Millions of people travel thousands of miles in the search of heaven or
paradise on earth fully unaware of the existence of a corner of real
paradise. Pokhara valley is situated at an altitude of 827 meters from
sea level. This is one of the picturesque spots of Nepal. Its lovely
lakes and mountains enhance the beauty of the valley. Pokhara is
situated 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu. It is linked by Air and by
road from Kathmandu and the Indian border Sunauli. Pokhara offers
magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Manaslu, five peaks of
Annapurna and others. This is one of the few places in the world to
provide such a dramatic view in a sub-tropical setting. The nearest
snow-capped mountain - Fishtail is less then 30 kilometers from Pokhara.
Pokhara's numerous lakes offer fishing, boating and swimming.
Places and Activities to do in Pokhara
Barahi Temple
The Barahi Temple is the most important monument in Pokhara. Built
almost in the Center of Phewa Lake, this two-storied pagoda is dedicated
to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protester deity representing
the female force Shakti.
World Peace Pagoda
This pagoda is situated on the top of a hill on the southern shore of
Phewa Lake. It has four images of Buddha facing in our directions. The
pagoda is an impressive sight and its hilltop location commands great
view. It is a great vantage point, which offers spectacular views of the
Annapurna range and Pokhara city.
Buddhist Monastery
This famous Buddhist monastery is situated on the eastern part of
Pokhara, on a hillock and one gets good view of the city from here. It
was built by the Buddhist from Manang in 1960's. Manang is one of the
most famous situated Annapurna Circuit trek. Images of Buddha and
Padmasambhava are its major attractions. Moreover, beside this many
monks reside here.
Gupteshwor Cave
Just opposite of Devi's fall, on the other side of the road there is
Gupteshwor Cave. This cave is popular for the different natural forms
made from limestone deposits.
Bindhyabasini Temple
This is one of the oldest temples in Pokhara. Legend says that when
Pokhara was a part of Kaski Kingdom, the main deity of the temple,
Goddess Durga, was brought from India. Apart from the peace and
tranquility that can be felt in this region, the premises of the temple
offers a good view of the Himalaya on a clear day. The temple is in the
area of the Bazaar; hence, a journey of the old bazaar can be combined
with a visit to the temple.
Manakamana
The temple of Manakamana, a very popular pilgrimage in Nepal, is a
temple of one of the manifestations of the Hindu goddess Bhagawati.
Bhagawati is believed to have the power to fulfill your wishes. It is
located 75km to east of Pokhara. A cable car takes travelers to
Manakamana within 10-minutes from Kurintar (Cable Car spot).
Climate of Pokhara
Pokhara has a pleasant climate and can be visited any time of the
year. Even during summer, the temperature does not rise above 30-32
degree Celsius. And as a rain begin, the temperature goes down
considerably, cooling the valley.
Access to Pokhara
Pokhara is situated 200 kilometers west from Kathmandu and is well
connected by road and also by air. Pokhara can be reached in 6 hours bus
ride and just 30 minutes by Airplane from Kathmandu. And it is also
connected with Indo-Nepal border. There is daily bus services from
Pokhara to Indian border of kakarvitta in the east, Birjung, Biratnagar
and Sunauli in the middle part, Nepaljung and Mahendra Nagar in the
west.
Caves and Water Falls in Pokhara
Pokhara is famous for limestone caves such as Mahendra Cave,
Gupteshwar Mahadev and others. Davis Fall is the most famous water fall
in Pokhara, which comes to its gushing best just before disappearing
underground.
Mountains and Hills in Pokhara
Like the artificial painting from east to west, the breathtaking
views of the world famous Himalayan ranges of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri,
Machhapuchhre and other appear so close as to make you feel that you can
almost touch them. Sarankot, Kaskikot, Kalikasthan, Bharat Pokhari and
the Pumdi Bhumdi Hills commands beautiful views of the valley and the
mountains. The places are also vantage points to view sunrise and
sunsets over the majestic Himalayan peaks.
Lakes and Rivers in Pokhara
Pokhara is also known as lake city. There are seven famous lakes -
Phewa or Fewa, Begnas and Rupa being the most well known ones. The
glacial river Seti, flows right through the heart of the Pokhara valley
and goes completely underground at certain.