|
 Pokhara is
the most popular destination for visitors to Nepal. There is
little in its past by way of neither history nor culture
impact and the only important role that the old Pokhara
played was that it was along the route of trade between
India and Tibet. Today it is one of the fastest developing
cities of Nepal, mainly due to tourism.
The natural beauty of its lakeside location and its
proximity to the mountains has made in the natural choice
for trekkers and adventures. Pokhara is also the base for
some of most famous trekking circuits of Nepal. By itself
surrounding area provides ample scope for short walk and day
trips, suitable for children or weary trekkers that can be
made around the valley.
Pokhara’s popularity has led it to accommodate people of
many nationalities and there is no dearth of hotels,
guesthouses and other lodgings, ranging from the deluxe to
the super economy.
Foreigners find the Pokhara an oasis where leisurely meals
good books and shorts walk can easily fill several days-
ideal if you are recovering from (or gearing up for) travel
to India. It is the combination of the magnificent location,
good-value accommodation and food, and the proximity of
local village life that accounts for much of Pokhara’s
appeal.
Visitors destination
Pokhara, the city itself offers quite a few places of
interest for the casual and longer staying visitor. These
are:-
Phewa Lake
 Phewa Lake is the center of all attraction in Pokhara. It is
the largest and most enchanting of three lakes that add to
the resplendence of Pokhara. Here, one can sail or row a
hired boat across the water of the lake or visit the island
temple in the middle of the lake, The eastern shore,
popularly know as Lakeside or Baidam, is the favorite haunt
of all travelers restaurants, handicraft shops and other
tourist facilities are located.
Barahi Temple
 The Barahi temple is the most important monument in Pokhara.
Built almost in the Center of Fewa Lake, this two-storied
pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the
protector deity representing the female force of Shakti.
Devi’s Fall
 Locally known as Patale Chango (Hell’s Falls) also know as
Devins and Davids is a lovely Waterfall is about 2 km south
West of Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha Highway. Legend
has it that a trekker by the name of Davy, was washed away
by the Padi Khola and mysteriously disappeared down into an
underground passage beneath the fall.
Mahendra Cave
 Another of nature’s wonders in Pokhara is the Mahendra gufa.
This large limestone cave is locally known a s the House of
Bats an apt name for it. A two- hours walk to the north of
Pokhara, it is best to bring our own torch to see the
stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the local winged
residents.
Seti Gandaki Gorge
 Another of Pokhara natural wonders is the Seti Gandaki
River. Flowing right through the city, the boisterous river
runs underground at places. Amazingly, at certain places the
river appears hardly two meters wide. However, its depth is
quite beyond imagination, over 20m. Mahendra pul, a small
bridge near the old mission hospital, provides a perfect
view of the river’s dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by
its powerful flow.
The Old Bazar + Bindyabasini Temple
 Pokhara's traditional bazaar is colorful and so are its
ethnically diverse traders. In its temples and monuments can
be seen ties to the old Newar Architecture of the Kathmandu
valley, Located about 4 k.m from Lakeside, the market S
original charm is still evident. This area is strewn with
shops selling commodities ranging from edibles to and cloth
to cosmetics and gold is a pleasant and shady spot to stroll
around.
The old Bazaar is also home to one of Pokhara’s most
important shrines. Locally called the Bindhyabasini Mandir,
this white dome- like structure dominates a spacious stone –
paved courtyard built atop a shady hillock. It is dedicated
to Goddess Bhgwati, yet another manifestation of Shakti. The
park – like grounds offers a fine picnic area, and on
Saturdays, and Tuesdays when devotees flock there to offer
sacrifices, it takes on a festive flavor.
World peace pagoda
 This Pagoda is situated on the top of a hill on the southern
shore of Fewa lake. It has four images of Buddha facing in
four directions. The Pagoda is an impressive sight and its
hilltop location commands a grand view. It is a great
vantage point, which offers spectacular view of the
Annapurna range and Pokhara city.
Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake
 Begnas Lake is situated in the eastern part of Pokhara
valley, at a distance of 15 km from Pokhara. Tourist can
relax in the lodges and resorts situated alongside the lake.
Yet another popular lake of Pokhara is the Rupa Lake. It is
separated from Begnas Lake by a bridge known as Pachabhaiya.
The lakes offer the prefect nature retreat because of their
relative’s seclusion and opportunities for boating and
fishing.
Mountain Views:
 Clearly, the most stunning of Pokhara’s sights is the
spectacular panorama of the Anapurna range that forms its
backdrop. Stretching from east to west, the Annapurna massif
includes Annapurna I to IV and Annapurna South. Although the
highest among them is Annapurna I at 8091 meters, it is
Machhapuchhre, which dominates all others in this
neighborhood. Standing tall, proud, and dominating the
skyline, Machhapuchhre, the fishtailed pinnacle is the
classic snow – capped, needle – pointed mountain. |
