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Pokhara, Nepal |
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Information about Pokhara
Pokhara is located in the mid western Nepal and a
six-hour drive or 20-minutes flight from Kathmandu.
Pokhara, the centre of adventure in Nepal, is an
enchanting city nestled in a tranquil valley. Due to its
stunningly beautiful natural setting and the suitable
base for trekking in the Annapurna region, Pokhara is
one of the most popular tourist destination in Nepal
after Kathmandu. It is the starting point for many of
Nepal’s most popular trekking and rafting destinations.
The majority of the people of Pokhara are Brahmins and
Chettris from Kathmandu and Tibetan settlers. The best
time to visit Pokhara is |
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from October
to April as during the summers, it is very hot and humid.
History of Pokhara
The town of Pokhara came into existence after the malaria
eradication programme in the early 1950. A hydro-electric dam
was constructed with the Indian aid in 1968, an airstrip land
and the connecting road with Kathmandu was built to link the
village with the capital and it provides part of the
infrastructure required for developing it into a tourist
centre. The powerful rule of the old kings of Kathmandu, the
Lichhavis and the Mallas, held sway over the valley for some
time. Pokhara Valely and the surrounding hills disintegrated
into small kingdoms, frequently at war with each other these
were called the Chaubise Rajya or the Twenty four Kingdoms. It
was amongst these that Kulumandan Shah established his
kingdom. His descendant Drabya Shah was the first to establish
Gorkha, source of the legendary Gurkha Warriors. Finally,
Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending
between India & Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen
camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade
from remote regions of the Himalaya. This is the land of the
Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors
who have earned worldwide frame as Gurkha soldiers. The
Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for
their entrepreneurship.
Trekking in Pokhara
Pokhara is a base for all treks to the Annapurna region.
Pokhara is the starting and as well as finishing point for
some of the most popular treks including the Annapurna Circuit
and the Jomsom Trek. The most popular destination among them
is Sarangkot (1592 m), lying atop a hill to the west of
Pokhara. Kahundanda, Naudanda, Ghandrung, Ghorepani and
Ghalchok are other favorite destinations around Pokhara.
Several small treks can also be organized from Pokhara to
Sarangkot. The four hours’ hike to the top of this hill offers
the hiker a spectacular view of Phewa Lake, the entire
Annapurna Range, the Seti river and the village of Hyangza.
The trekkers can also make a night trek to Naudanda and
Ghachowk, Khaste and Oppang Tal from Pokhra. From Naudanda,
the twin peaks of the Macchapuchare or the Fishtail Mountain
can be seen. One of the longer trek is the trip from Pokhra to
Jomson. This journey along an ancient trade route between
Nepal and Tibet takes about seven days and often one comes
face to face with mule caravans transporting goods
between the Tibetan border and the Pokhra town. |
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Geography of Pokhara
Pokhara is set against the magnificent Annapurna range.
This valley is dominated by the Annapurna range in the
north and various lakes. Phewa, Rupa and Begnas are the
most famous lakes and Khaste, Dipang and Mardi are the
smaller lakes located out of town. Pokhara is situated
at an altitude of 884 m on the Seti Khola river and
overshadowed by the Machhapuchhare or the Fishtail
mountain. Pokhara is a place of remarkable natural
beauty. At an elevation lower than Kathmandu, it has
much more tropical feel to it, a fact well appreciated
by the beautiful diversity of flowers, which prosper in
its environs. Indeed, the valley surrounding Pokhara is
home to thick forests, gushing rivers, emerald lakes,
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and the world
famous views of Himalaya. The spectacular panorama of the
Annapurna range forms its backdrop. Although the highest among
them is Annapurna I (8,091 m), Machhapuchhare or Fishtail, so
called as the shape resembles tail of a fish, dominates all
others in this neighborhood.
Tourist Attractions in Pokhara
There are various exotic places of interest in Pokhara. Some
of these places are the Seti River Gorge, Devi Falls,
Sarangkot, Phewa Lake, International Mountain Museum, Fine Art
Gallery, Regional Museum, Karma Dubgyu Choling Nyeshang
Monastery, Mahendra Caves and Bindya Basini Temple. The Phewa
Lake is the second largest lake in Nepal and is the centre of
all attractions. It is the largest and most enchanting of the
three lakes that add to the resplendence of Pokhara. The
Mahendra Caves attracts various visitors. This large limestone
cave is locally known as the House of Bats.
More...
How to reach Pokhara
The Royal Nepal Airlines operates daily flight between
Kathmandu and Pokhara. Pokhara is linked with Kathmandu by
Prithvi Highway and the Indian border-town of Bunauli by
Sidharatha Highway. All major cities including Gorkha within
the kingdom are linked to Pokhara. Pokhara is located roughly
200 km west of Kathmandu. The journeys between these two
cities is part of the Pokhara experience. Flying over the
snowcapped Himalaya to the north and the green Mahabharat
range to the south is thrilling, while the overland journey
past spares rural settlement nested along the Trisuli River
provides a view of life particular to Nepal’s middle hills.
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