10 Jan 2023 damodar pyakurel
Pokhara is a metropolitan city in Nepal, which serves as the capital of Gandaki province. It is the second most populous city after Kathmandu, with 518,452 inhabitants living in 101,669 households in 2021. It is the country’s largest metropolitan city in terms of area. The city also serves as the headquarters of Kaski District. Pokhara is located 200 kilometres (120 miles) west of the capital, Kathmandu. The city is on the shore of Phewa Lake, and sits at an elevation of approximately 822m. The Annapurna Range, with three out of the ten highest peaks in the world—Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and Manaslu—is within 15–35 mi (24–56 km) of the valley.
Pokhara is considered the tourism capital of Nepal, being a base for trekkers undertaking the Annapurna Circuit through the Annapurna Conservation region of the Annapurna ranges in the Himalayas.
Phewa Lake
Lake Phewa, Fewa or Fewa Lake is the one and only lake in Pokhara and is quite magnificent. Lake Phewa is the main attraction in Pokhara as the city wraps around it grassy shores for as far as the eye can see and one of the best things to see in Pokhara. This lake is known for having reflections of the Himalaya upon its surface including the sacred peak of Machapuchare, and neighboring peaks such as Annapurna. It’s also one of the busiest places to visit in Pokhara and remains that way until sundown. Daily, thousands of pilgrims take colorful wooden boats to the Phewa Tal Temple situated a few hundred meters off-shore.
Mahendra Cave
Mahendra Cave is a large limestone cave, in which you’ll see a statue of the Hindu god, Shiva.
The cave contains both stalactites and stalagmites, in some cases, due to their age, joining up to form interesting shapes which locals believe represent Hindu gods.
There is some lighting in the cave but you will be provided with torches and emergency lights as well. Guides are available for a small fee if you need help getting to the exit. Mahendra Cave is only about 10 minutes’ walk from the Bat Cave.
Sarangkot
Sarangkot is known for its breathtaking and panoramic views of the Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri ranges, Pokhara Valley and the Phewa Lake. Located at an altitude of 1592 m on the north of Phewa Lake, you can see the panoramic views of the mountain ranges from the Sarangkot watchtower. You can also enjoy a beautiful sunrise from the Kaski fort.
If you have more time, then you can explore the nearby farming villages also. If you wish to stay somewhere near, there are a few guesthouses in the village just beneath the summit.
Entry Fees: NPR 200 to visit the tower.
Devis Falls
Located on the Siddhartha Highway about 2 km from Pokhara Airport, Devi’s Falls is one of the tourist attractions of Pokhara. The name is actually a corrupted form of Davis Falls following a sad legend following the place. It is said that a Swiss couple went swimming in the place. But Lady Davis was carried away by the strong and swift waters of the falls and lost her life.
The Pardi Khola River coming from Phewa Lake disappears underground, travelling for about 1 km before gushing out at the Devi’s Falls. This is quite a popular place for the locals.
Opening Time of Devi’s Falls: 5 AM to 7 PM daily
Entry Fees: NPR 30
How to reach: You can take a taxi from Hallan Chowk (will cost NPR 400 for a return trip). You can also visit the place by motorbike or bicycle. There are no direct local buses to the falls. You have to take a bus to Birauta Chowk and then take another bus towards Devi’s Falls. I think changing bus is quite a hassle for visiting the falls.
Daily sightseeing trips in Pokhara are run by most of the travel agents in Pokhara. If you wish to do a sightseeing trip to Pokhara, it is quite convenient to book seats on these trips. They will take you around a few of the attractions in Pokhara. They also have an English speaking guide who will explain the significance of the places you visit.
International Mountaineering Museum
A top Pokhara attraction is visit the International Mountaineering Museum.As Nepal owns eight of the world’s highest peaks and is world reknown for trekking, it seems fitting there is a museum dedicated to honor this history. We arrived on National Everest Day (May 29), celebrating the day Tenzing Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary summited Everest in 1953. Due to the celebration, we got free admission and to see Kazi Sherpa, who set the Everest climbing speed at 20 hours 24 minutes.
The museum is a spacious center full of historical, geological and mountain climbing artifacts. You’ll find clothing from historical periods and kitchenette wear for sherpas. An interesting look into the dangerous and historical world of mountaineering.