Pokhara is a resort city of
remarkable beauty. The serenity of
Phewa Lake and the magnificent
summit of Machhapuchhare rising
behind it create and ambience of
peace and magic. Pokhara is part of
a once vibrant caravan route
extending between India and Tibet.
This is the land of Magars and
Gurungs who have earned worldwide
fame as Gurkha soldiers.
Places To Visit Pokhara
Mountain View :
Clearly the most stunning of
Pokhara’s sights is the spectacular
panorama of the Annapurna range
which forms its backdrop. The
Annapurna massif includes Annapurna
I to IV and Annapurna south.
Although the highest among them is
Annapurna I (8,091m.), it is
Machhapuchhare (6,977m.) which
dominates all others in this area.
Phewa Lake :
The second largest lake in the
Kingdom roughly measuring 1.5 by
4km, 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 the resort town. 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
handicrafts shops are located.
Begnas Lake And Rupa Lake :
Begnas lake and Rupa Lake are
located about 15 km from Pokhara at
the end road that turns north from
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.
Barahi Temple :
Barahi Temple, Build on an island in
Phewa Lake, this two storied pagoda
is dedicated to the boar
manifestation of Ajima, the
protectress deity representing the
female force. Devotees can be seen,
especially on Saturdays, carrying
animals across the lake to be
sacrificed to the deity.
World Peace Stupa :
World Peace Stupa, a massive
Buddhist stupa, is situated on the
to of the southern shore of Fewa
lake, beside being an impressive
sight in itself, The shrine is a
great vantage point which offers
superb views of Annapurna range and
Pokhara city.
Seti Gandaki :
Flowing right through the city, the
boisterous river runs complete
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
Devi’s fall (also knows as Devil’s,
devin’s or david’s) is an awesome
waterfall lying about 2 KM.
south-west of pokhara airport on the
highway to Tansen. Legend has it
that a trekkers (devin, David.) Was
washed away by the pardi khola and
disappeared down into an underground
passage beneath the fall.
Gupteswar Gupha:
Is a sacred cave located near devi’s
fall. The cave is almost 3 KM. long
.It has some big hall-size room and
some passage. This cave holds
special value for Hindus since a
phallic symbol of lord shiva is
preserved here in the condition it
was discovered.
Mahendra Gupha :
Another of nature’s wonders in
Pokhara is the Mahendra Gupha. This
large limestone cave is locally
known as the house of bats, an apt
name for it. 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.
Robert’s Aviary :
Colonel Jimmy Roberts, the father of
trekking in Nepal, collected
pheasants during his trekking and
mountaineering forays into Annapurna
mountains. He maintained an aviary
for these colorful and acquired by
the Fulbari Resorts & Spa.
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.
Bindhyabasini Temple :
Bindhyabasini Temple is the center
of religious activity in the old
bazaar. It is dedicated to Goddess
Bhagwati, yet another manifestation
of Shakti. The park-like grounds
offer a fine picnic area, and on
Saturdays and Tuesdays when devotees
flock there on a festive local
flavor.
The Tibetan refugee settlement,
Tashi Palkheil, also known locally
as hempa camp, is 7 km north of
Pokhara on the west bank of the seti
river. Of interest here are
monastery, handicraft center and
herbal medicine clinic. |
