Pokhara Valley:

Two hundred kilometres and a world away from the hustle, bustle and pollution of Kathmandu lies the bazaar town of Pokhara. Situated 900 metres above sea level, not only is Pokhara surrounded by the mighty Annapurna mountain range, but also by some of the largest lakes in Nepal. Combine these dramatic visual effects with Pokhara's tranquility and it is easy to see why Pokhara is the second most popular tourist destination in the country. Well, what better way to start the day than by having breakfast on the rooftop garden of your hotel as you watch the sunrise over Mt. Machhapuhhre (22,950 ft.) which lies only 45 km away. Hire a canoe and relax on the serene waters of Phewa Lake. Make sure you step off at the Golden Temple of Varahi which is located in the middle of the lake and attracts both pilgrims and romantics. You can hire a paddle-boat for the whole day and enjoy the picnic on one of the seven other lakes in the valley.
Other attractions of Pokhara are :

Underground limestone caves known as Mahendra Gupha and David's Waterfall. The Tibetan village of Tashiling is well worth visiting as in the Natural History Museum at Prithivi Narayan Campus which features displays on the people and animals of the Annapurna area. If you prefer to go trekking on four legs - try pony trekking! or to discover the tropical surroundings you can rent a bicycle. It's the starting point for tens of thousands of trekkers who either "go all the way" and do the arduous three week Annapurna Circuit trek, or settle for the far easier three day "Royal" trek, which Prince Charles made famous during his visit here. If you don't have to "conquer" the mountains by foot then why not go on one of "Mountain Flights". Flying at a height of around 19,500 ft., you'll get amazing three dimensional views of the lakes, hills, vallies and villages plus the chance to get a rare close-up not only of Machhapuchhre, but of the entire awesome Annapurna mountain range. These exhilarating and popular "fly-bys" last about 30 minutes and give you a chance to boast to your friends back home that you came face to face with some of the highest mountains in the world! Another great way to see the mountains, lakes and vallies is to go power gliding in a micro-light aircraft! To watch the fabulous mountain sunset from Sarangkot cliff is yet another attraction.

Around Pokhara City

The beauty, they say, lies in the eyes of a beholder. That might be true to something beautiful, but what you want to tell about something sublime. If there is something that challenges Biblical Garden of Eden in its splendor and magnificence, it’s Pokhara – the ultimate destination for the wanderlusts and those who appreciate, of course, beauty in its pristine glory.

The enchanting valley of Pokhara valley is situated at an altitude of 827 meters from sea level. An incarnation of the religious heaven, this celestial city is also known as the “city of seven lakes”. Just 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu, it is linked by Air and by road from Kathmandu and the Indian border Sunauli. Pokhara offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Manaslu, five peaks of Annapurna and others. This is one of the few places in the world to provide such a dramatic view in a sub-tropical setting. The nearest snow-capped mountain, Fishtail, is less then 30 kilometers from Pokhara. Pokhara's numerous lakes offer fishing, boating and swimming.

Climate of Pokhara

Pokhara has a pleasent invigorating climate and can be visited any time of the year. Even during summer, the temperature does not rise above 30-32 degree Celsius. After the onset of monsoon, the temperature goes down considerably, cooling the valley.

Access to Pokhara

Pokhara is situated 200 kilometers west from Kathmandu and is well connected by road and also by air. Pokhara can be reached in 6 hours via bus and just 30 minutes by Airplane from Kathmandu. And it is also connected with Indo-Nepal border. There are daily bus services from Pokhara to Indian border of Kakarvitta in the east, Birjung, Biratnagar and Sunauli in the middle part, Nepaljung and Mahendra Nagar in the west.

Caves and Water Falls in Pokhara

Pokhara is famous for limestone caves such as Mahendra Cave, Gupteshwar Mahadev and others. Davis Fall is the most famous water-fall in Pokhara, which comes to its gushing best just before disappearing underground.

Mountains and Hills in Pokhara

Like a divine painting from east to west, the breathtaking views of the world famous Himalayan ranges of Annapurna. Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre and other appear so close as to make you feel that you can almost touch them. Sarankot, Kaskikot, Kalikasthan, Bharat Pokhari and the Pumdi Bhumdi Hills commands beautiful views of the valley and the mountains. The places are also vantage points to view sunrise and sunsets over the majestic Himalayan peaks .

Lakes and Rivers in Pokhara

Pokhara is also known as lake city. There are seven famous lakes - Phewa or Fewa, Begnas and Rupa being the most well known ones. the glacial river Seti, flows right through the heart of the Pokhara valley and goes completely underground at certain places.Which is also called seti or white Gandaki because of the limestones sediments that give the water a milky tint. This river cuts the deepest gorge in Nepal.

Temples and Monasteries in Pokhara

The Bindabasini temple is the center of religious activity in the old bazaar area. Located right in the middle of the Fewa Lake, Barahi Temple attracts many tourists and Hindu pilgrims from Nepal and abroad. Another Hindu shrine is the Bhadrakali temple, which is situated on a small but beautiful hill with pleasant surroundings. Some other temples in Pokhara are Narayan Than, Ram Mandir, Krishna Mandir, Kedareswor Mahadav Mindir Lamakhor Lakeside.World Peace Pagoda , a massive Buddhist stupa, is situated on the top of a hill on the southern shores of Fewa Lake. Besides being an impressive sight, this shrine, built by Japanese, is a great vantage point offering spectacular views of the Lake as well as Pokhara city.

Museums and Heritage sites in Pokhara

The Annapurna museum displays a large variety of butterflies, moths and insects and also cement-models depicting Nepal's wildlife. The Annapurna museum is located inside the Prithivi Narayan Campus. The Pokhara regional museum exhibits a variety of items that captures the culture and customs of different tribes and races of Nepal. The regional museum is located at Naya Sadak. The Mountaineering Museum provides detailed information on mountaineering expeditions in Nepal. The Mountaineering Museum is very new and it is located in Ghari Patan which is close to Pokhara Eye Hospital .

Boating and Fishing in Pokhara

Boating and fishing are the most popular attractions of the Phewa lake. hiring a boat for a couple of hours and heading out to the other side of the lake bordering the forested hill and taking a swim can be the highlight of a warm day.

Adventure and trekking in Pokhara

Paragliding, Golfing, Boating, Swimming, Fishing, Micro-light aircraft, Bi-cycling and hiking in the hills are the most adventure activities in Pokhara. The valley is the starting point of some of the most popular treks in the country.

Culture of Pokhara

Pokhara - a dazzling mountains landmark in the west of Nepal is a melting pot of various ethnic groups comprising Brahmins, Chhetri, Newars, Magars, Gurungs etc vibrant in their respective cultures and in pure harmony.

Pokhara known as;
Paradise on Earth
Heaven on Hearth
Simply a Heaven
Lake City