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Phewa Tal (Lake)
 Phewa
lake, the second largest lake in the kingdom,
roughly measuring 1.5 km by 4 km, is the
center of all attractions in Pokhara. The
enchanting lake is an idyllic playground.
Brightly painted wooden boats and sailboats
can be rented on reasonable cost around
lakeside.
The lake is neither deep (roughly 47 meters at
most) nor particularly clean, but the water is
warm and swimming is pleasant if you don't
think about the probable pollution.
The eastern shoreline of the lake, popularly
known as Lakeside or Baidam, consists of
seemingly endless strip of lodges,
restaurants, bookshops and souvenir shops. One
of the fascinating parts of lakeside is the
splendid view of the mountains, especially
when the still water reflects the peaks,
creating a double image.
World Peace Pagoda
 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.
Devi's Fall
 Locally
known as Patale Chhango (Hell's Fall), Devi's fall (also
known as Devin's or David's)
is an awesome waterfall lying about 2 km south-west of
Pokhara airport on the highway to Tansen. An interesting
modern legend says that a foreigner named David was skinny-dipping
in the Pardi Khola (river) when the
floodgates of the dam were opened, sweeping him into an
underground passage beneath the fall, never to be seen
again.
Mahendra Cave (Gupha)
 Mahendra
Gufa, locally called Chamero Odhaar ("House of
Bats"), is the large limestone cave. Shepherd boys
are said to have discovered it around 1950. A two hour
walk to the north of Pokhara, it is
best to bring your own torch to see the stalactites and
stalagmites, although most of them have been carted out
by souvenir hunters.
Bindbyabasini Temple
 This
temple is worth visiting in Pokhara. The temple is
located on the top of the beautiful mound overlooking
the most popular area of the Pokhara City. It is
dedicated to the Goddes Bhagwati, yet another
manifestation of Shakti. The park-like ground within the
temple precinct offer afinr picnic area, and saturdays
and tuesdays when devotees flock there to offer a
sacrifices, it takes on a festive local flavor.
Gupteswar Cave (Gupha)
 Gupteswar
Gupha, a sacred cave, lies 2 km from Pokhara airport on
the Siddhartha Highway leading southwest from the city.
The entrance is right across from Devi's Fall and the
cave is almost 3 km long. It
has some big hall-size rooms and some passages where you
have to crawl on all fours. This cave holds special
value for Hindus since a phallic symbol of Lord Shiva is
preserved here in the condition it was
discovered. An entrance fee of Rs. 5 is charged and
taking pictures inside the cave is prohibited.
Matepani Gumba (Buddhist Monastery)
 There
is a splendid Buddhist Monastery 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. |
