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POKHARA
If Kathmandu is the cultural hub of Nepal, then Pokhara is its center of adventure. An enchanting city nestled in a tranquil valley (altitude 827 m), it is the starting point for many of Nepal’s most popular trekking and rafting destinations. The atmosphere on the shores of Phewa Lake is one of excited vitality. Pokhara is a place of remarkable natural beauty. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the fish-tailed summit of Machhapuchhre rising behind it create an ambience of peace and magic. Indeed, the valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, emerald lakes, and of course, the world famous views of the Himalaya.
Places to see- Mountain views.
Clearly the most stunning of Pokhara’s sights is the spectacular panorama of the
Annapurna range which forms its backdrop. Stretching from the east to west, the Annapurna
massif includes Annapurna I to IV and Annapurna South. Although the highest among them is
Annapurna I (8,091 m), it is Machhapuchhre which dominates all others here Boastfully
levitating in the skyline, the fish-tailed pinnacle is the archetypal snow-capped,
needle-pointed mountain.
Phewa Lake
The second largest lake in the Kingdom roughly measuring 1.5 by 4 km, is the center of all
attractions in Pokhara. It is the largest and most enchanting of the three lakes that add
to the resplendence of Pokhara. Here, one can sail or row a hired boat across to the water
or visit the island temple in its middle. The eastern shore, popularly known as Lakeside
or Baidam, is the favourite home base for travellers and is where most of the hotels,
restaurants and handicraft shops are located.
Barahi temple.
This is the most important religious monument in Pokhara. Built almost in the middle of
Phewa Lake, this two-storied pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the
protectress deity representing the female force Shakti. 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. Legend has it that a trekker (Devin, David...) was washed away by the Pardi Khola and mysteriously disappeared down into an underground passage beneath the fall.
Mahendra Gupha.
Another of nature’s wonders in Pokhara is the Mahendra Gupha. This large limestone
cave is locally known as the House of Bats, an apt name for it. A two-hour walk to the
north of Pokhara lets you see the stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the local winged
residents.
Pokhara is the starting and/or finishing point for some of the most popular treks including the Annapurna Circuit and the Jomsom Trek. It also offers a number of short treks for those who cannot opt for long, challenging ones. The most popular destination among them is Sarangkot (1,592 m), a former Kaski fort lying atop a hill 5 km west of the old bazaar.
The panoramic view of the Himalaya seen from here is superb. Kahundanda (1,520 m), to the north-east of Pokhara, has a ruined fort on the summit as well as a view tower with spectacular scenery. Another must for nature lovers is Ghalchowk, a five-hour walk to the north of Pokhara. Besides stunning views of Machhapuchhre, this typical Gurung village is the site of one of the region’s oldest settlements.
Getting There
Pokhara is located 200 km west of Kathmandu. The journey between these two fabled cities
is certainly part of the unique Pokhara experience. Flying alongside the snow-capped
Himalaya to the north and the 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. Daily flights and bus services
connect Pokhara with Kathmandu.
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Visa can be obtained from the Royal Nepalese Embassy, Mon-Fri 1000-1200 hrs. Visas can also be obtained on arrival in Kathmandu at Tribhuvan International Airport.
2.Once the Visa is granted it has to be used within six months from the date of issue. It is valid for 30 days for single entry & double entry and 60 days for multiple entry, from the date of entry into Nepal.
3.Once the visa is issued it cannot be amended or revalidated. Visa fees are 20 pound per person for single entry for 30 days and 30 pound per person for double entry for 30 days and 45 pound per person for multiple entry for 60 days. Minimum time required for processing visa is 24 hrs. Application by post takes two to three weeks.
4. One passport size photo required along with visa form.
5. Personal cheques and credit cards are not accepted, only British Postal Order/Sterling Pound Draft and S.A.E for U.K. and International coupon for other countries for return of passport(s).
For further queries, please contact:
Royal Nepalese Embassy
12A Kensington Palace Gardens
London
W8 4QU
Tel: 0171-229-1594
Fax: 0171-792-9861
E-Mail: 101642.43@compuserve.com
Useful Telephone Numbers
Royal Nepalese Embassy - 0171-229-6231,
Visa Section - 0171-229-1594
Fax - 0171-792-9861
Royal Nepal Airlines - 0171-494-0974
Reservation - 0171-287-4949
Cargo Service
- 0171-384-3359
Travel Services
- 0171-757-2757
Travellers Cheque -
0171-757-2022
Health & Immunisation - 0171-637-9899
Travel Insurance
- 0171-757-2102
Car Hire
- 0171-757-2000
Airports :
London City Airport - 0171-474-5555
London Gatwick - 01293-535353
London Heathrow - 0181-759-4321
London Luton
- 01582-405-100
London Stansted -
01279-680-500
Manchester
-
0161-489-3000
Birmingham
-
0121-767-5511
Emergency - 999
International Code for Nepal - 00-977-1
THE VISIT NEPAL YEAR
A world of it’s own
For further Information on the following ,
Trekking, Mountaineering, River Rafting, Jungle Safari, Accomodation,
Air Ticketing, National Park, Wildlife Reserve......
Foreign Investment
Tourism Sector, and others.......
PLEASE CONTACT :
Dhruba K.C
Department of Tourism, Nepal
Public Relation Function, UK
41 Nightingale Road
London, NW10 4RG
Tel :- 0181-965-6042
Fax :- 0181-357-2552/0181-961-6344
