude of 827m from the sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu
(Capital of Nepal) valley, the city is known as a center of adventure.
This enchanting city has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning
panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the
magnificence of the Himalayas
rising behind them create an ambiance of peace and magic. So today the
city has not only become the starting point for most popular trekking
and rafting destinations but also a place to relax and enjoy the beauty
of nature.
Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. This is the land of Gurungs
and Magars, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned
worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Bramans, Chetries, Newars,
Thakalis are another important ethnic group here, are known for their
entrepreneurship.
Climate:
The climate of Pokhara is slightly warmer than Kathmandu with daytime temperature hovering around 17 degrees Celsius in winter and 32 degrees in summer. The monsoon season which lasts from mid-June to mid-September is very wet; in fact Pokhara records the highest rainfall in the country. Best time to visit is between October and April.
The climate of Pokhara is slightly warmer than Kathmandu with daytime temperature hovering around 17 degrees Celsius in winter and 32 degrees in summer. The monsoon season which lasts from mid-June to mid-September is very wet; in fact Pokhara records the highest rainfall in the country. Best time to visit is between October and April.
The activities of foreign visitors to Pokhara focus around two districts known as Damside and Lakeside
(or Pardi and Baidam, in Nepali, respectively). These two areas, with
their strips of hotels and restaurants, are a few Kilometers south-west
of the main Pokhara Bazaar.
Fewa
Lake Begnas lake and Rupa lake, Barahi temple, World Peace Pagoda Seti
Gandaki, Devi's Fall, Gupteswar Gupha (cave), Mahendra Gupha(cave),
Chameri Gupha (Bats Cave), The Old Bazaar, Bindbyabasini Temple Matepani
Gumbha (Buddhist Monastery) Bhadrakali Mandir, Regional Museum,
International Mountain Museum, Gorkha Memorial Museum, Annapurna Museum,
Himalayan View Nightlife and Entertainment Around Pokhara.
Fewa Tal (Lake):
Fewa Lake,
the second largest lake in the kingdom, roughly measuring 1.5 km by 4
km, is the centre of all attractions in Pokhara. The enchanting lake is
an idyllic playground. Brightly painted wooden boats and sailboats can
be rented on reasonable cost around lakeside. The lake is neither deep
(roughly 47 meters at most), the water is warm and swimming is pleasant.
The eastern shoreline of the lake, popularly known as Lakeside
or Baidam, consists of seemingly endless strip of lodges, restaurants,
bookshops and souvenir shops. One of the fascinating parts of lakeside
is the splendid view of the mountains, especially when the still water
reflects the peaks, creating a double image.
Barahi temple:
This
is the most important religious monument in Pokhara. Built almost in
the middle of Fewa lake, the two storied pagoda representing the female
force of Hindu (Shakti). Devotees can be seen, especially on Saturdays,
carrying male animals and fowl across the lake to be sacrificed to the
deity.Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake:
The lakes are located about 15km from Pokhara at the end of a road that turns north from the highway to Kathmandu.
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.
World Peace Pagoda:
World Peace Pagoda:
The pagoda is a massive Buddhist stupa and is situated on top of a hill on the southern shore of Fewa lake. Besides being an impressive sight in itself, the shrine is a great vantage point which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range and Pokhara city. You can get there by crossing the lake by boat and then hiking up the hill.
Seti Gandaki (River Gorge):
Flowing
right through the city, the boisterous river runs completely
underground at places. Amazingly, at certain points the river appears
hardly two meters wide. But its depth is quite beyond imagination - over
20 meters! Mahendra Pul (bridge) provides a perfect view of the river's
dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by its powerful flow.
Devi's fall:
Locally
known as Patale Chhango (Hell's fall), Devi's fall (also known as
Devin's or David's) is an awesome waterfall lying about 2 km south-west
of Pokhara airport on the highway to Tansen, Butwal. An interesting
modern legend says that a foreigner named David was skinny-dipping in
the Pardi Khola (river) when the floodgates of the dam were opened,
sweeping him into an underground passage beneath the fall, never to be
seen again.
Gupteswar Gupha (Cave):
Gupteswar Gupha, a sacred cave, lies 2 km from Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha Highway
leading southwest from the city. The entrance is right across from
Devi's Fall and the cave is almost 3 km long. It has some big hall-size
rooms and some passages where you have to crawl on all fours. This cave
holds special value for Hindus since a phallic symbol of Lord Shiva is
preserved here in the condition it was discovered. An entrance fee of
NRs. 50.00 is charged and taking pictures inside the cave is prohibited.
Mahendra Gupha (cave) and Chameri Gupha:
Mahendra Gupha (cave) and Chameri Gupha:
Mahendra
Gupha is the large limestone cave. Shepherd boys are said to have
discovered it around 1950. A two hour walk to the north of Pokhara, it
is best to bring your own torch to see the stalactites and stalagmites,
although most of them have been carted out by souvenir hunters. Chamero
Gupha locally called Chamero Odhaar ("House of Bats") located near by
Mahendra Gufa
The Old Bazaar (Ganesh Tole and Ram Krishna Tole):
The Old Bazaar (Ganesh Tole and Ram Krishna Tole):
Pokhara's
traditional bazaar is colorful and so are its ethnically diverse
traders. In its temples and monuments can be seen ties to the Newar
architecture of the Kathmandu Valley. Located about 4 km from Lakeside, the market's original charm is alive and well.
Bindbyabasini Temple:
Bindhyabasini
temple is the center of religious activity in the old bazaar. It is
dedicated to goddess Bindbyabasini, yet another manifestation of shakti
(Power) of Hindu.
Matepani Gumba (Buddhist Monastery):
There
is a splendid Buddhist Monastery on the top of the small forested hill
above Matepani east of Mahendra pul. It overlooks a large section of the
Pokhara city and once there on find oneself lost in time amid the
chanting Ramas, there colossal guardian images of the Buddha
accompanying two other gurus and a prayer house with exquisitely carved
columns and friezes.
Bhadrakali Temple:
To
the south of the Buddhist Monastery there is another small but very
beautiful hill and in this pleasant sylvan setting lies Bhadrakali
temple which also merits a visit.
Museums:
Pokhara Regional Museum, located in Nayabazar, reflects the ethnic mosaic of western Nepal.
The lifestyles and history of ethnic groups such as the Gurung, Thakali
and the Tharu are attractively displayed. Open daily, except Tuesdays
and holidays, from 10 am to 4 pm. Entrance fee is Rs. 5 and there is an
extra Rs. 10 for cameras (Tel: 061-520413).
Annapurna Museum,
also known as the Natural History Museum, is located at Prithvi Narayan
Campus east of the old bazaar named Bagar. 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. Open daily, except Saturdays and holidays, from 9 am to 4 pm. Entrance is free.
International Mountain Museum:
The theme of this museum is to cover the information and exhibits
related with the Man, Mountain and Mountain activities around the world.
Open daily (365 days in a year) from 9 am
to 4:30 pm. Entrance: Foreigner : Nrs: 300.00, SAARC Citizen Nrs:
100.00, Nepalese Nrs: 50.00, Student(Nepalese) Nrs: 25.00 (Tel:
061-460742)
another museum is Gorkha Memorial Museum: In 1815 Nepalese soldiers clashed with the British troops in the northern border of India. After a fierce battle they showed respect to those “… Brave Goorkhas…” by erecting a stone with engravings. Soon they become close friends and the Gurkha regiments were formed. To this day, Gurkha solders still serve in the British Army. Entrance fee is Nepalese Nrs. 20.00, SAARC Citizen Nrs.80.00 and Foreigner Nrs. 150.00 (Tel 061-541966).
another museum is Gorkha Memorial Museum: In 1815 Nepalese soldiers clashed with the British troops in the northern border of India. After a fierce battle they showed respect to those “… Brave Goorkhas…” by erecting a stone with engravings. Soon they become close friends and the Gurkha regiments were formed. To this day, Gurkha solders still serve in the British Army. Entrance fee is Nepalese Nrs. 20.00, SAARC Citizen Nrs.80.00 and Foreigner Nrs. 150.00 (Tel 061-541966).
Himalayan View:
The magnificent Annapurna panorama that's visible on the northern skyline of Pokhara is quite incredible. The main peaks are Annapurna I to IV and the beautiful Machhapuchhare (or Fishtail Mountain, so named after its twin peaks). Besides these, you can also see the Manaslu range, Dhaulagiri range and other peaks.
The mountains will probably be hidden in the clouds between April and September. A nice evening on the banks of Fewa Lake with the mountain range as the backdrop is what Pokhara is really about!
Nightlife and Entertainment There is not much of nightlife in Pokhara other than dining. The town shuts down by about 10:30 in the evening. Until you can hang out some of the bars and pubs that are becoming trendy in the area.
Nightlife and Entertainment There is not much of nightlife in Pokhara other than dining. The town shuts down by about 10:30 in the evening. Until you can hang out some of the bars and pubs that are becoming trendy in the area.
Around Pokhara:
Pokhara is the starting and ending point for many of the popular trekking routes in Nepal. Longer treks (one to three week long) such as the Jomsom trek, Annapurna Circuit, and Annapurna Sanctuary begin here. If Kathmandu is the cultural hub of Nepal, Pokhara is its center of adventure. An enchanting city nestled in a tranquil valley; it is the starting point for many of Nepal's
most popular trekking and rafting destinations. The atmosphere on the
Shore of Fewa Lake is one of excited vitality as hipster backpackers
crowd the many bars and restaurants exchanging recommendations on guest
houses and viewpoints, both by the lake and above the clouds.
Pokhara is a place of remarkable natural beauty. The serenity of Fewa Lake and the magnificence of the fish-tailed summit of Machhapuchhre (6,993m) rising behind it create an ambience of peace and magic. At an elevation lower than Kathmandu, it has a much more tropical feel to it, a fact well appreciated by the beautiful diversity of flowers which prosper in its environs. Indeed, the valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, emerald lakes, and of course, the world famous views of the Himalaya.
Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the out-skirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya.
This is the land of the many ethnic groups, hardworking farmers and
valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The
Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their
entrepreneurship.
Getting Pokhara:
Pokhara
is located roughly 200 km west of Kathmandu (Capital City of Nepal).The
journey between these two famed cities is certainly part of the Pokhara
experience. Flying over the snow-capped Himalaya
to the north and green Mahabharat range to the south is thrilling;
while the overland journey past sparse rural settlements nested along
the Trisuli River provides a view of life particular to Nepal's middle hills. There are daily flight between Kathmandu and Pokhara. About Pokhara is situated at about 827 meter from sea level, and is located 124 miles (about 200 km) west of Kathmandu and can be reached by plane in 35 minutes or in 5 hours by bus. Pokhara is the next destination after Kathmandu
for many adventure and pleasure trips in and around Pokhara. Pokhara is
often called the enchanting Himalayan valley with a heart of major
actions and adventures.
Surrounded
by beautiful snow-caped mountains, with a magnificent lake of
crystal-clear pure Himalayan water, all-year round pleasing weather, and
friendly Pokhralis will greet you with a smile and leave you with the
most unforgettable moments in your life. So pack up your bag, load your
camera, and get ready for Pokhara experience!
Places to Visit the Fewa Lake 1.5 Kilometer long, second largest lake in Nepal, offers an excellent view of the mountains and their reflections on the lake. Many tours and trekking operators and hotels are located on the lakeside. One can easily find a place to sit back, relax and enjoy great meal while enjoying scenery here. You will also enjoy boating on the lake.
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