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POKHARA
The
Pokhara valley has fascinated visitors for centuries and still
attracts hordes of tourists every season. It is a valley of
tranquil lakes and spectacular mountain views. Look out of the
hotel window when you wake up in the morning and you see the
majestic Mt Machapuchhare. With a backdrop of the spectacular
Annapurna range of mountains, the Pokhara valley is one of the
beauty spots in Nepal. The ‘Lake-side’ as it is called is
where most of the hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops are
located.
Pokhara
is also where some of the most popular treks like the Annapurna
and Jomsom-Muktinath treks begin. Many a climbing expedition to
the eightthousanders also begins here. The lush green valley is
rich in bird life and there are many short hikes possible in and
around Pokhara. This is also adventure country from where you
can go hang gliding or ride the micro-lights to get a bird’s
eye view of the valley. Pony rides are another leisurely means
of seeing the beautiful countryside and meeting the many ethnic
groups that inhabit the region. Pokhara is home to the Magar and
Gurung people. They are renowned as brave and able soldiers and
much of the Gurkha army ranks are filled with these tribes.
Another interesting people are the Thakalis who are known for
their business acumen.
Place
to see in Pokhara
Phewa
Tal
(Tal =lake ) is the pride of Pokhara and boating here in the
peaceful atmosphere is a lasting experience. You can spend hours
boating in this large lake. A visit to the Barahi
Temple
within the lake makes an interesting excursion. This two-storied
pagoda is one of the most important shrines in Pokhara, The
Seti Gandaki River,
which flows through the heart of the city is one of the wonders
as it vanishes completely underground in various places. Another
place of interest is the Patale Chhango or Devi’s
Fall,
a lovely waterfall located 2 km southwest of Pokhara Airport by
the Siddharta Highway. Locals remember this as the spot where
decades ago, a trekker had been washed away by the Pardi Khola
(river). The river drops into a hole here and disappears
underground.
Mahendra
Gufa or Cave
is
a two-hour walk north of Pokhara and its main attraction are
stalactites and stalagmites that shine in the light and the
resident bats. If you are looking for peace and quiet; far from
the madding crowd, then head for the Begnas
Tal.
The
Pokhara
Museum, near the bus stop off Naya Bazaar road has on
display the ethnic mosaic of western Nepal. The culture of
Gurungs, Thakalis and Tharus can be studied here through the
many models, photographs and artifacts found within. The Natural
History Museum houses an interesting collection of
butterflies, insects, birds, and models of wildlife from the
surrounding area. Besides visits to temples and museums, there
is much entertainment in the restaurants. Other places to hang
out are the bars and pool houses. Pokhara has many hotels of
international standards.
The cost and tour details
are available on your request.
Please Click here or just drop us
an email to : suryaktm@mos.com.np
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