Pokhara is most beautiful city located in the Kaski district, starting point of Annapurna region trek. The following are the most popular things to do in Pokhara.
BARAHI TEMPLE
It is located on a small island in the middle of Phewa Lake just offshore from the Lake. It takes less than 10 minutes to reach there by boat. The atmosphere is so tranquil that one can enjoy the green forest scenery just across the south end of the lake, full-scenery of the lake and amazing reflection of the Annapurna and Fishtail Mountains on the surface water of the lake. There are major celebrations during Dashain the biggest Nepali festival, Which normally falls in the month of October.
KEDARESWORE MINDER AND MITERI PARK
Kedareshwore temple is beautifully constructed in the premises of komagane Miteri park just close of Fishtail Lodge. This park was named in memory of official friendship relationship between Pokhara city of Nepal and Komagane city of japan. If you want to observe Nepali way of wedding ceremonies, this temple and park can the best spot.
BINDABASINI TEMPLE
It is located on the top of small hillock at the north end of the old bazaar around 6 km from Lakeside.This is believed to be one of the oldest temple in the valley and is most famous in Pokhara. On lucky days, you may get chances to witness wedding ceremonies taking place in the premises of this temple.
BHADRAKALI TEMPLE & BUDDHIST MONASTERY
Hindu temple and karma Kagyu Chhonkerling Buddhist are situated in close proximity at Matepani nearby small hillock, surrounded by rich luscious forests, 7 km away from lakeside. The location is superb for the mountain view and the view of the whole Pokhara City. It is also a proper place for bird and butterfly watching and half day hike too. This is a good example of our religious and social harmony especially between Hinduism and Buddhism.
WORLD PEACE PAGODA
It is a massive Buddhist Stupa located on a hill top (Rani Ban) just southern hill of Phewa lake. This stupa is the symbol of peace where the huge idols of Lord Buddha from Japan Sri Lanka and Thiland have been installed. From here one can enjoy the breathtaking view of Himalayan ranges,lakes and city. As the route is from the lakeside by boat ,it can be enjoyed biathlon of boating and hiking at a same time. Other option is that you can visit Devis fall on the way and then the gentle climbing starts from Chhore Patan. If you want to avoid all walks, and then you can drive close to the place and walk 5 minutes to the Stua.
OLD BAZAAR AREA(HERITAGE SITE OF POKHARA)
A historical Newari bazaar is extended in the heart of the city just south beneath the Bindabasini temple. This area has been protected as an old heritage site of Pokhara where one can observe old house, temples and the cultural life and activities of Newari people.
TIBETAN VILLAGES
Several number of Tibetan refugees have been living in Nepal since 1995. The number has reached up to twenty thousands now. Pokhara area is the main land when they arrived and settled in Nepal One such is Tashi Ling Tibetan Settlement at Chhorepatan, which is located near two popular sightseeing sites i.e. Davi”s Fall and Gupteshwar Madhav Cave. Other two Tashi Palkhel and Paljor Ling are situated in Hemja and Prithvi Chowk respectively. One may visit Tibetan monastery, curio shops, hand made carpet factory, schools etc. in those settlements. Tashi palkhel is in Hemja,9 km west from Lakeside, where Zip-line fly ends nearby.
As each and every corner of Pokhara is scenic and picturesque, there are many place and things to see and to enjoy. What you need is to plan it as per your available time.
There are several Pokhara sightseeing tour – half day trips, full day trips, day hikes mountain bike routes and bird watching trips as advised below.
- Paragliding
- Sarangkot hiking
- Dhampus hiking
- Mountain biking
