Pokhara

An enchanting Himalayan Valley

If Kathmandu is the cultural hub of Nepal, then Pokhara is its center of adventure. Pokhara (population 95,000) is a resort city of remarkable beauty. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificent summit of peace and magic. Pokhara is part of a once vibrant caravan route extending between India and Tibet; this is the land of the Magars and Gurungs who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. Brahmins, Chhetris and Thakalis are other major communities here.

PLACES TO SEE

Mountain views: Clearly the most stunning of Pokhara's sights is the spectacular panorama of the Annapurna range which froms 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 Machhapuchhre (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 handicraft shops are located.

Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake are located about 15km from Pokhara at the end of a 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: Built 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, a massive Buddhist stupa, is situated on top of a hill on the southern shore of Phewa Lake. Besides being an impressive sight in itself, the shrine is a great vantage point which offers superb views of the Annapurna Himal range and Pokhara city.

Seti Gandaki: Flowing right through the city, the boisterous river runs completely 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.

Seti Gorge and the Green Canyon. The View point of the Fullbari Resort offers an unrivaled panorama of the Annapurna range with Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna III, Annapurna I and Annapurna South extending from right to left. A splendid vista of the Seti gorge, a deep and narrow gorge cut by the Seti River, and the Green Canyon spreads out below.

Devi's fall: Locally known as patale Chhango, Devi's fall (also known as Devi's, Devin's or David's) is an awesome waterfall lying about 2km south-west of Pokhara airport on the highway to Tansen. Legend has it that a trekker (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 Davi's fall. The cave is almost 3km long. It has some big hall-size rooms and some passages. This cave holds special value for Hindus since a phallic symbol of Lord Shiva is preserved here in the condition it was discovered. An entrance fee of Rs.10 is charged, and taking pictures inside the cave is prohibited.

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 the Annapurna mountains. He maintained an aviary for these colorful and sanguine birds which was acquired by The Fullbari Resort & Spa.

The Old Baxaar: 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 4km from Lakeside, the market's original charm is alive and well.

Bindhyabasini Temple is the center of religious activity in the old bazaar. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhagawati, yet another manifestation of Shakti. The park-like grounds offer a nice picnic area, and on Saturday and Tuesdays when devotees flock there to offer sacrifices, take on a festive local flavor.

The Tibetan refugee settlement Tashi Palkhiel, also known locally as Hemja Camp, is 7km north of Pokhara on the west bank of the Seti River. Of interest here are the monastery, handicraft center and herbal medicine clinic.