Pokhara, Nepal
Region: Gandaki Pradesh
Geographic Coordinates: 28.208300, 83.988900
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 30.0°C (50°F to 86°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 353841
Language: Nepali
Pokhara is a beautiful city located in the Kaski district of Nepal, Situated 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu. The city is known for its stunning natural beauty, Serene lakes, And adventure sports activities. One of the most popular attractions in Pokhara is Phewa Lake, Where visitors can enjoy boating while admiring breathtaking views of the Annapurna mountain range that surrounds it. The lake also has an island temple dedicated to Goddess Barahi.
Another must-visit attraction in Pokhara is Sarangkot Hill which provides panoramic views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri (8, 167m), Annapurna I (8, 091m), Manaslu (8, 156m), And Machhapuchhre (6, 993m). Visitors can reach Sarangkot Hill through a short trek or drive. For adventure enthusiasts seeking adrenaline-pumping activities like paragliding or zip-lining over stunning landscapes with breathtaking views; Pokhara offers plenty of options for them too. It has become Nepal’s hub for adventure tourism due to its ideal location near Himalayan ranges.
Pokhara also has several cultural sites worth visiting such as Bindabasini Temple – an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Durga; World Peace Pagoda – a Buddhist stupa built on top of a hill overlooking Pokhara valley; Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave – an underground cave housing Lord Shiva’s shrine; and International Mountain Museum – showcasing exhibits related to mountaineering history worldwide. The food scene in Pokhara offers something for everyone’s taste buds from traditional Nepali dishes like dal-bhat-tarkari (lentil soup-rice-vegetables) to international cuisine.
The city has a vibrant nightlife with several bars and clubs where visitors can enjoy live music, Dance and drinks. Pokhara is also an excellent base for trekkers looking to explore the Annapurna region. It serves as the starting point for several treks like Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Poon Hill Trek, And Mardi Himal Trek. These treks offer stunning views of mountains, Forests, Rivers and provide an opportunity to experience Nepal’s rich culture. Pokhara is a must-visit destination in Nepal that offers something for everyone.
From stunning natural beauty to adventure sports activities; cultural sites to delicious food; vibrant nightlife to trekking opportunities – this city has it all!
- Phewa Lake
- Sarangkot
- World Peace Pagoda
- Davis Falls
- Mahendra Cave
- Bindhyabasini Temple
- Begnas Lake
- Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave
- Seti River Gorge
- Annapurna Butterfly Museum
- Tourism: Pokhara is a popular tourist destination in Nepal, famous for its natural beauty and adventure activities such as trekking, paragliding, and rafting.
- Agriculture: Pokhara serves as an agricultural hub, with crops like rice, maize, wheat, and vegetables being cultivated in the surrounding areas.
- Handicrafts: The city is home to many skilled artisans who specialize in producing traditional handicrafts such as pottery, weaving, and woodcarving.
- Education: Several educational institutions including universities and colleges offer courses in various fields within Pokhara.
- Health care: The city boasts several hospitals and medical clinics that provide healthcare services to both the local population and tourists alike.
- Manufacturing: There are small-scale manufacturing units within Pokhara that produce goods like textiles or paper products.
- Service sector businesses: Restaurants, cafes, hotels, travel agencies are among the many service sector businesses available in Pokhara for visitors to enjoy.
- The city played a significant role in the salt trade during the 18th century as an important trade route between India and Tibet.
- The Kaski Kingdom was established in Pokhara in the 16th century, ruled by King Kulmandan Shah until it became part of Nepal in the late 18th century.
- Gurkha soldiers from this region have served in various conflicts around the world including World War I and II.
- Sir Edmund Hillary trained for his successful ascent of Mount Everest from Pokhara.
- The famous Annapurna Circuit trek starts from Pokhara, considered one of the best treks globally.
- Mahendra Narayan Nidhi, a prominent Nepali politician who served as Prime Minister twice, was born in Pokhara.
- Tenzing Norgay Sherpa had close ties with Pokhara as he spent much time training there before his historic climb to become one of two people to reach Mount Everest’s summit on May 29, 1953 alongside Sir Edmund Hillary.
- The International Mountain Museum located there is a popular tourist attraction showcasing mountaineering history and culture from around Nepal’s mountainous regions.
- In recent years tourism has become a major industry for this region due to its natural beauty which includes lakes like Phewa Tal surrounded by mountains such as Machhapuchhare (Fishtail Mountain).
- The city suffered significant damage following an earthquake that struck central Nepal on April 25, 2015 causing widespread destruction across many parts of Kathmandu Valley including nearby towns like Gorkha district where epicenter lies but has since been rebuilt.
- International Mountain Museum
- Gurkha Memorial Museum
- Devi’s Fall
- World Peace Pagoda
- Bindhyabasini Temple
- Mahendra Cave
- Pokhara Regional Museum
- Barahi Temple
- Sarangkot Viewpoint
- Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake
- Pokhara Football Club – Established in 2015, this professional football club competes in the A-Division League of Nepal.
- Gandaki Basketball Club – This basketball team from Pokhara plays in the National Basketball League of Nepal.
- Western Region Cricket Association – This cricket organization based in Pokhara promotes and develops cricket among youth and adults.
- Annapurna Futsal Club – This futsal team from Pokhara participates in various national level futsal tournaments.
- Himalayan Sherpa Adventure Sports Club – This adventure sports club from Pokhara organizes various outdoor activities like trekking, mountaineering, paragliding, etc.
Please note that this information may not be exhaustive or up-to-date as there may be new teams or changes to existing ones over time.
- International Mountain Museum Festival is held annually in Pokhara to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Nepal’s mountainous regions.
- Nepali New Year, also known as Bisket Jatra, marks the beginning of a new year according to the traditional lunar calendar and is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Pokhara.
- Teej Festival is a popular Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati, celebrated by women across Nepal including Pokhara.
- Phewa Lake Festival celebrates the beauty of Phewa Lake with boat races, cultural performances, and other activities held annually in Pokhara.
- Basanta Panchami marks the arrival of spring in Nepal and is celebrated with music, dance, and feasting in Pokhara.
- Gai Jatra involves parading cows through the streets as a way to honor deceased loved ones during this unique festival that takes place each year in August or September.
- Dashain Festival celebrates victory over evil forces according to Hindu mythology with feasting, dancing and exchanging gifts among family members being part of its celebration.
- Tihar (also known as Diwali) honors various deities including Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth) during this major Hindu festival that takes place each year in October or November involving lighting candles or lamps outside homes for good luck into people’s lives.
- Newari Khaja Ghar: This restaurant serves authentic Newari cuisine, which is a specialty of the Kathmandu Valley.
- Moondance Restaurant: This restaurant offers a mix of Nepali, Indian and Western cuisine with live music performances.
- Cafe Concerto: This is a popular cafe that serves excellent coffee and bakery items.
- OR2K: This vegetarian restaurant offers Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, including falafel, hummus, and shakshuka.
- Busy Bee Cafe: A popular hangout spot for locals and tourists alike that has been around since the 1970s serving Nepali food along with other international cuisines.
- Rosemary Kitchen & Coffee Shop: A cozy little cafe offering homemade pastries and sandwiches along with great coffee.
- The Old House Restaurant & Bar: A beautiful old house turned into a restaurant serving delicious Nepali food in a traditional setting.
- Pokhara Thakali Kitchen: This is one of the best places to try Thakali cuisine which is native to the Mustang region of Nepal known for its spicy flavors and unique cooking techniques.
- Phewa Lake is a well-known destination for boating and enjoying the breathtaking views of the Annapurna mountain range.
- The World Peace Pagoda is situated on top of a hill and offers panoramic views of Pokhara and its surroundings.
- Begnas Lake is another stunning lake in Pokhara that’s famous for its tranquil atmosphere and boating activities.
- Mahendra Cave is a natural limestone cave with impressive stalactites and stalagmites formations to admire.
- Sarangkot Hill attracts many visitors for paragliding, hiking, and enjoying sunrise/sunset views over the mountains.
- Bindhyabasini Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati that’s located in the heart of Pokhara city.
- Davis Falls is an unusual waterfall that disappears underground after falling down into a deep gorge, making it an exciting sight to see!
- Seti River Gorge offers scenic walks along its banks through a narrow canyon carved by the Seti River.
- The Annapurna Butterfly Museum & Garden showcases various species of butterflies found in Nepal, along with offering visitors an opportunity to explore their butterfly garden!
- The International Mountain Museum provides educational insights into mountaineering history and culture around the world; it’s located near Pokhara airport area!
