Pokhara
Pokhara is a city of 200 000 inhabitants, 200 kms west from Kathmandu. It is the third largest city of Nepal after Kathmandu and Biratnagar. It is the headquarters of the Kaski district.
Pokhara is established in the Seti Gandaki Valley at an elevation of 870 metres. It is at the foot of Himalayas, this is why the city offers views on the Dhaulagiri, the Annapurna and the Manaslu ranges.
Pokhara is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal as it is from there that start many of the treks in the Annapurna Range.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF POKHARA:
Phewa Lake
The lake is neither deep (47m at most) nor particularly clean, but the water is warm and swimming is pleasant if you do not think about the probable pollution. One of the fascinating parts of Phewa Lake is the splendid view of the mountains, especially when the water reflects the peaks, creating a double image.
Barahi Temple
This is the most important religious monument in Pokhara. Built in the middle of Phewa Lake, the two storied pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protectress deity. Devotees can be seen, especially on Saturdays, carrying animals across the lake to be sacrified to the deity.
Bindyabashini Temple
Bindyabashini Temple is the center of religious activity in the old bazaar. It is dedicated to Bhagwati, goddess of power. Worshippers flock here to perform sacrifices, and especially on Saturdays the park like grounds take on a festive fair.
World Peace Pagoda
The Pagoda is a massive Buddhist Stupa built 20 years ago and is situated on the top of a hill on the southern bank of Phewa Lake. Besides being an impressive sight itself, the shrine is a great point, which offers spectacular views on the Annapurna range and Pokhara city. We can get here by crossing the lake by boat and then hiking up the hill.
Davi's Fall
Locally known as Patale Chhango, the waterfall plunges into a cave and disappears into the earth. It is believed that this deadly waterfall took the life of a tourist named David who fell down into the canal and was never refound.
Entry Fee: Rs. 30
Gupteshwore Gupha
The entrance of Gupteswhore Gupha is right across from Davi’s Fall and the cave is almost 3 kms long. It has some big hall-size rooms and some passages where you have to crawl. This cave is sacred for Hindus since a phallic symbol of Lord Shiva is preserved here in the conditions it was discovered.
Entry Fee: Rs. 30
International Mountain Museum
The International Mountain Museum (IMM) was established in 2004. It has a building area of 3110 m². The IMM is organized in three sections: ethnic groups of Nepal, natural history of Himalayas and histories of the 14 highest peaks in the world.
Entry Fee: Rs. 300
Sarangkot Hill
Sarangkot is a hill (1592 m) to the west of Pokhara from where you have wonderful sunset and sunrise on the Himalayan ranges and on Pokhara city. Sarangkot is a former Kaski fort lying on the top of the hill.
