Phewa Lake

Phewa Lake, the second largest lake in Kingdom is the center of all attraction in Pokhara. It is the largest and most enchanting of the three lakes that add to the resplendence of Pokhara. Here, one can sail or row a hired boat across to the water or visit the island temple in its middle. The eastern shore, popularly known as lakeside or Baidam, is the favorite home base for travelers and is where most of the hotels, restaurants and handicraft ship are located.

Barahi Temple

The Barahi temple is the most important monument in Pokhara. Phewa Lake, this two-storyed pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protesters deity representing the female force Shakti, Devotees can be seen, especially on Saturdays, carrying male animals and fowl across the lake to be sacrificed to the deity.

Seti Gandaki

Another of Pokhara's natural wonders that unfailingly interests visitors is the Seti Gandaki River. Flowing right through the city, the Boilterous River runs completely underground at places. Amazingly, at certain points the river appears hardly tow meters wide. But its depth is quit beyond imagination over 20 meters. Mahendra Pul, a small bridge near the old Mission Hospital, provides a perfect view of the river's dreadful rush and the de gorge made by its powerful flow.

Devi's Fall

Locally known as the Patale Chhango (Hell's fall) Devi's Fal (als known as Devin's and David's) is a lovely waterfall lying about tow km south-west of the Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha Highway. Legend has it that a trekker (Devin, David.) was washed away by the Pardi Khola and mysteriously disappeared down into an underground passage beneath the fall.

Mahendra Cave

Another of nature's wonders in Pokhara is the Mahendra Gupha. This large limestone cave is locally known as the House of Bats, an apt name for it. A two-hour walk to the north of Pokhara, it is best to bring you own torch to see the stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the local winged residents.

The Old Bazzar

Pokhara's traditional bazaar is colorful and so are its ethnically diverse traders. In its temples and monuments can be seen ties to the Newar architecture of the Kathmandu Valley. Located about four km from Lakeside, the market's original charm is alive and well. This area strewn with shops selling commodities ranging form edibles and cloth to cosmetics and gold is a pleasant and shady spot to stroll around.The old bazaar is also home to one of Pokhara's most important shrines'.

Museums

The Pokhara Museum, located between the bus stop and Mahendra Pul, reflects the ethnic mosaic of western Nepal. The lifestyles and history of ethnic groups such as Gurungs, Thakalis and Tharus re attractively displayed through model, photographs and artefacts. One major attraction is a display highlighting the newly-discovered remains of an 8000-year-old settlement in Mustang. Open daily, except Tuesdays andholidays, form 10 am to 5 pm. Entrance fee is Rs. 10 (tel: 20413).

Surrounding Areas

Pokhara is the starting and /or finishing pint for some of the most popular treks including the Annapurna Circuit and the Jomsom trek. it also offers a number of short treks for those who cannot opt for long, challenging ones. The most popular destination among them is Sarangkot (1592m), a former Kaski fort lying stop a hill to the west of Pokhara. The panoramic view of the Himalaya seen from this point is superb. Kahundanda, Naudanda, Ghandrung, Ghorepani and Ghalchock are other favorite destinations around Pokhara.

• Bhaktapur Valley
• Patan Valley
• Kathmandu Valley
• Lumbini
• Gorkha
• Nagarkot
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