Cool and relaxing Pokhara, Nepal

Previous posts:
Day 1: Kathmandu to Bhulbule
Day 2: Bhulbule to Syange
Day 3: Syange to Dharapani
Day 4: Dharapani to Chame
Day 5: Chame to Lower Pisang
Day 6: Lower Pisang to Manang
Day 7: Acclimatization in Manang
Day 8: Manang to Letdar
Day 9: Letdar to Thorung Phedi
Day 10: Thorung Phedi to Muktinath via Thorung La
Travelling to Pokhara

In many ways Pokhara reminds about Goa!! While Goa has sea, Pokhara is blessed with Himalayas. I feel that it is a nice city to roam and relax. Foreigners stay in Pokhara for a long time to just chill out. Plenty of restaurants catering to various cuisines, Yoga centers, cheap and clean lodges and homestays add to the charm of the place.


The tourist area is concentrated on Lake Side. But unlike crowded and congested Thamel area in Kathmandu, roads in Lake Side area are wide, clean and pleasant.


Phew Lake is the central attraction in Pokhara. You can either stroll on the banks of the lake or ride a paddle boat. Religious people can visit a Temple situated in an island!! We just walked along the banks of the lake aimlessly till we felt bored!!


Davis falls is another tourist spot. It is an underground waterfall. The water from the falls flows in a tunnel for 500 feet. The tunnel is called Gupteshwar Mahadev cave which can be entered from the other side.

Davis fall
Davis fall seen inside the cave

Inside the cave
Annapurna range is visible from the city. Three of the eight thousand meter peaks Annapurna I, Manaslu and Dhaulagiri are also visible from vantage points.

A quiet street of Pokhara
The most prominent peak seen from Pokhara is Machhapuchhre or fishtail mountain at the height of 22,943 feet. But it is a small mountain when compared to other gargantuan peaks in Annapurna massif!! The prominence of the mountain is due to its proximity to Pokhara. The mountain is declared sacred and not climbed any anyone.

Macchapuchhre
One of the vantage points near Pokhara is World peace pagoda providing great views of lake, Pokhara city and Annapurna massif. We visited there in the evening for sunset.






The most visited place in Pokhara is Sarangkot. If the weather is great, the views of Himalayas are simply great. We visited during sunrise. Weather was not great but still good enough for some decent views.




How to reach Pokhara?

Pokhara is about 200km from Kathmandu. One can either take flight or travel by road. Road journey would take about 6-7 hours. One can also visit Manakamana on the way. Various kinds of buses (AC, deluxe, ordinary) are available from Kathmandu. 

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