If you’re planning on heading to Pokhara during your stay in Nepal. We highly recommend setting aside some time to do some exploring.
Pokhara is an enchantingly picturesque city on the shores of Phewa Lake. 200km west of Kathmandu and the second largest city in terms of population. The contrast of the mountains reflecting in the water against the brightly painted. Charming paddle boats makes for a picture-perfect moment. Countless spots to grab an epic photo for the folks back home.
Here you can spend your day wading through the water to a temple in the middle of the lake. You may find yourself jumping off the side of a mountain. The best paragliding in the world – there’s something for everyone. If you want some more ideas on what to do. When’s best to visit or a little bit of history, check out the information below.
History of Pokhara
In the 17th and 18th century Pokhara was an important hub on the trading routes between China and India. This opened the area up to the world and it only got more popular.
In 1815 the British began to recruit men from Nepal, known as the Gurkhas. They formed a battalion under which they fought in numerous wars (and still do today). The Brits opened a recruitment camp in Pokhara which brought many to the city who were interested in signing up. Being a Gurkha was and still is seen as a huge privilege and honour. It also means a secure financial future for the soldiers with many still calling Pokhara home.
In 1959 the demographic changed again. The Dalai Lama fled the nearby Tibet as the Chinese occupation turned violent and as a result. Pokhara saw the arrival of numerous Tibetan exiles. Most passed through and on to communities in India, but some settlements were made nearby and still exist now. Each well developed with their own Gompa (monastery).
Today Pokhara is a major tourism hub in Nepal with hundreds of thousands visiting each year. They arrived onto the tourism scene pretty late, with the first road into the city not being complete until 1968. Up until then it had remained a mystical place that could only be reached on foot and while it still maintains that mystical status. The city has developed into a large and frequently visited destination.
Places to Visit in Pokhara
1. Phewa Lake
Phewa Lake is the second largest lake in Nepal and is very popular among tourists coming to Pokhara. It is a semi-natural freshwater lake that is surrounded by Rani Ban. Here, one can see the stunning reflection of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges in the crystal-clear water of the lake. Hiring a traditional boat called a doonga and sailing through the lake is definitely the best way to admire the natural beauty of this place.
Another nearby attraction for people visiting this lake is the Tal Barahi Temple. Also known as the Lake Temple or Barahi Temple, this is one of the most important religious places for Hindus in Nepal. Built in 1864 by Kaskeli King Kulmandan Singh, this temple is dedicated to the goddess Durga (known as goddess Varahi in Nepal).
2. Sarangkot
Sarangkot is a small village that lies on the outskirts of Pokhara. It is known for offering breathtakingly beautiful views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu mountain ranges and the Pokhara Valley. Located at an elevation of 1600 meters above sea level, this place is the take-off site for paragliding. Other than this, Sarangkot is also famous for being home to one of the world’s fastest zip lines. All in all, if you are looking for some adventure in Nepal, this is one place you should definitely visit on your trip.
3. Begnas Taal
Begnas Taal is a freshwater lake lying on the eastern side of the Pokhara valley. After Phewa Lake, this is the second largest in the Pokhara Valley and the third largest in Nepal. Blessed with beautiful natural surroundings, this lake is one of the most popular places to visit in Pokhara. The Khudi Khola dam, which has been built on the western stream of this lake, regulates the water levels. It is the major source of irrigation in every season except for the monsoons. The swamps around the Begnas Taal have been converted into lush green paddy fields, while some sections of the lake are used for fish farming. Overall, this lake acts as a major source of income for the local people.
4. Gupteshwar Mahadev
Gupteshwar Mahadev is a cave temple located near Davis Falls. This is the place where the Seti River emerges from the ground. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple was found sometime around the 16th century, and in present times, it is one of the most popular places for sightseeing in Pokhara. Here, one can see the self-emerging Shivaling in the condition it was originally found in, and the cave housing this Shivaling is approximately 3 km long.
5. Bat Cave
Also known as Chamere Gufa, the Bat Cave is a solutional cave located in the Kaski District of Pokhara. As the name suggests, one can find thousands of bats clinging upside down from the ceiling and walls of the dark and moist chambers of this cave. This cave, known for being the habitat of horseshoe bats, has become one of the most popular tourist places in Pokhara, Nepal.
One can explore this cave by paying an entry fee of 150 Nepalese Rupees. At the start point, a torch is given to the visitors, using which they can make their way once inside the cave. It takes approximately 10 minutes to reach the exit point.
6. Annapurna Circuit
This is a challenging yet popular Himalayan trek in the Annapurna Mountain range. This trail will give you a chance to witness the unparalleled beauty of snow-capped mountain peaks and misty valleys dotted with a number of monasteries. This trek marks its starting point in the lush green villages of the Himalayan foothills, and you will reach an altitude of 5416 metres once you cross the Thorung La Pass.
