Some 200 km to the west of Kathmandu, the lakeside city of Pokhara revels in one of the most gorgeous natural sceneries in the world. A valley gorgeous in rich vegetation and studded with emerald lakes, - it is one of the few places in Nepal where you to the Himalaya without having to go on a major trekking expedition. In Pokhara, you stand surrounded by lush greenry and pools of glacial water with the awesome snow peaks looming overhead.
To the north, the mighty Anapurna massif soars behind the green hills on the valley rim to form an overwhelming semi – circle around the town. The skyline stretches into a 140 km sweep of Himalayna peaks that seem so claose that you feel you could reach out and touch them. But bing in Pokhara is not like standing in the middle of a freezing glacier. Because of its relatively low altitude (900 m), the climate is mild and comfortable. Pokhara combines the luxuries of a resort town amidst the raw beauty of an exotic, untouched landscape. No wonder it is the second most popular destination in Nepal after Kathmandu, the capital.
The forked pinnacle of Mt. Machhapuchhre presides over Pokhara like a protective deity. Indeed, the stunning peak is held sacred by the local people, and no mountaineering expeditions are allowed to violate its pristine slopes. The mountain lies only 45 km from the city center, and appears touchable from the last house. Named for its fish-tail shape, the 6,977 m-high triangle of rock and ice blocks out the sky wherever you go. Its image can even be seen reflected on the waters of Lake Phewa.
SEVEN ENCHANTING LAKES IN POKHARA
There are seven enchanting lakes in Pokhara to capture the hearts of visitors. The deep green lakes are fed by glacial rivers that originate in the Annapurna mou stains. Pokhara’s pulsating tourist district sprawls around the serenity of Lake Phewa, the largest of the seven lakes. There is a string of plush hotels and restaurants hugging its shores. Lake-side, as the area is called, is a favorite hang-out for travellers from all the world. Other scenic lakes are Lake Begnas and Lake Rupa, which are situated on the outskirt of the town. For those who want to get away from the crowds, these lakes are perfect hideouts for some relaxed boating. Boating and swimming in the shadow of the mountains are popular diversions here.
FOR MOUNTAINEERING EXPEDITIONS
Pokhara is also the base for mountaineering expeditions in the central Himalaya. It is the starting or ending point for the classic Jomsom Trail and the enormously popular Annapurna Circuit trek. On this trek, the trail passes through the Kali Gandaki Gorge. the deepest gorge in the world. Moreover, there are numerous opportunities for short hikes and excursions all around the valley rim. Walks to the villages on the periphery offer engrossing glimpses of rural life.
The incredible hulk of Annapurna hovers over Pokhara as a mind-boggling backdrop. This portion of the western Himalayan range bristles with five windswept summits. The highest point in the cluster - Mt. Annapurna I with an altitude of 8,091m was the first “eight-thou sander” peak in the Himalaya to be climbed by humans. A French expedition made history by accomplishing the feat in 1950.
Pokhara’s history goes back to its days as a stopover on the ancient Himalayan trade routes- Ever today, mule caravans still plod through the town on their way north. Pack mules can be seen filing through Pokhara, hauling loads of salt or yak wool. The caravans transport merchandise to the trading post- up in the mountains and beyond the high Himalayan passes, into Tibet.
Centuries ago, the Pokhara Valley used to be a part of the kingdom of Kaski. The king ruled from a hilltop fortress known as Kaskikot, which means the fort of Kaski. In the 15th century, the king built a winter palace to the north of Pokhara. Today the ruins of the palace complex and a village of musicians can be found at the site - the descendants of court minstrels.
The Gurung and Magar communities, of the Gurkha soldier fame, figure prominently in the ethnic conglomeration of Pokhara. About three hundred years ago, a king of Kaski invited Newars from the Kathmandu Valley to set up shop and engage in trade. These settlers brought Kathmandu’s architectural styles to Pokhara. The town’s old market center thus bears resemblances to the traditional urban layout of Kathmandu, with temples and exquisite house facades. Away from the traditional quarters, the inhabitants are a mix of Brahmins, Chhetris, Thakalis, and other ethnic strains.
Pokhara’s geology is another striking aspect that embodies its untamed beauty and inspires awe in all visitors. Imagine a town with the Grand Canyon running through main street, that’s Pokhara. Its fashionable shopping district is split in half by a bottomless fissure in the rock substratum, called the Seti Gorge.
The northern end of Pokhara is marked by a series of large limestone caves,
known as Mahendra Gufa. Another mysterious hole in the ground is Patale
Chhango (hell’s fall) towards the’southern end of town. Here the
river flowing out of Lake Phewa disappears in an eerie whirlpool into the depths
of the earth. The weird cavern formation was carved in the rock by the lake’s
water.
Pokhara’s charms above, under and on the round have made it the favorite adventure destination in Nepal. It was one of the first four domestic destinations that Royal Nepal Airlines began flying to as soon as it was established back in 1958. Now, besides the national flag carrier, the private domestic airlines Everest Air, Necon Air and Nepal Airways - also operate daily flights to the resort town from Kathmandu. Pokhara is the take-off point to the remote trail head airstrips in the mountains like Jomsom and Mail an- which lie in the shadow of the Annapurna range.
The 35-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara is a spectacular adventure in
itself. The airplane cruises alongside the Himalayan range throughout the journey
and offers passengers unparalleled views of the world’s greatest snow
peaks. About one-fourth of the visitors to greates choose to go by plane. The
most popular way to Pokhara, however, is by land on the scenic Chinese-built
highway. But however you go, you are sure to come back with a different outlook
on life.