The spectacular setting of snow cloud Mountain Dhaulagir, Annapurna and majestic Machapuchre has made Pokhara justifiably most popular with Nepal's visitors. Watching the sunset in the shadows of Fishtail Mountain in Fewa Lake which is sight to behold. It is one of the few places in the world to provide such a dramatically views of subtropical setting. Fishtail (Machapuchre) the beautiful snow capped peak is only 20km from your hotel window and not a single mountain range intervenes in the middle. Pokhara provides the fun of boating, swimming, fishing, paragliding and pony treks.
Pokhara is situated 200km. west of Kathmandu is linked by a scenic highway and air route.Pokhara (Population 95,000) is a place of remarkable nature beauty. The serenity of Few lake and the magnificence of the Fish-tailed summit of Machapuchre (6977m) rising behind it create an ambiance of peace and magic.
Pokhara is a part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day mule tracks can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalayas. This is the land of the Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship. If Kathmandu is the cultural hubs of Nepal, then Pokhara is its center of adventure. An enchanting city nestled in a tranquil valley; it is the starting point for many of Nepal's most popular trekking and rafting destinations.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
MAIN PLACES TO VISIT AT POKHARA
MOUNTAIN VIEWS:
Clearly the most stunning of Pokhara's sights is the spectacular panorama of the Annapurna range which forms its backdrop. Stretching from east to west, the Annapurna massif includes annapurnaI to IV and Annapurna south. Although the highest among them is Annapurna I (8091m) it is Machapuchre which dominates all others in this neighborhood.The fish-tailed pinnacle is the arthetypal snow-capped, neddle- pointed mountain.
FEWA LAKE:
The second largest lake in the kingdom roughly measuring 1.5 by 4km is the centre of all attraction 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 favourite home base for travellers and is where most of the hotels, restaurants and handicrafts shops are located.
BEGNAS LAKE AND RUPA LAKE:
These two lakes are located 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 relatives reclusion. Splendid boating and fishing oppurtunities can be had here.
BARAHI TEMPLE:
Built almost in the middle of Fewa lake, this two storey pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protectress deity representing the female force shakti.Devoteed can be seen, especially on Saturdays, carrying male animals and fowl across the lake to be sacrificed to the deity.
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 Seti Gandaki River's dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by its powerful flow.
SETI GORGE AND THE GREEN CANYON:
The viewpoint of the Fulbari Resort offers an unrivaled panorama of the Annapurna rangewith the peaks of Lamjunj Himal, Annapurna IV, Machapuchre, Annapurna III, Annapurna Iand 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 Palale chango Devi's fall ( also known as DEvil's,Devin's,Devid's river of no return)an awesome waterfall lying about 2km. South-West of Pokhara airport on the highway to Tansen. Legend has it that trekker (David,Devins) was washed away by the torrential current of PardiKhola and mysteriously disappeared down into an underground passage beneath the fall.
GUPTESHAR GUPHA:
It is a sacred cave located near Devi's fall. The cave is almost 3km long.It has some bog hall size rooms and some passages. This cave holds special value for Hindus since a phallic symbolof Lord Shiva is preserved here in the condition it was discovered. Taking pictures inside thecave is prohibited.
CHAMERO(BAT) GUPHA:
another of Nature's wonder in Pokhara is the Mahendra Gupha. This large Limestone cave is locally known as he 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 localwinged residents.
ROBERT'S AVIARY:
Colonel Jimmy Roberts, the father of trekking in Nepal, collected Danphe Pheasants during his trekking and mountaineering forays into the Annapurna Mountains. He maintaines an aviary for these colorful and sanguine birds, which he later left in the care of the Fullbari Resort. The Danphe is the national bird of Nepal.
THE OLD BAZZAR:
Pokhara's traditional bazzar 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 markets original charms is alive as well.
BINDHYABASINI TEMPLE:
It is the center of religious activity in the old Pokhara bazzar. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati, yet another manifestation of Shakti. The park like grounds offers a fine picnicarea, and on Saturdays and Tuesdays when devotees flock there to offer sacrifices, take on a festivelocal favor.
POKHARA MUSEUM:
It is located between the airport and Mahendra pul, reflects the ethnic mosaic of western Nepal.The life styles and history of ethnic groups such as Gurung, Thakali and the Tharu are attractively displayed.Open daily expect Tuesdays and holidays, from 10am to 5pm.
Clearly the most stunning of Pokhara's sights is the spectacular panorama of the Annapurna range which forms its backdrop. Stretching from east to west, the Annapurna massif includes annapurnaI to IV and Annapurna south. Although the highest among them is Annapurna I (8091m) it is Machapuchre which dominates all others in this neighborhood.The fish-tailed pinnacle is the arthetypal snow-capped, neddle- pointed mountain.
FEWA LAKE:
The second largest lake in the kingdom roughly measuring 1.5 by 4km is the centre of all attraction 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 favourite home base for travellers and is where most of the hotels, restaurants and handicrafts shops are located.
BEGNAS LAKE AND RUPA LAKE:
These two lakes are located 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 relatives reclusion. Splendid boating and fishing oppurtunities can be had here.
BARAHI TEMPLE:
Built almost in the middle of Fewa lake, this two storey pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protectress deity representing the female force shakti.Devoteed can be seen, especially on Saturdays, carrying male animals and fowl across the lake to be sacrificed to the deity.
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 Seti Gandaki River's dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by its powerful flow.
SETI GORGE AND THE GREEN CANYON:
The viewpoint of the Fulbari Resort offers an unrivaled panorama of the Annapurna rangewith the peaks of Lamjunj Himal, Annapurna IV, Machapuchre, Annapurna III, Annapurna Iand 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 Palale chango Devi's fall ( also known as DEvil's,Devin's,Devid's river of no return)an awesome waterfall lying about 2km. South-West of Pokhara airport on the highway to Tansen. Legend has it that trekker (David,Devins) was washed away by the torrential current of PardiKhola and mysteriously disappeared down into an underground passage beneath the fall.
GUPTESHAR GUPHA:
It is a sacred cave located near Devi's fall. The cave is almost 3km long.It has some bog hall size rooms and some passages. This cave holds special value for Hindus since a phallic symbolof Lord Shiva is preserved here in the condition it was discovered. Taking pictures inside thecave is prohibited.
CHAMERO(BAT) GUPHA:
another of Nature's wonder in Pokhara is the Mahendra Gupha. This large Limestone cave is locally known as he 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 localwinged residents.
ROBERT'S AVIARY:
Colonel Jimmy Roberts, the father of trekking in Nepal, collected Danphe Pheasants during his trekking and mountaineering forays into the Annapurna Mountains. He maintaines an aviary for these colorful and sanguine birds, which he later left in the care of the Fullbari Resort. The Danphe is the national bird of Nepal.
THE OLD BAZZAR:
Pokhara's traditional bazzar 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 markets original charms is alive as well.
BINDHYABASINI TEMPLE:
It is the center of religious activity in the old Pokhara bazzar. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati, yet another manifestation of Shakti. The park like grounds offers a fine picnicarea, and on Saturdays and Tuesdays when devotees flock there to offer sacrifices, take on a festivelocal favor.
POKHARA MUSEUM:
It is located between the airport and Mahendra pul, reflects the ethnic mosaic of western Nepal.The life styles and history of ethnic groups such as Gurung, Thakali and the Tharu are attractively displayed.Open daily expect Tuesdays and holidays, from 10am to 5pm.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
THINGS TO DO AT POKHARA
BOATING:
From glacier-fed lakes up north to where rivers ease into the Terai plains, there are numerous lakes in Nepal where tourists can experience the pleasures of boating. With famous lakes like Phewa, Begnas and Rupa, Pokhara is known as the lake city and a popular place to go boating.
In the Terai, one can go canoeing on Narayani or Rapti rivers near Chitwan National Park. Boat and canoes can be rented from local dealers on hourly basis from nearby areas. Pokhara and Chitwan are accessible both by air and road from Kathmandu. A wide vaeiety of accomodation and other facilities are easily available in both the places.
MOUNTAIN FLIGHTS:
Mountain flights offer a luxurious option of Himalayan experience. The one-hour mountain flight takes one close to some of highest peaks in the world including Mt. Everest. One can clearly see and identify the peaks, and see the Himalayan landscape and glaciers during the flight. The peaks seeb are Gosaithan, Dorje Lhakpa, Phurbi Chyachu, Choba Bhamere, Gaurishankar, Melungtse, Chungimago, Number, Karyolung, Cho-Oyu, Gyanchunkang, Pumori, Nuptse and of course Mt. Everest. Mountain flights are offered by several airlines especially in the morning from the domestic airport in Kathmandu.
PARAGLIDING:
Paragliding in Nepal gives the opportunity to experience an aerial view of the Himalayas. Pokhara, the beautiful lakeside town at the foot of the Annapurna mountains offers paragliding services. There are various deals for the paragliding vaterans and novices. Three-da introduction course is offered to beginners, and tandem flights where one can fly with instructor are also offered.
ULTRALIGHT AIRCRAFT:
Ultralight aircraft offer breathtaking bird's-eye view of Pokhara valley and the surrounding mountains. Flights are operated almost throughout the year except during the monsoons June through August. Flights take place from sunrise to 11 a.m and from 3 p.m to sunset every day provided the weather is not rainy. In the half-hour flight, one can fly over Pokhara city, Phewa Lake, Sarangkot hill and get close to the Mt. Fishtail. Another option is the exploration of Annapurna range from 12,000 feet or higher in an hour. Pokhara is easily accessible from Kathmandu, Chitwan and other major towns.
From glacier-fed lakes up north to where rivers ease into the Terai plains, there are numerous lakes in Nepal where tourists can experience the pleasures of boating. With famous lakes like Phewa, Begnas and Rupa, Pokhara is known as the lake city and a popular place to go boating.
In the Terai, one can go canoeing on Narayani or Rapti rivers near Chitwan National Park. Boat and canoes can be rented from local dealers on hourly basis from nearby areas. Pokhara and Chitwan are accessible both by air and road from Kathmandu. A wide vaeiety of accomodation and other facilities are easily available in both the places.
MOUNTAIN FLIGHTS:
Mountain flights offer a luxurious option of Himalayan experience. The one-hour mountain flight takes one close to some of highest peaks in the world including Mt. Everest. One can clearly see and identify the peaks, and see the Himalayan landscape and glaciers during the flight. The peaks seeb are Gosaithan, Dorje Lhakpa, Phurbi Chyachu, Choba Bhamere, Gaurishankar, Melungtse, Chungimago, Number, Karyolung, Cho-Oyu, Gyanchunkang, Pumori, Nuptse and of course Mt. Everest. Mountain flights are offered by several airlines especially in the morning from the domestic airport in Kathmandu.
PARAGLIDING:
Paragliding in Nepal gives the opportunity to experience an aerial view of the Himalayas. Pokhara, the beautiful lakeside town at the foot of the Annapurna mountains offers paragliding services. There are various deals for the paragliding vaterans and novices. Three-da introduction course is offered to beginners, and tandem flights where one can fly with instructor are also offered.
ULTRALIGHT AIRCRAFT:
Ultralight aircraft offer breathtaking bird's-eye view of Pokhara valley and the surrounding mountains. Flights are operated almost throughout the year except during the monsoons June through August. Flights take place from sunrise to 11 a.m and from 3 p.m to sunset every day provided the weather is not rainy. In the half-hour flight, one can fly over Pokhara city, Phewa Lake, Sarangkot hill and get close to the Mt. Fishtail. Another option is the exploration of Annapurna range from 12,000 feet or higher in an hour. Pokhara is easily accessible from Kathmandu, Chitwan and other major towns.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
POPULAR SHORT TREKS AROUND POKHARA
Pokhara is the starting and or finishing point for some of the most popular treks including the Annapurna Circuit and the Jomsom trek. It also offers a number of short treks for those who cannot opt for long,Challenging ones. The most popular destination among them is Sarangkot (1520m) a former kaski for lying a top of a hill 5km west of the old bazzar. Kathmandu (1520m) to the north-east of Pokhara has a dilapidated fort on the summit as well as a view tower with spectacular scenery.
Another must for nature lovers is Ghachowk, a five hour walk to the north of Pokhara. This typical Gurung village is the site of one of the region's oldest settlements. The ancient fort of Nuwakot, 15km south of Devi's fall is also ideal for savouring the splendors of nature. Naudanda is five hour walk and a favorite with those wishing to get away from it all.
Another must for nature lovers is Ghachowk, a five hour walk to the north of Pokhara. This typical Gurung village is the site of one of the region's oldest settlements. The ancient fort of Nuwakot, 15km south of Devi's fall is also ideal for savouring the splendors of nature. Naudanda is five hour walk and a favorite with those wishing to get away from it all.
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