Pokhara Valley:
Pokhara is a beautiful city in central Nepal located at 28.24 N, 83.99 E,, 198 km west of Kathmandu. It is the capital of Kaski District, Gandaki Zone and the Western Development Region. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal. The famous Phewa Lake is situated in the northwestern corner of the Pokhara Valley, which is a widening of the Seti Gandaki valley. The Seti River and its tributaries have dug impressive canyons into the valley floor, which are only visible from higher viewpoints or from the air. To the east of Pokhara is the municipality of Lekhnath, another town in the valley. In no other place the mountains rise so quickly, within 30 km, from 1000m to over 8000m. The Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu ranges, each with peaks over 8000 m, can be seen from Pokhara and there is a lake named Phewa Lake, two caves (Mahendra and Gupteswar) and an impressive falls(Patale Chhango or Davi's Falls) where the water from the Phewa Lake thunders into a hole and disappears. Due to this sharp rise in altitude the area of Pokhara has one of the highest precipitation rates of the country (over 4000mm/year).
Pokhara valley located between the Greater Himalaya and Mahabharata Range occupies the most central location in Nepal. It is the only valley in the world with the view of mountains above 8000 meters from a close proximity. Out of the 4 highest mountains of the world above 8000 meters, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu can be seen from the altitude of 800m. It is an enchanting city nestled in a tranquil valley known as a gateway to the world of adventure.
The pokhara valley is one of the most picturesque spots of Nepal. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificent of the fish-tailed summit of Macchapuchhre (6,977 m) rising behind it create an ambience of peace and magic. At an elevation lower than Kathmandu. Pokhara 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 Himalayas.
The climate of Pokhara is slightly warmer than Kathmandu with daytime temperature hovering around 15 degrees Celsius in winter and 35 degrees in summer. The monsoon season which lasts from mid-June to mid-September is very wet; in fact Pokhara records the highest rainfall in the country. Best time to visit is between October and April.
Pokhara is 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 Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship.
Nepal Tourism Board has handpicked some of the activities and natural scenes for visitors in Pokhara. Some of the major attractions of Pokhara are:
1) Lakes: Phewa, Begnas, Rupa
2) Caves: Mahendra, Gupteswhar
3) Davi's Falls (Patale Chhango)
4) Old Bazaar Area (Heritage Site of Pokhara)
5) Bindhyabashini Temple
You may wish to visit some of the websites listed below for further information:
