Things to do in Pokhara

Pokhara a Paradise

Where adventure meets relaxation with Yoga and Meditation!

There are few cities in the world that are surrounded by such remarkable natural
beauty as Pokhara. Sprawled along the Pokhara Valley in the Gandaki zone of central
Nepal, Pokhara stretches from the shores of Phewa Lake to the foothills of the mighty
Annapurna range.

Laying 200 Km west of Kathmandu, Nepal's second-largest city has long been an
attraction for western tourists since the 1970's when the hippies made their way to the
city even more mystical than Kathmandu. In 1977 the Annapurna region was opened to
foreign trekkers for the first time and since then the tourist industry has boomed in
lakeside to become one of the major tourist hubs in Nepal.
With its many restaurants, hotels, cafes, bars, and shops that now line the Lakeside
strip for several kilometers, Pokhara is the perfect place to relax and re-energize after a
long trek or Journey. It won't be long though until you're ready to get back into action
as Pokhara's huge adventure sports industry beckons you to experience the thrill of
flying with the birds, rafting down wild rivers or leaping into a 70m free fall. If a rush of
adrenaline isn't your thing then there are plenty of yoga, massage and meditation
retreats and yoga teacher training in Pokhara to choose from or If you are interested in
the rich history and culture of Nepal there are plenty of museums, medieval temples,
and monasteries to visit.

From the panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas to the stunning lakes and forests,
exploring the natural environment in and around Pokhara is a great way to spend a
couple of days or more while you are traveling in the region.

Himalayas - There is no other place in the world where you can sit below 1,000m and
marvel at 8,000m peaks. Machhapuchhre ( Nepali for Fishtail) is the most prominent
peak in the Annapurnas due to its unique shape and it is only 30Kms from Pokhara.
Fishtail is also regarded as a holy mountain and as such, it is forbidden to be climbed.
Three of the world top 10 highest mountains, Dhaulagiri I (7th), Manaslu (8th), and
Annapurna I (10th), can be seen from various parts of the Pokhara Valley and its
surrounding hills,such as Sarangkot, Ananda Hill (World Peace Pagoda), Kaskikot, and
the International Mountain Museum in Pokhara.

Some Fast Facts about Pokhara

The population of Pokhara - 800,000
District - Kaski District
Ethnicities - Gurung, Brahmin, Chhetri, Khas, Nepali, Magar, Newar

Reglions - Hinduism,Buddhism,Muslim,Christian

Elevation - Lowest: 827m

Highest:1,740m

What is there to explore in Pokhara?

Phewa Lake - Nepal's second-largest lake is the center of attraction in Pokhara and is
what brings peace and tranquility to Lakeside. You can walk along its
edge or hire a brightly painted boat along the lakeshore. Take a day to explore the lake,
the villages on its shores, the aquatic life. Barahi Temple on the small island or watch
farmers working on the rice paddies and the local fisherman collecting the day's catch.A
magical sight is when lake is perfectly calm and you can see the reflection of the
Himalayas in its waters. For the best views, head over to the shady park at the Phewa
Dam in Damside early in the morning.

BARAHI TEMPLE - Situated on a small, shady island only a 10 -minutes boat trip from
Bharahi Chowk Lakeside, the Temple is one of the most important Hindu Monuments in
Pokhara. The 18th Century two-storied pagoda is dedicated to Ajima,the boar
manifestation of the force of Shakti, the Hindu mother goddess who is the origin of
universal creativity and power. Large crowds of Hindu devotees are seen on Saturdays,
which is when sacrifices may also take place here.
Begnas Lake - Begnas lake is very serene and beautiful and is well worth either a day
trip or a couple of nights stay. Take in the wonderful mountain views, have a dip in the
lake or paddle around in a wooden boat. Located about 15Km east of Lakeside, a trip to
these lakes makes a perfect day or overnight trip from Pokhara. Begnas Tal is larger
and more accessible and here swimming, boating, and fishing are all possible.
Sarangkot Sunrise - The sunrise from Sarangkot viewpoint is spectacular as have a
360-degree view of the Himalayas, Phewa Lake and Pokhara Valley.
You could take a Taxi up in the morning or night before and walk back down to Pokhara
afterward through the local villages.
Paragliding in Pokhara - Fly like a bird from the top of Sarangkot down to the shores
of Phewa Lake with a Professional Pilot. There are daily flights available thanks to the
great flying conditions in Pokhara. If you are after more of a thrill,why not learn to
paraglide yourself!
Peace Pagoda Hike - (Stupa) Take a boat across Phewa Lake and do a 45-minute
hike up through the Rainbow forest to visit the World Peace Pagoda, which has
stunning views over the lake, Pokhara and if the weather is clear, and the Annapurna
circuit range.

Rafting Trip - For a great time with friends,float down the white rapids of one of Nepal's
many rivers in a raft or Kayak. If you are after a more peaceful water adventure, you
can hire a boat and paddle around Phewa Lake or Begnas Lake.
Devi's Falls - Devi's Falls is a fascinating waterfall located 2 Km south of Pokhara
Airport on the Siddhartha Highway. The river, Pardi Khola,Coming from Phewa Lake
disappears deep underground, travelling for 1KM before gushing out at Devi's Falls. The
name "Devi' is apparently corrupted from David, referring to a Swiss tourist in 1961
who was either swept away himself or lost his wife in the falls.

Caves - There are many caves around Pokhara, the most popular of which are in
Pokhara's north is Batulechaur, approximately 10kms from Lakeside. Here is the
Mahendra Cave, a large limestone cave famous for its stalagmites and stalactites and
nearby is the Bat Cave.

Moterbike Trip - Rent a motorbike or scooter for the day and take a ride up to
Sarangkot,the peace pagoda or perhaps visit Begnas lake. There are companies who
provide day tours as well as extended trips around the Annapurnas and even up to
Upper Mustang.

Yoga and Meditation in Pokhara - Mantra Yoga and Meditation School, Pokhara
Nepal is offering 200 Hour yoga teacher training in Nepal for yoga Beginners wish to
learn Indian vedic wisdom and to teach others. Join our Visit Nepal 2020 - Yoga teacher
training certification course. Read more - https://mantrayogameditation.org/yoga-
teacher-training-in-nepal/
Yoga Retreat - Join 7 Days Yoga retreat at Beach and Hills Yoga Retreat - offering an
affordable yoga retreats in Pokhara Nepal -2020.
Read more - https://beachandhillsyogaretreat.com/yoga-retreat-nepal/
By Sarvottam Kumar