Pokhara is the capital city of Gandaki Province. The Metropolitan city is the second-largest city in terms of population and area here in Nepal. The city is located 200 kilometres west of Kathmandu. The city is one of the major tourism hubs in Nepal as Natural Attractions cover the city, Man-made Attractions as well as Cultural Attractions. Tourists can get into the city by Road as well as by Air too. Tourists can do various activities like Adventure Sports, Leisure, Health, and Business.
Pokhara, located in western Nepal, is a popular destination for tourists looking to experience the natural beauty of the Himalayas. This beautiful city is nestled in the shadow of the Annapurna mountain range and offers visitors a wide range of activities and attractions. Whether you are an adventurer seeking an adrenaline rush or a traveller looking for relaxation and tranquillity, Pokhara has something to offer everyone.
One of the top things to do in Pokhara is to take a trek in the Annapurna mountain range. The trek offers stunning views of the Himalayas and the opportunity to explore traditional villages and meet the local people. The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most popular trekking routes in the world, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 21 days to complete.
For adventure seekers, Pokhara also offers a wide range of activities such as paragliding, rock climbing, and bungee jumping. The city is home to several companies that provide guided tours and equipment rental for these activities.
For those looking for something more relaxed, the city offers several beautiful lakes such as Phewa Lake and Begnas Lake where visitors can take a boat ride, go fishing or even swim. The lakeside area is also a popular spot for shopping, eating and nightlife.
Another must-see attraction in Pokhara is the World Peace Pagoda, a Buddhist stupa located on a hilltop overlooking the city. The pagoda offers panoramic views of the city and the Annapurna mountain range. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the pagoda to learn more about its history and significance.
Pokhara is also home to several museums, temples and religious sites such as the International Mountain Museum, which is dedicated to the culture and history of the mountains and the people who live there.
In addition to all the natural beauty and activities, Pokhara also offers plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in local culture. Visitors can take cooking classes to learn how to make traditional Nepalese dishes, attend cultural dances and festivals or visit local markets to shop for traditional handicrafts.
In conclusion, Pokhara is a beautiful and diverse destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you are an adventure seeker, nature lover or culture enthusiast, there is no shortage of things to do and see in this beautiful city. With its stunning mountain views, rich culture, and diverse range of activities, Pokhara is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Nepal.
The climate of the Pokhara
The city has a humid subtropical climate, with has summer average temperature between 25 and 30 °C, and a winter average temperature between -2 and 15 °C. Pokhara and nearby areas receive a high amount of rainfall, which is the highest rainfall all over the country. Winter and spring skies are generally clear and sunny.
Phewa Lake
Lakes are the most significant natural heritage for tourism here in Pokhara. Phewa Lake is one of the lakes in the city and is a freshwater lake in Nepal, which is located in the south of the Pokhara valley. Phewa is the most popular lake among tourists and is the most visited lake in Nepal. The lake is the only one to have a temple Tal Barahi Temple at the central part of the lake. The lake is famous for the reflection of mount Machhapuchhre and other mountain peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges on its surface. The north shore of the lake has developed into a tourist district, called Lake-side, with many Hotels, Restaurants, and Bars.
Phewa Lake is a beautiful and serene lake located in the heart of Pokhara, Nepal. The lake is surrounded by the Annapurna mountain range and is a popular destination for tourists looking to experience the natural beauty of the Himalayas. Phewa Lake offers visitors a wide range of activities and attractions, making it a must-see destination for anyone visiting Pokhara.
One of the top things to do at Phewa Lake is to take a boat ride. Visitors can rent boats and paddle around the lake, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Tal Barahi Temple, a small pagoda-style temple located on an island in the middle of the lake. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Barahi and is considered one of the most important religious sites in Pokhara.
Another popular activity at Phewa Lake is paragliding. The lake offers a great launching point for flights over the city and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can take a tandem flight with an experienced pilot to get a bird’s-eye view of the stunning landscape.
The lake also has a peaceful promenade around it, which is perfect for a leisurely stroll or for doing yoga early in the morning. There are also many cafes and restaurants around the lake where visitors can enjoy traditional Nepalese dishes and drinks while taking in the beautiful scenery.
Begnas Lake and Others
Begnas Lake is another freshwater lake in Pokhara, which is located southeast of the valley. The natural beauty of the lake attracts tourists every year on the number of thousands. Other lakes in the Pokhara are Rupa lake, Dipang tal, Khaste tal, Maidi tal, Niureni tal, Gude tal, Kamal Phokhari tal intensify the natural beauty of the city.
One of the top things to do at Begnas Lake is to take a boat ride. Visitors can rent boats and paddle around the lake, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the beautiful greenery. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing, and visitors can rent fishing equipment and try their hand at catching some of the local fish species.
For those looking for a more relaxing experience, Begnas Lake also offers several beautiful spots for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can also take a leisurely stroll around the lake and enjoy the peaceful ambience of the surrounding forest.
Begnas Lake is also a popular spot for bird-watching, as the lake and its surrounding forests are home to a wide variety of bird species. Visitors can take a guided bird-watching tour to learn more about the local birdlife and see some of the rare species that call the area home.
Devi’s Falls
Devi’s falls is a waterfall, which forms a tunnel after reaching the bottom. Devi’s fall is one of the most visited places in Nepal. The Phewa Lake is the source of this waterfall, which after exiting the tunnel, passes through a cave called Ghupteshwor Mahadev. Here tourists and local visitors get recreation and enjoyment by trying their luck, observing and clicking photos of the model of traditional typical Nepali houses and a series of Nepali people wearing traditional dresses.
Ghupteshwor Mahadev
Ghupteshwor cave is also one of the major attractions in Pokhara, which is 55 kilometers away from central Pokhara City. This cave is considered the most stunning and longest cave in Nepal. The tourists can take look at the most ancient and natural statues and portraits. For the Hindu prayers, Chaite Dashain and Mahashivratri are the most important days to visit the Cave.
Mahendra Cave
Mahendra Cave is made up of large limestone, which contains stalagmites and stalactites. The cave has a statue of the Hindu Lord Shiva. This cave attracts thousands of tourists every year. The cave can be accessed by visitors from the Pokhara Airport within 30 minutes by taxi, one hour by public buses and from Prithvi Buspark, it takes only 10 minutes. The cave area is surrounded by hills full of greenery.
Cultural Attractions
Historical and Cultural sites are most significant for tourism. There are many Cultural and Historical sites in and around the Pokhara. The Cultural and Historical tourism is concerned with the visitor’s engagement with a country or region’s culture, which specifies the lifestyle of the people in those geographical areas. Cultural Attractions include various local art and craft galleries, museums, libraries, concerts, theatre plays, local music, and Historical Sites. Some popular Cultural and Historical sites in Pokhara are listed below;
Gurkha Memorial Museum
Gurkha Armies joined the British Army since 1815 and later into the Indian Army after its independence in 1947. The museum concentrates on the history of the current British Army and the Indian Army. The display includes hundreds of photographs of the many campaigns that took part in and their regimental life. The display also include uniforms, items they used and the medals they won. It is displayed details of the Gurkha Victoria Cross winners, the highest bravery medal with their citations.
