Nepal is a paradise for tourists and nature lovers. The world’s highest peak and top mountains,rivers, and cultures make Nepal heaven. People visit from one country to another to enjoy nature or natural beauty and learn about culture. In Nepal, people of multiple cultures live, and some of the cultures are unique. For those who want to get fresh air, see the beauty of nature, and enjoy it, all these services are available in Nepal.
Amongst them, Pokhara is the best place to visit. Pokhara is the heart of Nepal and the gateway to the Annapurna circuit, where trekking and hiking are the best things for tourists to do. No matter How many treks have been to Nepal without visiting Pokhara, all should be incomplete. There are many places to witness the memory of Pokhara. Pokhara has different things to offer in different seasons, thus making it a destination for all seasons throughout the year. April to March and September to December are the best time to visit Pokhara. As the Pokhara receives maximum rainfall, it is better to avoid the rainy season when visiting Pokhara. The presence of Lakes, religious place, mountains, rivers, Forests, and world second largest bungee jumping makes the Pokhara more attractive to tourists.
Here is the list of the best places in Pokhara and the best things to do in Pokhara to help you plan a Nepal tour and trek holidays.
Phewa Lake
Phewa Lake is Nepal’s second-largest lake and a must-visit spot, especially among tourists. It’s surrounded by a lush forest named Rani Ban and has a small island in the middle where the important Tal Barahi temple, dedicated to Braha (Durga), is located. You can hire boats to reach the temple. The breathtaking reflection of Machhapuchhre and other Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain peaks on the lake’s crystal-clear surface is a sight no one wants to miss capturing in snapshots.
Activities like boating, swimming, canoeing, and paragliding over the lake make it an excellent destination and the best place to visit Pokhara. Phewa Lake brings peace and a connection to nature, while the Tal Barahi temple adds a spiritual touch. Visiting Phewa Lake is an absolute must when you’re in Pokhara.
David Falls
David Falls is an extraordinary waterfall in Nepal, just 2 km from Pokhara Airport. It’s known as “PataleChhango” in Nepali, meaning an underground waterfall. Its name comes from a woman named David who drowned in a pit while swimming with her loved one. What’s mysterious about this waterfall is that it doesn’t flow into a river or lagoon but disappears into a dark hole that eventually leads to Mahendra Cave. Before reaching the cave, it creates a 500-foot-long underground tunnel.
Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave
Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave is Nepal’s longest cave, situated opposite David Falls. It stretches 3 km long and houses a Lingam of Lord Shiva, worshipped as Lord Gupteshwar Mahadev. The naturally formed entrance gate and the cave’s internal structures enhance its beauty. This cave holds significant importance for Hindus, and it’s believed that Buddhist sages used to meditate inside.
Sarangkot
Sarangkot is one of Pokhara’s most popular tourist destinations, following Phewa Lake. Located 5 km away, it’s a beautiful and tranquil village renowned for its stunning Himalayan views, especially Machhapuchhre. Positioned at 1600 meters above sea level, it offers the best paragliding experience and is home to the world’s fastest zip line. Hiking in Sarangkot guarantees an incredible adventure experience in Pokhara.
International Mountain Museum
The International Mountain Museum is a highly favored spot for international and national tourists. Located at the bank of the Seti River, it covers various topics related to mountains, their history, and indigenous mountain habitats. The museum showcases numerous documentaries, offering an in-depth understanding of mountains and mountaineering. It’s easily accessible and a great learning experience.
Begnas Tal
Begnas Tal is known for its diverse bird population. It is a famous spot for bird watching. It is situated in the eastern part of Pokhara and surrounded by KhudiKhola Dam in the west. It is the second-largest lake in Pokhara and the third-largest in Nepal. It is also a freshwater lake and offers a serene atmosphere. One can do activities like bird watching, boating, fishing on this and small hiking around it. Local people utilize these lakes for irrigation and as a significant source of income by locals.
Bat Cave
For an exhilarating experience in Pokhara, a visit to Bat Cave (Chamero Guffa in Nepal) is a must. It’s a small world of bats, primarily Horseshoe bats, with over a thousand residing there. The limestone-carved cave has bats clinging to the ceiling and walls. It spans 150 meters long and takes 10-20 minutes to explore. While the entrance gate is ordinary, the narrow, pitch-dark exit enhances the adventure. Visitors are allowed emergency lights or torches inside. According to belief, only those who’ve committed sins exit through the narrow gate, giving visitors a real cave experience.
Pokhara Peace Stupa (Shanti Stupa)
The Peace Pagoda stands as an impressive monument atop Andu Hills, featuring the stunning backdrop of the Annapurna range. This site offers various activities, such as hiking and picturesque views of Phewa Lake and the Annapurna range. Situated approximately 8 kilometers away from the central city, it is renowned as the World Peace Pagoda. The stupa comprises two tiers, welcoming both tourists and religious visitors. The second tier exhibits four Buddha statues symbolizing significant events from Buddha’s life.
Annapurna Himalayas
Nepal, known as the home of mountains, lures both national and international tourists seeking adventure. Pokhara offers spectacular views of numerous mountains, and the Annapurna Himalayas trek stands out as the most popular trek in the Himalayas. The unique aspect of this trek is its loop structure, allowing trekkers to witness the same views twice. TrekkingthisHimalayas is challenging due to its elevation, yet it rewards enthusiasts with the beauty of snow-capped mountain monasteries and an unparalleled experience.
Starting from lush green villages, this trek reaches an altitude of 5416 meters. and typically spans 12 to 22 days, depending on the chosen route.The highest point of this this is Thorong La Pass The trek covers Mohare Hill and Poon Hill, offering 360-degree panoramas of the Himalayas. You will witness the view of Machhapuchhre too on this trek.Along the way, you’ll interact with locals, their uniquely inspiring houses, attire, culture , custom, helpful behavior, warm hospitality, and the serene environment, accompanied by the melodies of nature which you remains on your heart.
Bindabasini Temple:
The Bindabasini Temple, constructed by King Girvan Yuddha Shah in 1760, is the oldest in Pokhara. According to Hindu mythology, Bindabasini represents the manifestation of the goddess Kali, an avatar of Goddess Parvati. The temple also has smaller shrines dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, Lord Shiva, Hanuman, and Ganesh. Local beliefs suggest that receiving blessings from the Bindabasini Temple upon arriving in Pokhara is auspicious. The presence of the Bindabasini Temple adds to the grandeur of Pokhara.
Bhimsen Temple
The Bhimsen Temple is among the oldest temples, designed in the iconic pagoda style, and holds significant relevance in Hindu culture. It is revered as the deity representing business and trade practices. Named after Bhimsen, a character from the epic Mahabharata known for his extraordinary strength, equivalent to a hundred elephants, this temple stands as a renowned and must-visit place in Pokhara.
Old Bazar
The old bazaar is a trading place for traditional items. It is just 4 km away from Phewa Lake. The famous temple Bindabasini is also located in this bazaar. It is renowned among tourists because of its traditional items. You can roam around it when you have time and live near the lakeside.
The presence of Statute of Lord Mahadev on Pumdikot at height of 1500 adds one more attraction point of Pokhara.
You can explore the best of Pokhara, but your trip would only be complete with engaging in activities like ultralight flights, hot air balloon rides, bungee jumping, rafting, and yoga. Here’s a list of activities most visitors enjoy when in Pokhara:
Things to do around Pokhara
1. Walking around Fewa Lake
Besides boating, taking a stroll around Fewa Lake is a popular and free activity for visitors.
2. Yoga at Ashrams in Pokhara
Pokhara boasts numerous ashrams offering yoga classes, a highly desired activity among international tourists seeking wellness and relaxation.
3. Ultralight Flights
Experience the thrill of flying on a lightweight aircraft over the Annapurna range, capturing panoramic views of lakes, forests, and landscapes below.
4. Cycling
Rent a cycle and explore the areas around Phewa Lake and other lakes, enjoying the scenic beauty while cycling.
5. Movie Garden in Pokhara
The Movie Garden hosts classic and new release movie screenings every evening on a vast screen, providing entertainment for visitors.
6. White Water Rafting
Upper Seti River offers excellent facilities for white water rafting, providing thrilling experiences for adventure enthusiasts.
7. Hot Air Balloon Rides
Flying on a hot air balloon is a famous activity in Pokhara, offering breathtaking views of the Annapurna range, including Fishtail Mountain, Dhaulagiri Mountain, Hiunchuli Mountain, and Lamjung Himal.
8. Bungee Jumping
Experience the thrill of jumping from the world’s second-highest bungee jump spot, surrounded by the stunning Kusuma and Parabat mountains. You can take video during bungee jumping.
Conclusion
When you visit Pokhara, your heart will be lost, so keep it strong. You will witness a lot about cultures, memories of natural beauty, and mountains in Pokhara. When planning your trip to Pokhara, add 2 or 3 extra days because you might spend more time than planned at some places.
Article source: https://bookhimalayas.com/places-to-visit-in-pokhara/
