“Pokhara also known as the ‘jewel of Nepal,’ is a tranquil city. Lots of the best places to travel near Lakeside Pokhara, where adventure and nature’s beauty coexist.” This serene spot has stunning views.
You’ll find green, hilly valleys as you explore this tiny city. The majestic Machhapuchhre range towers over Phewa Lake’s calm waters. They’re filled with pines and rhododendrons.
Glistening rivers wind through them, adding to the area’s charm. Moreover, Pokhara is a place that speaks to the soul as much as to the eyes. “Pokhara is a top travel spot in Nepal. Hiking historic paths, enjoying the lake’s reflections, and watching the snowy hills at sunrise show why.”
Where is Pokhara located?
After Kathmandu, Pokhara is the second-biggest city in Nepal. The town lies 205 kilometers to the west. Many trekkers choose to start their treks in Pokhara. It is at the base of the Annapurna range.
Pokhara has two parts: the Old City and the scenic Lakeside. Pokhara’s Old City is the business center. The Lakeside neighborhood has tourist attractions and great views.
The whole city is majestic itself but there are several best places to travel near lakeside Pokhara, you are welcome to stay wherever. The North and South sides constitute extra divisions of the Lakeside. Phewa Lake, or Phewa Tal, is a beautiful freshwater lake. It has a mirror-like surface.
How do I reach Lakeside, Pokhara?
You may travel there by plane or vehicle as the city is only 205 kilometers from Kathmandu. A super deluxe tourist bus ticket from Kathmandu to Pokhara in Nepal costs NPR 1,400 per person.
The trip takes about 7 hours, with a stop for lunch or a meal along the way. Pokhara has a domestic airport, so you can travel there by plane as well. International passengers must disembark in Kathmandu. They need an extra flight to Pokhara, which costs about NPR 13,000 and takes 30 minutes.
Although taking a bus takes six to eight hours, the scenery is well worth the trip! During your journey, you can also choose to have a lunch buffet for an extra fee. The terrain is uneven. It is recommended to take a taxi instead of walking from the bus or airport to your hotel.
Best places to travel near Lakeside Pokhara
1. Tal Barahi Temple
This revered Hindu temple, on Phewa Lake, is the area’s holiest shrine. Take a peaceful rowboat ride from Barahi Ghat on a small, serene island to reach the temple.
Devotees visit this sacred spot to honor Barahi, the fierce goddess who grants wishes.
Facts about Tal Barahi Temple
- This Hindu temple represents the boar manifestation of Ajima and ‘Shakti’.
- Shakti is the Hindu goddess who handles the creation of the universe and bestows strength. Shakti, a feminine power, has many roles. One is Durga, the protector. She becomes a boar, Ajima, to kill evil and restore good.
- Barahi is depicted as having a boar’s head and a human body, holding a cup in one hand and a fish in the other.
- The temple is extremely important to Hindus, and animal sacrifices are even performed during Dashain.
Boating Price:
| 1 | Going to Barahi Temple & Returning at roof Boat Per Person | Rs. 100/ |
| 2 | Self-Rowing Boat per person | Rs. 500/ |
| 3 | Boating with Boatman per hour | Rs. 550/ |
| 4 | Whole day self-rowing | Rs. 1,000/ |
| 5 | One way to world Peace Pagoda(Stupa) | Rs. 550/ |
| 6 | Two way to world Peace Pagoda(Stupa) | Rs. 800/ |
| 7 | One way to Fishtail Lodge | Rs. 600/ |
| 8 | Two way to Fishtail Lodge | Rs. 900/ |
| 9 | One way to Damside | Rs. 800/ |
| 10 | Two Ways to Fishtail Lodge | Rs. 1,200/ |
| 11 | Two Ways to Damside | Rs. 800/ |
| 12 | Half boating package ( including Barahi Temple, Gurung village) | Rs. 1,200/ |
| 13 | Full package( including Tal Barahi Temple, Gurung village, and Paragliding landing point) | Rs.1,700/ |
| 14 | Whole Lake Boating | Rs. 3,000/ |
2. Gorkha Museum
Gorkha Museum is the pride of Pokhara. The Gurkha Museum, near Mahendra Pul, honors the valiant deeds of the Gurkha regiment. It also has an interactive display.
The AV shows details of the regiment’s nuances. The exhibits include many medals, artifacts, and weapons. There is also a wall of fame, naming prominent Gurkha soldiers.
Time: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
List of Price
| Foreigner outside SAARC | Rs. 200/ |
| Foreigner from SAARC | Rs. 100/ |
| Camera | Rs. 20/ |
3. International Mountain Museum
The International Mountain Museum is a unique place. It dedicates itself to the Himalayas and the people who explore them. The museum displays the Himalayas’ unique plants and animals.
It also has historic climbing gear, champion trekkers, and other intriguing facts. Outside, you can try your hand at mountain climbing by ascending a model of Mt. Manaslu.
Time: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
List of Price
| 1. | Foreigner outside SAARC | Rs. 400/ |
| 2. | Foreigner from SAARC | Rs. 200/ |
| 3. | Citizens | Rs. 80/ |
| 4. | Garden tour | Rs. 20/ |
4. World Peace Pagoda
During World War II, Buddhist monks from Japan’s Nipponzan Myohoji built this tall pagoda. It stands on a terrace overlooking Phewa Lake.
This site is accessible by rowing down the Phewa Tal and walking for about an hour on the other side. The vistas are breathtaking. The tranquility will compel you to reflect. You can also go to the pagoda by bus.
Price:
The World Peace Pagoda, commonly known as Shanti Stupa, has no entrance fee to visit in Pokhara, Nepal. Donations, however, are greatly appreciated.
5. Dev’s Falls
This waterfall is unique in that half of it is underground. It seems to be a little stream that swells in the monsoon. But the water flows through an underground tunnel. It emerges at the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave near the World Peace Pagoda.
Patale Chhango earns its official designation as this waterfall. Devi’s Falls holds a name of universal recognition. Go there and learn the local legend about how the waterfall earned its name. Visit the site for further information(Click Here).
