Total Pageviews

This is default featured slide 3 title

Go to Blogger edit html and find these sentences.Now replace these sentences with your own descriptions.

This is default featured slide 4 title

Go to Blogger edit html and find these sentences.Now replace these sentences with your own descriptions.

This is default featured slide 5 title

Go to Blogger edit html and find these sentences.Now replace these sentences with your own descriptions.

Ad

7.24.2010

Beautiful Pokhara

The beauty, they say, lies in the eyes of a beholder. That might be true to something beautiful, but what you want to tell about something sublime. If there is something that challenges Biblical Garden of Eden in its splendor and magnificence, it’s Pokhara – the ultimate destination for the wanderlusts and those who appreciate, of course, beauty in its pristine glory.
The enchanting valley of Pokhara valley is situated at an altitude of 827 meters from sea level. An incarnation of the religious heaven, this celestial city is also known as the “city of seven lakes”. Just 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu, it is linked by Air and by road from Kathmandu and the Indian border Sunauli. Pokhara offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Manaslu, five peaks of Annapurna and others. This is one of the few places in the world to provide such a dramatic view in a sub-tropical setting. The nearest snow-capped mountain, Fishtail, is less then 30 kilometers from Pokhara. Pokhara's numerous lakes offer fishing, boating and swimming. पोखरा फोटो ग्यालरी- पोखरा उपमहानगरपालिका पोखरा उपत्यकामा अवस्थित नेपालको अत्यन्तै रमणीय स्थानको रुपमा परिचित छ । यसैले यसलाई नेपालको एक महत्वपूर्ण पर्यटकीय स्थलको रुपमा पनि लिने गरिन्छ

Porakha is Place of remarkable beauty



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 fish-tailed 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.

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 out-skirts 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 worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship.

Getting there

Pokhara is located roughly 200 km west of Kathmandu.
The journey between these two famed cities is certainly part of the Pokhara experience. Flying over the snow-capped Himalaya to the north and green Mahabharat range to the south is thrilling, while the overland journey past sparse rural settlements nested along the Trisuli river provides a view of life particular to Nepal's middle hills.
There are daily flight between Kathmandu and Pokhara

Pokhara Guest House Recommendation: Lake Diamond (InfoBob)

I have been travelling for two years now and have been moved just this once to publically recommend a guest house via this blog. I have stayed at Lake Diamond in Pokhara twice on separate visits to Nepal, and found the welcome to be so warm and the staff so friendly that I offered to write this blog for the owner Man Kumar. Man and his family operate the place in a relaxed low key manner where their philosophy is to make their guests feel like part of their family - a home from home as Roden, another staff member explains to me. Roden always has time to sit and chat on the balconies and is the local arranger, who can sort out anything for you, from bus tickets to trekking guides and porters to a a round of golf (yes we did have a round!) to party tickets to party supplies. Part of Roden's job description appears to be to keep the guests happy and he does this so well in a quiet and unassuming way. The place itself is nothing fancy with simple but clean rooms, and this is reflected in the budget category room rates. Some have bath-tubs which is oh-so welcome after a long trek and some newly refurbished bathrooms, though they sadly seem to be moving away from tubs. Run the tap for a few minutes and you should get hot water anytime of day due to the solar power array up on the roof. The gardens are beautiful and lovingly tendered by Mama and the lad Rinco, and are a mixture of colorful pot plants, well manicured lawn, chickens at the back providing fresh eggs for breakfast and a variety of vegetables for the daily family and guest dal bhat. We were lucky enough to be invited into the kitchen when we expressed an interest in learning how to make the Nepalese staple, to help shell peas and learn the fine art of what goes in and when for the different parts of the famous dish. It is apparently important to put the ginger in at the right, and different, time, for the dal and for the vegetable curry. The other food is typical Pokhara 'we'll cook almost anything' fare - the fruit muesli curd and hash brown breakfasts are highly recmmended and cheap compared to the bigger Pokhara restaurants. Rinco, the young lad they have employed, seems to be everywhere, serving tea and breakfast, re-potting plants, making sure we have enough cushions as we sup a beer on the balcony and thankfully rousing from sleep in the hotel reception to let us in late at night after we have been entertained by the rock cover bands at Busy Bees down in town. It was also nice to see on my second visit that the ex-young lad from the first visit, Denis, is now training to be a plumber. I saw him on a number of occassions so he is still part of the Lake Diamond family. Rinco is Denis' younger brother - I told Denis he had trained him well and continues the family's excellent standards of service. My second visit to Lake Diamond was almost like returning home to family after a long abscence. Roden was there waiting with Bob the taxi driver as our bus rattled in, despite it being four hours late. Big smiles and welcomes were received from Man Kumar and over the excellent family dal baat which knocks the socks off most of the local restaurants offerings, I was thanked for writing them an email of recommendation on my last visit. I am writing this blog to extend that recommendation further. I feel that after a repeat visit this honest, hard working family deserves a slice of the Pokhara tourist business, despite not being found in any tourist guide and being a little more difficult to find than some better placed hotels. To reach them, find restaurant 'Once Upon a Time' on the main street - it is right in the middle of Lakeside near Busy Bee's, and then take the road immediately to the side leading away from the lake. Lake Diamond is 2 minutes walk up this road on the corner just as it bends round to the left. If however you call ahead from Kathmandhu with the name of your bus service they will be there to meet you at the bus station and bring you direct to the hotel, which can be most welcome in the face of a long day on the bus.

If you do take up this recommendation, enjoy your visit, and please mention this blog as the staff like to know what prompted travellers to use their services. I would also appreciate it if you could leave a comment on this blog as it will add credibility to its authenticity. Enjoy your travels in Nepal and best wiskes to Man Kumar, Roden, Mama, Rinco, Bob and the staff at Lake Diamond.

Welcome to Pokhara Restaurant!




Annapurna the goddess of food blesses us with sublime and exquisite food. Welcome to Annapurna Restaurant and enjoy a unique experience of Indian food. India has been the centre of "vegetarianism" from the time immemorial. Preachers and saints believed eating vegetarian food to be a part of purification, bestowing good health. Our bodily constitution and mental atmosphere are determined according to what we eat.
An enchanting experience, smooth and cool, pristine in its value and beauty. The eastern mystique comes alive at Ännapurna". Annapurna - our name symbolizes our commitment and dedication to offer the finest, and healthy vegetarian Indian cuisine.

AnnapurnaMaurice Herzog

In 1950, no mountain higher than 8,000 meters had ever been climbed. Maurice Herzog and other members of the French Alpine Club had resolved to try. Their goal was a 26,493-foot Himalayan peak called Annapurna. But unlike other climbs, which draw on the experience of prior reconnaissance, the routes up Annapurna had never been analyzed before. Herzog and his team had to locate the mountain using sketchy, crude maps, pick out a single, untried route, and go for the summit.Annapurna is the unforgettable account of this dramatic and heroic climb, and of its harrowing aftermath. Although Herzog and his comrade Louis Lachenal reached the mountain´s summit, their descent was a nightmare of frostbite, snow blindness, and near death. With grit and courage manifest on every page, Herzog´s narrative is one of the great mountain-adventure stories of all time.

AnnapurnaMaurice Herzog



In 1950, no mountain higher than 8,000 meters had ever been climbed. Maurice Herzog and other members of the French Alpine Club had resolved to try. Their goal was a 26,493-foot Himalayan peak called Annapurna. But unlike other climbs, which draw on the experience of prior reconnaissance, the routes up Annapurna had never been analyzed before. Herzog and his team had to locate the mountain using sketchy, crude maps, pick out a single, untried route, and go for the summit.Annapurna is the unforgettable account of this dramatic and heroic climb, and of its harrowing aftermath. Although Herzog and his comrade Louis Lachenal reached the mountain´s summit, their descent was a nightmare of frostbite, snow blindness, and near death. With grit and courage manifest on every page, Herzog´s narrative is one of the great mountain-adventure stories of all time.

Introduction

Where else would you go for an hour of escape for a panoramic view of the Himalaya for an eternal memory? Nepal.

Over four airlines offer regular flights into the snow-capped peaks of the Himalaya. Travelers take off from Kathmandu in the early morning. Soon as you leave the ground, the menu is served to you instantly.

The first mountain to view is Gosaithan 8013m followed by Dorje Lakpa 6966m, then comes the Gauri Shanker 7134m. After Gauri Shanker you have Melungtsee and Chugimago. The Mount Pumori comes in front of your nose right after Gyachungkang which stretches 7952m.

Everyone waits for the final item on the menu. Here comes the mother of all mountains, the Mount Everest 8848m, the highest point on earth. Mount Everest is called as Sagarmatha by the Nepalese and Chomolungma by the Tibetans. Spectacular views of the mountains with a wonderful mountain flight experience will leave with you an unforgettable memories.




Route Map
Rough Sketch Quick Facts
Most Flights Operate in the Morning
Weather Conditions Must be favorable for good views
Free Package comes when you fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara, since the flight takes place parallel to the Himalaya. But you aren't guaranteed for the views here, but guaranteed to travel from one point to another. If you get a flight on a good weather condition, you got yourself a free ticket to mountain flight.
Helicopter is also a great option. So check with Helicopter service providers located in the country.



Best Seasons for Mountain Flight in Nepal
Sightseeing of mountains are best on clear sky day with maximum Sun. While following months are regarded as the best months, you should always check local weather before your journey. A bad weather is always possible even in the best month. Best Months Are:

February
March
April
October
November



How Much Will It Cost?
Cost depends on the choice. Tours by Helicopter are expensive than by Airlines also Airlines have different prices as well.

From Kathmandu to Mountain : Minimum Cost = $120, Maximum Cost = $150
Use those as a guide. Please contact your travel agent to confirm the latest price
Helicopter Charter can cost upto US$ 2,000 to US$ 4,000 from Kathmandu to Mountain or Kathmandu - Pokhara - Lumbini - Kathmandu



Flight Schedules and Hour
Over four Airlines have daily schedules from Kathmandu. Airlines Depart from Kathmandu; varied time from 6:45 AM to 8:00 AM, then return back after an hour of journey. Buddha Airlines offer "Everest Experience" which has more schedules than others, while other airlines offer "Experience of other mountains as well". Flights can be purchased right in Nepal once you get there, or book online from the website of airlines. See the next section below:




Related Content(s)
Airlines in Nepal - a list of them from the web directory
Himalaya of Nepal - with details on the mountains located in the region
Mt. Everest Facts - learn about the highest mountain on earth with useful external links as well all one a single page.

Support

The most joy of doing anything on this site, is being able to help. If you have any questions, please ask freely at the forum. Thank you and have a blessed day.

Pokhara Experiences -

Browse these websites and photo album and feel like you are experiencing it yourself. Have you been to Pokhara recently ? We would love to hear from you. Please share your experience in our blog or forum, links are at the bottom of this page.

Picasaweb : Pokhara - Tosunilstha - a Nepali shows his trip to Pokhara through photos
Mountain Music Project : Sarangi - a traveler talks about the place and nepali sarangi
People - Umass - Pokhara- group of students from Bangladesh going to Pokhara
Forgetmenotchildrens - Nepal Visit - daily blog on their visit to Nepal and beyond
Flickr - Pokhara - Sdhawan - author's pokhara photos

Facts on Pokhara City

These facts are based on Data from HMG Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, and Websites of Municipalities. Last update on May 9 2006

Population About 170,000 thousand. It is believed that Pokhara was the city of Mallas, the rulers of Nepal about 250 years ago. The Newar community of Kathmandu Valley migrated to Pokhara, built houses like those of Mallas, and started developing settlements which lead to the development of this city. Today, Pokhara is developed by tourism, import and export business of both domestic as well as foreign products to various towns and villages in Kaski and other districts of Nepal
Land Area 47.5 square miles (about 123 sq kilometers), About half of the area is the Sub-Metropolitan City area.
Location Longitude : 83 58' 30"E to 80 02' 30" E
Latitude : 28 10' N to 28 16' N
Altitude 2900 feet (about 884 meter)
Distance 124 miles (200 kilometers) from the Capital, Kathmandu
114 miles (about 184 kilometers) from the Indian border located about 2.5 miles from Bhairahawa (Also called as Belhia)
Weather Pokhara receives very good amount of Rainfall every year. Rainy months include May to September, where July is the most heavy rain fall season receiving upto 33 inches (about 845 mm or millimeter) rainfall. Pokhara has a mild weather all year around, however during December to February, temperature can drop to freezing point. Pokhara gets more rain than any other city of Nepal. Best time to visit this city is October and April, but if you have an umbrella in your hand, then cross that out, please!
Official Holidays All Major National Holidays
and
Each Friday Half Day (Evening Shift) and Saturday Full Day.
What does Pokhara mean for Nepal? It is a main center for the import and distribution of the domestic and imported foreign goods for various districts that are linked to Pokhara. Pokhara is the main entry point for goods going to the Kaski district of Nepal. Pokhara's population is growing more than ever, as the city has become the immediate choice for those who are leaving Kathmandu because of pollution or congestion factors, and it is also the number one choice for Nepalese living abroad for buying lands or houses in Nepal. Population of vehicles in Pokhara is also increasing. Pokhara will eventually develop the nearby villages and towns both by tourism industry as well as by local business, which will benefit all

About buying the tickets :

How to get Cheap Ticket to Pokhara ? Buy them directly from the Airlines located in Kathmandu. Visit their website and make online reservations. Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, buy tickets from their Sales Office. If needed, ask your Hotel's travel desk to help you find the airlines office.

How to get to Pokhara?

Mountain flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara is the best option. View Himalayas including the Annapurna range which lies right next to flight path. So sit back, turn your head to the right, and enjoy the flight. Be careful though, this will blow your mind away, don't hurt your neck, do not push the passenger on the right out through the window!!

Riding a public bus or a taxi to Pokhara is also a good option. Public buses run daily from Kathmandu. It takes about 5 to 6 hours by bus. Buses are crowded, but thats' how Nepalese travel all life long, so what the heck, go ahead experience it, for you, it's only for a day! Remember, public buses do not have A/C, Heaters and have frequent stops on the way. Bus will stop at Mugling for Lunch or Dinner. Have some Nepail food there, if you can digest spicy foods, or you can pick restaurants which specifically cater to foreigners. Taxis are expensive, probably will cost you as much as the Air-fare. When you ride by land, you get to see more places, you get to enjoy the scenery that you would not be able to see from the air.

Other Places to Visit

Other places to visit in Pokhara are Barahi temple, situated in the middle of Phewa lake, Pokhara Museum, Annapurna Museum, Bindhyabasini temple, and World Peace Pagoda.

Davis Fall

Witness a unique waterfall that lies 2 Km from central Pokhara City. The water fall directly goes into a deep and narrow canal with no ends. It is believed that this deadly waterfall took the life of a tourist named David, who fell down into the canel and was never found, and hence the name David waterfall, named in his memory by the people of Pokhara. This place has many nick names like Davy's Fall, David's Fall or Davis's Fall, all mean the same thing `The Davis Water Fall' Davis Fall Picture 1 (Web Link)

Mahendra Cave (Gufa or Gupha in Nepali)

Mahindra cave is located about 10km north from central Pokhara. It is a natural site located across the Seti river pass the Batulechours village.

Seti Gandaki / Gorge

Seti Gandaki and Seti Gorge are other two important places to visit in Pokhara. The Seti gandaki flows right through the city, it runs completely underground at many places. There is a local myth that the entire land of Pokhara floats on the Seti river. Rivers in Nepal are known for their strength and the purity as entire source is from the Himalayan range.

Begnas and Rupa Lake

The name Pokhara is derived from the word Pokhari, which in Nepali means pond or a lake. There are about eight lakes in Pokhara and besides the the fewa lake, the other two lakes known as Begnas Lake and Rupa lake located about 15 km from Pokhara are ideal places for relaxation, boating and fishing. Get to Begnas by bus, or by a taxi, or cycle from Pokhara. Visit Begnas Bazaar for a unique hillside market experience.

Annapurna Range Skyline

This range stretching from west to east includes Dhaulagiri, South Annapurna, Annapurna 1, Hiunchuli, Fish-tail (Machapuchare), Annapurna 3, Annapurna 4, and Annapurna 2. In Pokhara, the holy unclimbed mountain Macchapucchre (or also known as Fishtail Mountain), located in the middle of the Annapurna range, can be seen standing right in front of our nose.

Everyone in Pokhara wakes up early to greet the mountains during sunrise. The reflection of sunlight from a mountain is always a breathtaking site. You will never forget the sight of the fishtail mountain standing right before your eyes saying "Good Morning!"

Places to Visit

The Fewa (or Phewa) Lake 1.5 kilometer long, second largest lake in Nepal, offers an excellent view of the mountains and their reflections on the lake. Many tours and trekking operators and hotels are located on the lakeside. One can easily find a place to sit back, relax and enjoy great meal while enjoying scenery here. You will also enjoy boating on the lake. Most hotels and guest houses have traditional designs and layouts which match with the surrounding views. The photo on the right is of Rara Lake, another popular lake located in Pokhara.

Like