Trip to Pokhara

Pokhara is the most popular tourism destination of Nepal. Pokhara is a Nepalese metropolitan city and the capital of the Gandaki Province. It is Nepal's second most populated city, with 518,452 people living in 101,669 houses in 2021 after Kathmandu. However, it is the state's largest metropolitan city. 

The valley is located at an altitude of 822 meters on the shores of Phewa Lake. Pokhara is serving as a starting point for hikers attempting the Annapurna Circuit via the Annapurna Conservation Area region of the Himalayan Annapurna mountains. Pokhara is Nepal's tourism capital. The valley is home to many elite Nepalese Gurkha soldiers like the Nepalese Army, Indian Army, Gurkha Contingent Singapore, Gurkha Reserve Uni Brunei, UN peacekeeping forces, and so on. 

Pokhara is a City of lakes and the perfect cities for adventure lovers. Pokhara is one of Nepal's most beautiful and thrilling valleys. The 'Jewel of the Mid-West,' Pokhara Valley, is drawing visitors from all over the world. Kathmandu and the Indian border town of Sunauli, it is connected by air and road. Pokhara is 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu and takes six hours to drive and 25 minutes to fly to. It is known for its lakes and for being situated beneath the massive Annapurna Mountain. It is highly recommended that you visit this picturesque valley and stay in tiny resort hotels with spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks, enjoy boating on the tranquil waters of the Phewa and Begnas lakes or go on tours or day walks in the neighboring hills, or embark on a well-organized trek vacation if time allows. 

Green hills, lakes, forests, rivers, waterfalls, and terraced fields are the highlights of Pokhara.  The Annapurna range and Fishtail peak seemed to be standing right in front of you with breathtaking vistas for mountain lovers. Pokhara is known for the natural beauty of its fantastic lakeside setting, amazing vistas of Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Manaslu, Annapurna's five summits, and other mountains. Pokhara is among the few spots on the planet where such a stunning vista can be found in a sub-tropical area. 

Hundreds of people travel long distances in quest of Heaven or Paradise on Earth, completely unaware that a true paradise exists. This city is regarded as the "City of Tourism’ with a very pleasant and beautiful environment. It's also a great spot for adventure activities like rafting, paragliding, sky diving, and ultra-light flights. The tranquil environment on the banks of Phewa Lake provides a welcome break from one of the famous Annapurna treks' days of walking up and down hills and mountains. The kind Nepalese make visitors feel at ease, to an extent where many remain for long periods and return year after year to meet friends and enjoy peace of mind.

Places that can be visited in Pokhara are:

1. Fewa lake and Tal Barahi Temple

Lakeside or Baidam is a favorite haunt of all travelers. They can sail or drive a leased boat across the lake's water or visit the island temple (Barahi temple) in the middle of the lake. Pokhara's most important monument is the Tal Barahi temple. This two-story pagoda, located virtually in the middle of Fewa Lake, is devoted to the boar aspect of Ajima, the guardian deity who represents Shakti's female force.

2. Gupteshwor and Devi’s Fall

Gupteswar Mahadev Cave, located near Devi's Fall, is another cave with religious significance. The cave's ceiling is constantly dripping with water drops. Shiva, the Hindu god, is enshrined in this cave. Patale Chango (Hell's Falls), also known as Devins and Davids, is a beautiful waterfall located on the Siddhartha Highway about 2 kilometers south of Pokhara airport. According to legend, a trekker named Davy was washed away by the Padi Khola and unexpectedly vanished via passage underneath the fall. 

3. Mahendra cave and Bat cave

The Mahendra Cave is another natural beauty in Pokhara. The Home of Bats is the common name for this huge limestone cave, which is a suitable term. It's recommended to carry our flashlight to watch the rock formations, and also the native winged residents, which are a two-hour hike north of Pokhara. Bat cave, also known as Chamare Gufa, is a cave around ten minutes away from the famed Mahendra cave. The bats that may be seen hanging from the cave's walls have made it famous. 

4. Seti Gandaki Gorge

The Seti Gandaki River is another unknown wonder of Pokhara. The raging river, which runs directly through the heart of the city, runs underground in certain areas. Surprisingly, the river looks to be only two meters wide in some areas. Its depth, however, is well beyond comprehension, at almost 20 meters. The KI Singh bridge offers a spectacular perspective of the river's terrifying flow and the deep gorge created by its fierce current.

5. World Peace Stupa

World Peace Stupa known as Shanti Stupa in the locality, is located on a hill on the southern edge of Fewa Lake. It includes four Buddha images facing four different directions. The Pagoda is a magnificent sight, and its hilltop location provides a spectacular outlook. It's a fantastic vantage point with a panoramic view of the Annapurna range and Pokhara. The monument stands at a height of approximately eleven meters.

6. Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake

Begnas Lake is located 15 kilometers from Pokhara in the eastern section of the Pokhara valley. The hotels and restaurants that line the lake provide a relaxing environment. Rupa Lake is another renowned Kaski lake. It is divided from Begnas Lake by the Pachabhaiya Bridge. Due to their relative's solitude and boating and fishing options, the lake is the ideal natural escape.

7. Sarangkot

Sarangkot is a hill in Pokhara from which one can observe not only the sunrise and sunset but also spectacular panoramic views of Dhaulagiri and the entire Annapurna Range. It can also be used as a pre-trek warm-up. It's also where paragliding takes off and is a starting point of Zip Lining. 

All in all, Pokhara can be taken to be an extravagant city. One can observe the sophisticated life of Pokhara city. To do shopping in the markets and have delicious local taste food at different restaurants on the lakeside gives immense pleasure to the visitors. The colorful nightlife of the lakeside can divert the mind of the visitors. Thus, Pokhara is the place to spend holidays 3 full of mind.