POKHARA

 Pokhara, situated at altitude of 827m and 200 Kms west of Kathmandu is the next favorite destination after Kathmandu for many adventure and pleasure trips in and around. It is the place to watch beautiful mountains and start off major trekking and expeditions. Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, clear lakes and Himalayas. The majestic Machhapuchre (Fishtail) rising behind the hills reflects in the serenity of Phewa Lake. The close up views of the seemingly nearby magnificent peaks; Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchre, Annapurna and others provide us with immense pleasure and unforgettable memories. There are wide choices of trekking trails around the mountains. An enchanting Himalayan valley surrounded by beautiful snow-caped mountains, with magnificent lakes of crystal-clear water and all-year round pleasing weather is Pokhara.

Major Attractions in and around Pokhara

World Peace Stupa:
The World Peace stupa rises 35 m and thirty-seven steps take you up to the second tier where four Buddhas face the cardinal directions. This is a popular spot—pilgrims, picnickers, young lovers, tourists and even the occasional film crew come here. Everyone is welcome to use the meditation hall of the stupa. The best time to visit is early morning as you will feel there is no place in the world is that ideal for peace than World Peace Stupa as dawn rises to morning the surrounding is colorful and tranquil. Phewa Lake spans between Andu Danda and Sarangkot, the mountains range and the sky reflects their image in its depths. On a clear day you can enjoy the view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchre and Lamjung peak along with Manaslu, Himalchuli and even Ganesh Himal.

Barahi Temple:
The Barahi temple is the most important monument in Pokhara Built over Lake Island in the Fewa. This two-storied pagoda is dedicated to protector’s deity representing the female force Shakti. Devotees can be seen, especially on Saturdays, carrying male animals and fowl across the lake to be sacrificed to the deity.



Phewa Lake:
Phewa Lake is the second largest Lake in Nepal after Rara Lake in the far west of the country. It is the centre and most enchanting of the three lakes that add to the beauty of Pokhara. Here, one can row a hired boat. The eastern shore popularly known as lakeside or Baidam is the favorite home base for travelers.


Begnas Lake:
Begnas Lake, the second largest lake of Pokhara Valley is located in the Sisuwa village on the eastern part of Pokhara, 13 km away from the city centre. It covers an area of 3 sq. km. Average water depth of the lake is 9.37 and the maximum water depth is 13.84m. The capacity of the lake is 29.05 million cubic meter. The nearby forest is very dense on the northern and southern part of the lake whereas there is cultivation on the eastern part and fishery project on the western part. The forest is very rich specially for endangered flora and fauna and is also habitat of more than 150 species of birds.

Rupa Lake:
Rupa Lake is separated by the Pachabhaiya ridge from Begnas Lake. Rupa Lake covers an area of 1.12 sq km running along from north to south. The average depth of the lake is 3.0m and maximum water depth is 4.79m. Its water holding capacity is 3.1 million cubic meter.



Bindhyabasini Temple
In the north part of town pleasantly located in the area of mountain views is the Bindhyabasini Temple of goddess Durga manifested in the form of a shalagram. The featured deity, Bindyabasini, is an incarnation of Kali the mother goddess in her blood thirsty aspect, who is represented by Saligram, an auspicious stone as per the Hindu Mythology. Animal sacrifices are common at this temple, particular on Saturday and on the ninth day of Dashain, the biggest Hindu festival of Nepal.


Devis Fall:
Locally known as Patale Chhango is a lovely waterfall lying about 2 km southwest of the Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha Highway. The Pardi river that flows from the Phewa Lake falls down and disappears at Devis Fall. The Pardi Khola flows underground for around 200 m and then re-emerges again to meet the Seti Gandaki River.


Gupteswar Cave:
A sacred cave, lying 2 km from Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha Highway leading southwest from the city is the Gupteswar cave. This very long cave has entrance right across the Devis Fall. It has big hall-size spaces but at some passages one might 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.

Mahendra Cave:
A nature wonder, house of Bats, is the limestone cave named Mahendra cave. It is at the distance of two-hour walk to the north from city centre.




Bat Cave:
Located a little far form the Mahendra cave with quite narrow entrance but wide enough inner part is the bat cave. This ‘U’ shaped cave is 150 meter long, 25 feet high and gives shelter to more than 15 thousand bats of different species. The images of the elephant tusk, gods and goddess have been craved on the inner walls of the cave.

Naudanda:
A small but beautiful village with terraced rice field on one side and subtropical forest on the other side with charming views of the Himalayas.

Sarangkot:
The highest point of Pokhara, on the ridge northern part of Phewa Lake, Sarangkot is a popular mountain and sunrise viewpoint. It has substantial little villages near the top that can provide food and accommodation. An afternoon walk to the village to spend the night and enjoy the views the next morning is an exciting experience.

Tibetan Camp:
Among several Tibetan settlements in Pokhara some are really worthy to visit. Tibetans can be found selling crafts which gives us the idea on Tibetan culture and tradition.