Pokhara
Pokhara is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Nepal, and is one of the second largest cities in Nepal. Lying in the Annapurna mountain range, Pokhara is famed for its scenic view of the lush green, golden and silvery shadow of sun and moon on the mountains, pristine lakeside river, and is a haven for trekkers and adventurers. Visit Pokhara and get awestruck by its plentiful vegetation and shimmering lakes which make a perfect backdrop for a serene picnic outing.
Attractions
A major attraction of Pokhara is the Phewa Lake, which is the second largest lake of Nepal. The lake has a popular temple, the Tal Barahi Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple can be reached by a boat ride, and many shops and restaurants are dotted along the lakeside serving delectable local food.
Other popular attractions here are the Caves of Pokhara, which are famous for their religious significance. These caves house temples of Lord Shiva. The most popular one is Mahindra Cave followed by Bat cave and Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave.
Another popular attraction of the city is the International Mountain Museum, which has been dedicated to mountaineering. Offering an insight of the people dwelling in the Himalayas, the museum exhibits stories of the 14 highest peaks.
Shanti Stupa is also a must visit site when in Pokhara. Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist pagoda-style monument that was raised as a symbol of peace. Perched on the Ananda hill, Shanti Stupa offers splendid view of sunrise and sunset.
Sarangkot is also a great place to catch breathtaking views of the Annapurna Himalaya. Trekking enthusiasts must enjoy a trek to the Poon Hill blessed with gorgeous ethnic villages and rhododendron forests.
Other popular attractions of Pokhara are
- Begnas Lake
- Barahi temple
- Gurkha Memorial Museum
- Seti River Gorge
- Bhimsen Temple
How to Reach Pokhara
The only international airport in Nepal is Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International, offering seamless connectivity with destinations in Asia and the Middle East. One can also travel here by bus as numerous entry points are there, including at Kakkarbhitta (West Bengal), Biratnagar (Bihar), Sunauli, Nepalgunj, Birgunj (Bihar), Dhanagadi and Mahendranagar (all across the border from Uttar Pradesh).
