Visitors
destination
Pokhara, the city itself offers quite a few places of interest for
the casual and longer staying visitor. These are:-
Phewa Lake
Phewa Lake is the center of all attraction in Pokhara. It is the
largest and most enchanting of three lakes that add to the
resplendence of Pokhara. Here, one can sail or row a hired boat
across the water of the lake or visit the island temple in the
middle of the lake, The eastern shore, popularly know as Lakeside or
Baidam, is the favorite haunt of all travelers restaurants,
handicraft shops and other tourist facilities are located.
Barahi Temple
The Barahi temple is the most important monument in Pokhara. Built
almost in the Center of Fewa Lake, this two-storied pagoda is
dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protector deity
representing the female force of Shakti.
Devi’s Fall
Locally known as Patale Chango (Hell’s Falls) also know as Devins
and Davids is a lovely Waterfall is about 2 km south West of Pokhara
airport on the Siddhartha Highway. Legend has it that a trekker by
the name of Davy, was washed away by the Padi Khola and mysteriously
disappeared down into an underground passage beneath the fall.
Mahendra Cave
Another of nature’s wonders in Pokhara is the Mahendra gufa. This
large limestone cave is locally known a s the House of Bats an apt
name for it. A two- hours walk to the north of Pokhara, it is best
to bring our own torch to see the stalactites and stalagmites, as
well as the local winged residents.
Seti Gandaki Gorge
Another of Pokhara natural wonders is the Seti Gandaki River.
Flowing right through the city, the boisterous river runs
underground at places. Amazingly, at certain places the river
appears hardly two meters wide. However, its depth is quite beyond
imagination, over 20m. Mahendra pul, a small bridge near the old
mission hospital, provides a perfect view of the river’s dreadful
rush and the deep gorge made by its powerful flow.
The Old Bazar + Bindyabasini Temple
Pokhara's traditional bazaar is colorful and so are its ethnically
diverse traders. In its temples and monuments can be seen ties to
the old Newar Architecture of the Kathmandu valley, Located about 4
k.m from Lakeside, the market S original charm is still evident.
This area is strewn with shops selling commodities ranging from
edibles to and cloth to cosmetics and gold, is a pleasant and shady
spot to stroll around.
The old Bazaar is also home to one of Pokhara’s most important
shrines. Locally called the Bindhyabasini Mandir, this white dome-
like structure dominates a spacious stone – paved courtyard built
atop a shady hillock. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhgwati, yet
another manifestation of Shakti. The park – like grounds offers a
fine picnic area, and on Saturdays, and Tuesdays when devotees flock
there to offer sacrifices, it takes on a festive flavor.
World peace pagoda
This Pagoda is situated on the top of a hill on the southern shore
of Fewa lake. It has four images of Buddha facing in four
directions. The Pagoda is an impressive sight and its hilltop
location commands a grand view. It is a great vantage point, which
offers spectacular view of the Annapurna range and Pokhara city.
Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake
Begnas Lake is situated in the eastern part of Pokhara valley, at a
distance of 15 km from Pokhara. Tourist can relax in the lodges and
resorts situated alongside the lake. Yet another popular lake of
Pokhara is the Rupa Lake. It is separated from Begnas Lake by a
bridge known as Pachabhaiya. The lakes offer the prefect nature
retreat because of their relative’s seclusion and opportunities for
boating and fishing.
Mountain
Views:
Clearly, the most stunning of Pokhara’s sights is the spectacular
panorama of the Anapurna range that forms its backdrop. Stretching
from east to west, the Annapurna massif includes Annapurna I to IV
and Annapurna South. Although the highest among them is Annapurna I
at 8091 meters, it is Machhapuchhre, which dominates all others in
this neighborhood. Standing tall, proud, and dominating the skyline,
Machhapuchhre, the fishtailed pinnacle is the classic snow – capped,
needle – pointed mountain. |