Pokhara being the beautiful city of lakes that it holds many places to visit that will sweep you off your feet with their scenic beauty and calm atmosphere. As it is the second most important city in Nepal after the capital city, Kathmandu. But for tourism in Nepal, there is no other city that is popular as Pokhara. The popularity of this city is reflected in the huge number of tourists visiting every year. Pokhara houses a variety of places that confirm the richness of the culture and nature of the country. Situated in the shadow of some of the most famous Himalayan mountains, Pokhara is beautiful.
Let us help you know Pokhara better through our list of the “Top 5 Things” you can do in the city
1. A Visit To Tal Barahi Temple
A lake temple in the Kaski District of Nepal which is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Durga, this temple is located on a small island in Lake Phewa of Pokhara and contributes as a great source of spirituality in the Nepalese Hindu population.
Highlights: This most famous Hindu temple in Pokhara has a lot of grace added by the surrounding lake. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu to commemorate his boar incarnation in the 18th century. Over the years the temple has been comprehensively renovated and so the pigeons have decided to make it their permanent shelter. A must visit not only for the religious mind but also for a regular tourist alike.
Location: 10 minutes drive from Pokhara, located on an island in the middle of phew lake, it can be reached by a boat from Barahi ghat.
2. Visit Begnas Tal/Lake
Pokhara is the city of lakes and Begnas Tal is another beautiful and serene freshwater lake in Kaski district of Nepal that changes color depending on the season. Begnas Lake is the second largest of the eight lakes in Pokhara valley with a maximum depth of 10 meters. Since most tourists are unaware of this beautiful lake less, the original beauty is undisturbed. The lake supports irrigation and fisheries. The water level in the lake is regulated by a dam constructed in 1988 A.D as it fluctuates with season and because of use for irrigation. The pressure of increasing the human population is forcing the conversion of the swampy area into land for cultivation.
Location: It takes about 40 minutes by bus from Pokhara to reach the lake.
Highlights: Boating, fishing, and swimming are some of the activities you can indulge in, the bonus being surrounding green mountains.
Difficulty Level: Medium, you can easily try your hands on boating.
Best time to visit: October
3. A Visit To Sarangkot
A small village that has its own natural beauty situated on the outskirts of the Pokhara city. While you’re exploring the village, you can also get a glimpse of the beautiful sunrise that can be seen from the hilltops. And also, get a chance to view one of the most beautiful Annapurna Himalayan ranges.
Difficulty Level: Easy.
Best time to visit: October
4. A Visit To World Peace Pagoda
Also referred to as “Shanti Stupa ” which when translated in English is referred to as “World Peace Pagoda”. Buddhist monks from the Japanese Nipponzan Myohoji order constructed the stupa. The monument is said to depict the four prominent stages of the Buddha’s life in four directions: the place that he was born in Lumbini, the place he became enlightened in Bodhgaya, the place he taught most of his lifetime in Sarnath, and the place he reached nirvana at KushiNagar.
You can experience the joy of overlooking the southern shore of Phewa Lake after reaching the top of the monument and learning about its design to inspire harmony. The shrine except for being an impressive standpoint provides spectacular views of the Annapurna range and Pokhara.
Best time to visit: September to November.
Difficulty Level: Fairly easy
5. Boating in Phewa Lake
The second-largest freshwater lake in the country situated in the Pokhara Valley of Nepal. Many tourists frequent this place and many of them keep it in their travel list. The beauty and serenity of the lake know no bounds. As the lake has mirror-like reflections of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre in its waters. The lake is managed with the help of a Dam and is fed by a river stream, making it somewhat a mixture of a man-made and natural freshwater lake.
Location- Pokhara Valley, Nepal
Best time- October