If Kathmandu is the cultural hub of Nepal, Pokhara is its hub of adventure. An enchanting city nestled in a tranquil valley, the atmosphere on the shore of Phewa Lake is one of excitement and relaxation. Tourists frequent the many bars and restaurants, stroll around the township or take a boat out on Phewa Lake.

Pokhara is a place of remarkable natural beauty. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the fishtailed summit of Machhapuchhre (6,977 m) rising behind it create an ambience of peace and magic. At an elevation lower than Kathmandu, it has a more tropical feel to it and the valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, cascading rivers, emerald lakes, and of course, the world famous views of the Himalaya.

The powerful rule of the old kings of Kathmandu, the Lichhavis and the Mallas, held sway over this valley for some time. As these dynasties fell prey to their own troubles, Pokhara Valley 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 among these that Kulmandan Shah established his kingdom. His descendant Drabya Shah was the first to establish Gorkha, home of the legendary Gurkha warriors.

Pokhara is a part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and 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 world-wide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship. Tibetan traders sell their wares as you wander around the lakeside, there is the Tibet Children’s Village and Tashi Ling Tibetan Village for Tibetan carpets and handicrafts.

Sightseeing in Pokhara

Mountain Views

Clearly the most stunning of Pokhara's sights is the spectacular panorama of the Annapurna range which forms its backdrop. Stretching from east to west, the Annapurna massif includes Annapurna 1 to IV and Annapurna South. Although the highest among them is Annapurna 1 (8,091 m), it is Machhapuchhre which dominates all others in this neighbourhood. Boastfully levitating in the skyline, the fish-tailed pinnacle is the archetypal snow-capped, needle-pointed mountain. If you want to see the mountains from close up, Everest Air offers a mountain flight from Pokhara that takes you on an aerial sightseeing tour of the western Himalaya.

Phewa Tal Lake

Phewa Lake, the second largest lake in the Kingdom, is the centre of all attraction in Pokhara. The eastern shore, popularly known as lakeside or Baidam, is the favorite home base for travellers and is where most of the hotels, restaurants and handicraft shops are located. Phewa Tal  is the largest and most enchanting of the three lakes of Pokhara. Here, you can swim, sail or row a hired boat across to the water or visit the island temple in its middle, or if you want to relax more a boatman will row you out for a very minimal fee.

Barahi Temple

The Barahi temple is the most important monument in Pokhara. Built almost in the centre of Phewa Tal Lake, this two-storyed pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of' Ajima, the protesters deity representing- the female force Shakti. Devotees can be seen, especially on Saturdays, carrying male animals and fowl across the lake to be sacrificed to the deity.

Seti Gandaki

Another of Pokhara's natural wonders that unfailingly interests visitors is the Seti Gandaki river. Flowing right through the city, the boisterous river runs completely underground at places. Amazingly, at certain points the river appears hardly two meters wide. But its depth is quite beyond imagination over 20 meters! 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.

Devi's Fall

Locally known as the Patale Chhango (Hell's Fall). Devi's Fall (also known as Devin's and David's) is a lovely waterfall lying about 2 km south-west of the Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha Highway. Legend has it that  trekkers (Devin, David) were washed away by the Pardi Khola and mysteriously disappeared down into an underground passage beneath the fall.

Mahendra Cave

Another of nature's wonders in Pokhara is the Mahendra Gupha. This large limestone cave is locally known as the House of Bats, an apt name for it. A two-hour walk to the north of Pokhara, it is best to bring your own torch to see the stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the bats.

World Peace Pagoda

World Peace Pagoda This pagoda is situated on the top of a hill on the southern shore of Phewa Tal Lake. It has four images of Buddha facing in four directions. The pagoda is an impressive sight and its hilltop location commands great view. It is a great vantage point which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna.

The Old Bazaar

Pokhara's traditional bazaar is colorful and so are its ethnically diverse traders. In its temples and monuments can be seen ties to the Newar architecture of the Kathmandu Valley. Located about four km from Lakeside, the market's original charm is alive and well. This area has shops selling commodities ranging from edibles and cloth to cosmetics and gold, it 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 Bhagwati, yet another manifestation of Shakti. The park-like grounds offer a fine picnic area, and on Saturdays and Tuesdays when devotees flock there to offer sacrifices, it takes on a festive local flavour.

Sarangkot

From Sarangkot you can experience awesome views of the Himalayan peaks and is a favourite viewpoint at either sunset or sunrise.

Museums

The Tamu Kohibo Museum, located between the bus stop and Mahendra Pul, reflects the ethnic mosaic of western Nepal. The lifestyles and history of ethnic groups such as Gurungs, Thakalis and Tharus are attractively displayed through models, photographs and artefacts. One major attraction is a display highlighting the newly-discovered remains of an 8000-year-old settlement in Mustang.

The Annapurna Regional Museum, also known as the Natural History Museum, is another interesting place to  visit in Pokhara. Run by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the museum has an exceptional collection of butterflies, insects, birds and models of wildlife found in the area.

The International Mountain Museum is Pokhara’s newest museum and focuses on the mountains of Nepal and the mountaineers that have climbed them. It features original gear from many of the early expeditions and also has displays on the history, culture, flora and fauna of the area.

Adventure

Apart from the obvious convenient location as a starting point for treks there are many other adventurous activities that can be either undertaken or organized at Pokhara

Fishing

Those who wish to stay by the lake can even try his/her luck for the biggest catch. You can hire fishing rods from the shops in the lakeside.

Golfing

Golfing is a newly introduced concept in Pokhara. There are two world class golf courses in Pokhara.

Paragliding

Paragliding from the top of Sarangkot is one of the most exciting experiences in the Himalaya. Imagine gliding about the blue Phewa Tal Lake with the majestic Annapurna range as a backdrop.

Pony Riding

Pony riding is a major tourist attraction in this town. There are operators organizing these rides in the valley and the surrounding hills.

Rafting

Several operators in Pokhara offer rafting trips along major rivers in the vicinity of the valley. The most popular rafting trip is along Trishuli River, which flows along the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway. Similarly, this adventure can be enjoyed at Kali Gandaki River.

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is recommended if you wish to explore the countryside of Nepal. Ride through lush green rice fields, through hamlets, up and down hillsides, along river banks, and past roaming cattle,  Mountain bikes are available for rent by the day or longer in many of the bicycle rental outlets in Pokhara. If you wish to be enlightened about the culture, rhythm of village life, cool spots to visit, guided trips should be undertaken.

Motor Biking

Exploring the valley on a motor bike is truly an adventure packed with thrill and excitement. You can meet the locals and venture into all the places in the Valley. All you require is a good bike and a very good map.

Mountain Flight

Mountain flight is ideal for those who've limited time and cannot go trekking. Mountain flight offers spectacular views of the Himalaya. There are various flight carriers that operate mountain flight during October-May.

Ultralight Aircraft

The choice of the Pokhara Valley for ultra-light aircraft is appropriate chiefly because of the proximity of the mountains, and the scenic lakes. For those who wished they could fly like birds when growing up, this flight is a must. Leave any worries behind on earth, soar to heights in the azure blue sky as you fly across it. It might be lonely at the top, but the spectacular view from up high certainly makes it all worth it. The company operates flights from the Pokhara airport beginning September through June. The flights take place from sunrise to 11 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to sunset every day during these months. Ultra-lights can take off and land in a field or on a dirt road, and in areas where other planes fear to tread. The aircraft seats two, a passenger and the pilot. It can fly for hours and ascend the altitude of 5000 meters. Its aerodynamic quality allows it to perform long flight even with the engine shut off. It is flown by pilots with over 6,000 flights to his or her credit.