Pokhara is a city of close to 200,000 inhabitants in central Nepal located at 28.25 N, 83.99 E,, 198 km west of Kathmandu. It is the third largest city after Kathmandu and Biratnagar. It is the Headquarter of Kaski District, Gandaki Zone and the Western Development Region. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal.
Pokhara is situated in the northwestern corner of the Pokhara Valley, which is a widening of the Seti Gandaki valley. The Seti River and its tributaries have dug impressive canyons into the valley floor, which are only visible from higher viewpoints or from the air. To the east of Pokhara is the municipality of Lekhnath, another town in the valley.
In no other place do mountains rise so quickly. In this area, within 30 km, the elevation rises from 1000 m to over 7500 m. The Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu ranges, each with peaks over 8000 m, can be seen from Pokhara and there is a lake named Phewa Lake, three caves (Mahendra, Bat and Gupteswor) and an impressive falls(Patale Chhango or Devi's Fall) where the water from the Phewa Lake thunders into a hole and disappears. Due to this sharp rise in altitude the area of Pokhara has one of the highest precipitation rates of the country (over 4000 mm/year). Even within the city there is a noticeable difference in the amount of rain between the south of the city by the lake and the north at the foot of the mountains.
PLACE TO VISIT
Phewa Lake. One of the Nepal's most beautiful spots, Phewa Tal is surrounded by a combination of monkey-filled forests and the high white peaks. The reflections in the mirror-like water in the early mornings are something you must see at least once before you die. Hire a boat and row yourself across the lake (or hire a local to do it for you - there are some fine and funny times to be had on this lake, even in the middle of the night!)
Begnas Lake. Out of town and away from the hustle, Begnas Tal is quiet, clean and peaceful. There are a few basic hotels to stay in and the odd refreshment shop. The walk along the road leading to Begnas Tal is fascinating, the seasonal rhythms of daily life in the country make great images.
Rupa Tal. One of the more remote lakes in Pokhara with limited accessibility and hence more serene and unspoilt compared to the other lakes. A must visit for any nature lover
Dipang Tal. Beautiful lake where you can find wild lotus and wild swan. It is located about fifteen minutes walk from Sisuwa, the city centre of Lekhnath muncipality
Devis Falls. Spectacular, eerie and unusual, Devi falls plunge into a cave and disappear into the earth.
World Peace Stupa. Recently built atop a hill overlooking Phewa Tal, the Stupa offers a great place to see the sun set over Pokhara. It can be accessed by hiring a boat and rowing across the lake and climbing a sometimes leech-infested track, or by foot from the road that passes Devi Falls.
Sarangkot. The perfect pre-trek warm-up. Head up Sarankot in the late afternoon (be prepared, it's steep and hard work) find yourselves a warm guest house before sunset, go up the top for sunset and again for sunrise... you won't be disappointed. You can rent a motor bike for under 700Rs and take yourself to the top. The road is rough, but traversable. Great views, spectacular images and a great way to get a taste of what it's like to be trekking. Beware of demented water buffaloes on the way out of town!
Mahendra Cave. Mahendra cave is a famous cave located in Batulechaur, the northern end of the Pokhara city.
Chamare Gufa - Bat cave. It is another cave located some ten minutes away from the famous Mahendra cave. This cave is famous for the bats that can be seen hanging by the cave's walls
Gupteshawar mahedev Cave. Another cave famous for it's religious importance located in the southern end of the city, Chorepatan. This cave has a famous Hindu god Shiva.
International Mountain Museum
WHAT TO DO
Ride Learn to ride custom bikes with Hearts & Tears Motorcycle Club
Festivals Diwali is always a favorite
Ashrams
Parties ask around, there are sometimes full moon parties
Rock There's a great music scene, especially at Busy Bee
HOW TO REACH
You can travel to Pokhara from the capital Kathmandu using the tourist bus travels that are readily available or the local microbuses or buses which leave Kathmandu for Pokhara almost every 15 minutes. These buses are available until late afternoon. There are night buses as well running on this route but these can be a painful ride, so avoid them. The local buses will cost you around NRs. 350 to 450. All local travel agents can sort out bookings for you.
Coming from the southern border to India, several buses leave to Pokhara from the border city, mainly in the very wee hours (first at 4AM). It takes about 9 hours and costs between 280 and 380 Rs.
The plane flights are cheap and take only 1/2 hour from KTM. They have the added bonus of giving you a bird's eye view of the countryside and of the mountains themselves.
