Pokhara

If Kathamandu is the place to be, then Pokhara is a place not to be missed at all. An enchanting city nestled in tranquil valley (altitude 827 m), it is the starting point from nay of Nepal's most popular trekking and rafting destinations. The atmosphere on the shores of "Phewa" lake is one of excited vitality as hip star backpackers crowd the many bars and restaurants exchanging recommendations on guest houses and viewpoints, both by the lake and above the clouds.

Mountain Views

Clearly the most studding of Pokhara's sights is the spectacular panorama of the Annapurna range, which forms its backdrop. Boastfully levitating in the skyline, the fishtailed pinnacle is the archetypal snow- capped, needle-pointed mountain.

Phewa Lake

Phewa Lake, the second largest lake in the Kingdom roughly measuring 1.5 by 4 km, is the center of all attractions in Pokhara. It is the largest and most enchanting of the three lakes that add to the resplendence of Pokhara.the eastern shore, popularly known as Lakeside of Baidam, is the favorite home base fortravellers and is where most of the hotels, restaurants and handicraft shops are located.

Barahi Temple

This is the most important religious monument is Pokhara. Built almost in the middle of Phewa Lake, this two-storied pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protectress deity representing the female form "Shakti".

Seti Gandaki

It flows right through the city, the boisterous river runs completely underground at places. Amazingly, at certain points the river appears hardly two meters wide. But its depth is quite beyond imagination - over 20 metres! Mahendra Pul, a small bridge near the old Mission Hospital, provides a perfect view of the river's dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by its powerful flow.

Devi's Fall

Locally known as 'Patale Chhango" (Hell's Fall), Devi's Fall (as Devin's or David's) is an awesome waterfall lying about 2 km southwest of Pokhara. Legend has it say that a trekker (devin,David…) was washed away by the Pardi Khola and mysteriously disappeared down into an underground passage beneath the fall.

Gupteshwar Gupha

It is a sacred cave that lies 2 km from Pokhara airport on the Siddartha Highway leading southwest from the city. It has some big hall-size rooms, rive lakes and a view of Deivi's Fall. This cave holds special value for Hindus since a phallic symbol of Lord Shiva is preserved here in the condition it was discovered.

Mahendra Gupha

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 your own torch to see the stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the local winged residents.

The Old Bazaar

Pokhara's traditional bazaar is colorful and so are its ethnically diverse traders. In its temples and monuments of can be seen ties to the Newar architecture of the Kathmandu Valley.

Bindhyabasini Temple

It is the center of religious activity in the old bazaar.It is dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati.