Rivers & Waterfalls

Stretching from east to west, the breathtaking views of the world famous Himalayan range of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre and others appear so close as to make you feel that you can almost touch them....

Seti Rivers Stretching from east to west, the breathtaking views of the world famous Himalayan range of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre and others appear so close as to make you feel that you can almost touch them. Sarangkot, Kaskikot, Kalikasthan, Bharat Pokhari and the Bhumdi Hill command beautiful views of the valley and the mountains. These places are also vantage points to view sunrises and sunsets over the majestic Himalayan peaks. The Photo here shows a River below Kau Danda which is popular for fishing purposes. It is a glacial river that flows from the Annapurna Himalayan region. Kahun Danda is a hill at 1,433m high, and is two hours walk from Mahendra pool. Like other places this place also offers pleasing view of Annapurna range and flat terraces of Pokhara. On the top of the hill is a tower constructed for a clear view of the valley and the Himalayas. There is a fortress and a temple on the top. A unique river passing through two beautiful and contrasting scenic areas. This river is relatively small in volume, blue and warm, it is recommended as a warm-up river for intermediate rafters, Kayakers and kayak clinic. The Seti Khola rises on the south-east slopes of Machhapuchhere and then flows south.

Devi's Falls (Patale Chhango) Pokhara is the only city in Nepal which is famous for water falls. As we drive by the river sides below the hills we can see several beautiful and dashing water falls flowing downhill and finally flowing to the rivers. The highway to Baglung consist of several water falls. The city itself has a beautiful waterfall within itself and it is known as Davis Fall (In Nepali: Patale chango): This is a breath taking view of Davis Fall in Chorrepatan. Chorrepatan is famous for this water fall and there is also a cave just two minutes walk from this fall. The water flowing in this fall comes from Fewa lake and the fall is worth visiting during the rainy seasons as it possesses its maximum velocity. Pokhara is famous for mountains. But this is not only the thing that has made Pokhara popular. Davis fall is also one of the main tourist attraction center here in Pokhara. Davis fall is open every day of the week for the visitors. The ticket cost is very cheap and it is worth visiting. This snap also features Davis Fall during the Winter season. During winter there is a mass decrease in the water volume of the Fewa Lake hence the Dam is closed to maintain the water volume within the Fewa Lake. This causes the Davis Fall in maximum decrement in its water volume. The corresponding snap features the rock formation made by the high velocity of the water flowing within it. This snap features the Davis fall during the rainy season. The excess water in Fewa lake needs to be drained hence the dam is open during summer and this makes Davis fall much more vigrous. Davis fall is worth visiting during the rainy and summer seasons. This high velocity of water has created different type of rock formation as shown in the above snap.

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Flora and Fauna

Pokhara is not just a place for the mountains, it is rich for its natural vegetation and forest type too. Hills like Sarangkot, Kaudanda etc boast wide variety of forest plants and trees. These dense forest are also a dwelling place for different wild creatures.

There is exclusively great floral and faunal diversity in Pokhara valley due to the prevalence of a wide range of climatic and topographical variations. The valley is dominated by rich pockets of Schima-Castanopsis forest. In the southern part of the valley Shorea robust mixed with Schema wallichii is found. Along the river and streams side, Acacia catechu at lower belt and Almus nepalensis at higher belt occur. Gregarious Bompax ceiba trees spread over flat terraces. At higher elevations, north of Pokhara, floral composition of astonishing diversity comprising several species of blossoming rhododendrons and orchids and a wide range of other species of quercus, Champ, conifers, bamboos and pasture grasses have created dense and diverse vegetation complexes.

The forests of Pokhara valley can be grouped under five types as follows : 1. Evergreen Coniferous Forest: t occupies roughly 7% of total forested area of the valley. It is mainly found on the higher slopes of the hills, above 1,850 m. in the north-western and north-eastern part of the valley. The main tree species of this forest are: S.No. English Name Scientific Name Family 1. Chirpine Pinus roxburghii Pinaceae 2. Spruce Picea smithiana Pinaceae 3. Silver Oak Gravillea robusta Protaceae 2. Mixed Forest: Mixed forest occupies nearly 34% of the forested area of the valley. It is found on the lower slopes of the hills between 1,220 m. to 1,850m. It is found on the northern parts and mainly concentrated in the north-western and north-eastern parts of the valley. The main trees species of this forest are: S.No. Local Name Scientific Name Family 1. Chilaune Schima wallichii Theaceae 2. Katus Castanopsis indica Fagaceae 3. Uttis Alnus nepalensis Betulaceae 3. Monsoon Forest: It occupies 33% of the total forested land. These forests are found in the south and eastern part of the valley at the elevation of 762 to 1,219m. Several tree species of religious importance have been planted in these areas: The main species are: S. No. Local Name Scientific Name Family Habit 1. Sal Shorea robusta Dipterocarpaceae Tree 2. Simal Bombax ceiba Bombacaceae Tree 3. Chilaune Schima wallichii Theaceae Tree 4. Bar Ficus bengalensis Moraceae Tree 5. Pipal Ficus religiosa Moraceae Tree 6. Titepati Artemesia vulgaris Compositeae Herb 7. Tapre Cassia tora Leguminoseae Herb 4. Grasslands: This type of vegetation occupies 12% of the total forest areas. It is concentrated in the central part of the valley along river sides and deposited areas. The major grassland species are: S. No. Local Name Scientific Name Family Habit 1. Dudhejhar Euphorbia hirta Euphorbiaceae Herb 2. Banmara Lantana camera Verbenaceae Shrub 3. Unyu Dryopteris species Polypodiaceae Herb 4. Bhui Kaphal Fragaria insica Rosaceae Herb 5. Kuro Bidens pilosa Compositeae Herb 6. Dubo Cynodon dactylon Graminae Herb 5. Reverie Forest: It covers 14% of the total forested land of the valley. The forest is found near the rivers and lakes. Swampy forest species are also included in this forest. Dominant species of this forest are: S. No. Local Name Scientific Name Family Habit 1. Khair Acacia catechu Leguminoseae Tree 2. Bayar Zizyphus jujuba Rhamasceae Shurb 3. Simal Bombax ceiba Bombaceae Tree 4. Kalo Siris Albizzia lebbeck Leguminoseae Tree 5. Amp Mangifera indica Anacardiaceae Tree Several species of medicinal plants are also recorded in the Pokhara valley. Some of them are: S. No. Local Name Scientific Name Family Habit 1. Asuro Adhatoda vasica Canthaceae Shrub 2. Amala Emblica officinalis Euphorbiaceae Tree 3. Bel Aegle marmelos Rutaceae Tree 4. Neem Azidarachta indica Meliaceae Tree 5. Chutro Berberis aristata Barberidaceae Shrub 6. Palans Butea monosperma Fagaceae Tree 7. Dhaturo Datura stramonium Solanaceae Shrub Besides these plants, the valley is equally rice in aquatic plants as it is the home of many lakes. Some of these plants are considered very important as they have become endangered. Following is the list of major aquatic plants: Common Name Scientific Name Mosquito fem Azolla carliniana Water hyacinth Eichornia crassips Duckweed Lemma spp. Corntail Ceratophyllum spp. Water lettuce Pistia stratiotes Tape grass Vallisneria spp. Water weed Egeria spp. Pond weed Potamogaton cenferoides Water lily Nymphoides aquatica Hydrilla Hydrilla verticillata Water lotus Nelumbo spp.

Mammals

Nearly 35 species of mammals are found in Pokhara valley. The mammals are commonly found in the forests around Pokhara but occasionally seen due to lower population and their shy nature as compared to avifauna. Hence patience is required to watch these mammals. The best places to observe these mammals are the forests near Fewa lake, Begnas lake, Rupa lake and Banpale Hill (Forest of Insitute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus). Some major species are: S.No. Name Zoological Name Family 1. Common leopard Panthera pardus Felidae 2. Jungle cat Felis chaus Felidae 3. Crab-eating Mongoose Herpestus urva Herpestidae 4. Masked palm civet Paguma larvata Viverridae 5. Indian crested porcupine Hystrix indica Hystricidae 6. Golden jackal Canis aureus Canidae 7. Barking deer Muntiacus muntjak Cervidae 8. Common otter Lutra lutra Mustelidae 9. Asiatic lack bear Selenarctos thbetanus Ursidae 10. Indian pangolin Manis crassicaudata Manidae 11. Assamese monkey Macaca assamensis Cercopithecidae 12. Bengal fox Vulpus bengalensis Canidae 13. Leopard cat Felis bengalensis Felidae 14. Clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa Felidae 15. Small Asian mongoose Herpestus javanicus Herpestidae 16. Indian grey mongoose Herpestus edwardissii Herpestidae 17. Indian hare Lepus nigricollis Leporidae 18 Bush rat Golunda ellioti Muridae 19. Himalayan yellow throated marten Martex flavigula Mustelidae 20. Greater woolly Horseshoe bat Rhinoloplus luctus Rhonilophidae

BIRDS

Diverse floral composition of Pokhara valley has made it one of the most suitable places for birds. Habitat combination of Seti canyon and marshy lakes with dense forests and flat plains provide proper habitat for a diverse range of birds. Several species of birds including kingfishers, barbets, drongos, woodpeckers, babblers, flowerpeckers, flycatchers, egrets and bulbuls are found. The birds are residential as well as migratory. Following is a list of some very common birds of Pokhara. S.No. Common Name Scientific Name Family 1. Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis Ardidae 2. Dark kite Milvus migrans Accipitridae 3. Egyptian vulture Neophron percnopterus Accipitridae 4. Black patridge Fancolinus francolinus Phasianidae 5. Rose-ringed parakeet Psittacula krameri Psittacidae 6. Eurasian cuckoo Cuculus canorus Cuculidae 7. Blue throated barbet Megalaima asiatica Captionidae 8. Blacknaped woodpecker Picus canus Picidae 9. House swift Apus affinis Apodidae 10. House crow Corvus splendens Corvidae 11. Himalayan tree pie Dendrocitta formosae Corvidae 12. Ashy drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus Dicruridae 13. Black headed shrike Lanius schach Laniidae 14. Whistling thrush Myiophoneus caeruleus Muscicapidae 15. Beautiful nitava Muscicapa sundara Muscicapidae 16. Black headed oriole Oriolus chinensis Oriolidae 17. Golden oriole Oriolus oriolus Oriolidae 18. Red vented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer Pycnotidae 19. Grey tit Parus major Paridae 20. Pond heron Ardeola grayii Ardidae

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Climate

Pokhara experiences humid sub‑tropical to warm temperate climate. The climate of Pokhara valley is basically the influence of topography. Yearly mean temperature of the city (827m) is 20.80C whereas monthly averages are ‑ maximum 25.50C (During July and August) and minimum 13.20C (during January). The deviation of temperature from mean value is also interesting: absolute maximum temperature is 37.40C and absolute minimum temperature 2.40C. Average annual rainfall recorded in Pokhara city is 3,755mm while 5,337mm is recorded in Lumle (a village nearby Pokhara city). Pokhara receives both monsoon and winter rains. It is important to note that profound effect of micro‑climatic elements on climatic parameters is clearly observable around Pokhara. Sunshine hours in Pokhara is estimated to be nearly six hours a day on an‑annual average. From June to August, monsoon clouds may create problems to view and photograph the mountains. Rest of the months are almost cloud free but November to March is the best time to avoid this problem. The annual average high wind speed recorded at Pokhara is 4 km per hour from February to June. The air is generally humid throughout the year with 80.16% relative humidity on yearly average. The relative humidity is found to be low in March and high in April.

The climate 'is neither too cold nor too hot Hence, from climatic point of view, Pokhara is enjoyable all year round. However, to visit higher Himalayas northern of Pokhara, especially for trekkers the best period is February to April.

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Getting Inside Pokhara

Pokhara, now‑a‑days, is linked to the major cities of Nepal by air and road transportation. Aeroplanes of different airlines fly several times a day from Kathmandu to Pokhara and many times a week from other major cities of the country. All the cities of Nepal where motoring has been possible so far, are linked to Pokhara by roads and regular bus services are available.

Pokhara is the only city in Nepal which is famous for the Himalayan Peaks and the Annapurna Himalayan Range. Some of the Famous Mountains that can be seen from Pokhara are Mt. Machhapuchree, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Hinchuli etc. it is the only City in Nepal that consist of seven beautiful lakes. Some of the famous lakes are Fewa Lake, Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake. It is the only City in Nepal that has excellent and breath taking caves. There are more then 5 caves within this city. Some of the most popular caves are Mahendra cave, Bat cave, Kali khola cave, Shiva cave etc.

Pokhara is the only City that has several rivers flowing within itself. Some of the major rivers that flow within this beautiful city are Seti, Yamdi, Mardi, Kali Khola, Madi etc. This City must be God's idea of heaven. Pokhara is so rich in Natural vegetation and excellent climatic conditions. It is neither too hot nor too cold. It seems to be a paradise.

This breath taking view is from Sarangkot. This hill is famous for the panoramic view of the annapurna himalayan range. Pokhara is beautiful but it still depends upon how we take and feel it, but to be sure Pokhara is god's gift and is rich in natural beauty in all the ways. Sarangkot is also famous for paragliding purposes. It has the bird's eye view of the seti river, fewa lake, and the valley itself. This hill station is a 10 minute uphill drive from Aarchalbot. This route is also one of the short day trek route within the Pokhara Valley. Tourist also hires horses for a trip uphill to the station. Local peoples have kept powerful binoculars for the viewing purpose of the valley and the mountains.

Pokhara is famous for mountains. The most beautiful and demanding mountain is Mount Fishtail. As shown in the snap, this mountain has a peak that looks like a fish tail. In nepali this mountain is called Machhapuchre himal which means Mount Fishtail. Seeing the beauty of this mountain, tourist says that this mountain has been crafted by god for the Pokhreli people.

This snap also features Mount Fishtail. This snap is taken from the Fishtail base camp during the sunset period. Fishtail base camp is three days trek from the pokhara valley. we walk through dense forest, gurung villages and beautiful hills to reach this place. This base camp has about 5 hotels under the supervision of ACAP (Annapurna conservation area project)

This snap features the fewa lake view and domestic animals like horses and buffaloes grazing within the green fields. The hill has a concrete built hotel and graveled road (at present the road is pitched) to the village pame. This lake is famous for boating and fishing purpose.

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Temple

Bindhyabasini Temple Bindhyabasini Temple is also one of the most popular and well known temple in Pokhara.It is situated in the laps of Machhapuchhare and Annapurna ranges.This temple lies in the north of Pokhara. This temple is 3000 ft above from the sea level. You can get a fabulous view of Pokhara city and the Himalayas from this temple.The fragrance of the scented “Dhup” and refreshing air can keep anyone spellbound. This temple originated when the Goddess “Bhawani “ told king khadag Bum Malla to establish her statue in Bindhyachal hill.This temple was established in B.S 1845 since then this goddess is worshipped daily.Even the tourists visits at least once there. This temple is one of the most important holy places for the Hindu people.The government has even printed its stamp with the picture of the temple in the year 2045. Barahi Temple This is the most important religious monument in Pokhara. Built almost in the middle of Phewa lake, the two storied pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protectors deity representing the female force Shakti. Devotees can be seen, especially on Saturdays, carrying male animals and fowl across the lake to be sacrificed to the deity. Shanti Stupa The pagoda is a massive Buddhist stupa and is situated on top of a hill on the southern shore of Phewa lake. Besides being an impressive sight in itself, the shrine is a great vantage point which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range and Pokhara city. You can get there by crossing the lake by boat and then hiking up the hill. Bhadra Kali Temple Pokhara is not only god gifted place surrounded by the natural beauty but also rich from the historical view. Here you can find many historical oriented temples reflecting the ancient periods of the Nepal . Among the various temples in this city, Bhadrakali temple is one of them .This temple is in the east of the city. In the year 1817 B.S this temple was previously known as “Mudule Thumpko”.It is 230 ft. above the sea level and is surrounded by greenery which give it a peaceful environment . This temple came into origin when the Goddess “ Bhadrakali “ told the Priest to dig the hill .There they found the statue of the Goddess since then it has been worshipped as “BhadraKali”. This temple covers an area of about 135 ropanies of land .People worship goddess Bhadrakali to fulfill their wish. Lot of marriage ceremony take place in this temple and some people even use it as a picnic spot. Matepani Gumba There is a splendid Buddhist Monastry on the top of the small forested hill above Matepani east of Mahendra pool. It overlooks a large section of the Pokhara city and once there on find oneself lost in time amid the chanting Ramas, there colossal guardian images of the Buddha accompanying two other gurus and a prayer house with exquisitely carved columns and friezes.

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