Pokhara, Nepal

Pokhara is a lovely laid back place used as a stopping off point for treks to Annapurna

Pokhara spans 8 km from north to south and 6 km from east to west but, unlike Kathmandu, it is quite loosely built up and still has much green space.

The Seti Gandaki flowing through the city from north to south divides the city roughly in two halves with the down-town area of Chipledunga in the middle, the old town centre of Bagar in the north and the tourist district of Lakeside (Baidam) in the south all lying on the western side of the river.

Pokhara lies on an important old trading route between Tibet and India. In the 17. century it was part of the influential Kingdom of Kaski which again was one of the Chaubise Rajaya (24 Kingdoms of Nepal) ruled by a branch of the Shah Dynasty. There is also a large tibetan presence as many people fled there when the Chinese invaded Tibet in 1959.

There is not much to do in Pokhara but chill and go shopping. Fortunately it is very geared up for both. You can rent boats on the lake or people watch from cafes or shop for handicrafts or trekking gear (the do a good line in fake North Face gear)

You can also get up before sunrise and take a trip to a nearby viewpoint to watch the sun rise over the mountains. I would love to show you a shot here but it was foggy both days we went up there! Shame

Heres a picture of the lake instead.

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For many travelers to Nepal, Pokhara is one of the most wanted destinations – base-camp for the Anapurna, for various other treks or sporting activities, from paragliding to rafting….but for my first visit to Nepal, Pokhara meant only….killing some hours between two buses:

a lake row with an awkward oar boat on a somewhat cloudy weather, an island temple, endless bargain for Tibetan bracelets and necklaces made of Iak bones, stretch the feet and treat the hunger on the first terrace we came across on the main street, a curfew and…the beginning of a nightmarish bus ride to Tansen....via Mugling :-))

Despite the few tourist numbers in Nepal those days, Pokhara between X-mas and the new year was bustling with tourist groups, and with its numerous cafes, restaurants, loud music and cars all along its main street, this touristy resort reminded me of the watering and climate resorts in Prahova Valley in the Carpathians, suffering from uncontrolled tourist development. Don’t get me wrong – Pokhara is a small town located in a magnificent setting - lake, wooden hills and snowy peaks, fresh air and nice parks….but it was too touristy and artificial for my taste. I would probably have had another perspective on this town if I had splurged for a weekend in one of the nice villas with a view, on the other side of the lake.

To do justice to Pokhara, I should recommend going there for the sporting and trekking opportunities….and if you don’t like the crowds, try and avoid the week-ends and the hotels on the main road.

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One of the nicest places to be in Nepal is POKAHRA. A little town which has lots of restaurants and shops. Pretty clean if you compare it with Khatmandu. People are friendly and it also has a lake and a little hill about 700 ft high. This is the place where my partner enjoyed his paragliding. Paragliders from all over the world who visit Nepal normally would also visit Pokhara for some additional flying. What is also convenient about this place is that there are travel agents that arranges the transport for the paraglidersto the top of the hill for a small fee.

Lots of little kids around that always want to help fold the gliders....double work for us ofcourse but in the spirit of Nepal, we let them for again a tiny remuneration which sure brings smiles to their little faces and makes our day!!!

I have been to Pokhara several times during the last ten years and had never noticed this cave !! I think that it has only been open to the public for around four years now but it is easy to miss it and I haven't heard a mention of it in the guide books ??
Very close to the Tibetan refugee camp ( on the same road ) and also close to Devi Falls this is a really great way to visit Devi falls, You go down into a natural depression in the ground where there is the entrance to the cave, a guide will take you down and you come out just downstream of the falls and get a wonderful view of Devi falls falling into the hole in the ground from below !!
a Unique way to view the falls !!
Don't forget your camera -- I did and didn't manage to get back -- there are some excellent photo opportunities and I missed them !!!
Entrance fee is a very reasonable 50 NR and a small tip for your guide is recommended too !!
A great excursion -- don't miss it !!!!!

2006 Update --- I think that this cave is still worth seeing but be aware that you now have a choice of TWO entrance tickets, The cheaper one is only good for getting you down the first level as far as the temple, you need a second and Expensive one to get you to see the falls -- I can't remember exactly how much it was but I Do remember thinking that the prices had gone through the roof -- But that's only if you think in rupee :-)
Happy Travels in Nepal -- Rob

Pokhara is a peaceful town with the 2nd largest population in Nepal. It is located along the banks of Lake Phewa (about 7 hours drive west of Kathmandu), and it a base for treks to the Annapurna, Jomoson, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu regions. More photos and tips are at my VT Pokhara page.

the gateway to numerous trekking routes in nepal, pokhara is a lovely laid back town nestled amongst the himalayan mountains.. row a boat on the phewa lake and breathe in the magnificent views of the lake with the mountainous back drop..

Do not miss the chance to go to this lovely lakeside village, with colorful boats sailing through the water, smiling villagers and an air of peace and relaxation, compared to the chaos of Kathmandu. If you are lucky, on a clear day, you will see the most spectacular view of the snow covered mountains. This is the starting point to many treks, but if you just want to sit and stare at the lake, you will be perfectly content.

Visiting KEEP office could help you for informations you want.And sometimes they arrage trivia night where you can join them for fun trivias and meet other people,making new friends.Drinks and snacks are available for order,money goes to KEEP organization to do social activities.

It was very nice night and trivia was fun! you will know more about Nepal too :-)

Also just visiting there for free of charge information about trekking.Staff will help you and can give you an advise.If you still don't know where to go for trekking.Go to KEEP.There're also few books of 'Experience' from other travelers they have already done their treks.It might be useful for you.