Introduction

Nepal is one of the best places to visit at least once in a lifetime. It is primarily recognised as a trekking and mountaineering destination because Nepal is home to 8 of the top 10 highest mountains in the world. With its adventurous yet tranquil atmosphere, Nepal fills your travel thirst with a myriad of surprises. Pokhara is Nepal’s answer to all things involving adventure sports, recreational activities, trekking, and relaxation. 

The second-largest city in Nepal is Pokhara.  This city in Central Nepal is well-known for both its serene ambiance and stunning surroundings. Pokhara is divided into Lakeside Pokhara and Old Pokhara since it is located on the banks of Phewa Lake. The picture-perfect village of Lakeside Pokhara is a boating wonderland surrounded by quaint stores, enchanting cafés, restaurants, and bars. The city's business center is located in Old Pokhara, which is also home to numerous stunning medieval temples. 

According to a legend, Pokhara was once the Garden of the Gods. It is believed that the Gods and goddesses created Pokhara so that they could rest by taking a dip in the Phewa Lake after a long day at work. 

Pokhara is one of the most loved destinations for both adventure seekers and those simply looking to relax. Adventure seekers will find bliss in Pokhara. It is referred to as the point of entry to the Annapurna Circuit, a well-known trek in the Himalayas along with other circuits. Pokhara offers trekking opportunities and many paragliding and river rafting opportunities. 

Sightseeings in Pokhara

Pokhara has a lot to offer to visitors from adventure sports to recreational activities. Some of the popular attractions of Pokhara are:

1. Phewa Lake in Pokhara

The semi-freshwater Phewa Lake in Pokhara is the second-largest lake in Nepal. Phewa Lake, originally referred to as Baidam Tal is well known for reflecting on its sparkling surface some of the popular peaks of Nepal such as Mount Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri range, and Annapurna Peaks.

Phewa Tal is a must-visit for tourists looking forward to visiting Pokhara city. Phewa Tal boasts captivating mountain vistas, verdant forests, exquisite flowers, and a diverse range of animals. There is an island situated in the middle of the lake where a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga is built and is known by the name of The Tal Barahi Temple. The Lakeside is jam-packed with restaurants, shops, travel agents, and souvenir stalls.

2. Shanti Stupa of Nepal

The Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist monument located at a height of 1100 meters on Anadu Hill of Pokhara Valley. The Stupa was built as a symbol of peace and is the first World Peace Pagoda built in Nepal.

There are several ways to reach the Peace Pagoda. Hiking trails, Cycling tracks, and black-topped roads take you up to Shanti Stupa. Once you reach the top, you get to see the panoramic view of the Annapurna mountains, and Pokhara city along the Phewa lake. The picturesque beauty is quite captivating and the tranquil vibe of the monument is worth a visit for those seeking peace.

3. Davi’s Fall, Pokhara

When visiting Nepal, Davi’s Waterfall has to be the highlight of your trip to Pokhara. The Devi’s Fall receives its water from Phewa Lake Dam and has a profusion of flora in the surroundings. One can witness the majestic beauty of nature as you see this magnificent waterfall. The waterfall is named after a Swiss woman named Davi who is believed to have drowned in the water while playing. 

This amazing waterfall forms a tunnel beneath the ground that stretches 500 feet to its base, designating the location where the Pardi Khola stream vanishes beneath leaving absolutely no trace behind of its existence. It is for this reason, that the waterfall is known as "Patale Chango" in Nepali, which translates to “Underground Waterfall” in English.  

4. Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave of Pokhara

The Gupteshwar Cave is located opposite the famous Davi’s Fall. The water from the fall passes through the cave. The Gupteshwor Cave is believed to be the longest cave in Nepal with a length of 2950 meters. 

The Gupteshwar Cave is said to have been discovered in the 16th century. According to legends, a priest discovered a black statue of Lord Shiva and his consort Mata Parvati as male and female halves in one figure in a huge womb-like cave with a naga serpent guarding it. There are 2 chambers in the main cave of Gupteshwor Mahadev Caves which has several shrines and statues of various Hindu gods and goddesses such as  Lord Shiva, Mata Parvati, Nageswar, and Saraswati Maa. 

5. Bindhyabasini Temple, Nepal

The Bindhyabasini Temple is one of the oldest temples of Pokhara. The temple is dedicated to Maa Bhagwati - an incarnation of Goddess Kali who is believed to be the protector of Pokhara city. There are several small temples in the complex dedicated to Maa Saraswati, Lord Hanuman, Bhole Baba, and Lord Ganesha. 

According to legends, the Bindhya Basini Temple of Pokhara is directly related to the Vindhyachal Temple of Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, India as it is believed that the main shrine of the Pokhara temple is said to have been brought from India.

The Bindhyabasini Temple is located on the top of a small hill in Pokhara and offers a mesmerizing view of the Himalayan ranges on one side and Pokhara City on the other side. The Bindhyabasini temple is built in Pagoda-style architecture. The white-colored temple provides a soothing and calm environment for its visitors to sit and meditate. 

6. Manakamana Temple of Nepal

The Manakamana Temple is one of the most popular temples in Nepal located in the Gorkha village. The temple is built in the Nepalese Pagoda architecture with a four-tier Shikara showcasing the rich cultural and spiritual history of the country. 

The 17th-century Manakamana Temple is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Bhagwati, an incarnation of Mata Parvati. The name Manakamana is a combination of 2 words, “Mana meaning heart” and “Kamana meaning wish”. The temple is believed to fulfill the wishes of its visitors. The newly married couples visit the temple for the longevity of their relationship, the students visit the temple for their bright future and the businessmen visit the temple for their successful business. 

The easiest way to reach Manakamana Temple is to Hope on a cable car. It is a 10-minute journey covering about 3km distance with a view of the Trishuli River. One can see animal sacrifices being held in the temple premises.