Phewa Lake and Barahi Temple:
Lake Phewa, the second largest lake in Nepal, boasts a serene beauty across its 4.43 square kilometers, with an average depth of approximately 8.6 meters and a maximum depth reaching 19 meters. One of its captivating features is the reflection of majestic Mount Annapurna mirrored on its surface. Adding to its allure is the Barahi Temple, constructed in a pagoda style, situated on an island in the heart of Lake Phewa.
Barahi Temple:
Situated on a small island just off the lakeside of Phewa Lake, the Barahi Temple is easily accessible by boat, taking less than 10 minutes to reach. The atmosphere surrounding the temple is incredibly tranquil, allowing visitors to bask in the lush greenery of the forest beyond the lake's south end. One can marvel at the full-scale scenery of the lake and be mesmerized by the stunning reflections of the Annapurna and Fishtail Mountains on its surface.
During Dashain, Nepal's biggest festival celebrated in October, the temple becomes a focal point of major festivities, adding to its cultural significance and allure.
Barahi Temple:
Nestled on a small island amidst the expanse of Phewa Lake, the Barahi Temple is conveniently accessible by a short boat ride, taking less than 10 minutes. The ambiance surrounding the temple exudes tranquility, offering a picturesque view of the verdant forest scenery stretching beyond the lake's southern edge. Visitors can marvel at the panoramic vistas of the lake and the awe-inspiring reflections of the Annapurna and Fishtail Mountains dancing on its surface.
During Dashain, Nepal's grandest festival celebrated in October, the temple hosts significant festivities, infusing the surroundings with cultural vibrancy and adding to the temple's allure and spiritual significance.
Sarangkot
It is a 1,600m high hill situated on the northern shore of Phewa lake. On the way to Sarangkot you’ll pass through Schima-Catonopsis forest and there is a lot of opportunity to watch birds. It’s a 2 hour walk from Phewa Lake. On reaching the hill, you can find good hotels and a tower on the top of the hill from where you can view the Pokhara Valley and also the wide range of Annapurna.
Seti Gorge (K I Singh Bridge):
Sarangkot, a picturesque hill standing at an elevation of 1,600 meters, graces the northern shore of Phewa Lake. En route to Sarangkot, you'll traverse through the enchanting Schima-Catonopsis forest, offering ample opportunities for birdwatching enthusiasts. The journey from Phewa Lake to Sarangkot typically takes around 2 hours on foot. Upon reaching the hill's summit, you'll discover cozy hotels and a towering observation deck affording panoramic views of the Pokhara Valley and the expansive Annapurna mountain range.
Gurkha Museum:
The Gurkha soldiers have a storied history, having joined the British Army since 1815 and later integrating into the Indian Army after India's independence in 1947. The museum focuses on preserving and showcasing their rich heritage, spanning from their early days to their service in the present-day British and Indian Armies.
Within the museum, visitors can immerse themselves in the fascinating narrative of Gurkha history through a vast collection of photographs depicting the numerous campaigns they participated in and insights into their regimental life. The museum's three-floor galleries come alive with immersive soundscapes and vibrant colored lighting, enhancing the visitor experience.
Displays within the museum include authentic uniforms worn by Gurkha soldiers, the tools and equipment they utilized during their service, as well as the medals they earned for their exceptional bravery and valor. Visitors can also explore detailed accounts of Gurkha Victoria Cross winners, recipients of the highest bravery medal, along with their citations, providing poignant glimpses into acts of extraordinary heroism.
Bindhyabasini Temple:
Bindhyabasini Temple, perched atop a hill approximately 3000 meters above sea level, holds significant religious importance for Hindus residing in the Pokhara region. Dedicated to the goddess Durga, also known as Kali Mata, the temple attracts numerous devotees who come to offer worship and make animal sacrifices in reverence to the deity.
David's Falls, an awe-inspiring waterfall nestled within the Pokhara Valley, stretches nearly 500 feet in length and cascades 100 feet below ground level. Locally referred to as Patale Chhango, meaning the underworld, this natural wonder holds a poignant story. Legend has it that on July 31st, 1961, a Swiss couple, David, went swimming near the falls, but tragically, the woman drowned in a pit. Since that fateful day, the site has been known as David's Falls, commemorating the incident and adding a sense of mystique to the natural marvel.
Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave:
Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, counted among the longest caves in Nepal, spans nearly 3 kilometers in length. As visitors venture into its depths, they encounter walls adorned with dripping water, creating a mystical ambiance within the cave. Approximately 40 meters into the cave, a notable highlight awaits: a statue of Lord Shiva, a revered deity in Hinduism. Situated near David's Falls, this cave offers a fascinating exploration of natural wonders and spiritual significance, making it a must-visit destination for travelers in the Pokhara region.
International Mountain Museum:
The museum is conveniently located just 0.5 kilometers south of Pokhara Airport, offering easy access for visitors. Its strategic positioning provides a remarkable opportunity to behold a breathtaking panoramic view of three colossal mountain peaks: Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu, all towering above 8000 meters. This unparalleled vista is a unique spectacle that captivates visitors, as no other place in the world offers such a stunning single-eyed view of these majestic peaks.
Inside the museum, guests can delve into a wealth of information on mountaineering, encompassing various aspects such as the world's mountain systems, diverse mountain cultures, environmental considerations, notable figures in mountain history, geographical features, and ecological aspects. The museum boasts exhibits detailing the history and evolution of mountaineering, showcasing the methodologies and techniques employed throughout its storied past, making it a comprehensive and enlightening destination for enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
World Peace Stupa:
Recently constructed atop a hill with commanding views of Phewa Tal, the Stupa provides an ideal vantage point to witness the mesmerizing sunset over Pokhara. Accessing this scenic spot can be achieved by hiring a boat and rowing across the lake, followed by a climb up a path that, at times, may be infested with leeches. Alternatively, visitors can reach the Stupa on foot via the road that traverses past Devi Falls, offering an adventurous and picturesque journey to this captivating destination.
Shiva (Mahadev) Temple Pumdikot:
The Shiva Statue at Pumdikot, situated above the World Peace Stupa, has emerged as a new and highly sought-after destination in Pokhara. Perched atop a stunning high hill in the Pokhara district of Nepal, this recently completed statue stands at an impressive height of 51 feet, positioned at an elevation of 1500 meters above sea level. Notably, the Shiva Statue in Pokhara now holds the distinction of being the tallest statue in Nepal, surpassing the Statue of Lord Shiva in Sangha, Bhaktapur, which now ranks as the second tallest. This monumental achievement adds to the allure of Pokhara as a must-visit destination for both spiritual seekers and admirers of architectural marvels.
