✓ Pokhara is the largest metropolitan city in central Nepal, located about 200 kilometers West of the capital, Kathmandu. In terms of area, it is one of the largest metropolitan cities in Nepal.
✓ It serves as the capital of Gandaki Provinces and the headquarters of the Kaski district.
✓ There are about 476,000 population in Pokhara, according to the census 2023.
✓ Mountains and green forests shroud the city, making it an excellent destination to spend relaxation from a busy agenda. It is the second biggest city in Nepal.
✓ It is the base for many world-famous treks. Most visitors to Pokhara stay there before beginning or after finishing the “Round Annapurna” trekking route to analyze the city’s beauty.
✓ Pokhara is considered the tourism capital of Nepal and is a ground for trekkers launching the Annapurna Circuit through the Annapurna Conservation Area region.
✓ It has many places to visit and provides considerable outdoor activities containing the Everest base camp trek.
✓ You can enjoy an experience trip to this city and sightseeing there. The serene lakes and the loamy aura of Pokhara take us close to nature.
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Etymology and Beginning of Pokhara
The etymology and beginning of Pokhara are as follows:
✓ “Pokhari” means Pond in the Nepali word. Pokhara is an alternative to Pokhara as the city has many ponds.
✓ In the 17th century, when Pokhara was a part of the Kingdom of Kaski. Prithvi Narayan Shah was the king of Kaski who connected Pokhara into his kingdom in 1786.
✓ In 1786, it was a small village, but it developed in significance as a trading base and a stopover for devotees on their destination to Mount Kailash.
✓ In the 19th century, This city was governed by the Rana dynasty, which was a powerful family that controlled our country Nepal for over 100 years.
✓ Rana dynasty constructed many temples and other infrastructure in Pokhara, and the city grew in scope and importance.
✓ In the 20th century, it was spread up to foreign visitors, which was the first tourist inn constructed in the 1920s, and the city started to draw a constant stream of visitors.
✓ Pokhara evolved as one of the most popular tourist destinations for trekkers and mountaineers in the 1960s.
✓ In 1953, the first successful climb of Mount Everest carried awareness to the area, and this place evolved into a base camp for climbers and trekkers.
✓ Pokhara started to grow as a tourist destination in the 1970s, and the government constructed highways and other infrastructure.
✓ It persisted to grow in favor in the 1980s, and the government constructed more additional hotels and restaurants. Also, it became one of the most popular termini for honeymooners, families, and other visitors.
✓ Pokhara was struck by a series of biological catastrophes in the 1990s containing a devastating earthquake in 1995. Nevertheless, this city recovered later and remains a popular tourist destination.
✓ Presently, Pokhara is a dynamic and worldly-wise city home to a mixed population and a melting bank of cultures.
✓ This city is a popular destination for experienced sports fanatics and the best place to relax and enjoy the sights.
Geography of Pokhara
✓ Pokhara City has one of the best land masses, which rises high quality quickly and lowers too. There are fewer such landforms in which the land masses rise so quickly.
✓ Pokhara is between 27 55′ N latitude and 83 48′- 84 11 E longitude. It is on the plateau and hill surrounded by the Himalayan field on the Northern side and Mahabharat Mountain on the Southern flank.
✓ The entire land area of Pokhara has three various kinds of land masses they are low landmasses, Pahar, and highlands. The valley is spread from Bharabhure village on the Northern side to the Bhimad V.D.C on the Southern side, which lies in Tanahuun district.
✓ The entire area of Pokhara Valley is about 123 sq km, but the size of Pokhara city is over 56.66sq km, and the area of Lekhnath municipality is approximately 77.75 sq km.
✓ The medium height of the cliffs of the hill is from 4000-6000 feet.
✓ The altitude of Machhapuchre is about 20,000 feet, and from the highest point of Machhapuchre to Pokhara city, the total altitude lost is 1,100 feet in every league, whereas the distance between Machhapuchre to Pokhara city is 18 leagues.
✓ The Pokhara Plain is spread over about 30 leagues from Bharabhure in the Northern hillside to the Dobhan in the East-South valley.
✓ Phewa Lake is located in the heart of the valley, whereas Begnas and Rupa are located out of the town near Lekhnath metropolis. So, the central plateau of Pokhara applies to Rupa Tal on the Eastern side, whereas the Southern part of Rupa Tal is narrow and ends in Dobhan Gorge, which distances it about 8 miles.
✓ As Pokhara is said to be “The city of lakes“, the lakes of Pokhara Valley are located on the edge of the plain area. It is said that the damming develops the lakes up of tributary streams from the village side on the Northern side.
✓ Phewa Lake is located in the city area, which is more significant than other lakes. So, the size of Phewa Lake is raised by damming, and hence it has helped many villages and areas by supplying water for irrigation.
✓ The lake has also helped as hydroelectricity is produced from the water of Phewa Lake, which generates about 1.8 Mw of electricity.
✓ But other smaller lakes are moving to be evaporated, and the climate of Pokhara favorably corresponded to other regions with a humid climate.
✓ The temperature in Pokhara city in summer is about 73 degrees F, and in winter 20.4 degrees F.
✓ The population of Pokhara Valley is relatively less than Kathmandu Valley. Out of the total population, only 18 % of the people live in city areas, whereas 82-84 % of the people live in the hills.
✓ But now for the quality education and other facilities, people are relocating to city area day by day immediately. The accommodation in Pokhara city is growing day by day.
Top 10+ best places to visit in Pokhara
The top 10+ best places to visit in Pokhara are as follows:
1. Phewa Lake
✓ Phewa Lake is one of the excellent places to visit in Pokhara.
✓ Once you visit there, you will fall in love with the atmosphere of this place, which presents a satisfying adventure that you can appreciate with your family and friends.
✓ Phewa Lake is one of the famous Pokhara tourist places where you can charter a boat and glide at your speed while relishing the warm water below and the attractive rays of the sun above your head.
✓ You can escape city life in this peaceful place where it is best to dwell during the daytime.
2. Begnas Lake
✓ The Begnas Lake is near Phewa Lake, so you can readily appreciate two incredible sightings in a short quantity of time, which is a very peaceful place in Pokhara.
✓ The unique environment of the Himalayan ranges can dissolve the heart of any person.
✓ Not only that, the surrounding is very panoramic and anyone would fall in love with the beautiful waters and luxuriant leafage.
✓ The climate remains very agreeable nearly all year round, making this Lake one of the best Pokhara tourist places.
3. Devi’s Fall
✓ Devis Fall is locally known as Patale Chhango, which means the undercover drops.
✓ If you are a waterfall lover, this fall is one of the best places to call Pokhara.
✓ The glossy blue waters struggle along the stones of the hill to get themselves into the lap of Mother Nature.
✓ It produces a 500 feet underpass tunnel in its majesty and extremity that you will glimpse it. The falls are enveloped by abundant flora.
4. Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave
✓ An outstanding architectural work is the Pokhara visitor place of Gupteshwor Mahadev cave.
✓ The cave stands across Davi’s fall, and the sound of booming water may be attended within, and will be loop steps that will teach you to the mouth of the cave.
✓ Places to visit in Pokhara will stay unfinished if you do not visit this Gufa that takes you to the shivling.
✓ It is also whispered to be the most extended cave in Nepal, which is about 2950 meters and is said found in the 16th century.
5. Mahendra Cave
✓ While dwelling in the Mahendra Cave, get a headlamp for the best knowledge of this place to visit in Pokhara, which is full of greenery.
✓ You will have so much joy communing photos, converting you into a whole different world of shady caves. Adventure-loving people will adore visiting this place.
✓ The place is one of the best places to visit in the exceptional sunrises with different statues.
✓ It might release your energy but will depart you with memories you can adore all your life.
6. Tal Barahi
✓ Tal Barahi is a beautiful small quiet temple of Hindu Goddess Durga Devi situated amid a clean water lake.
✓ It is situated on a small island in the middle of Phewa Lake, which is the most important religious monument in Pokhara, Nepal.
✓ Pokhara tourist places of different relaxing surroundings near the temple that will fill your heart.
✓ The mountain varies in the location of the lake and temple providing you with all adventures of eternity in a single view.
✓ The temple houses an admiringly revered Hindu divinity; believers come here on Saturdays to worship with sacrificial animals which is the best time to provide to the Goddess Barahi.
7. Shree Bindhyabasini Temple
✓ The Shri Bindhyabasini Temple is situated on a hilltop and is a fascinating place to visit in Pokhara.
✓ The temple complex is short but cultivated which is contended by some people and is utilized for adoration by both Hindus and Buddhists.
✓ The atmosphere of the cliffs along with the creative temple and the skyline of Pokhara city which is a Pokhara tourist place that allures tourists from all over India.
8. Rupa Tal
✓ Among the 7 lakes in Lekhnath, Rupa Tal is one of the best places to visit in Pokhara which has the dual largest lake anointed Rupa Taal.
✓ The reputation of the lake is emanated from the name of a nearby village named Rupakoy which is encompassed by a Nepalese community that is very familiar.
✓ It is nice and cool which brings you away soon from city life and you can stop at the tea shops to appreciate a cup of tea while appreciating the blue dampness.
9. International Mountain Museum
✓ The International Mountain Museum is one of the famous Pokhara tourist places that are very air ample and has an abundance of rooms to visit for relaxation and several items are displayed.
✓ There are a bunch of things to know about and execute that additional learning. The information cards are also short and exact, so you can have an exact knowledge of what you are looking at.
✓ You can know the great value of mountaineering and other useful life lessons and can also appreciate the exterior views of the museum which is also incredible on a completely various levels.
10. Chamero Gufa
✓ Chamero Gufa is also known as the Bat Cave which is the best Pokhara tourist-visit place and is known because it is an uncultivated habitat of the horseshoe canes living in the cave.
✓ The bats are all over the walls and the roof which is composed of limestone and has a single entry and a single door.
✓ In search of adventure, several tourists visit this place which is a thought that only people who have not done any wrong should pass through the door.
✓ The cave is covered by wildlife and woodlands.
11. Seti River Gorge
✓ If you are choosing to visit Nepal, the Seti River is the best place to visit in Pokhara you must visit it.
✓ The river water streams directly from the Himalayas, so it is incredibly precise and mild. which is about 60 to 80 meters profound.
✓ Seti River Gorge is also known as the Wild Himalayan River and the milky river screaming through it will pull a portion of delight into your profound heart.
✓ It has obtained tourist-friendly surroundings and the flora and fauna across the river are also captivating.
12. Matepani Gumba
✓ The trek in the place to visit Pokhara is worth every slip of effort that you surrender and can walk from the lakeside to appreciate the magic Pokhara tourist visit.
✓ There is a pacifist environment and the trek towards it is tiring, and fun, and the tranquil quality that you obtain enveloping it is pleasing to a whole extra station.
✓ It is very soft that you can only see and hear the sounds of nature which are situated on the hill so you also get a very pleasant scenery of the entire city.
