Travel Nepa

Pokhara
Pokhara is a place of remarkable natural beauty. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the fishtailed summit ,Machhapuchhre (6977 m) rising behind it create an ambiance of peace and magic .At an elevation lower than Kathmandu , it has a much more tropical feel to it, a fact well appreciated by the beautiful diversity of flowers which prosper in its environs. Indeed, the valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, emerald lakes and of course, the world famous views of the Himalayas.
Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. This is the land of the Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis , another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship.
Place to See
Mountain views: clearly the most stunning of Pokhars’s sights is the spectacular panorama of the Annapurna range which forms its backdrop. Stretching from the east to west, the Annapurna massif includes Annapurna I to IV and Annapurna south. Although the highest among them is Annapurna I(8091 m), it is Machhapuchhre which dominates all others in this neighborhood. Boastfully levitating in the skyline, the fish-tailed pinnacle is the archetypal snow-capped, needle –pointed mountain.
Phewa Lake: The second largest lake in the kingdom roughly measuring 1.5 by 4 km, is the center of all attractions in Pokhara .It is the largest and most enchanting of the three lakes that add to the resplendence of pokhara .the eastern shore, popularly known as Lakeside or Baidam,is the favorite home base for travelers and is where most of the hotels, restaurants and handicraft shops are located.
Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake: they are located about 15km from Pokhara at the end of a road that turns north form the highway to Kathmandu. Divided by a forested hillock called Panchabhaiya Danda, the lakes offer the perfect nature retreat because of their relative seclusion .Splendid boating and fishing opportunities can be had here.
Seti Gandaki: Flowing right through the city, the boisterous river runs completely underground at places. Amazingly, at certain points the river appears hardly two meters wide. But its depth is quite beyond imagination-over 20 meters. 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.
Devi’s Fall: Locally known as Patale chhango (Hell’s fall), Devi’s fall (also known as Devin’s or David’s fall) is an awesome waterfall lying about 2km south –west of Pokhara airport on the highway to Tansen. Legend has it that a trekker (Devin, David…) was washed away by the Pardi Khola and mysteriously disappeared down into an underground passage beneath the fall.
Gupteshwar Gupha: A sacred cave, lies 2 km from Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha Highway leading southwest from the city .the entrance is right across from Devi’s fall and the cave is almost 3 km long. It has some big hall –size rooms, five lakes and a view of Devi’s fall and there are some passages where you 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 .an entrance fee of Rs5 is charged and taking pictures inside the cave is prohibited.
Mahendra Gupha: another of nature’s wonders in Pokhara is the Mahendra Guha. This large lime stone cave is locally known as the house of Bats. A two-hour walk to the north of Pokhara , it is best to bring your own torch to see the stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the local winged residents.
The old Bazaar: Pokhara’s traditional bazaar is colorful and so are its ethnically diverse traders. In its temples and monuments can be seen ties to the Newar architecture of the Kathmandu valley. Located about 4 km from Lakeside, the market’s original charm is alive and well.
Bidnhyabasini Temple: It is the center of religious activity In the old bazaar .It is dedicated to Goddess Bhagawati, yet another manifestation of shakti .the park-like ground offers a fine picnic area, and on Saturdays and Tuesday s when devotees folks there to offer sacrifices, take on a festive local flavor.
Museums
Pokhara Musueu, located between the airport and Mahendra Pul, reflects the ethnic mosaic of western Nepal. The lifestyles and history of ethnic groups such as the Gurung, thakali and the tharu are attractively displayed. One major attraction is a display highlighting the newly-discovered remains of an 8000-year-old settlement in Mustang .Open daily, except Tuesdays and holidays, from 10am to 5 Pm. Entrance fee is Rs 5 and there is an extra Rs10 for cameras.
Annapurna Museum, also known as the Natural History Museum, is located at Prithivi Narayan Campus east of the old bazaar. Managed by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the museum has an exceptional collection of butterflies, insects, birds, and models of wildlife as well as samples of various precious and semi-precious stones and volcanic rocks. Open daily, except Saturdays and holidays, from 9am to 5pm.
Adventure sports
Boating: Pokhara‘s diverse natural wonders make it an excellent setting for adventure sports. Sailing or paddle boating on Phewa Lake’s emerald expanse is something no visitor to Pokhara would like to miss. Boats and boatmen can be hired on an hourly or daily basis or you can row yourself.
Paragliding: Fly freely amongst the magnificent Himalaya with eagles and griffin vultures to join you as you soar over lakes and villages. Novices get introductory courses before you go for the actual fun and experienced pilots get to fly deep in the Himalaya, between some of the remotest villages in the world.
Surrounding Areas
Pokhara is the starting and or finishing point for some of the most popular treks including the Annapurna Circuit and the Jomsom Trek. It also offers a number of short treks for those who cannot opt for long, challenging ones. The most popular destination among them is Sarangkot (1592m), a former Kaski fort lying atop a hill five km west of the old bazaar. Golden stupa which is situated at 1100m height. Kahundanda (1520 m), to the north- east of Pokhara, has a ruined fort on the summit as well as a view tower with spectacular scenery. Another must for nature lovers is Ghalchowk, a five-hour walk to the north of Pokhara .This typical Gurung village is the site of one of the region’s oldest settlements. The ancient fort of Nuwakot, 15 km south of Devi’s fall, is also ideal for savoring the splendors of nature. Naudanda is a five-hour walk and a favorite with those wishing to get away from it all.
Getting There
Pokhara is located 200km west of Kathmandu .The journey between these two fabled cities is certainly part of the unique Pokhara experience. Flying alongside the snow-capped Himalaya to the north and the green Mahabharat range to the south is thrilling, while the overland journey past sparse rural settlements nested along the Trisuli River provides a view of life particular to Nepal’s middle hills. Daily flights and bus service connect Pokhara with Kathmandu.