Pokhara is the third largest city in Nepal. It is the starting point for most of the treks in the Annapurna area. It is considered by many to be the most beautiful place in the whole wide world.
Getting There
You can travel to Pokhara from the capital Kathmandu using the tourist buses that are readily available or the local microbuses or buses which leave Kathmandu for Pokhara almost every 15 minutes. It takes about 8 hours.
Daily Flights operates from Kathmandu to Pokhara and cost roughly $100 each way and take only 30 minutes from capital. They have the bonus of giving you a bird's eye view of the countryside and of the panoramic mountains themselves.
Must See
Sarangkot
The perfect pre-trek warm-up. Head up Sarankot in the late afternoon (be prepared, it's steep and hard work) find yourselves a warm guest house before sunset, go up the top for sunset and again for sunrise... you won't be disappointed. The road is rough, but traversable. Great views, spectacular images and a great way to get a taste of what it's like to be trekking.
World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa)
Built about 16 years ago atop a hill overlooking Phewa Tal, the Stupa offers a great place to see the mountains and the sunset over Pokhara. It can be accessed by hiring a boat across the lake and following a pretty good track upward, climbing up through the forest (but watch out for leeches during the monsoon)or by foot from the road that passes Devi's Fall, turning right at the end of Chhorepatan. Taxis can now drive up to within 15 minutes' walk of the Stupa - ask them to use the Chhorepatan road, which is shorter and therefore should be a little cheaper than the Kalimati road.
Devi's Falls
Devi's Fall is a small waterfall that disappears underground at a depth of 100 feet for a distance of 500m and is named after a Swiss lady, Mrs Devis, who was washed away when strong water came from Phewa Lake in 1961. The falls are at their best in August and September but don't get too close.
Barahi Temple
Located on an island in Nepal's Phewa Lake, stands the Barahi Temple. A visit to the island near the center of Lake Phewa is often included on tour packages in the area, and is certainly a must for anyone touring Pokhara. Set in stunning surroundings, many find Barahi Temple a peaceful place to relax, especially after canoing across the glistening waters of Phewa Lake. Its i Must Visit in Pokhara
BindaBasini Temple
Gupteshwar Mahadev
There are two parts. First parts is about 40 meters long, there is a natural cave and temple of Load Shiva. In this first part you are not allowed to take photos. Next parts start after temple which way goes to the down side if Devis fall, the distance about 100 meters from second entrance, from there you can see the view of Davis Fall as well as natural rocks, Electric lights are managed for the convenience of the visitor. After the Lord Shiva temple on second parts of this Cave you are allowed to take photos. Second parts is closed during 4 month of Monsoon (June, July, August and September)
Must Do
Boating in Fewa Lake
Fewa is top destination for tourist as its in the center of the city and is surrounded with most of the city’s finest guest houses, pubs and restaurants. The lake itself is spread about little over 10 square kilometer. Most of the tourist go from the starting of the lake to the end of it. There are no electric boats available, you’ll have to hire wooden boats. You can take the boat yourself of hire the boatman for a little more money. There’s a hindu temple in the center of the lake which attract huge religious tourists every day that temple is Barahi Temple (as discussed earlier).
Paragliding
Paragliding in Pokhara is one of the things you should not miss. It is known world over for its convenience and the uniqueness. The tandem flights usually start from a small hill called Sarangkot 30 minutes from the city and lands in the bank of Fewa Lake. There are more than 10 companies that operate paragliding in the city. You can also go for solo flights if you have a license and insurance.
Cycling
There are a lot of bicycle and motorcycle rentals available in the city. You can rent motorbikes for 500 NRS i.e. 6 USD per hour and bicycles for less than half a dollar. The best route for cycling is west of the city along with the bank of the Fewa lake. The route leads you to one of the most beautiful villages of Nepal.
Skyzip
If you’re visiting Nepal after next month or so then you might just get a chance to do the fastest Skyline in the world. In their own words, you’ll be standing on the platform overlooking the majestic Himalayas and a mind-boggling 2000 feet vertical drop. As you jump it goes own in the speed of 160kmph. The zip line is 1.6 meter length and 56% inclined.As I said, its not open for public yet but the construction is complete and is expected to open by next month.
Trekking
You can do trekking in Pokhara itself but Pokhara is the main hub for the trekking in Annapurna region which is one of the most popular trekking destination in the world. The shortest trek from here can be completed within 4 days and the longest goes up to 2 months. A lot of tourist who come for trekking in Nepal start their trekking here and take rest in the city after completing their trekking. There are hundreds of trekking agencies in the city.
Where to Stay
Fish Tail Lodge
Fishtail Lodge is located on an island in Phewa Lake. A raft comes and goes between the island and the main land constantly. It is tied to both shores. A man pulls the rope and the raft moves between the piers. Also there are several boats to serve. When big groups with many luggage's come, boats are used for recent customers. The reception and restaurant building can be reached by some steps from the pier on the island. The rooms are behind the plants covering whole area when reception is behind you. There is a pool and a souvenir shop here. Rooms are small cottages hidden in the garden, and the garden has hundreds of different flowers. All rooms have a small special garden in front. In short, a Luxury, Spa Resort.
Places Around
Lumbini
Lumbini was where the Buddha was Born & lived until the age of 29. Lumbini has a number of temples, including the Mayadevi temple, and others under construction. Also located here is the Puskarini or Holy Pond where the Buddha's mother took the ritual dip prior to his birth and where he, too, had his first bath, as well as the remains of Kapilvastu palace. At other sites near Lumbini, earlier Buddhas were, according to tradition, born, achieved ultimate awakening and finally relinquished earthly form.
It takes about 3~4 hours by bus.
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