Pokhara, nestled in the heart of Nepal, is renowned for its natural beauty and cultural significance. Pokhara is one of these places and it possesses a great gift of extreme natural beauty. This beauty is nestled in the Annapurna range, which is the tenth-highest mountain in the world. Here are the top 10 must-visit places in Pokhara:
1. Phewa Lake
This lake is both a man-made and natural freshwater lake, it is also the most visited spot in Pokhara, Annapurna. This lake is the second largest lake in Nepal and many water activities like canoeing, boating, swimming, sailing, fishing, kayaking, and bird watching are done here. There is a Barahi Temple which stands on an island in this lake and is dedicated to the Varaha where devotees sacrifice birds and animals every Saturday.
2. Tal Barahi Temple
Tal Barahi Temple, also known as Lake Temple or Varahi Temple, is a two-story pagoda temple on a small Phewa Lake island. Dedicated to Goddess Varahi, who is an incarnation of Goddess Durga, both Hindu and Buddhist followers visit here for worship. It is believed that the temple was built by King Kulmandhan Shah because of a dream that he saw.
3. Sarangkot
Sarangkot is an amazing place to visit in Pokhara for paragliding. You will get to fly over the vast Phewa lake and it is going to be a unique experience. The thrill Himalayans give is a feeling of ecstasy. For sunrise, this is the perfect Pokhara tourist-visit place. You will get to enjoy a beautiful morning along with your loved ones. You can also hike up to the heights if that is something you are interested in. Travellers get a taste of the local people and local food.
4. Pokhara Shanti Stupa
Also known as the Peace Pagoda, Pokhara’s Shanti Stupa is a beautiful Buddhist monument which is located on the top of Anadu Hill. Built by Morioko Sonin, a Nipponzan Myohoji monk, this pristine white-colored monument is a fine example of the traditional pagoda architectural style. This is the first peace pagoda in the country and the 71st in the world. With a height of 115 feet and a diameter of 344 feet, this monument offers a stunning view of the Phewa Lake and is one of the important places to visit in Pokhara.
5. Davis fall
This stunning waterfall is just about 2 km away from the Pokhara airport. The major source of water for this waterfall is Phewa Lake. The name of this fall is derived from a very unfortunate incident where a woman drowned and perished in the falls and her name was ‘Davi’. The mystery of this fall is what attracts the visitors the most as the water does not flow to a river or lagoon but into a pitch-dark hole that disappears in the caves.
6. Pokhara Shanti Stupa
This pagoda is situated on top of the Phewa Tal. It is also known as the World Peace Pagoda. This sparkling white dome was built as a symbol of peace by some monks. The stupa has two tiers which are for tourists and religious people. There are many ways to reach this stupa like hiking, boating, and walking through a jungle. The second tier has four Buddha statues that represent some important parts of Buddha’s life.
7. Shree Bindhyabasini Temple
This is one of the oldest temples in the city of Pokhara. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Bindhyabasini, the incarnation of Kali, and enthralls a large number of visitors. Dating back to the late 18th century, this temple is believed to have been built by King Prithvi Narayan Shah. In today’s times, this temple holds great religious significance and is counted among the most popular places to visit in Pokhara.
8. Mahendra Cave
Located in Batulechaur, Mahendra Cave is a magnificent cave that tourists can explore in the town. The cave is named after King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev and is a vast natural formation of limestone. Hindus consider the cave sacred and have installed a statue of Lord Shiva, but geographically, this is a cave with calcium salt deposits forming stalactites and stalagmites.
9. International Mountain Museum
It is one of the most popular and known places in Pokhara. The natural beauty that surrounds this place is aesthetic and if you want to know more about the mountains and the history related to it then you must visit this museum. There are some great documentaries that you can view to gain deeper knowledge about the mountains.
Originally, this museum was built to maintain records and document the history, evolution, development, and legendary achievements in mountaineering. Here, one can also get a closer look at the lives of the explorers who climbed some of the highest mountain peaks in the world. This museum is one of the major tourist attractions in Pokhara
10. Old Bazaar
The Old Pokhara Bazaar in Nepal is a vibrant and historic marketplace showcasing the region's cultural heritage. Wander through narrow alleys lined with shops selling authentic Nepalese handicrafts, including handmade pottery, Tibetan rugs, traditional clothing, and intricately crafted jewelry. You can also enjoy traditional Newari and Nepali cuisine at local eateries and street food stalls.
Experience the daily life of locals by exploring stalls offering fresh produce, spices, and local goods, providing insight into the agricultural heritage of the region. You can also engage with friendly locals, artisans, and shopkeepers, learning about their crafts, traditions, and way of life.
