Phewa Valley

Although Pokhara is commercialized and at times suffers from a surfeit of tourists, it actually has a great deal of charm. The delightful Phewa Valley is one of its principal attractions. In the mornings a veil of mist floats over the lake, behind which the mountains form a magnificent backcloth. The water of the lake is only 19 m (62 ft) deep and is very dirty. An invigorating swim is only possible in the middle of the lake or from the opposite bank. Rowing boats can be hired but any breeze is usually too light for sailing or windsurfing. Boats go to the Vahari Temple on Lake Phewa's small island. On Saturdays in particular - Saturday being an auspicious day for sacrifices - boatloads of folk clutching billy-goats and cockerels are ferried across the channel between the island and the shore.