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Temperature:
33o to 35o Celsius (Summer),
4o to 14o Celsius (Winter)
Flight Duration: 35 minutes from Kathmandu
Pokhara, an enchanting
city nestled in the tranquil valley (827m), is the starting point for many of
Nepal’s most popular trekking and rafting destinations. The serenity of Phewa
Lake and the magnificence of the fish-trail summit of Machachhapuchhre (6,977m)
rising behind it create an ambience of peace and magic. The valley surrounding
Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, clear lakes and the world
famous views of the Himalaya. Situated 200 km west of Kathmandu, Pokhara is
connected by air as well as by road from Kathmandu and Bhairawa, a border town
near India. Pokhara offers manificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu,
Machchhapuchhre, five peaks of Annapurna and others.
Pokhara a magnificent valley of lakes and mountains is the second largest
tourist destination in Nepal. The valley is - among other things - popular for
very close views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), the
Annapurna massif and other greatest mountains belongings to the Annapurna
Ranges. The Fish-tail Mountain stands only 25 km away from Pokhara. Its
reflection in the Lake Fewa is considered one of the most beautiful sights in
Nepal. This is s also the base point for many treks and expeditions into the
Central Nepal Himalayas, like the Annapurna Circuit, Mustang etc. It is also the
starting point for many rafting expeditions as well.
Distance: 200 Km West from Kathmandu.
If Kathmandu is the
cultural hub of Nepal, Pokhara is its center of adventure. An enchanting
city nestled in a tranquil valley; it is the starting point for many of
Nepal's most popular trekking and rafting destinations. The atmosphere
on the shore of Phewa Lake is one of excited vitality as hipster
backpackers crowd the many bars and restaurants exchanging
recommendations on guest houses and viewpoints, both by the lake and
above the clouds.
Pokhara is a place of
remarkable natural beauty. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the
magnificence of the fishtailed summit of Machhapuchhre (6,977 m) rising
behind it create an ambience of peace and magic. At an elevation lower
than Kathmandu, it has a much more tropical feel to it, a fact well
appreciated by the beautiful diversity of flowers which prosper in its
environs. Indeed, the valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick
forests, gushing rivers, emerald lakes, and of course, the world famous
views of the Himalaya.
The powerful rule of the
old kings of Kathmandu, the Lichhavis and the Mallas, held sway over
this valley for some time. As these dynasties fell prey to their own
troubles, Pokhara Valley and the surrounding hills disintegrated into
small kingdoms, frequently at war with each other. These were called the
Chaubise Rajya or the Twenty-four Kingdoms. It was among these that
Kulmandan Shah established his kingdom. His descendant Drabya Shah was
the first to establish Gorkha, home of the legendary Gurkha warriors.
Finally, Pokhara is a
part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To
this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town,
bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. This is the
land of the Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous
warriors who have earned world-wide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The
Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their
entrepreneurship.
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