Pokhara Attractions
Pokhara
Pokhara, situated at the base of foothills 200 km (125 mi.) west of Kathmandu, represents for many trekkers the gateway to the Himalayas. It is the starting point for treks to Jomsom and the Annapurna group. With more than 146,000 inhabitants Pokhara is the third largest town in Nepal after Kathmandu and Biratnagar. People coming from the Kathmandu Valley notice the much cleaner air and pleasant climate. Lake Phewa, with its cluster of lakeside hotels, restaurants and shops, is ideal for seekers after relaxation and for day excursions.
Pokhara consists of many different parts and lacks cohesion: airport, bazaar, Lakeside, Pardi, as well as the shopping centers of Mahendra Pul and Chipledhunga are far away from each other, also the long connection road is difficult to reconnoiter on foot. Happily there are now taxis with meters, whereas previously very high taxi fares were charged. However, for the visitor with sufficient time, it is better to hire a bicycle.
Pokhara, situated at the base of foothills 200 km (125 mi.) west of Kathmandu, represents for many trekkers the gateway to the Himalayas. It is the starting point for treks to Jomsom and the Annapurna group. With more than 146,000 inhabitants Pokhara is the third largest town in Nepal after Kathmandu and Biratnagar. People coming from the Kathmandu Valley notice the much cleaner air and pleasant climate. Lake Phewa, with its cluster of lakeside hotels, restaurants and shops, is ideal for seekers after relaxation and for day excursions.
Pokhara consists of many different parts and lacks cohesion: airport, bazaar, Lakeside, Pardi, as well as the shopping centers of Mahendra Pul and Chipledhunga are far away from each other, also the long connection road is difficult to reconnoiter on foot. Happily there are now taxis with meters, whereas previously very high taxi fares were charged. However, for the visitor with sufficient time, it is better to hire a bicycle.
Annapurna Regional Museum
Situated on the campus of the Prithvi Narayan University east of the bazaar, the Annapurna Regional Museum is a natural history museum devoted to the Annapurna region and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (see Practical Information: National Parks). Among its highlights is an unusually comprehensive butterfly collection.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | Closed | 9:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
Bindya Basini Mandir
The Bindya Basini Temple, also damaged in the 1949 fire, stands on a pleasantly green hillside site. Noteworthy on religious rather than architectural grounds, its principal shrine is dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati who, on Saturdays, receives many sacrifices. The temple and its environs throng with Hindu families making a party of the gory ritual. Figures of the present royal couple, King Birendra Shah and his wife, top the founder's column in the courtyard.
Damside (Pardi)
Pardi, also known as Damside, is an offshoot of Lakeside, situated about one kilometer south at Pardi Dam on Lake Phewa. In recent years many hotels and restaurants have been built here.
Lakeside
Lakeside, on the east shore of Lake Phewa, caters specifically for tourists. Numerous hotels, guest houses, restaurants and shops lie strung out along the 4 km (21/2 mi.) main street, the shops mostly selling souvenirs and trekking gear. Rock music blares from cafés and eating houses serving apfelstrudel, pizza and similar fare. Glimpses of Nepalese culture are few and far between, apart from the often poor quality souvenirs. Even so Lakeside is genuinely picturesque, with a relaxing, easy-going atmosphere particularly appreciated by exhausted trekkers.
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Museum
The Pokhara Museum is located between the bus station and the Mahendra Bridge. Its chiefly ethnographical collection focuses on the region's various ethnic groups. Brief descriptions of the differing cultures are illustrated with samples of jewelry, musical instruments, clothing and customs.
Pokhara Bazaar
Pokhara's bazaar is a world away from Lakeside (though actually just 4 km (21/2 mi.)). It was set up by Newari immigrants from Bhaktapur brought here in 1752 to give a new impetus to trade. On the road to the bazaar a visit to the Bimsen Temples, at the northern end of Nalamukh, is recommended.
Pokhara Surroundings
Lake Begnas (Lake Rupa)
Lakes Begnas and Rupa are located 15 km (91/4 mi.) or so east of Pokhara. They are smaller and less well known than Lake Phewa and little frequented. Lake Begnas lies close to the village of Sisuwa where boats can be rented. The Sundari Danda, a vantage point about an hour's walk from Sisuwa, offers lovely views of the lakes with a breathtaking mountain-scape behind. On the east side is the 'Begnas Lake Resort'.
Attractions in Other Popular Destinations
